Tsuba

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The tsuba, a circular or square guard at the end of the grip, plays a crucial role in bladed Japanese weapons such as katanas, their variations like tachi and wakizashi, and others including naginata. It contributes to the weapon's balance and protects the hand from harm. The primary function of the tsuba is to prevent the hand from slipping onto the blade during thrusts rather than shielding it from an opponent's attack. The chudan no kamae guard position is defined by the tsuba and the curvature of the blade. Typically, a katana tsuba measures 7.5-8 centimeters in diameter, while a wakizashi tsuba ranges from 6.2 to 6.6 cm, and a tantō tsuba averages 4.5-6 cm in diameter.