There is a common saying that every master was once an apprentice, which is very accurate. The popularity and the crafts involved in creating a Japanese sword have triggered many people to develop an interest in learning its processes. Are you considering taking on a japanese swordsmith apprenticeship?
A number of these people are willing to become the heir of Japanese swordsmithing. The craft of Japanese swordsmiths is iconic, and everyone wants to tap from the craft’s pride and glory.
There are no practical standards for becoming a Japanese sword apprentice. Most of the steps involved are spontaneous, and even foreigners have tried learning them.
So, you must be ready to go through the learning process. Several information sources can help you become a Japanese apprenticeship for swordsmiths, but none is as useful as learning directly from a master.
Starting a Japanese apprenticeship is not tricky, and it should be a thing of pride. You won’t have to push too hard for it if you know the right steps to follow. This guide will help you on how to become a swordsmith.
How Apprenticeship Works In Japanese Swordsmithing
The apprenticeship of Japanese swordsmithing includes learning techniques of forging and the conditions that allow perfect forging. Likewise, the apprentice will also learn how to create metal and all metallurgy forms involved in the process.
The classical form of an apprenticeship involves the apprentice staying with his master and his family. In this type of learning, the apprentice learns about the trade, but he also assists his master with some other things like house chores.
However, a more diversified approach has gradually replaced the classical apprenticeship since the start of the 21st century. The new formats are now influenced by certain factors that include financial, social, and cultural considerations. Most apprentices live by themselves and only go to meet their masters each day.
Conditions to Be Accepted As an Apprentice
There are no standards to starting a japanese swordsmith apprenticeship, but there are still some conditions that the aspiring apprentice must meet before most masters can accept him/her. Most Japanese master swordsmiths consider some salient factors that include:
Experience and ability
Experience and existing knowledge are quite vital to becoming a Japanese swordsmithing apprentice. You must have experience with basic blacksmith techniques and forge. You cannot develop a sword without these basic techniques.
Your swordsmithing master might not feel the responsibility of taking you through the basics.
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Your attitude towards learning is another necessary condition and japanese swordsmith apprenticeship is not an exception. Most masters find it hard to cope with an apprentice that is reluctant to learn. Even as an apprentice, you might get frustrated during the learning process if you don’t have the right enthusiastic drive.
The willingness to learn will help you catch up quickly with the process.
Academic background and curriculum vitae
Although most masters don’t see academic background as necessary, it will give you an edge when finding the right Japanese master swordsmith. There is a general belief that educated blacksmiths learn faster and are more disciplined.
The curriculum vitae will show how far the apprentice has gone with blacksmithing. Having an educational background in the blacksmith-related field will undoubtedly give you an edge with your dream master. So,consider getting a background knowledge before starting your japanese swordsmith apprenticeship.
Modesty and silence
Modesty is vital to anything we do in life. Things we do with humility usually give the best result. Modesty tells a lot about an individual’s personality, and it is generally on the list of what some masters consider.
Patience and honesty
Patience is a virtue. You cannot learn Japanese swordsmithing in a rush. You have to be patient and be ready to go through the process.
Everybody only wants to deal with an honest individual. Japanese swordsmith masters might not cope with a dishonest apprentice. So, it is one of the conditions they evaluate before saying yes to an apprentice.
Flexibility with an open mind
Flexibility will aid your learning process. It will help you to learn, unlearn, and relearn because learning never ends. Besides assisting your learning process, flexibility and an open mind will boost your creativity.
Don’t forget that creativity is one of the cores of a successful japanese swordsmith apprenticeship.
Sustained effort and devotion
Sustained effort, dedication, and commitment are the things that will keep you going till the end. No master wants an apprentice that will stop learning halfway to avoid waste of effort. So, they must see a trait of commitment and devotion before they take you.
Social status and nationality
Social class and nationality is not a barrier, but it is a worthy consideration. The status can tell a lot of things about an individual. It helps masters to have an overview of overview.
However, it is worth noting that Japanese swordsmithing is not gender restricted; therefore, sex is not a serious consideration for most masters.
How To Find A Master That Will Take You As An Apprentice
Most masters, particularly the good ones, are often reluctant to take an apprentice for reasons best known to them. However, you can still find your way to becoming an apprentice under a valid master if you can navigate your way.
First and foremost, you have to relocate to Japan to eliminate the distance barriers and increase proximity. You can then start getting in touch with different swordsmiths once you have fully settled down. This stage requires real patience as finding one is not that easy.
Keep in contact with the swordsmith and get yourself a Japanese guarantor before making your intention of being an apprentice known to the potential master. You might be lucky to get accepted on the go, or you might have to keep coming back. You might have to impress your potential master with your persistence, patience, and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Becoming a Japanese sword apprentice or starting with japanese swordsmith apprenticeship is not easy because most masters are reluctant to take them. Even though there are no precise standards for taking an apprentice, you can still navigate your way to getting one if you meet specific criteria. However, you must ensure to have freed yourself and create time to find and bond to your potential master.