Force Is Not Everything: Watch How A 9-Year-Old Effortlessly Handles A Japanese Sword

Shizan is one form of Japanese sword testing where a pile of straws are cut using a Japanese sword.

The sword master that appeared in front of the target is a 9-year-old girl. Although her sword is shorter than usual, it still weighs about a kilo, which is heavy enough for a young person like her.

Source: YouTube

Holding heavy weight can easily cause the sword to fall in an odd angle; yet this girl drops down the sword smooth without any tension.

This is actually really difficult to do: adults can easily fail in cutting the straw beautifully if the sword doesn't strike and pierce through the straw at a correct angle.

Although her final strike didn't work well, the way she doesn't use force to cut. That is an ideal way to use a Japanese sword.

Source: YouTube

Many people commented on her superb skills with the sword:

Although it is the prime importance to drop the sword accurately, it is impressive when you see someone do it so accurately.
It's amazing how the sword cuts so beautifully when you get the angle right.
It's shocking to me to learn that you don't need force to slice through.
I look forward to see her develop even further!

She had used thinner straws than what are usually used; however you still need to hone in on basic skills in order to get this right.

It's a great example of how force and strength is not everything in Budo.

By - grape Japan editorial staff.