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Chanbara

Weaponry: The Kodachi

These 2-foot razor-sharp swords also called wakizashi were the Samurai warrior's side arm.  The Kodachi, which translates into small sword, is known as the spiritual sword of the Samurai. Japanese traditional ceremony rely on the presence of a Kodachi in one way or another.  For example; the not so understood practice of seppuku or the act of suicide by cutting one's stomach uses a Kodachi.  In action this close range weapon offers the combatant the largest selection of techniques.

Chanbara's sword of preference is also the versatile Kodachi.  From the beginner to the master this 2-foot short sword offers the combatant speed and agility.  The length of the blade also offers the combatant a strong defense as well as a good offense.

The Point
The target areas are all main parts of the body.  The head, torso, legs and arms.   Stabbing, thrusting and slashing technique receive points. All committed mein, kote, do, tsuki and ashi strikes are legal. The strike has to be clean and swift where the opponent can not make a counter attack.