Those who practice Chanbara are masters of the sword - one of the world's deadliest and most proficient weapons. The sword has long been representative of a person's power and wealth. It has also been used for combat and self-defense, ceremonies and traditions.

Chanbara - also known as Goshindo - came about when martial arts masters got together in 1969 and reinvented "the art of practice," a new way of thinking about sword techniques.

Practitioners of Chanbara are the modern samurais. They use samurai techniques while also practicing more modern techniques, incorporating both into a higher art form.

Chanbara swords are made out of flexible plastics. This has increased their popularity, because they are much safer now. Combatants must wear a light head mask for protection as well.

Chanbara is part of the Japanese Department of Education and Recreation. It is also one of the fastest-growing combative sports in the United States. "Chanbara" loosely translates to "sword fighter."