I currently teach Kenjutsu system that uses the longer tsuka (handle). I have heard many thoughts and opinions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each. Many Iaido and Kendo practitioners explained to me that they no longer use the sword for actual cutting so the methods they use reflect the principals they use. I have heard some tell me that there is no proof that long handles were ever used traditionally and that they are a recent change to obtain leverage in cutting. This confuses me because I was never tought to use leverage in cutting nor would I ever teach such a thing. In traditional cutting the body is used and not the arms and shoulders. This cutting method is the underlining principal we use in our Aikijujutsu to overcome strength with simple biology and physics.

Yoshida Kotaro Sensei, a highly respected martial artisi (he made the introduction of Morihei Ushiba to Sokaku Takeda) pioneered the use of the long handle and stated that he was not the innovator of the idea. On the bugei web site there are photos of Samurai from the Edo period with long handles. www.bugei.com/longtsuka.html for photos. I am a strong believer in that all matial arts provide people with the various needs they are looking to fufill. There is no better or wrong arts unless the instructors corrupt what they are teaching. Having said that, I am looking for biased free information or opinions on the topic. Thank you.