Luxe Martial Arts

Choosing a katana is not something that people normally do everyday. In fact, not that many people get around to choosing a katana at all. When the task is at hand, though, remember that a katana is more than just a weapon. Aside from taking in all the technicalities involved with this Japanese sword, don't forget to put your heart into it so you get a katana that you can truly connect with.

Types of katanas

There are three types that you have to consider when it comes to choosing a katana. First, there are practical katanas. Practical katanas are used for training and classes in martial arts. They are 29-inch blades made from high-carbon steel tempered to achieve different backs and edges. With either gold-wrapped or leather grips, practical katanas have about 12-inch long handles. And for a more authentic look, black lacquer coatings or natural finishes are used.

Second, there are the de luxe katanas. They are strong, shock-absorbent, and have tough, hard edges resembling katanas of the past. Ideal for display or practical purposes, these katanas are expensive, though, since they are handmade in order to replicate authentic katanas.

Lastly are the decorative katanas. Unlike the first two though, decorative katanas, as the name suggests, are for decorative use only. They feature more detail and colors than de luxe katanas and may come with Ido-style embellishments. To perfect the look, their scabbards are crackle finished and colored to match wraps on the handle. Decorative katanas are sized at 27 inches long with handles at nine inches. Of the three, decorative katanas weigh the most at three pounds while the other two are both normally two pounds.

A quick tip

If you're looking for the real thing, it pays to do your research. Understanding all there is to know about a katana will help you figure out for yourself whether it's authentic or not.

Important information

Complete information on choosing a katana is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced katanas in PickyGuide's recommended products section.

Martial Arts $68.51 Martial arts. History of martial arts, Martial arts timeline, Asian martial arts (origins), Modern history of East Asian martial arts, Historical European martial arts, Hand to hand combat, Combat sport, War dance, Outline of martial arts, List of martial arts weapons, List of martial arts, List of fictional martial arts Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 74 Publication Date: 2009/09/21 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.17 inches

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) $62 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

MMA-Mixed Martial Arts $144.36 MMA-Mixed Martial Arts

The A-Z Of Martial Arts $8.99 The A-Z Of Martial Arts

Chokes for Mixed Martial Arts - $24.99 Chokes for Mixed Martial Arts -

Plain Martial Arts Belts $7.95 Plain Martial Arts Belts

Martial Arts Instruction $24.99 Martial Arts Instruction - Photographic Print

Martial Arts Posture $24.99 Martial Arts Posture - Photographic Print

Martial Arts Weapons Demonstration $24.99 Martial Arts Weapons Demonstration - Photographic Print

Bruce Lee - Martial Arts Master $4.99 Bruce Lee - Martial Arts Master

Mixed Martial Arts Training Shorts $29.95 Mixed Martial Arts Training Shorts

Tan Dun - Tan Dun: The Martial Arts Trilogy $26.72 Martial Arts Trilogy

Chinese Martial Arts $23 This engaging introduction tells the authentic history of Chinese martial arts.

Mixed Martial Arts Button $1.99 Mixed Martial Arts Button Button This button features 3 ninjas working on their talents -- painting, knitting and writing. Size is approximate. Humor, martial arts.

Mixed Martial Arts Magnet $3.99 Mixed Martial Arts Magnet Magnet This refrigerator magnet features 3 ninjas working on their talents -- painting, knitting and writing. Size is approximate. Humor, martial arts.

Martial Arts of the World $180 ABC-CLIO's Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation is the most authoritative reference ever published on combat disciplines from around the world and across history. Coverage includes Shaolin monks, jousting knights, Roman gladiators, Westerner gunfighters, samurai warriors, and heavyweight boxers. These iconic figures and many more are featured in this title, as well as representatives of less well known but no less fascinating systems, all vividly characterized by expert contributors from around the world who are themselves martial arts practitioners. Martial Arts of the World comprises 120 entries in two volumes. The first volume is organized geographically to explore the historic development of martial arts styles in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The second volume looks at martial arts thematically, with coverage of belief systems, modern martial arts competitions, and a wide range of such topics as folklore, women in martial arts, martial arts and the military, and martial arts and the media.

The Martial Arts Book (Paperback) $26.28 Provides an overview and history of martial arts such as karate, taekwando, and judo, and offers facts on each of the disciplines and anecdotes about famous martial artists.

