thanxx Az, im checking it out now.

i would be lieing if i said i didnt have a fondness for the broadsword, but it's also been a weapon with alot of faulse press....it isnt slow, nor a blunt hacking weapon. it's THE best sword you could bet your life on, and in swordfighting...thats teh bottom line. dont get me wrong from time to time i have a fondness for katana....but when ive fought with one i have to make up for it's many disadvantages over other wepons.

heres an interesting point about teh sehproth sword from that site -
The purpose of Ôdachi

The purpose of Ôdachi can be categorized as follows:

a) As an offering to a Shrine or Gods. Some Ôdachi were dedicated with prayer to win a war, others were placed in Shrines as legendary swords from mythology.

b) As a weapon. From explanations in old texts, such as "Heike-monogatari, Taihei-ki" tell us that Ôdachi were used by soldiers during battles.

c) As a symbol for an army. Some Ôdachi are too long for practical use. They cannot be used in a battle but it is said that they could have been used as a symbol of an army, such as flags and spears. Further research is needed to confirm this idea.

d) As a trend during a certain period. Some swords were also used for ceremonies.

e) To show the swordsmith's skill.

NOTE: Most Ôdachi were used for reason a) and b).

whoooo last night i had a brill fight

we are actually in the NorthEast of england so i afraid no where near NY lol. but if you do fancy learning forms of swordfighting heres a good tip from someone whos done it for years......if it hurts then it's wrong. theres many people out there who talk crap and simply enjoy hurting each other and in reality they shouldnt be doing it or teaching it, so if anyone tells you it's supposed to hurt then walk out, they carnt teach you anything other than what not to do. second if it feels wrong, stupid...it probably is, ive seen some americans doing awefully silly stuff like countinusly braying each other over teh head with a foam laden sword. it's just commonsense that knights and samuria and celts wouldnt do that because they would be missing limbs. if i can help out in anyway just ask.