Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 2.djvu/168

 release. Sometimes the left hand holds one sword in the position of the hanging guard, and the right manipulates the other on the offensive. The effect of a stroke does not depend altogether upon the momentum imparted to it, but owes much of its efficacy to a swift drawing motion given to the blade as it begins to bite.

There has naturally been much discussion as to the relative value of the Japanese and the European styles of fencing, but one thing is quite clear, namely, that a Japanese swordsman could not protect himself successfully against a skilfully wielded rapier. On the other hand, it would be very difficult to check the onset of a Japanese swordsman by means of a rapier. He would probably accomplish his cut, in spite of his adversary's parry or point. Sixteen varieties of cut are delivered with the Japanese sword, and each has its own name, as the "four-sides cut," the "clearer," the "wheel stroke," the "peak blow," the "torso severer," the "pear splitter," the "thunder stroke," the "scarf sweep," and so on; appellations rather fanciful than descriptive, but, of course, conveying an exact meaning to Japanese ears.

The sword has exercised a potent influence on the life of the Japanese nation. The distinction of wearing it, the rights that it conferred, the deeds wrought with it, the fame attaching to special skill in its use, the superstitions connected with it, the incredible value set upon a fine blade,