Tameshiwari & Tameshigiri- “Testing” or martial stunts?
A lot of the martial stunts performed now once came from valid martial art conditioning and skill testing methods. Cutting properly prepared traditional sword targets (like tatami/wara and bamboo) with a real sword is a skill and a test of the student’s technique. Allowing others to view this in demonstrations to give perspective on the training methods of your style is generally not criticized, unless the exhibition is embellished with acts of showmanship in order to appeal to the audience’s reaction. This is where most consider the dividing line to be between valid demonstration of testing methods and a martial stunt for purposes of entertainment. This of course applies to breaking boards, rocks and other objects as well. “Martial/Military Arts” are not sports, games or entertainment by definition. This is an important point to consider when discussing this subject. To attempt to make it so or add such elements is viewed by many experienced martial artists as embarrassing (to be affi
