WHAT IS CHANBARA?

Sport Chanbara, also known as Spochan, is a full contact, full speed, sword sport using low-impact flexible weapons that allow free movement without the use of cumbersome and expensive protective equipment.  Our approach to it is based on traditional Japanese weapons styles, and the actual way in which competitions are run is quite similar to Kendo (a sword sport fenced with bamboo weapons in Japan).  However, the flexibility of the weapons and the simplified scoring allow competitors to fight in any style that they choose.

WEAPONS:

We use Action Flex weapons designed specifically for Chanbara.  These are in common use by a wide variety of users in the martial arts and other sword sports, and have an outstanding safety record.  Full speed, full contact hits do not cause injury or bruising, and through a uniform cause no discomfort.  We do require that participants wear appropriate head gear designed for use in Chanbara - our standard recommendation is a mask made by Ronin Products.  We will assist you in obtaining the appropriate equipment.  For tournament play, appropriate groin protection may be required.  The standard weapons we train with include:

• Kodachi - a 24 inch short sword that serves as the introduction to Chanbara and is a favorite competition weapon.  It is used with one hand.

• Choken - a 40 inch long sword that approximates the Japanese katana.  It can be used with one hand or as a two handed weapon.  We teach the two handed style, similar to classical Japanese and Korean sword forms.

• Naginata - a long halberd that can be used for cutting or thrusting.

• Yari - a long spear that is used as a thrusting weapon.

WHO DOES THIS?

Chanbara started in Japan as a way to develop interest in traditional Japanese sword technique.  Participation in Japan is strong with participants from kindergarten age to senior citizens.  However, the sport has grown to national federations in:

Asia and Oceania - Japan, Singapore, Korea, Australia, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Nepal, Mongolia, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Iran

North and South America - United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and Panama

Europe - France, Italy, Russia, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Serbia, Poland, Georgia, Greece, Austria, Sweden, Belarus, Moldova, Spain, Romania, and the Czech Republic

Africa - Egypt, Congo

Each year a World Championships is held in Japan, with competitors from all around the globe. The 34th World Championships in Novemebr 2008 offered 40 events based on rank and weapon.  Age group competition is also common.

The United States governing body is the United States Chanbara Association and the international governing body is the International Sports Chanbara Association.  Salle Green is a United States Chanbara Association member club. 

WHAT DO I LEARN FIRST?

Our students start with the basic Kihon, a series of strikes to the standard target areas - Men (head), Kote (forearm), Do (chest), Ashi (leg), Tsuki (a thrust to the torso).  This teaches the basic movements and can be learned with either the Kodachi or the Choken.  Although this is the starting point, it is also a way to build movement patterns that stay with you throughout the sport as a way to focus and develop skill.

HOW DO PEOPLE COMPETE?

Traditional format competition is between two athletes in a square playing area at least 6 yards by 6 yards in size.  The contest is decided by a good hit to the target areas.  However, because this may lead to a very short match, many competitions use a best two out of three hits system to decide the winner.  There is also regular competition evaluating the style of competitors executing the basic Kihon.

WHY DO I WANT TO DO THIS?

Chanbara is an excellent sport for developing hand-eye coordination, building speed, developing quick judgment, building self-confidence and self-discipline, and most of all having fun hitting your friends with style in a way that does not hurt.  There is the challenge of getting to be better at a sport that involves working with other people to build your physical skills.  And there is the challenge of seeing a situation and deciding what to do about it before your opponent does.  You will meet other members of our Salle with a wide range of experiences and interests and enjoy being in class with them.  And if you want to compete, there is always a World Championships in the future ...