Long sword VS Katana

I gave both sets of armor their respects; but as I stated prior the arguement isn't about the armor or the fighter but the weapon. The silly video was simply that, a jest at the thought of saumersaulting knights. On youtube youc an find ARMA "free-playing" and watch their martial skills vs. one another. Especially wrestling one another to the ground. Even these men act different within their armor then out. You can not deny that the armor of the Samurai allows more dexterity then that of the European Knight -- can you :oP? As well, I previously noted that it added more protection then the samurai's armor, but it's MORE cumbersome then Samurai's armor.

   

Never denied their skills, or the fact that they had a martial art and were devistating in it. But on the arguement of comparing two different warriors /my opinion/ was that the Knight is too heavily armored to keep up with the Samurai's dexterity. As everyone knows (and Secarius stated) We will never truly know. This is all opinion. I am fully aware of ARMA and their knowledge. As well, I myself am a practitioner of Bujikan under instructor Don Houle -- who was honored to take and pass the godan shinsha (5th degree black belt test). And studied in Japan under Masaaki Hatsumi for some 25 years. As well, he is certified but Hatsumi sensei to teach Bujikan in the states. So I have a "fair" understanding of the bujikan as well. Therefore i have no need for the hollywood glitz and glamour -- especially since I feel it shines a negative light on most martial arts. Take ninja assassin for example. The main character uses my favorite weapon, the Kyoketsu shoge , and technically uses it "backwards". I guess throwing an iron ring at your opponents face doesn't sell as well as throwing a sickle at a man. Anyway; the basis of my opionins aren't backed by the SCA -- they swing rattan, which is completely pointless for this conversation *(sorry victor)*.

I did SCA for years, and believe me they are not perfect by any means.

Science has proven that curved blades are exceptionally best for cutting.  Ergo, a katana is equal with a sabre or scimitar.  Everyone agree with this?    Let's not answer this.

What makes a great sword is the technology behind it.  The materials, how it's made, and the design for how it's used (ie fighting style).  Ultimately, the tech behind the weapon is what makes it a good weapon or not.  As I said before, look at history and who had the better tech, innovations, designs, planning, strategies, and the actual battles that took place.

We've all heard the arguments, debates, examples, and as was stated... we will never know.

None of this is to decry the katana as a weapon, as a slashing weapon, using the mastersmithing techniques developed in Japan (and Damascus, to be fair), they are VERY possibly the best around.

Right up until I put on some armor, then things start to change.  The heavier the armor, the less effective the slashing weapon is.  Including katanas.  A katana against a knight in full gothic plate?  Good luck, better get yourself a no-dachi, or better yet a naginata, cuz your katana is bouncing off the plate.

Again, I think what Mitch (whom I love, but have never met... odd that), Jeff and I are getting at here is that we HAVE done the research, personally I know I have spent hours and hours scouring the web for videos, manuscripts, articles, what-have-you by people who are doing the research first hand  ARMA is a good start, also watch the documentary, it will give you a real understanding of the common misconceptions regarding both European and Asian fighting arts.

T

Could it be said that The Katana Would be effective Though against any exposed Area the Plate would not be covering?

Could it be said that The Katana Would be effective Though against any exposed Area the Plate would not be covering?

This entire thread is all your fault Matt.  I blame you for all this drama.