Lec Foldy Sheet

Mizuno
Mizuno was first
On 16 April 1848, Mizuno was announced as a top-class
sword and lance player of British origin. He was the eldest son
in the Mitsuzawa family that had lived for over a century in
Niigata Prefecture. He was an eminent yōkai artist who painted
drawings of the Kumano dynasty. The Mizuno clan operated a
wealthy trading empire throughout Japan for nearly three
centuries, supplying vital raw materials to the new industrial
era that we know today as the Meiji era. The first generation
Mizuno disciples inherited their father's interest in this
game and continued it when he died, forming a clan on the basis
of his first name. The second generation, son of a descendant of
the first generation, joined his father's brother. The third
generation began to interest themselves in studying the subject
that became known in Japan as seki yo, whose practitioners were
officially ennobled with the traditional Masamune family title. The
rest of the clan became known for their artistic talent and
philosophical approach. When the Meiji era came, they were still
among the best players in the world.
With the creation of
Mizuno's high rank, the clan adopted a new style of fencing
that emphasized attack and defensive action to the extreme. The
Mitsuzawa style reflects the tastes and political concerns of
Japan at the time. The Mizuno style of fencing was originally
based on swords with a bladed tip, but in time it became
associated with light, curved blades. Traditional Japanese
hilarity now focused on creating fun. Professional players spoke
of their use of gels and oils to heighten their skill. Professional
athletes honed their skills in much the same manner, using
conditioner, lubricant, and mouthwash. It was the style that gave
Mizuno his high rank and subsequently that of his samurai disciples.
By the mid-1930's, he was
famed in the West for his innovation and control of his game.