A DISPLAY of Samurai skills will take place at a North-East museum.
Colin Young, a highly-trained specialist in the Shodai Ryu Zanshi style of swordsmanship, will demonstrate his skills at the Oriental Museum on Elvet Hill, Durham City, tomorrow.
The swordsman will lead a display of the samurai tradition, which has a dark history.
In the past, warriors would practise their skills on live prisoners or dead bodies, although today's techniques are honed using bails of straw designed to match the resistance of human limbs.
Among the moves being practised by Mr Young will be the kaishaku - the sword stroke used to remove the head of a person committing ritual suicide.
Museum curator Craig Barclay said: "This display promises to offer an exciting glimpse of Samurai sword technique.
"It promises to be an electrifying and informative experience for everyone who attends, whether they be interested in weapons, history or Japanese culture."
The free display gets under way at 2pm.
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