What is Sport Chanbara ?

Sport Chanbara, or Spochan, or simply Chanbara, is a Japanese martial art. It is based on Kenjutsu, which covers most of the traditional fencing techniques, and on Goshinjutsu, which literally means "self-defence techniques". Its founder, Tanabe Tetsundo, wishing to preserve the substance of real swordfighting, devised light and safe equipment, which enables fighters to practice their technique in an entertaining and safe way.

Sport Chanbara offers a wide variety of weapons, with up to 9 categories in international tournaments. Still, the short sword, called Kodachi, remains the main teaching tool, its practice being at the core of the fundamental Katas, such as the Goshindo no Kata.

Sekai Taikai 2007 : Video

In order to start the week properly, here are a few videos of the 2007 World Championship :



The second part is over there :
The 33rd World SportsChanbara Championship No.2

Many thanks to user punch409, on youtube.

MARTINIQUE / Chanbarakas of the Caribbean

Last year, Malik Agaoua and François Pivert, members of the sport-chanbara section of the CEPESJA (Parisian Circle of Japanese Fencing), went on two training trips on the island of Martinique.

Their account of the trip is fascinating :

January 2007

November 2007

Both articles are in French.
We will try to find someone willing to work on a translation.

Sport Chanbara en Martinique
uploaded by maliaga

Inflatable weapons at ACM Sports

ACM Sport (main provider of equipment for the French chanbara community) is now selling Japanese inflatable weapons.



Kodachi : €55
Choken : €70
Tanto : €53

Until now, the only place we could get that kind of equipment was Japan.
If you are in the same situation, ACM could be an interesting option.

You can contact the shop here : acm.sport@wanadoo.fr