TOPIC: Dual-wielding blade length

I recently decided to once more pick up dual wielding in a more traditional Niten Ichi-ryu style, and though I'm very sloppy after being out of practice for so long, I'm curious about something.

I've been practicing with my iaido katana for the past while now, which is an approximate 11" hilt and a 28" blade, I believe. What do you think would work better for getting skilled with dual katana/swords by practicing with dual shinai and lightsabers: two 26" blades or two 32" blades?

I currently use a 32" in my US Apprentice, but I'm curious if I should alter my practice.

If you plan on using a samurai style dual wield technique then I would easily suggest samurai sized lengths.

the blade length on a katana is roughly 30". So go with the 32" blade and it will be around the 30" length once seated in the sabers blade socket.

for your wakizashi, the blade length isn't as standard and ranges anywhere from 12-24" in length. So either choose the shoto blade or cut your own blade down to a length you prefer.

Refer to Miyamoto Musashi. The greatest dual wield master ever. Over 60 something duels without a loss. Ended up retiring in the mountains of Japan and became an artist and wrote a couple of books. I believe he took on an apprentice as well during those times.

Thanks for the help, NeBosa. I am aware of the great Musashi (he's kind of my idol as a swordsman ), and I'm actually reading The Book of Five Rings to get a feel for his style. I am grateful for your advice, again.

What are you trying to go with? Are you looking to do a long sword/short sword style or equal blade length style? The longer the blades when you do equal the easier it is tangle the tips up.

@WookieeGunner, I personally want to try an equal blade length style. Usually I don't have any trouble keeping the blades from crossing when I practice with my current sabers. I originally figured 32" blades would work the best, but since I've been using a real katana for practice, I figured I should have dual blades about that length, which is 28-ish inches.

Depending on which saber you have, 32 may be closer to 28 then you think. A lot of sabers like to have 1.5-2 inches of blade inside the saber for better holding so you are looking at 30ish inch blades. And if you have a windowed saber like the Epoch or Venom, even more of the blade will be inside.

I'll probably be using dual Katana sabers (real original, but eh).

There's not really an objective answer to this. Swords are just swords; their length is simply whatever it is. Just use what feels more comfortable to you. I use 32" blades, but I don't really think there's any argument for them being better. I just like the way they feel.

Traditionally, a katanna had a 28-30 inch blade and a wakizashi has an 18-20, sometimes less. I think your primary consideration should be balance, a sword should have a balance point that just in front of the guard, no more than a handspan in front. Ideally your off hand should be shorter and lighter as your off hand is likely to be weaker and less coordinated.

In most two handed styles the off hand weapon is primarily defensive, it takes the place of a shield. You see this in rapier\gauche, Florentine, tomahawk\longknife etc. There isn't a whole lot of technique written about Musashi's Go rin no sho but I've found that there are a few key points that apply not only in combat but life in general.

You are your own worst enemy, if a man can defeat himself his opponent(s) no longer matter.

Sloppy work is habit forming, style and habit make you predictable.

Use what is available to you. Musashi's swords weren't tucked in his obi for show, he had two so he used them.

Overwhelming aggression trumps skill. By not giving your opponent the chance to think you capture his mind.

I also recommend The Life Giving Sword by Yagyu Munenori. Munenori mastered a technique he called "throwing yourself under the sword" a maneuver other samurai of his day described as harrowing to watch and Munenori was the shogun's bodyguard and is said to have slain three men in the space of a breath.

Personally I use 32 in my main hand and 28 in my office hand.