Taken in Anger Taken in Anger

In order to fully understand it, we will use another famous Japanese legend which is unavoidable when learning the kenjutsu martial art.

Tea ceremony and kenjutsu

There is an old story which is oftentimes retold in the dojos...

One day many years ago, a tea ceremony master was challenged to a duel from a young fencer drifter who craved for a reputation of a noted and dangerous swordsman. The tea ceremony master didn't know almost anything about fencing so he visited his friend, who was a famous master of sword fighting, for advice. His friend listened to him and said that, because of his social situation, i.e. the tea ceremony master's family shame, he couldn't decline the duel and that he would probably die. Also, he told him that he didn't have enough time to practice and learn the ken jutsu skill and that he wasn't sure if he could help him at all. The tea ceremony master asked for advice in order to avoid being shamed during combat.

The fencing teacher felt pity over his friend so he accepted his request to give him a few basic instructions. In return, he asked him to brew him some tea for the last time. The Japanese tea ceremony is mostly stylized and every move is performed in compliance with a strict set of rules. Masters of this artform are highly appreciated because of their mental discipline and calmness. The tea ceremony master agreed and started working. As soon as the master began the ceremony, he started the ritual with a relaxed mindset and forgot about all of his problems.

His body became relaxed and his consciousness was calm and still like deep water. His friend who was closely observing him suddenly shouted 'Yes! There is a way. Act like you are acting now. There is no need to practice. Once the duel starts, just lift your sword above your head and imagine that you are brewing tea. Once he attacks, close your eyes and chop forcefully. You will both be dead, but it will be beautiful. It will be your magnificent and brave death in which you won't disgrace yourself.'

The next morning, the tea ceremony master did everything as he was told. When he arrived to the named place, he cleared his mind from all thoughts of survival and calmly began to tie up his sleeves. The tradition was that, if the samurai had some spare time before the fight, he would tie up his kimono sleeves so that they wouldn't disturb him during combat. This action is called tasuki. Because of this, he carried a piece of rope in one of his sleeves. He did this completely calmly as if he was performing a tea ceremony.

Then he fearlessly took his sword, at peace with his situation and ready to die. He cast a calm gaze towards his opponent. He waited for his attack completely calmly and without fear of death, reconciled with his destiny. His opponent, the fencer drifter, after he was observing him the whole time since he arrived, was stunned. He expected fear, confusion and panic from his opponent. He immediately understood that the tea ceremony master was prepared for anything and that he was also ready to die. He knew that this meant that he was a dangerous person and that both could