But in our modern times it has become the art of improving mind, body and weapon co-ordination through combat training . In Ken Jutsu the senses become finely tuned as well as awareness, concentration and physical or mental co-ordination . Since attacks and defences are often practised with two opponents facing each other, a temporary lack of concentration or miscalculation may result in serious injury . In the beginning stages a student will learn body positioning with the sword, parry, cut, thrust, proper drawing and etiquette with the sword, as well as how to disarm or prevent an opponent from drawing his sword and how to draw the sword even though prevented from doing so . In advanced stages the student will learn to use the shorter swords alone or in combination with the longer sword.
Tori yields to the cut and guides it safely past.
Tori now retaliates with a horizontal cut. Uke drops low to avoid the cut. The Japanese Katana, one of the finest blades ever made is usually the focal point and is held in high esteem . Little is ever said about the artists who made them or the artist who wields the sword . In fact in some systems more attention is placed on sword etiquette than anything else .