Q&A for How to Master the Japanese Art of the Sword

No, you are never too young to follow your dreams! But be careful that you don't tear or hurt your muscles when practicing.

Thrusting, slashing and parrying are the three types of sword movements.

It depends on how you feel more comfortable. Often a right-handed user will put their right hand on the handle and their left hand under it. It wouldn't hurt to work on becoming ambidextrous.

No, you're never too old!

The power comes from speed and your wrists. Don't try to swing it like a baseball bat. Left arm should be 70 percent, and the right arm should be at 30 percent when cutting.

Yes, but it will not help prepare you for a fight because the bamboo produces little to no resistance.

You can do an online search for swordsmanship schools in your area. That should give you any relevant information.

I would say at least a year.

Try to stay away from distractions. Before you start to practice, sit down and meditate for 5 minutes. Imagine your thoughts as a stream and streamline them. Think of the blade and only the blade. Meditation and focus are key.

No book, scroll or artifact is as valuable as a teacher. One of the best books is, "Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets of the Samurai," by Masaaki Hatsumi. It is a great book and has many useful tips. It will not replace a teacher, but it will support your skills greatly.

It can supplement your learning, but could never truly replace a qualified teacher. A video is not interactive, and cannot do anything other than show you the correct thing. It cannot not tell you what you're doing wrong.

No, if you're serious about mastering the art. It's only as weeb as you make it out to be. For instance, don't put anime stickers on your sword, as that would be weeaboo. Have some respect for the art and you'll be a student, not a weeaboo.