[2] As with any weapon, bearers would often find one best suited to their build, opting often for one that comes up to about waist/hip height.
Although techniques with a cane in this ryū-ha utilize pulling or hooking and possess one rounded end, they invariably function the same as a hanbō in all other respects.
Masaaki Hatsumi says that one who wishes to be a swordsman should first master hanbō techniques, since it can be held and utilized in a similar fashion to a Japanese sword (but without the cutting edge).
When utilized properly (parrying by deflecting the sword by striking the flat parts of the blade), it can be used against a katana.
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