Practice Swords
What sets a skilled warrior or martial artist apart from the rest of the crowd? Training and practice are necessary for anyone to improve their skill in handling a sword or any other weapon. When training to properly use a sword, a specially designed sword is needed to give the feel of handling a real sword. Yet practicing with a real sword could be extremely dangerous, so practice swords have been created to provide a safe way to practice without the student getting to badly injured.
Wooden practice swords, called Bokken's are one form of training sword. Made with a solid piece of hardwood, they measure approximately 40 inches long. Another type of practice sword is called a Shinai, which is often made of bamboo, but are not made of one solid piece of wood like a Bokken. A Shinai is made of four slats of wood which are bound together using leather straps.
Yet another type of practice sword is called a Sparring Sword, which is meant for traditional “sword fights” like you may be accustomed to seeing in movies. Many of these practice swords are made from foam so as not to injure the opponent.
No matter which practice sword that you choose, regular practice is what will make you an expert sword handler.
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