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.
Taira sensei & Takamiyagi Sensei at Kodokai
kendo in Rhode Island, RI kendo
Sunrise Iaido Practice with Takamiyagi Sensei, Okinawa, August 2009
If you would like to learn sword skills you must choose your school carefully. While there are a few legitimate schools around, many schools offer completely fabricated sword methods. Why embarrass yourself learning 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- and they know a bit about the sword in Japan.
Our method is a functional martial art. The techniques are designed for effective self-defense. The sword represents anything that you can use for self-protection; a stick, umbrella, cane, etc... When you are skillful in our Ken-jutsu, a simple stick will make you a very capable adversary.
Our kenjutsu is designed for defeating multiple enemies on the battlefield. We have no blocks or parries and no techniques for backing up. Instead, we are taught to get to the root of the problem- to attack the enemy, not to defend against his attack.
Our Iaido, on the other hand, is not a battlefield method. It is a method for personal protection where the sword is drawn from the scabbard from a sitting or standing position.
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. The same principles are used for sword techniques and empty-hand techniques. Skills 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 7:45pm- 8:35pm and Fridays from 6:10- 7:00pm.
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!
