Swords

blondie.paula

I am training in Ninjutsu and a sword (katana) is neccessary for my training. Is it totally illegal to purchase them. I won't be able to get permission from the association because there simply isn't any, it's not like Aikido or anything. Can anyone help me?

pearsquasher

If you're doing authentic Bujinkan... i.e. from a club listed here www.bujinkan.ie, then your teacher is the person to ask especially, as I presume, they asked you to purchase a sword?


You're instructor will provide all legal info, where to get one, whether you actually need one etc.

It amazes me that you haven't asked your teacher already or if you did they didn't answer you! or even worse.. they told you to ask someone on the internet?

Buying a training sword should be taken very seriously and should really be the result of close personal instruction with a qualified teacher.

I personally think that it should be a blunt one too until you've reached instructor level and, after that, MAYBE an edged one would be useful and only then, for solo drills, very occasionally and with 100% due care.

Niall Keane

Traditionally made swords are perfectly legal to train with etc, or import, as long a you have reason one being a martial artist using them.
All that's banned are the cheap "sword-like objects" which wasn't a bad idea they were probably more dangerous to the user in fairness. Brittle stainless steel blades and the likes!
Have a look at Paul chens range for affordable swords sites in uk and USA sell them.
BUT ask your instructor... Each style has preferences: pommels, blade lengths, thicknesses and flexibility, appendages etc....
Also training weapons are different to preferred weapons, IMAs often train with heavy and large weapons but use light fast ones!

blondie.paula

Thanks, I have asked and my teacher isn't sure himself! He hasn't bought a sword in years and either has anyone in the club!

_oveless

Does that include Antique swords? Are they legal if you state you're going to use them for training (even though you wouldnt)

Doug Cartel

_oveless wrote: »

Does that include Antique swords? Are they legal if you state you're going to use them for training (even though you wouldnt)

Antique swords are legal, regardless of what you use them for. (Well, except if you use them to attack or threaten someone.)

Bujinkan

To ad to Pearsquasher excellent advice, a wooden training sword (Bokken) should surfice for now. There are lots of training blades available that are totally legal. If in doubt ask your instructor to call Ali or me, our details are on Bujinkan.ie

Marcus