Tulwar hilt and disc pommel.....the reason for their design

[katana]

Tulwar hilts....small ...and the disc pommel catches the back of the hand...perhaps Asians had smaller hands?......Comments like these are often mentioned about Tulwar hilts. I think I may have the answer.....we are used to 'standard' sword 'play' and as such see the hilt as a problem. However, I found these interesting short videos that show Martial Art forms for the Tulwar, the Gatka still practiced by Sikhs.

You will need Microsoft Media Player to view these files.

http://www.warriorsaints.com/media/v...ngleSword1.wmv

http://www.warriorsaints.com/media/v...ngleSword2.wmv

http://www.warriorsaints.com/media/v...ngleSword3.wmv

http://www.warriorsaints.com/media/v...ladebattle.wmv

As can be seen, rather than the sword being an extention of the arm, the whole upper body is used to direct blows and slashes, which requires less wrist motion. The small hilt and large pommel ensure the sword is not 'lost' in the frenzy of battle.

What do you think.........................