Rhode Island Kendo, Kendo in RI. Our sword methods come straight from Japan to Rhode Island. Authentic kenjutsu of Motobu Udundi.
Fun, noncompetitive, challenging
Easy to learn, lively moderate exercise
You are never too old to begin
A fascinating historical martial art
And yes, surprisingly practical
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.
While you can learn a few sword movements at most any school, most are taught by karate teachers with no sword credentials. 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.
Our style is "Motobu-ryu Kenjutsu" and we have been asked to teach these skills here in America.
Kenjutsu Instruction, Okinawa 2009
This is the sword method of the Motobu family. The Motobu's were a family of nobility on the island of Okinawa. While most of the population was unarmed, the noble class was not.
This is the only existing sword method from Okinawa. It was strongly influenced by the Satsuma samurai who occupied the island for 200 years, and, since the Motobu family frequently traveled to China, they also studied Chinese martial arts. This included the use of two swords (nito-ryu), broadswords and double edged swords (moroha no ken) making this a very well-rounded system.
This unique history makes this art different from other sword styles in many 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.
Motobu Udundi Ken-jutsu does not include blocking motions. To paraphrase the famous swordsman, Musashi, "If you think you have time to parry and then attack, you are mistaken." Rather than blocking and then countering we enter the opponents attack at an angle that minimizes their effectiveness and we immediately strike.
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.
Our instructors, Takamiyagi sensei and the late Taira sensei, have constantly stressed the practical application of techniques using everyday objects, sticks or even empty hands in place of the sword. The objective is to develop skills that can be applied in a variety of self-defense situations.
This is a great martial art for beginners as well as experienced martial artists. It can change your understanding of distance, entering the attack, use of body movement and weight to deliver power, and can make you better at defending against a weapon.
In these photos Taira sensei demonstrates double sword technique using jagged sticks. The idea is to be able to use whatever you have as weapons for self protection.
Why Learn Sword Arts at Kodokai?
A great exercise for your legs and upper body, and for developing agility and fluidity.
A practical stick self-defense method.
An interesting and ancient art for focus, stress relief, poise and self-control.
An enjoyable way to meet new friends in a safe, respectful but relaxed environment.
A great addition to other martial arts training.
There is an aesthetic appreciation that is difficult to describe. Holding a well-made sword and practicing ancient skills can offer a sense of peace and comfort found in the discipline and refinement of a timeless art. Sword practice feels good.
Taira sensei, Okinawa 2008
Whether your motive is exercise, interest in Japanese arts, preparing for a zombie apocalypse or in learning practical skills, you'll fit in just fine. We have all types of students with all types of abilities and interests.
You don't need any experience to begin. While techniques are not easy to master, they are easy and fun to learn.
We offer practice several times each week. Some come only a few times a month, others never miss a class- whatever works for you.
Beginners classes are Monday 7:55pm- 8:45pm and Wed. 7:00- 8:00-pm. After some basic instruction (about five weeks) you can also attend on Fridays6:00- 7:00pm. On Tuesdays there is an intermediate practice (after about six months). 8:00-8:45
Our sword classes also include training in Iaido (drawing the sword and making a cut). Click here for information on Iaido (sword drawing) .
Students must be age 14 or older and have permission from Sensei. We also offer sword classes for younger students. Please see our Kids Sword Classes.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
