Any serious sword enthusiast will tell you that the katana is a truly one-of-a-kind weapon, not only in its appearance, but in the manner in which it is used as well. While some swords are intuitive when it comes to how one must train with them, the style associated with katana is completely unique, and therefore requires specialized training.

#1: Choose Your Katana Wisely

Of course, you can’t train with a katana without the katana itself. The katana has been around since the 12^th century, and those who produce katanas today still adhere to many of the ancient manufacturing practices. As someone who is interested in training with one, you need to choose your weapon wisely, looking for durability, comfort in terms of the grip, and size.

#2: Find a Certified Trainer

It should go without saying that the best way to master the katana is to find a certified trainer. You may be surprised by how many trainers there are in your region, who are considered katana masters. While there are various tutorials floating around the internet, nothing comes close to having one-on-one lessons with someone who can constantly refine your technique. Further, working with a certified trainer can help you prevent injury.

#3: Build Muscle Strength

One thing about the katana that any trainer will tell you is that the person handling it requires a good deal of physical strength. The katana is unique in the way in which it demands quite a bit from the body. Technique is important, but you simply won’t be able to use the sword properly if your body cannot support it.

This means that outside of training with an instructor, you should maintain a regular exercise routine that revolves around building muscle mass. Your trainer may be able to guide you toward the right exercises for this specific practice.

#4: Study the Philosophy

Japanese weaponry is a lot more than a means for fighting. Anyone who practices katana will tell you that there is an entire philosophy built around it, that one must study in order to not only take their skills to the next level, but appreciate the sword’s capabilities and history. There is a lot of focus on becoming one with the katana, which allows for easier movement and more success overall. Studying this philosophy will get you into the mindset of the ancient warriors who mastered this weapon centuries ago.

#5: Warm Up Properly

It’s important not to overlook the importance of warming up prior to each training session. Using the katana requires a lot of bending, extending of the joints and carrying significant weight in the upper body. Failing to warm up the muscles and joints prior to every session can seriously result in injury. Besides that, it will prevent you from using your body to its fullest potential.

#6: Practice Footwork

A major component of being a katana master is having the footwork down. The footwork associated with katana is unique, and must be practiced rigorously until it becomes second nature. This footwork should be unconscious, so that your effort is going into what you’re doing with the sword rather than how you’re moving your lower body. It’s strongly recommended that you practice footwork daily at home, both with and without handling the sword at the same time, at least early on in your training.

#7: Maintain Your Katana

You will be expected to care for your weapon properly, as this shows that you honor the practice of using it. Clean it as needed, and store it in a way that protects it from harsh environmental factors like excessively dry air and extreme cold.

#8: Be Patient

A key to becoming a katana master is being patient. Impatience is the enemy of progress, and will prevent you from truly enjoying every step of the training process. This type of weapon in particular requires the development of solid technique, which simply doesn’t happen overnight. Rather than trying to rush through training in order to master katana as soon as possible, cherish each and every exercise, knowing that you’re on your way to mastering this sword.

#9: Join Katana Groups Online

You know what they say – there’s a subreddit for everything. We encourage you to join any online katana groups where fellow trainees discuss what they’re learning in practice, tips on improving technique and methods for caring for the sword itself. This is where you can learn a whole lot from other people in your position, and ask questions about your own training to those who have experience.

#10: Watch Training Tutorials

When you’re not actually training with your katana instructor, it doesn’t hurt to watch training tutorials and videos online in order to constantly tweak and improve your technique. This is also a great way to maintain a solid practice when you’re at home, which can help improve your form and technique when you’re actually working with your instructor.

#11: Respect the Rituals and Etiquette

When it comes to any type of martial arts, there are rituals and etiquette that many masters deem just as important as the technique of using the weapon. If you’re going to commit to the ancient practice of katana, your trainer will expect you to respect the rituals and etiquette by following them to a tee. Doing so is also a sign of respect for the person who is training you.

#12: Be Consistent with Your Practice

Finally, we urge you to be consistent with your practice. Learning this art takes time, and you may feel frustrated along the way, especially if you have no martial arts experience whatsoever. But being consistent will reward you, as you’ll eventually find that your effort has paid off.

Some may find that regular training sessions become too costly, as our financial situations shift from time to time. If you need to cease one-on-one training, you don’t have to put the katana into storage. Continue practicing what you’ve learned and keeping up with your training until a new opportunity comes along.

Final Thoughts

The katana is a beautiful sword in terms of its aesthetics, and will grace the collection of any sword enthusiast with its striking lines and dominating presence. But, more and more enthusiasts are interested in training with the sword rather than owning it solely for its ornamental value. Following these tips will have you well on your way to mastering the art of using this highly respected weapon.