Not only is Chanbara fast, but also heavy and cumbersome protective equipment is not needed. The Japanese public immediately embraced this new full-contact combative sport allowing it to be a member of the Japanese Department of Education. Moreover, instructors began to notice a considerable difference in the way the student's motor skills and reflexes improved. Chanbara had easily done in hours what traditional polishing techniques took months and even years to perfect. From ages 4 to 104, Chanbara has something for every one.
Weekend warriors are able to cut away extra pounds and slash stress levels down to size.
Of course, Chanbara is for the dedicated martial artist who wants to exchange and match wits in the ultimate physical game of chess. 18 inches of tanto is more than a cold shaped piece of metal. The tanto has gone through history as the weapon, which all Samurai men and women held close to them from birth to death. Moreover, the tanto is an extremely versatile working tool and weapon of protection. The tanto was long enough to feign off attacks and short enough to expertly maneuver and manipulate any fighting situation.