Swordsmanship 101

While visiting the Logan Library, our attention was drawn to a flyer advertising a free Swordsmanship Class held on Thursday nights at Utah State University. Since we have been learning about knights in the Middle Ages, we thought this might be interesting to observe. April contacted the instructor, Swordsman Lucas Taylor, and made arrangements for the family to visit. Ian and Kevin participated in the session and learned four basic moves.

The practice swords are made of 4 pieces of split bamboo held together with leather and are called Shinais. They are traditionally used in Kendo karate, but serve well for broadsword training. They have no sharp edges, but during the sparring session Kevin learned that they can deliver a painful blow to the ankles (Ian's favorite target).

After the class, Lucas showed us some of his broadswords. Here Ian is holding a Scottish Claymore. This sword is sharp and had to be handled very carefully (no swinging it at ankles!).

It's almost Ian's birthday--but we have already told him "no" to a broadsword or a crossbow (his favorite Medieval weapon). We have, however, agreed to help him build a tabletop model of a trebuchet, but that is a subject for a different day.