Gensanchi no Kitsune

Air Earth Fire Water Void Index

Ka or hi, meaning FIRE, represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world. Animals, particularly predators, capable of movement and full of forceful energy, are primary examples of ka objects. Bodily, ka represents our metabolism and body heat, and in the mental and emotional realms, it represents drive and passion. Ka can be associated with motivation, desire, intetion, and an outgoing spirit. Besides the obvious examples of heat and flame, lightning can also be thought of as an extension of ka.

Martial Arts and Weapons

The thrill of the hunt, the mark of the predator; it only seems natural that I'd include my combat related interests here. For several years throughout the 1990's I studied swordplay and martial arts, as well as belonging to a paintball league and a regular laser skirmish game. During the mid 2000's I received a temporary hand-gun license and fired of a few rounds fairly successfully as well.

Beyond these general displays of martial prowess, I've also collected a few weapons. Mostly swords, but if the current world as we know it ends in 2012 (as the Aztecs have believed for centuries) then it pays to be prepared. Many of the weapons I own (such as the katana we used at our wedding) are currently in secure storage, and I hope to get better archival pictures of them shortly.

None of these weapons has ever been used in violence, and I pray that they never do get used in this manner. Besides, my wife is often telling me that the most dangerous weapon I possess is probably our car (given the way I drive when I get in a bad mood).

Real Weapons

Wedding Katana

We had a traditional Japanese wedding, and as a joke I pulled out my Katana to cut the wedding cake. This met with a roar of approval from the crowd, so we simply had to go through with it. Since the wedding, the Katana has been in secure storage. There are a few other stories involving that Katana, but most of them would be more suitable for subscription payment websites.

Black Katana

Knowing my fondness of swords, Leah bought me this Katana for Christmas in 2007.

Tanto

Barely more than a dagger, the tanto is a very short bladed weapon. Historically it has tended to be used more in suicides than in combat.

Ninjato

I've heard this type of sword called a Ninjato many times, but this simple translates as "Ninja Sword". Ninja's would use whatever implements were available as weapons, so it's strike me odd that a straight bladed swotrd should carry their name.

Ornate Dagger

Leah and I bought this together, and we both claim it as our own.

Mock Weapons

Genhenna

I bought Gehenna while I was working at Australia's Wonderland on a space themed ride. I then painted it up to make it look more authentic and modified the inner workings somewhat. At one stage you could get backpacks for added liquid ammunition, and I wish I had bought one when they were still around. One day I might get around to steampunking a water reserve for it.

Toy Swords

I've done plenty of live-action roleplaying, and in many of these events there is a ban on real weapons, so it pays to have plenty of fake weapons available.

Image credits and Fine Print

Unless otherwise indicated, all images on this website are copyright 2008 Michael Wenman. All Rights Reserved.

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