about that red and black sword. it is "supposed" to be a nodachi (though it seems rather small for that type). as I study Goju, weapons aren't a foundation, but rather a specialized section of the dojo, so my knowledge of kenjutsu is limited. from what I have heard from my friend who has used a similar sword, it is mostly meant for display or possibly kata. it is NOT meant for test cutting, now matter how sharp they "say" it is. it is a "staff sword" which became popularly known as a zatoichi, for the "blind samurai" who used this type of sword in films. because it is a straight bladed sword, it doesn't have a high tolerance for stress. it also lacks a tsuba, and has a smooth rounded handle, so sweaty palms beware. serious injury can be sustained if your hands should slip down it. also, iaijutsu students also be aware, because of it's straight blade, battojutsu techniques have a different feel to them (battojutsu being the technique of attacking on the draw). my friend does not reccomend the use of this sword for practical purposes, and I can see why. if you are studying a kenjutsu art, then for the most part, you will not even need a sharp sword as you will mostly be studying kata. look into buying an iaito (which are normally non-sharp from what I've heard). full tang wouldn't hurt either. I'm reminded of a martial arts competition in japan that made the news when the blade of a sword flew out of the handle and killed a spectator. a non sharp sword is effective as a self defense weapon as well. I myself have been struck in the hand with one, and was lucky enough to only recive a cut from the force and weight of the blade and come away without broken bones. hope this helped Sutsuraitsu J. (J. Strait) 6th kyu greenbelt USA Goju
