The video above is a beautiful demonstration of iaijutsu—both by man and machine.
Iaijutsu is the art of drawing the Japanese sword. Kendo, which I practiced, is a sport. The analogous combative technique is kenjutsu. Kenjutsu differs from iaijutsu in that iaijutsu focuses on drawing the sword, striking, then sheathing the sword.
One of my teachers practiced iaijutsu (it’s possible that both did but the other never spoke of it). However, he was self-taught, claiming that he had been unable to find a teacher.
I think it’s impossible to fake these arts, at least to the trained eye. I almost always shudder when I see kenjutsu depicted in movies or on TV. But when it’s right it’s thrilling.
That’s pretty good eye hand coordination, Dave. Ever tried golf?
Forget the ad for the robotics manufacturer, I want to see this thing in a new ad for Ginsu knives!