Training
New students are first introduced to training in fundamental skills: stances, footwork, striking, grappling, ground engagement and receiving. These must be trained rigorously to create a firm foundation. Fundamentals are never abandoned, and always returned to.
The core of training is in seven distinct schools ("ryu") of Japanese martial arts: Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, Kukishin Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Togakure Ryu, and Jinen Ryu. Each school has different techniques and emphasis. By studying each technique in order, students learn the logic and unique movements of the lineage. Ultimately, a student will probably gravitate to the ryu that best suits his/her body and movement type, while becoming familiar with the techniques from the other ryu.
Currently, we offer three classes a week, focusing on different topics. All students are welcome to attend all classes: at this point, there is no distinction between "junior" and "advanced" classes:
Classical Jujutsu (Mondays)
Monday classes are dedicated to Classical Jujutsu, “the supple art” of unarmed self-protection. We examine six distinct traditional styles of jujutsu: some favour direct strikes and kicks, while other styles prefer to combine timing and evasion with throws and joint locks. Together these ryu-ha, or classical schools, cover the full spectrum of unarmed techniques, including striking, kicking, locking and throwing, and ground engagement. We begin training from a set of common fundamentals, to both provide students with a solid foundation and a reference point. We eventually progress towards examining each school indepth, and students can see which movements and styles work best for them. Training occurs in a setting of mutual respect for all students and partners.
Kenjutsu (Wednesdays)
Our Wednesday classes are dedicated to Kenjutsu, or “sword art”. These practical techniques evolved during the Japanese feudal period. Practicing with a sword strengthens the upper body, sharpens timing, distance, and rhythm, and teaches awareness and respect for the weapon. Anyone curious about Japanese culture can learn a lot from this austere and focused practice. Over the next year, we will progress through kodachi (short sword), shinobi-gatana (ninja sword) and katana (full-length sword). Our Kenjutsu is drawn from three distinct schools: the Jinen Ryu, which is our fundamental school and was created by Manaka Sensei himself to distill essential lessons in sword technique; the Togakure Ryu, which favored a shorter sword and mixes using the sword in conventional and unconventional ways; and the Kukishin Ryu, which teaches a battlefield-worthy method of sword use.
Bojutsu (Sundays) *NEW*
Note: Bojutsu class will now be outside for the remainder of the summer. Class is dependent on the weather. Students will not need to wear gi, but should bring water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: train smart!
Our most recent addition is Bojutsu class on Sundays. Bojutsu includes all the traditional stick and staff arts of Japan, such as the Rokushaku Bo (six-foot staff), Jo (four or five-foot cane/walking stick), and Sanjyaku Bo or Hanbo (three-foot stick, or half-staff). Our Bojutsu descends from the Kukishin Ryu tradition, and is very well developed. Bojutsu includes methods of striking, thrusting, receiving, and moving with the Bo. Each class, after beginning with a review of basic techniques, we expand into studying the traditional kata, which are coordinated against an partner with a sword. As students must learn to combine timing, distance and rythm with combined strikes and constant movement into and out of range, Bojutsu is dynamic and exciting by its very nature, and a real aerobic workout!
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