Martial Arts, Chicago - Shinjinkai Japanese Sword Study Group

PROGRAMS: NIHONTO [JAPANESE SWORD] STUDY GROUP

3717 N Ravenswood, #113 » Chicago, IL 60613 » 773.472.3290 » info@shinjinkai.org

The Shinjinkai Nihonto Study Group is dedicated to the study and appreciation of Japanese swords. The mystique surrounding Japanese swords is due to several factors, including frequent references to them in Japanese mythology and early history, the importance of the sword to the samurai warrior class as a tool and symbol, and finally the masterful forging and lamination process which makes these swords among the most durable and beautiful weapons ever crafted.

At each meeting, Study Group members are able to view actual swords from various historical periods. Sword etiquette and handling, sword terminology and school/smith characteristics are frequent focuses of discussion. With experience, members begin to try their hand at sword appraisal, learning how to determine when and where a sword was made. The group meets every other month at Shinjinkai H.Q. in Chicago.

Sword Study Group leader Nick Kolick has been collecting swords for the past 10 years, with particular interest in Kamakura and Nambokucho periods. Nick is a member of the NBTHK (Nippon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) , JSSUS (Japanese Sword Society-US ), and the Midwest Token Kai, which hosts the annual sword show in Chicago every year (see the Tokenkai site here).

Note: This group is for sword appreciation and study only, and does not involve instruction in the actual use of swords. Please see our other Programs pages for information on sword training.

NEXT NIHONTO STUDY GROUP MEETING: TBA

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