FA+
Shop
Been to a Martial Arts Tournament! (I Won a Japanese Blade!)
9 years ago
~
Last Saturday on April 23rd, I participated in the 5th biannual Quest of Champions open tournament in the town of Yakima in Washington State! The trophies for all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of each division of each event are Japanese swords, like the ones you see in a set of three with each of different length. They are red with gold dragons on the sheath and red hilt and cord (though specifically knotted for ceremonial display purpose). The blade has Japanese kanji etched in, and is coated in a special oil to keep the blade from rusting.
Here is the set that I am referring to.
The kanji and the rough translation are as follows:
今古有神奉志士 ("Since ancient times to the present, God is with those who serve with dignity and honor.")
From longest to shortest are blades respectively named as the katana (over 60cm), the wakizashi (between 30cm and 60cm), and the tanto (under 30cm).
First-place winners in each division for each event receives the katana. Second-place winners earn the wakizashi. Finally, third-place winners are given the tanto.
I won third place in sparring, and as such, I brought home the tanto. I also participated in what is called block sparring, which is similar to fencing, but I didn't win that one and thus didn't get a blade in that event. Yet I had a lot of fun that day, hanging out with my friends in my class and taking on challenging opponents. ^^
~
Blaze_Water_Sage
~blazewatersage
Congratulations on getting third place. That event sounds like a lot of fun and its good you had fun participating
TheAstonishingAntman
~theastonishingantman
That's awesome :33
