Samurai with a Longsword? - A Kenjutsu Master's Perspective

Usually we only hear from people with a background in historical European sword fighting what they think about the katana, but this the opposite point of view. A Japanese Kenjutsu master tells us what he thinks about the longsword and explores potential ways of how to use it with no prior experience in HEMA.

Viewers have asked me to react to it, and I'm glad they did. It's quite an interesting video. Give it a watch:
"How Would a Samurai Master Fight with a Longsword?" by @letsasksekisensei
Matt Easton's reply

So here I'm responding to some of the observations and answer a question about the guard on this type of sword. Seki Sensei likes the pommel... he knows what's up. ;)

END THEM RIGHTLY!

Other relevant videos:

Japanese vs. European Swordsmanship... You Got it All Wrong!

Katana vs. longsword discussion

The Most Expensive Sword I've Ever Reviewed ($3000 Tamahagane katana)

Is Kendo Experience Useful for Cutting with Sharp Swords?

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Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
Used with artist's permission

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*** Social media ***

#skallagrim #sword #samurai

[Skallagrim]

I see some people are taking wild guesses about who I was "jabbing at" with the remark about knight fanboys at 04:10. Don't be such drama seekers... I didn't have any specific person in mind, just some general comments I've seen over the years, talking trash about non-Euro weapons, warriors, fighting styles, etc. It's unfortunately not an uncommon attitude in the sword community. That face is just the Neckbeard Wojack meme.

So if anyone happens to feel called out by that, all I can say is: If the shoe fits...

[freddogrosso]

Seki Sensei went from "Idk what to do with this" to waterdancing in like 5 seconds. I love his humbleness.

[TheStowAway]

The idea of having different weapons experts trying unfamiliar weapons is awesome. Someone could make a whole series on this and I'd watch it.

[LordNodim]

"please teach me about why"
this is the right approach to when you don't understand something about a subject you are unfamiliar with. I like Seki Sensei already

[peteg]

This video right here is what high-qualiity, ethical reaction content looks like. Transformative with good commentary and insight, a proper 'shoutout' to the original creator with the video's title, uploader and description visible on screen as well as in the description, and with a scope that's limited to ensure viewers have to watch the original video to see it in its entirety. Just wanted to say thanks for setting a shining example

[casanovafiems]

I love how Seki Sensei handling the longsword has sparked something on YouTube.

[lordofuzkulak]

1:03 - Having watched the original video earlier, what I’ll say before watching yours is I thought it was delightful seeing him reacting with pure joy at getting to handle and play around with the longsword; he could easily have been very dismissive of it as it wouldn’t work with the style of fighting he’s used to, but you could tell he was genuinely having fun trying to adapt his extensive experience to an unfamiliar weapon and figuring out how to use it on its own merits.

[crackedjabber]

I love Seki Sensei's pure enthusiasm and joy at handling a new style of sword. Just cheerfully talking about how he likes the features as he continues to school his students with a sword he's never used before. His video is now where I will refer any of my girl friends who ask why guy's like sticks. Here's a master swords man, and look at his delight with the new cool stick he found.

[mitchellradspinner]

It’s a small thing but I love this small amount of awkwardness you can see he has in holding the Longsword. You can see the same thing when HEMA people are holding katana. It’s not a complete uncertainty of how to wield the weapon but the different ergonomics take away to some degree the ease of grip you see them have with their familiar weapon.

[allthenamesiwantedweretaken]

Honestly really hope that Seki Sensei sees this, his (and my) questions were all answered in such a respectful and excellent way. He seemed like he was genuinely interested in learning about the techniques of western swordfighting.

[ShiningDarknes]

Seki Sensei is such a wholesome swordmaster and the speed at which he figured out how to use a weapon he (presumably) never wielded before shows why he is a master swordsman.

[ClaytonBrownMusicOfficial]

People seem to overlook the fact that some Japanese sword arts hardly ever block strikes with the blade when some European styles do so like it’s going out of style. I think that’s the missing bit of info to get a complete picture on Seki-Sensei’s want for a perpendicular hand guard: He wants to block with the flat.

[Epsilonsama]

Seki-sensei video shows that is the fighter that makes the weapon. He is an experienced martial artist with multiple black belts in different weapon disciplines and multiple national championships and is the 22nd Headmaster of a sword style. Yet he comes off as very humble and willing to learn new things.

[egehannalbant]

The technique at 12:40 is kiriotoshi, one of the most important techniques in Kendo and Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu in which you respond to a cut with another cut that both displaces the opponent’s attack and cuts the opponent.

The Kenjutsu master wanted to have the guard on the sides to be able to do that technique without turning the word, directly hitting with the edge.

As it isn’t possible with a crossguard, he had to turn the sword hitting with the flat.

[magpie]

These moments of joyous and curiosity driven cultural interaction are what justifies the hellscape of the internet to me! I saw the original video and was excited to see this!

[NuclearFalcon]

I know a Kriegmesser is not a "European Katana" but as someone from an Iaijutsu background if I were to train with a European weapon then it would probably be the easiest European weapon for an iaijutsu practitioner to start with. Would be interesting if Seki-Sensei ever makes a follow up video where he takes a look at a Kriegmesser.

[kaimagnus]

The pure joy in his face from being able to use an exotic (to him) weapon is so wholesome. I love how he went from confused to kid in a candy store in just a few swings.

[stimpacks]

Can we please stop a moment and appreciate a reaction video done right? With transformative quality and respect for the work of every creator involved.

[KolmManison]

I hope Shogo shows this to master Seki, it'd be interesting to see an openminded kenjutsu practitioner like him learn more about HEMA. I wanna hear his thoughts and opinions on it.

[shinomori]

Watched the original video, now Matt and Skall have reacted to it and I am a happy sword nerd.