In a time when Japanese swordsmanship is more popular than ever, there are any things that encompass oneÕs training. It seems that the art of Tameshigiri or Òtest cuttingÓ is being adopted into many dojo curriculums as well as personal training for individuals that up until recently had never studied it.

In feudal Japan, test cutting was called Suemono Giri. This was done mainly for the purpose of testing the cutting ability of a new sword. Suemono giri was generally performed with the bodies of condemned criminals or prisoners of war. Most of the time the bodies had been beheaded in a previous execution as sentence of their crime. Then again, some were alive! In any case, the beheading and the profession of being an executioner were abolished in 1872. Suemono giri was now replaced with a more politically correct target.

Since that time, the more popular study of Tameshigiri was adopted in its place. Tameshigiri was being done prior to this time, it wasnÕt thought of as being a viable part of regular training since the use of the katana was an everyday occurrence and real combat was still taking place. In the late 1920Õs and 1930Õs, Tameshigiri was publicized as a real means of understanding the application of oneÕs technique against a more ethical target, (i.e. bamboo, wara and tatami or goza).

Today, the same theories and goals apply to my own training. I believe in the study of Tameshigiri for many reasons. Though I study this aspect of Japanese swordsmanship, it is a small part of the big picture. Regardless, i feel and prefer to cut the same materials that those before me had used. We all know that bodies arenÕt readily available for cutting, however quality materials are.

We at Bugei are striving to provide the highest quality cutting materials at reasonable prices. It is our desire to provide those who actively practice Japanese swordsmanship and the art of Tameshigiri with the proper target to meet their needs. At Bugei we offer both beach mats and the very popular ÒBugei WaraÓ. New for the year 2002, we will be introducing our newest addition to our cutting materials: the ÒBugei GozaÓ. The new ÒBugei GozaÓ is twice the density of the other materials being offered on the market today. It is uniform in size measuring a true 3Õ x 6Õ every time. No need to wonder if that used bundle of goza you bought really has all of the complete mats in it that you ordered! At a price structure that is easy on the pocket, you wonÕt be able to cut just one.

Big Tony