History
The practice of Tameshigiri originated in the Edo period inand initially was used to test the quality of asword. Swordsmen of known renown were thus used to do the cutting to maintain a sense of consistency while testing. Originally it was also convicts or cadavers that were used to measure a sword's worth, which is why the older form of the word for test cutting translates literally to “test murdering.”
Swords were tested by making different types of cuts on cadavers, such as thetabi-gata(ankle cut) or theO-kesa(diagonal cut from shoulder to opposite hip). How well swords made these particular cuts determined their worth and desirability, and their performance was oftentimes inscribed on their tang with phrases such as, “Seven bodies with O-Kesa.” Maudlin, perhaps, but if authentic can firmly establish the provenance of an antique and greatly prized weapon. The difficulty of cuts executed would also establish the value of a sword, with the downward diagonal stroke being the easiest and the horizontal cut the hardest.
Today
Modern warriors test their swordsmanship skills by cutting a goza or tatami mat. Prowess is determined by the number of cuts that can be made consecutively on one target or while the swordsman is moving. As with traditional tests, there are also specific cuts used to determine levels of skill for the swordsman. For instance, the Mizu-Gaeshi calls for the sword to cut diagonally up and to the right before cutting horizontally along the same piece before it has fallen to the ground. Thickness of the tatami is also a consideration, as the thicker mats are more difficult to cut.
The more stringent of modern practitioners also demand a high standard for cutting which deems it necessary for the swordsman to control their stance, posture, and control. Much like participation in an Olympic sport, cutters are meticulously judged on every aspect of their performance, even on the way severed pieces drop to the floor. This practice of the “Tobi Kata” states that severed pieces must leave the exit portion of the cut at a perfect ninety-degree angle or will be considered inferior. Observing the highest levels of honor and dedication, these traditional practitioners understand the nature of Bushido for a modern warrior and work diligently to master their craft.
Safety and Perspective
It is not advised to undergo any cutting with your sword unless supervised by a trained sensei in a dojo or other controlled environment. There are a number of variables that can make tameshigiri highly dangerous for the beginning fighter, not the least of which is the quality of the sword used for cutting. It is not uncommon for blades to snap or recoil during tameshigiri, and an untrained swordsman can easily be severely wounded.
For this reason it is advised that beginning practitioners of tameshigiri be taught basic and simple cutting patterns to get used to the feeling of cutting into materials with a blade. Different types of targets will produce various sensations for the swordsman and it's important to get used to these variations before moving on to more complicated cuts.
It should also be noted that many schools of tameshigiri stress the art or practice of cutting as part of a student's overall study rather than their focus. At times tameshigiri can be used in a flashy manner in an attempt to show off, whereas the gentleman-swordsman understands that cutting is largely a way to sharpen their skills as a whole.