I have been doing a lot more active workouts lately. Trying to improve my form and also putting together an instructional video series. My body has been responding in kind. A specific manifestation of this has been the formation of blisters on existing calluses on my hands. Just from noting the location of the calluses it is easy to see where I have been holding my weapons and how my hand has been generating power. Fortunately they confirm my intended hand work and finger form. (I may include a photo, but who wants to look at callused wounded hands anyway?)
I am happy to point out that I only get blisters in two spots on my hand. One on the bottom right side of my thumb from what is called "ring grip", and another at the inside base of my pinky finger. This puts into a concrete view the importance of where you hold your weapon and how you combine closing your grip with your strike to maximize power while remaining energy efficient.
When you are familiar with your weapon you can develop the strength and dexterity to keep it balanced in your had while only having those two points of contact, while also having the ability to open and close the grip, generating power and maintaining control. Many swordsman scholars suggest that the most important finger for weapon fighting is the pinky. (Check out the history of 'Yubitsume') So always remember to keep your smallest finger strong and agile.
I will be making a video about this and linking it up here, but in the mean time I just wanted to put the thought in your head. Let me know if you agree or if you think I am crazy. Keep practicing.
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