SciFi and Fantasy Art: Samurai Warrior

Have you by any chance played SHOGUN: Total War? because (I'm not saying you work is bad) it looks quite alot like the opening sequence to the game

Markus 'Hammer' Rieger replies: ">nope, i never have"

Well, Tess, you get the speech. I like the image. What I want to address though, is people who use Japanese images as a soapbox to show off their knowledge of Asian culture. People don't complain one bit when someone draws a seven mile high tree, or a knight whose armour isn't 'right'; why should it be any different with Asian pictures? What I'm trying to say is, Elfwood is a fantasy site. If he wants to draw a Samurai, don't try to show off by saying he's not 'right.'

...And it's a great picture. Heh.

I agree with fortinbras

late comment, actually he has it right, one at the Tsuba and one Grasping the end of the hilt - God Ive forgotten its Name, 3 years of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido though lol...... Oh, one more thing, its a gorgeous Drawing!!

and Belphegor, isn't it the KAshira.

Brain died and I just remembered the rest of my thought. Holding the bottom hand closer to the top leaves alot of hilt that can get hung up on clothes or be ackward in getting in the way of the bottom wrist. Simple lever and fulcrum physics would apply as well.

I agree, he's holding it correctly. There is more strength behind it besides it being the proper position.

I have seen both ways of holding the sword, but I've been taught to have my hands a fist apart in order for more strength and firmness. When striking with the sword, you must strike decisively and stop firmly, and the gap between the hands helps this majorly. In the end though, it comes down to what works better for you. An awesome picture though!

Great picture, but excuse me whilst I rant to this "Tess"

By saying you are a student of "samurai swordsmanship" one can tell that you are inherintly lying. For you see, if you were a practitioner of one of the Japanese blade arts, such as Kendo, Kenjutsu, Iai-jutsu, tanto-jutsu etc.. you would call it by it's proper name, instead of lowering it to laymans terms.
Now, another way I can tell you're lying is: In EVERY japanese blade art, the hands are placed at certain positions on the tsuka. The off-hand is placed around the fushima, tightly gripping the bottom of the tsuka. Your leading hand is then placed a little ways down from the tsuba. This hand is kept loose, making a "v" with your thumb and index finger, while your other fingers wrap around.

So what Markus has done here, is correct, the swing would work, and the cut would be accomplished.

Again, awesome picture Mark, keep it up.

It's alright, but he looks like he's made out of clay.