Tachi

In general, the tachi (太刀) indicates a Japanese Saber more curved and a little longer than a Katana. Contrary to the Katana, it goes the edge of the blade turned downwards. It was especially used by the Cavalerie.

However, the tachi is in fact a denomination representing two kinds of blades:

The tachi (1): 大刀

Saber right of approximately 60 cm, precursor of the Japanese Saber traditional.

The term tachi probably comes from the verb tachikiru meaning “to cross into two”. It appears for the first time in the Tôdai-ji kemmotsuchô (register of the objects had by the Emperor). The combination of Kanji can result in:

  • “long sword”, in the case of a long saber (“刀” indicates the saber or the sword, and “大” is a man “人” with the raised arms and means large or broad), or
  • “horizontal sword” for a short saber.
This weapon was had by the people of high social class.

Technically, the blades of this category cannot compete of quality with that of the future blades.

It remains only little of blades of this period, and unfortunately, the majority having been stored under relatively bad conditions, they are today in a state which does not allow us their right appreciation. However, these blades remain of historical importance not néligeable and are exposed in many museums for this purpose.

The tachi (2): 太刀

Saber curve of approximately 60 cm.

Contrary to the katana, which is slipped into the Obi (girdles), the tachi is suspended by thin straps, slicing downwards. The first tachi were produced during the Period Koto. Number of them were shortened later, by the cut of part of silk, which causes the loss of the mei (signature of the blacksmith).

There exist tachi of more than 90 cm, they are then called odachi ( tachi long). Those lower than 60 cm are called kodachi ( tachi short).

Historically, the first specimens of this category mark the technical evolution which will make Japanese sabers of works with great artistic value. Their techniques of manufacture are standardized overall.

Homophon

The term Homophone tachi waza 立技 indicates the techniques upright martial arts, in opposition to the techniques of defense to knees ( hanmi andachi waza when the attacker is upright and suwari waza when the attacker is him also with knees). The Kanji 立 (that one pronounces also ritsu or tatsu ) means “to rise”.

See too

Simple: Tachi

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