Rhode Island Kendo, Kendo in RI. Our sword methods come straight from Japan to Rhode Island. Authentic kenjutsu of Motobu Udundi.
The Sword Ken-jutsu & Iaido
Looking for a light exercise that will engage your mind, body and spirit? How about learning how to use a sword?
You don't need any martial arts experience and you are never too old to begin!
Our sword style is called Motobu Udundi Ken-jutsu and we brought it to Rhode Island straight from Okinawa, Japan. This style offers training with a single katana as well as the rare two-sword method.
Takamiyagi & Taira Sensei at Kodokai
kendo in Rhode Island, RI kendo
A broken stick can serve as two swords.
If you would like to learn sword skills you must choose your school carefully. Some schools offer classes after purchasing sword instruction DVD's. There are also those who simply "make-up" sword movements. I have seen their performances and I am embarrassed for them. But why embarrass yourself with silly moves borrowed from Hollywood when you could learn something with historical significance and practical value?
Our sword system did not come from the movies. We went to Japan to learn. You will study a functional martial art where the sword represents anything that you can use for self-protection; a stick, umbrella, cane, etc... The focus is on efficiently defeating multiple attackers. A person trained in real Ken-jutsu, when wielding a simple stick, is a very capable adversary.
At advanced levels, the skills are applicable even without a weapon. A warrior needed to defend himself if his sword broke or was dropped in battle. This method was developed with both sword techniques and empty-hand techniques using the same principles. Many of the techniques are practiced with or without a sword, using either the blade or empty hands to defeat an enemy.
Remember, you don't need previous martial arts training or expensive equipment. To get started you will need a white uniform and a boken. These are inexpensive and available at the Kodokai.
Classes are on Mondays from 7:00pm- 7:50pm and Fridays from 7:20- 8:10pm.
Please give us a call or drop by. You could be enjoying Kenjutsu this week so get in here!
Students must be age 14 or older and must have permission from Sensei. (We do, however, offer sword classes for younger students.)
Trying to find a particular sword method in Rhode Island? There isn't much to choose from and you'd better choose carefully. Remember this simple concept, "Japanese sword methods come from Japan". Before joining anywhere find out where the teacher learned the things that they will teach you. Good luck!
