Classes
Sword Class
Class Times
Wednesday 7:30p
Sunday 5:30p
Classes focus the student in three major areas of study
Kata, which can be described as pre arranged movements with the sword, is performed both seated and standing. The study of this is a solo endeavor and is responsible for gaining some critical aspects of awareness of the self and of the sword.
Technical and tactical drill with both steel swords and with bokken (wooden swords). These drills include both cutting and blocking methods and techniques as well as tactical study of entry and dispatch. These drills not only teach the student the technical aspects of sword fighting, but they also reinforce awareness of timing and distance with regards to an opponent.
Shobu, which is essentially a free form fight with bokken or sometimes a specialized tool called fukuroshinai (split bamboo sword that has been covered with leather) used by advanced students. This is perhaps the most stark difference between the art of Kaishin ryu kenjutsu and the world’s most common sword art of musoshinden ryu iaido. This is also where the art of Kaishin ryu kenjutsu finds its nexus. All other areas of training reinforce this functional expression of the art. At higher levels of training, these matches are very much like chess, in that the mental positions of the combatants are required to be as sharp as any physical technique. Strategies and tactics built upon the other areas of study begin to emerge and a very elegant expression of shobu is a result.
Schedule a Visit
If you are interested in training please feel free to stop by and visit a class. Visitors are always welcomed. Please let us know by clicking the Contact Us button.