Daisho

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Image:Daisho-p1000661.jpg The daishō (大小, lit. "big and small") are the traditional weapons of the samurai, composed of the katana (刀) and the wakizashi (脇差). The etymology of this word becomes apparent when the terms daito (大刀 - meaning big sword) and shoto (小刀 - meaning small sword) are used; daito + shoto = daishō. The katana, the longer of the two swords, was typically employed in man-to-man combat. The wakizashi made an effective main gauche or close-combat weapon.

The daisho were limited exclusively to the samurai class and were a symbol of their rank. They came into vogue during the Muromachi Period. Prior to this, the bow and horse were considered marks of the samurai class and the sword of lesser consequence. It was during this period, too, that the katana switched from a slung weapon with blade down (known as a tachi) to one thrust into the sash with the blade up. This change allowed for a much faster overhead draw while on foot.

In addition to the pair suggesting status, they were occasionally used in tandem. Miyamoto Musashi, author of the Book of Five Rings, became one of the more well-known founders of a two-sword style. Musashi's Niten-Ryu, or Two Heavens School (Often known as "Nito-Ryu" [Two Sword School]), used the Daisho in combination. Nito-ryu is currently employed in modern kendo as a variant style of fighting. While seemingly highly effective, the use of only one hand on each blade reduces speed, and forces the swordsman to compensate through technique or strength training. Nito-ryu was and is not a common form of swordfighting.

In sum, the daisho were little more than a symbol worn by members of the samurai class. The use of the weapons individually or in tandem was a matter of individual taste and training.Template:Weapon-stub

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