James grew up on an Ozarks farm where tools like axes and picks were still used in the daily routine and the blades of stockman's pocketknives served their original functions. Receiving his first pocketknife at age four he got it open by himself nearly a year later and spent his formative years wandering the woods with a succession of ever larger knives, a book of matches and a rifle.
A veteran of Vietnam, James also served in Alaska during a stint in the Army, receiving his first intensive culinary training by setting a record for extra KP at Ft. Richardson.
Settling in the Pacific Northwest after his discharge, James crewed on sailing yachts in local races, backpacked hundreds of miles of mountain trails in search of good trout fishing, and occasionally attended college.
His first serious job as a civilian resulted from answering a Seattle Post Intelligencer want ad requesting someone who could lift 120 pounds repeatedly and wasn't afraid of fire. James apprenticed to John Frazier -- the most knowledgeable traditional foundryman in North America at that time -- for the next six years.
Returning to the Ozarks James made his living by growing ginseng on a hand-terraced wooded hillside and selling handmade wood turnery, furniture, sculpture and architectural carvings. James harvested trees from his own land, processing logs into posts and beams and turnery billets with saws, axes, froes and planes. Since many tools he needed were no longer available, James built his own forge from a barbeque grill, a vacuum cleaner and a 55 gallon steel drum, found a chunk of railroad track for his first anvil, and taught himself blacksmithing -- creating his own knives and tools from scrap steel and sweat.
Changing economic pressures eventually forced James back to the restaurant industry in Branson, Missouri, and later to even more success as a maintenance engineer for one of Branson's largest condominium resorts. Finally escaping to Indiana, James now makes his living telling true stories as a freelance writer.
Kendo Shinai Bamboo Practice Sword Set | Martial Arts Training Katana, Flexible 42 Inch
54 sec read
These practice shinai or bamboo swords match an old Kendo training device developed to give martial students a taste of real combat without risk of serious injury. Combined with cloth armor and protective headgear, the shinai take swordplay to a non-lethal but very competitive level.
The two 42-inch long “swords” are actually bundles of split bamboo slats bound tightly together with leather fittings. The bamboo flexes when a strike lands, and if the bundles are kept in good condition, there’s no sharp edge to do damage. Bamboo Shinai should always be carefully checked before use since the slats may splinter under a hard blow, creating spikes and shards of sharp bamboo fiber. Some recommend oiling before first use as a way to lessen the chances of splintering a slat. Following the advice of your kendo instructor is the best idea.
Shinai were developed in Japan by master swordsmen who sought a way to prevent training injuries to their students. Another type of practice weapon, the bokken, matched the samurai’s katana in shape and form and proved dangerous even when carved from hardwood. Bamboo bundles were chosen to simulate the action and weight of real swords without doing the real damage. Without the appropriate protective gear, it’s still a dangerous sport. Shinai come in many sizes and should be fitted to the individual — this 42-inch length is appropriate for students 12 to 15 years old.
For another type of traditional Japanese practice sword, try the Japanese Hardwood Bokken — just remember it’s not a toy sword.
James grew up on an Ozarks farm where tools like axes and picks were still used in the daily routine and the blades of stockman's pocketknives served their original functions. Receiving his first pocketknife at age four he got it open by himself nearly a year later and spent his formative years wandering the woods with a succession of ever larger knives, a book of matches and a rifle.
A veteran of Vietnam, James also served in Alaska during a stint in the Army, receiving his first intensive culinary training by setting a record for extra KP at Ft. Richardson.
Settling in the Pacific Northwest after his discharge, James crewed on sailing yachts in local races, backpacked hundreds of miles of mountain trails in search of good trout fishing, and occasionally attended college.
His first serious job as a civilian resulted from answering a Seattle Post Intelligencer want ad requesting someone who could lift 120 pounds repeatedly and wasn't afraid of fire. James apprenticed to John Frazier -- the most knowledgeable traditional foundryman in North America at that time -- for the next six years.
Returning to the Ozarks James made his living by growing ginseng on a hand-terraced wooded hillside and selling handmade wood turnery, furniture, sculpture and architectural carvings. James harvested trees from his own land, processing logs into posts and beams and turnery billets with saws, axes, froes and planes. Since many tools he needed were no longer available, James built his own forge from a barbeque grill, a vacuum cleaner and a 55 gallon steel drum, found a chunk of railroad track for his first anvil, and taught himself blacksmithing -- creating his own knives and tools from scrap steel and sweat.
Changing economic pressures eventually forced James back to the restaurant industry in Branson, Missouri, and later to even more success as a maintenance engineer for one of Branson's largest condominium resorts. Finally escaping to Indiana, James now makes his living telling true stories as a freelance writer.
These practice shinai or bamboo swords match an old Kendo training device developed to give martial students a taste of real combat without risk of serious injury. Combined with cloth armor and protective headgear, the shinai take swordplay to a non-lethal but very competitive level.
