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Unearthing a “Gunto”

August 4th, 2008 · 5 Comments

Louis Rodriguez Sensei, examining a “Riki Gunto” found in an old house attic in Tampa Florida”

The Gunto is the military swords which were mainly used by the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy during the Meiji (1868 – 1912), Taisho (1912 – 1926) and Souwa (1926 – 1945) eras. There are mainly two types of Gunto:

  1. Kaigunto (Navy Swords)
  2. Rikugunto (Army Swords)

Approximately 75,000 Japanese military swords are believed to be in the United States, brought back by American GI’s during and after WWII. Of the swords believed to be in the US, about 25 are considered Nationals Treasures.

Florida News:

I have been directly inspired by the rigor of the Japanese Traditions. One of the ways I immerse myself is by partaking in events and happenings dealing with Japanese Culture where ever that may be. The following are some events that might be of interest when traveling to Florida.

The 19th Annual Florida Japanese Sword Show - Feb. 13, 14, 15 -2009

Ronin Taiko Performance at the Florida Morikami Japanese Gardens Aug.15 Sept 12 2008.

On Wednesday, July 30th at 7pm, I will give a demonstration of the “Chuden Tatehiza Waza” sword technique at the Ronin Studio Dojo, 5846 Main Street, New Port Richey, Florida.

The Florida Ronin Japanese Swordsmanship members would like to extend deepest condolences to Felix Vargas (Menkyo) of the Tremont School of Self - Defense who has recently passed away.

Louis Rodriguez

Tags: Martial Arts

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Carl Benjamin // Aug 4, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    I have a Japanese Sword that was brought back from Okinawa. It is in excellent condition but, tusuba on it has long been gone. It was made in 1939 by Take Hisa. His name is on it but, I believe it is machine made.

  • 2 Joseph Mazzariello // Aug 5, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    I have a couple of swords myself and I’m going to have them checked out. Oh, by the way I was a student of Tremont in the early 60’s and I remember that the mats was a boxing ring. I helped lay down sensei’s first mat. Under the mats was a T made out of pennies. My brother and I were members of the judo “tiger” team. and we went all over the country at competitions.
    Our main rival was Kuysu dojo who’s instructor was a thin red headed woman named Rusty.
    Nuff said.

  • 3 cARL bENJAMIAN // Sep 3, 2008 at 3:54 pm

    sWORD MIGHT BE “SWOWA ERA” 1926-1989
    OR “SHINSHINTO OR gENDAITO:1954 TO PRESENT….

  • 4 JOSEPH M. // Sep 3, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    cAN i VIEW THE SWORDS - MIGHT BRING THEM TO CLASS & i COULD HELP IN YOUR APPRASAL PURSUIT.

  • 5 JOSEPH MAZZARIELLO // Sep 3, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    CAN I VIEW THE SWORDS - MIGHT YOU BRING THEM TO CLASS? I CAN DIRECT YOU IN YOUR APPRASAL PERSUIT…….
    BACK IN NEW YORK IN OCTOBER!
    RONIN DOJO SCHOOL OF JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP - FLORIDA /NEW YORK

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