The Beginner Membership is designed for those just starting their journey into the appreciation and study of Japanese swords and fittings. Members will receive access to articles discussing the fundamentals of kantei (sword appraisal), learning how to recognize key features of blades, schools, gokaden (5 sword traditions), and the time periods in which they were made. The program also includes an overview of tosogu (sword fittings), exploring the artistry, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind these essential components of the samurai tradition.
In addition to study materials, members are invited to participate in monthly collectors’ meetings via Zoom, where experts and fellow enthusiasts share insights, conduct guided exercises, and answer questions in an open, welcoming format. Some topics have included: discussion on various schools/traditions, member show-and-tell opportunities featuring swords from prestigious schools, sword-buying advice, as well as information on the NBTHK and the papers awarded to swords and fittings after shinsa (judgement) in Japan. To support ongoing discussion and community, members will also gain access to a private Discord channel, providing opportunities to connect with peers, exchange resources, and build confidence in their studies.
This tier offers the perfect foundation for anyone interested in developing a deeper appreciation of the Japanese sword and its rich cultural history. It does not include reciprocal memberships with the Northern California Japanese Sword Club (NCJSC) nor the NBTHK Japan branch and thus will not allow for submission of blades and fittings to shinsa. That will require a full NBTHK-AB membership.