How exactly should I grip my full size katana bokken?

by Daniel
(United States of America)

I was wondering, how I should grip my full size Katana Bokken/Bokuto? I have tried a thumbs up grip and a loose fist grip with my thumb wrapped so it only touches my index fingernail.

Answer: I am not too sure what you mean by full size katana bokken. Basically, how we hold a sword (shinai, bokuto/bokken, katana) is the same. If you have not watched this video, How to Begin Your Training in Kendo Part II, you can go and watch it here. This will help you with how to grab your sword.

Depending on senseis or kenjutsu schools, I am sure there are some other ways to grab a sword. You can see one way in the video.