Core Curriculum

Class overview and format

Class is organized to teach students a foundation of skills before they progress their way through more complex ideas, techniques and strategies. All students train together in a traditional manner when class is in session. There are no “beginner only” classes. Senior students are expected to help new students learn and it takes most people many years to have the skill to use what they learn here.

Class consists of aikijujutsu, iaijutsu, and kenjutsu. These topics are taught all at once and at times taught in blocks depending on what skills need to be taught to keep students learning. The subjects are intermingled to teach principles and connect each component to a single core movement and expression. Progress occurs over months and years. of learning. In classical fashion we use forms or Kata to teach the operating system. Click for an explanation of Kata.

Outside of class, each student is encouraged and expected to practice as much as possible for their own growth and skill building. It is up to you as the student to choose how often you practice knowing that more practice advances you quicker.

Aiki-jujutsu

Aiki-jujutsu is the unarmed application of kenjutus and iaijutsu. It is a legacy of Japan’s feudal era and was developed through generations of intense personal conflict and warfare.

The softness in application of technique evolved because it was the most efficient manner in which the Samurai warrior could defeat his enemy in a world of swords. This art has been distilled from this most absolute of human physical conflict.

Aiki-jujutsu is a hidden or “inner” art in that it is not possible to see what is really making the technique work. As with the strategy of the sword, the main goal is to hide one’s intentions and actions. The basic tenet of Aiki-jujutsu is to never oppose force with force, but to direct and utilize the power of the attack to overthrow the enemy with his own strength.

Kenjutsu

Kenjutsu is the study of the martial application of the Japanese sword. That is to say, it is the art of using the sword in combat. In a classical bugei (military training system) the sword and the unarmed arts are identical in principle and technique. Knowledge of the sword is essential to understanding the unarmed arts of the Samurai. Through kenjutsu we learn to move and adapt to life in more cohesive and spontaneous ways.

Study of the sword brings a depth of comprehension that allows true insight into the Samurai mind. The sword also defines the morality of the Samurai code of bushido. For the Samurai the proper use of the sword was to defend the innocent and the country against evil. An old samurai saying, “satsujinken kastujinken ”, carries the meaning, “The sword that cuts down evil is the sword that gives life”. Having the ability to protect the innocent from evil is the goal of the study of kenjutsu. In essence (as should be the case in all martial arts study) the pursuit of kenjutsu made the samurai warrior a more competent and responsible citizen. This is as true for modern practitioners as it was for warriors in ancient times.

Iai jutsu

Iaijutsu is the rapid deployment of the sword with combative intent. As a classical art Iaijutsu concerns itself with three primary considerations:

- combat application - mental and physical discipline - moral objectives

The ability to rapidly and fluidly draw the sword and successfully engage an enemy was crucial to the samurai both in attack and defense. The techniques for accomplishing this feat are sophisticated and take serious instruction and practice before they can be done safely at speed. Everyone starts with wooden practice swords and eventually live (real and sharp) swords once a student is ready. The fact that our students use a real weapon facilitates both speed and a depth of learning that would not exist if live blades were not used.

Subtle physical movements and mental awareness become second nature to a swordsman. At the higher levels of skill, the opponent is controlled with the swordsman’s will and is unable to attack without being cut down in the process.