Introduction to Test Cutting

Test cutting with sharp swords on rolled tatami mats is an accessible skill for beginners despite its intimidating appearance. This guide provides practical instruction on acquiring equipment, preparing materials, and executing proper cutting technique safely.

Selecting Your First Sword

Practitioners should begin with a katana, which typically arrives sharper, costs less, and requires less technique to cut effectively than European swords. Quality cutting swords range from budget options like the Windlass Urbak to mid-tier workhorse blades such as the Cold Steel Hand and a Half.

Building a Cutting Stand

Commercial cutting stands are often poorly constructed; instructors should build their own stand using basic materials and tools for approximately $12. A functional stand requires a 4x4 post frame with a central spike—best created by drilling a hole and inserting a sharpened dowel rod—positioned at appropriate height to avoid striking the support structure during cuts.

Sourcing and Preparing Tatami

Bulk tatami rolls are more economical than pre-rolled individual targets, with large rolls typically yielding 20-25 usable pieces. Practitioners should measure tatami to approximately six feet, roll with a one-inch center gap to accommodate the stand spike, and secure with four evenly-spaced rubber bands.

Soaking the Target

Dried tatami produces poor cutting results and disperses material throughout the environment. Tatami must be fully submerged in water for 12-24 hours using weighted containers or a dedicated trough to achieve optimal cutting conditions.

Safety Fundamentals

Practitioners must recognize that swords are weapons designed to cut, including human tissue, and approach cutting with appropriate caution and responsibility. The most common injury is self-infliction; proper stance requires positioning the forward foot opposite the cutting direction to prevent accidental leg injury.

Proper Cutting Stance and Technique

Effective cutting employs a kinetic chain from the lower body through the torso rather than relying on arm strength alone. The practitioner should raise the sword with semi-extended arms, engage the latissimus dorsi and hips, slightly arch the back, then execute a smooth cutting motion by pulling through the target using hip rotation and leg pivoting.

How to Start Cutting with Swords: a Beginners Guide to Test Cutting

Sellsword Arts

Do Cut

2 min read·7 key moments·PT7M37S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Test Cutting
•Selecting Your First Sword
•Building a Cutting Stand
•Sourcing and Preparing Tatami

In this video we break down how to get started with test cutting! We talk about what kind of sword you should buy, how to make your stand, where to get your mats, and how to soak them! We also break down the basic form for cutting, and go through the basic safety tips. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at test cutting with a sword, check this video out! Check out Kageyama Imports for bulk Tatami! https://kageyama.global/ Go visit Kult of Athena for good quality cutting swords! https://www.kultofathena.com/ Check out our Reviews to find the swords that we recommend for cutting Help support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/sellswordarts Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMEMbA38r9CKCuukra2Mr3Q/join

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about do cut?

This video covers introduction to test cutting, selecting your first sword, building a cutting stand. It provides detailed instruction from Sellsword Arts.

How long does it take to learn do cut?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.