CORRECT GRIP Correctly grippin g the sword is as important to swordsmanship as forming a correct fist is for punching in boxing or karate. Gripping the sword is so important that, if not learned correctly, all other aspects of the sword will never be performed correctly. Through suburi and solo practice, many students build a misunderstanding of the actual purpose of the cutting action in preference to the result they feel they need to achieve in power and speed. This ultimat ely causes the grip to be practiced incorrectly , a mistake that is very hard to correct later . Correct grip has many benefits for the swordsman including: 1. Distributing impact up through the arms for either cutting or blocking (and not through the thumbs) 2. Aligning the blade with the arms and body for correct cutting angles 3. Stopping the blade from continuing beyond a safe cutting arc 4. Minimizing the exposure of the wrists to your opponent 5. Maintaining a strong and straight wrist throughout all techniques 6. Allowing the swordsman to gain maximum distance at the correct point of the cut, and therefore, maximum power. If done correc tly at all times, it serves as the most effective way to cut and as a fail safe mechanism for the sw ordsman. With a correct grip the swordsman doesn't need to think about cutting angles or the safety of themselv es under a variety of situations. There is only one way to grip the weapon correctly no matter what cut is being preformed. In solo practice and suburi (especially with a suburito) students allow their hands to shift; the emphasis becomes stopping the swords at the end of it's arc rather than using the correct grip at the beginni ng of it's arc. Without a target, the mea ning of the action can be misinterpreted. The purpose of any of these exercises is correct cutting, sometimes this fact is lost in sweat and heavy breathing. As practitioners get tired, th eir hands ca n rotate until the palms are beneath t he handle holdi ng up the s word rather than being behind the blade to perform the cut. This bad habit has an additional negative effe ct; it causes students to bend their arms to furt her support the thumbs and hands from the swords weight throughout the arc of the cut. This is clearly wrong. If left uncorrect ed students transitioning to tameshigiri find they are unable to cut. Most beginner student s are much more comfortable with hitting an object rather than cutting an object. This pre learning interferes w ith correct technique. Instructors an d students a like must be aware of this like ly reaction to training and take steps to address it early.