Kodokai Dojo

Sword classes are some of our most popular offerings. People from all walks of life find that there is great value in the exercise, discipline and practice of authentic sword martial arts.

At the Kodokai dojo you will learn an authentic sword system brought straight from the source, rich in history and intelligent in design. In fact, we are the only school outside Japan where you can study this school of swordsmanship. 

The style that we practice is "Motobu-ryu Kenjutsu" and we have been asked to teach these skills here in America

This is the only sword method from Okinawa. For centuries most of the population was unarmed. The noble families who developed this method were not, however. It was in their interests to stay in power. Weapons were one way to insure this.

This style is strongly influenced by the Satsuma samurai who occupied the island for 200 years, and by Chinese martial arts. (The noble family frequently traveled to China). This Chinese influence introduced broadswords and double edged swords to this art making it truly a unique system.

This unusual history makes this art different in other ways as well.

• The sword is not carried in the belt. Instead it was carried by an assistant who would hand the sword over should it be needed. By not having the saya (sheath) tied to the belt many techniques are possible that are not found in other sword arts.
  
  
• A sword-bearing assistant was on each side of the nobleman. Since the sword could be handed over from the right or the left, practice is ambidextrous. By developing both sides equally, the techniques are more versatile and the exercise benefits of practice do not neglect either side of the body.
  
  
• Techniques of the sword are easily applied using anything else in place of the sword.
  
  
• Since controlling civil strife was a task of the upper-class, weapon disarms are part of the training. As our late teacher, Taira sensei explained, it wasn't good to kill the taxpayers, better to disarm and arrest them.

Our kenjutsu involves two types of practice. One offers efficient skills for defeating a single enemy. The other specializes in unique skills and tactics for fighting multiple enemies. Techniques may begin with the sword sheathed or already drawn and ready. Practice is both solo and with training partners.

This style is not a modern sport like kendo. It has no fencing contests. It is a martial art first and foremost. It is real. It has always been about developing functional skills and it still is.

Iaido (ee-eye-ee-doe)

Iaido is a study in drawing the sword to cut your enemy with efficiency and power while, at the same time, evading your enemies attack. While we sometimes use the name "Iaido" because it is more easily recognized in the west, our method is actually "Iaijutsu".

Iaijutsu is easy to learn but challenging to master.  There is great depth in the simple-appearing movements. Becoming skillful requires development of great sensitivity to the most subtle details of your movement.

As a Kodokai student you will learn both Kenjutsu and Iaido. They are two halves of one sword system.

Why Learn Sword Arts at Kodokai?

Great exercise.

A practical stick self-defense method.

Focus, stress relief, poise and self-control.

An enjoyable way to meet new friends.

A great addition to other martial arts training.

An enjoyable martial art for those who may not want the rough stuff

Aesthetic appreciation. Holding a well-made sword and practicing ancient and timeless skills feels good!

Beginners classes are Monday  7:55pm- 8:45pm and Wed. 7:10- 8:00-pm.
After some basic instruction (about five weeks) you can also attend on Fridays 6:00- 7:00pm.   
                       
On Tuesdays there is an intermediate practice (after about six months).  8:00-8:45  

Classes are for ages 14 and older, but we do offer youth sword classes for ages 8- 13.