Test Cutting, or Tameshigiri became widespread during the Edo period in Japan for testing the quality of swords. Although bamboo and rice mats were used, human bodies were the preferred material for test cutting. The bodies would be either cadavers or condemned criminals. There were a variety of cuts that could be done, kesagiri (hip to shoulder) for example. The number of bodies cut and the type of cut was sometimes recorded on the nakago of the sword. In modern times art of Tameshigiri still exists, but human bodies have been replaced with bamboo and straw mats. Where the original sword tests were designed to test the quality of the sword, today's tests are designed to test the quality of the swordsman.

These mats are Tatami Omote.  'Omote' is the top layer of Tatami mats that presents a harder target than Wara.  The mats are also double the length of regular Goza Wara.

• Overall Length: 152 "
• Material: Straw Mats
• Overall Width: 39.25 "
• Condition: Brand New