Kenjutsu

Two handed Fencing

Description

Ken-jutsu, as opposed to ken-dō, is a system of sword fighting techniques designed for use on the battlefields of old Japan. In Yagyū Shingan-ryū Taijutsu, we use several types of wooden sword for training (Ōdachi, bokutō, kodachi etc.).

The Ōdachi is a thick, heavy, wooden sword with a donut-like tsuba (guard) made of cloth. It is used primarily to develop diaphragmatic breathing (ki development), posture, power and overall control. There are over 50 sword kata in our curriculum.

Yagyu Shinkage Ryu is one of the oldest extant schools of swordsmanship in Japan. During the Warring States period (1467 ? ca.1570), Shinkage Ryu was created by Kamiizumi Ise no kami.

Kata are practiced as a paired from with the instructor in the role of attacker and the pupil in the defensive role. A special bamboo sword is used called a fukuro shinai which is a spliced bamboo pole sheathed in a specially prepared leather.

The style is called Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Heihou. We use the word heihou (strategy) instead of kenjutsu (sword technique) because the school teaches not only techniques for killing but rather a way to see and approach any situation.

What to bring
Clothes and shoes that you are comfortable to move around.