Reloaded...Kill Bill...Last Samurai...America discovers the Katana!

[Hand of Evil]

Yeah...never looked like a katana to me. I saw it(and the rest of the Elven swords in LotR) and my immediate thought was "Scimitar" more than anything...

Say scimitar too.

 

[DanMcS]

Was it ever lost? I've always thought America was obsessed with the Katana, ignoring all other blades in place of it.

It's because GIs brought home a bunch from Japan after WWII. Why people decided it was the best thing "EVAR" is beyond me, but that's at least when Americans largely first saw them.

 

[reutbing0]

Great! Maybe we'll be seeing some of these idiots walking around missing fingers and limbs! One can only hope the katanas are nice and sharp...

That is not a very nice thing to say . If these people think it's fun and it motivates them to work out I say more power to them.

Oh and Katanas are cool !

 

[barsoomcore]

Actually, Japanese swordfighting is a pretty good workout because you're always lifting your arms right up over your head -- that combined with the always sinking down into a crouch and then rising back up, the dependence on hip and abdomen strength for control...

Then again, few things beat fencing for pure energy consumption. Tap dancing, I guess...

 

[Desdichado]

True, but the basic foil style (which most fencing is) is much more conservative in terms of body movements. Saber fencing is a real good alternative, with that great swashbuckling feel to it to recommend it as well.

 

[barsoomcore]

Especially if you can work the tap-dancing in as well.

"Gotta dance... lungeparryriposte... Gotta dance..."

 

[Desdichado]

And sword-fighting with Cyd Charisse... how cool is that?

 

[barsoomcore]

Hey! You just made me forget all about Monica Bellucci!

Cyd Charisse... sigh...

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

Actually, Japanese swordfighting is a pretty good workout because you're always lifting your arms right up over your head -- that combined with the always sinking down into a crouch and then rising back up, the dependence on hip and abdomen strength for control...

Then again, few things beat fencing for pure energy consumption. Tap dancing, I guess...

I'll be blunt. Sex is the only thing that gives me the same workout kendo does.

 

[barsoomcore]

I'll be blunt. Sex is the only thing that gives me the same workout kendo does.

*struggles to free mind from the image of hollering Japanese men in sweaty armour smacking each other with bamboo sticks*

*fails, giggles*

I wasn't thinking of kendo, though it's certainly... vigourous enough...

*giggles again*

No katana in kendo, though. If people are seeking a "katana workout" I'd surprised if they thought kendo fit the bill.

But then, they ARE Californians...