Hello folks!

As mentioned on the Kendo World forum last week, there is an excellent exhibit going on Called Bugu, Spirit of the Samurai from Sept. 15th to Nov. 10th 2007. I had a chance to visit it on opening day, and for those if you who will not able to attend, I have compiled a sort of Virtual tour for you in this blog. If you do have a chance, this exhibit is definately worth the trip! So without further ado, let’s start the fun!

-Kenzan

Here are some of the exhibits, with describing documentation taken from the companion book; The Spirit Of Budo, The History Of Japan’s Martial Arts. (Portions translated by Alex Bennett.)

Note: The Armour on display appeared to be high end replicas, (which still were awesome in craftsmanship) but the swords I was told are genuine antiques.

Note: I apologize in advance for the poor quality of some of the photos. The glass cases, combined with low light and generally poor camera (and skill) contributed to it.

1. Tachi Sword Mounting of Black Lacquer

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2. Han-Dachi Sword mounting with Paulowina-leaf motif on ground of black lacquer containing ground mother-of-pearl.

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3. Uchigatana Sword mounting of red and black lacquer

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4. Sword mounting known as “Hiro-Goshirae” of Shagreen coated with black lacquer.

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5. Uchigatana Sword mounting of black lacquer

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6. Arrows

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7. Armour of O-Yoroi type with helmet of Hoshi-Kabuto type.

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8. Armor of Mogamido type with helmet of Suji-Kabuto type.

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9. Helmet of Suji-Kabuto Type.

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10. Strange Helmet -Kawari Kobuto; Cow Horns

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11. Strange Helmet -Kawari Kobuto; Catfish Tail

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12. Strange Helmet -Kawari Kobuto; Turbo Shells

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13. Strange Helmet -Kawari Kobuto; Stag Antlers

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14. Strange Helmet -Kawari Kobuto; False Head

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15. Strange Helmet -Kawari Kobuto; Bundle of Reeds

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16. Strange Helmet -Kawari Kobuto; Bent headgear for a court noble

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17. Iron-Ribbed Fan. (Tessen)

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18. Jukendo Bogu

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19. Kendo Bogu (Note the strange Shinai)

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Well folks, that’s it for now, these photos represent a fraction of what is available at the exhibit, so again I urge you to check it out for yourself!

Thanks again! m(_)m

-Kenzan

P.s…Here’s your’s truly standing in front of a scary looking Shodo that says “Bugu“

Hello Everyone!

It is with great pleasure that I announce the voicesofthesword.com is now live!

However, since this has been mostly a large effort, you may notice not all of the interviews are up yet. Fear not! They will be within a day or so.

BUT WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

We still need more interviews! if you know of anyone who would like to participate in this landmark project, or if you are a Kenshi or J.S.A. practitioner who has still not submitted an interview, I urge you, no, beg you to do so!  Please send your request to: kenzan@voicesofthesword.com asap!

This blog will remain Kendo related, and will consist of my personal training diaries.

Thank you to all who have been participating, and  a special thanks to Kendo-World!

-Kenzan