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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2011 14:44:47 GMT
I live in West Java, Indonesia. here in my place was very difficult to get a tatami omote, but as the alternative there's plenty of mat that I usually use for my cutting pratice. here's some example of mats that I've got: the mat was sold as 2 sheets, each size is about 90" x 36"  when I rolled single mat the diameter reach about 3.5" (dried), and 4" (soaked).  for illustration, the mats which stands beside the basket is 4 mats rolled for each; just right below my katana is 2 rolled mat; and in front of it just a single mat rolled. Since I've never seen a real Japanese tatami omote, I'm very curious about standardized one. Anyone can tell me how big or what size the diameter for a standard single rolled tatami omote? Thanks. |
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Post by Maynar on May 13, 2011 16:51:08 GMT
Looks like you're onto a good thing already. I have a suggestion: your mats are tied with ribbon, two ties per target.
I would increase that to five ties per target. Two nearer each end and one in the middle, or evenly spaced along the length of the target, experiment to see what you prefer. I find this increases the number of cuts I can make on a given target before it is spent.
With only two ties, the mat will unravel quickly once the top tie is cut.
Good luck!
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TomK
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Post by TomK on May 13, 2011 20:03:23 GMT
the standard tatami omote mats are about 36 " x 71.5 " and are made out of the stems of the "soft" or "common rush" named juncus effusus (scientific name) see also: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juncus_effususI cannot remember exactly how thick the rolls are for singles but I think they are about 3-4 inches or so across so about the same size as what you have. the big difference in mats is made by the size of the reed or stem used. most other mats like you get from Hanwei/Bugei or those beach mats use much larger diameter reeds. this means that when rolled and soaked they are less dense and therefor easier to cut but they still perform the same basic function and are good targets. |
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2011 1:59:20 GMT
yes you're right, I prefer to make a single roll to be cut as much as I can, well at least I should be able to make a rokudan giri on a single roll, thus your suggestion will be very helpful.
I'll definitely do the ties. Thanks.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2011 2:12:27 GMT
These mat was made from Frimbistylis globulosa or so called "mendong" (that's what people called for this plant here).
The reeds is smooth,, I don't find any broken reed even when the mat's folded.
one more question, I soaked these mat for a night but I checked it still tough enough to be cut,
so, how long it should be soaked to make a good and safe target?
Thanks.
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TomK
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Post by TomK on May 14, 2011 2:53:49 GMT
general rule of thumb is 12 hours at a minimum for tatami but some mats like much longer. the Hanwei mats I have used wanted more like 18 minimum and for both them and tatami you will not do bad by soaking them a full day or more. the mats when rolled tight should get a lot stiffer and dense feeling. if the fibers shift easily against each other when you squeeze it then it isn't done.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2011 4:43:30 GMT
I see, perhaps that was the reason why I feel so difficult to cut a single roll, but not soaked one, just pour some water onto it.. phewph..
OK, I'll continue my practice and when I got a good result I'll posted it here.
Thanks a lot, guys.
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2011 23:18:29 GMT
finaLLy I couLd do the rokudan-giri, even its not perfect yet, at Least I understand why its so hard to make such a "cLean cut" even its just a soaked mat.  |
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