Martial Arts of the World (Hardcover) $449.04 This two-volume encyclopedia, illustrated with b&w photos and illustrations, describes well-known and less-known martial arts and combat disciplines from around the world and throughout history. The first volume is organized geographically and covers the historical development of martial arts in different regions of Asia, as well as Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. The second volume explores martial arts themes such as belief systems, competitions, folklore, and women in martial arts. Other areas explored in this volume are martial arts and the media, the globalization of martial arts, the political uses of martial arts, and secret societies and fraternal organizations. Green teaches anthropology at Texas A&M University. Svinth is editor of the Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences Annotation 2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mixed Martial Arts (Hardcover) $55.75 A discussion of mixed martial arts covers its history and culture, moves, equipment, and competitive aspects.

Martial Arts Deco Set Each $7.99 This Martial Arts Cake Deco Set includes two plastic martial arts figures in full kick position. Both figures are 3" x 2".

Martial Arts Training for Football (DVD) $67.12 Martial Arts Training for Football presents a detailed overview of the training and techniques involved in utilizing martial arts skills to enhance on-the-field performance. Featuring three separate video programs—Martial Arts Training for Football: Vol.1— Offensive Line, Martial Arts Training for Football: Vol. 2—Defensive Line, and Martial Arts Training for Football: Vol. 3—Defensive Backs and Wide Receivers, the DVD offers the perfect instructional tool for football coaches who want to enhance the level of play of their athletes, using martial arts techniques.

Martial Arts Made Easy $6.99 100 cool moves from a range of martial arts disciplines. Martial Arts Made Easy allows readers to teach themselves skills from such martial arts as karate, kung fu, judo, tae kwon do and ninjutsu. Each featured move is illustrated with step-by-step line drawings accompanied by expert advice that assures learning is fun and safe.

Japanese Martial Arts $114.71 Japanese martial arts. Kory, Sumo, Jujutsu, Katana, Kenjutsu, Battjutsu, Iaid, Ninjutsu, Judo, Kendo, Aikido, Kyd, Karate, Aiki (martial arts principle), Bud, Bushid, Kiai, Hard and soft (martial arts), Dan (rank), Kata Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 166 Publication Date: 2009/10/08 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.38 inches

Danny Dyer: Mixed Martial Arts Mayhem $15.99 Danny Dyer: Mixed Martial Arts Mayhem

Pressure Points In The Martial Arts - Ultimate Self Defence $19.79 Pressure Points In The Martial Arts - Ultimate Self Defence

Mixed Martial Arts Grappling Glove Leather $35.95 Mixed Martial Arts Grappling Glove Leather

Muslim Chinese Martial Arts $86.03 Muslim Chinese martial arts have a long history in China, and many Muslims have participated at the highest level of Chinese martial arts. However, the Qing Dynasty persecutions greatly stimulated the practise of martial arts among Chinese Muslims. The Hui started and adapted many of the styles of wushu such as Bajiquan, Piguaquan, Liu He Quan, and other styles. There were specific areas known to be centers of Muslim martial arts, such as Cang County in Hebei Province. These traditional Chinese martial arts were very distinct from the Turkic styles practised in Xinjiang. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 128 Publication Date: 2010/06/05 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.30 inches

Legends of the Martial Arts Masters $8.95 This exciting collection is made up of twenty dramatic adventures-with heroes ranging from Tamo, a monk who lived 1,500 years ago, to Robert Trias, who lived into the late 20th century. Filled with action, amazing feats, and martial arts wizardry, Legends of the Martial Arts Masters also promotes the virtues of discipline and courage to which martial artists aspire. The stories of how Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate to Japan, how Matsumura defeated a killer bull with guile instead of bloodshed, ad how Musashi won a duel without drawing his sword will dazzle students of martial arts. Legends of the Martial Arts Masters is ideal for young readers interested in stories of courage, combat, and self-discovery.

Mixed Martial Arts Unleashed $19.95 “Mickey Dimic is a great coach and a terrific fighter. Mixed Martial Arts Unleashed does an excellent job covering everything MMA beginners need to know to prepare themselves before entering the ring, in addition to providing some knockout tips and drills for advanced fighters.”-Carlos Newton, UFC Welterweight World Champion Today, millions the world over are getting fit and fighting hard with mixed martial arts, a lethal combination of kickboxing, judo, boxing, wrestling, and other disciplines. In Mixed Martial Arts Unleashed , champion and coach Mickey Dimic distills his impressive knowledge to give you dozens of surefire techniques for winning matches.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 at 11:37 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.