Why do Samurai only use one hand for power generation in swinging the Katana?

N

Not the Fallen

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The bottom hand can generate power not only in striking but in blocks. To do cross body block or when blocking the head, the rear hand can definitely provide stability and power.

The top hand is used directionally to allow tip control, pivoting, and change in profile without having the shoulders execute this motion. Moving the shoulders in this fashion could telegraph your motion to your opponent.

If you use both hands, then you lose control. It doesn't take that much energy to drive a cut, it's actually the precision of it that makes it lethal.
 
I read up on some Katana handling practices and it said the bottom hand on the handle of the Katana is the hand used when generating power, while the top hand mainly guides the sword.

What is the purpose of that?

And is it more powerful than using BOTH the hands top and bottom?

Why not use Both arms for Power generation instead of only the bottom one? Is there a particular reason for it?
 
The bottom hand can generate power not only in striking but in blocks. To do cross body block or when blocking the head, the rear hand can definitely provide stability and power.

The top hand is used directionally to allow tip control, pivoting, and change in profile without having the shoulders execute this motion. Moving the shoulders in this fashion could telegraph your motion to your opponent.

If you use both hands, then you lose control. It doesn't take that much energy to drive a cut, it's actually the precision of it that makes it lethal.
 
that's just the mechanics of the human arm swing. think of when your playing baseball. you use both arms to swing the bat but only one of them generates the power; which ever side is the dominant hand. the other is used to stabilize and control or guide the bat.
 
I suppose it may also have to do with mobility and the ability for quick, successive strikes.

In sword combat, speed and precision (technique) is preferable over brute strength.
 
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