Kenjutsu & Iaido Japanese sword arts straight from the source
Many people find great value in the exercise, discipline and practice of our sword arts. We teach an authentic sword system brought straight from Japan, rich in history and intelligent in design.
We teach the art of "Ryukyu Oke Hiden Motobu-ryu Udundi". It is a "Ko-ryu" recognized by the Nihon Kobudo Kyo-kai in Japan. This means that it is an "old style" rather than a modernized method.
This style was brought from the old days of the Ryukyu Kingdom into our times by a man named Seikichi Uehara. He lived to be 100 years of age and passed away in 2004. He taught our teachers.
If you believe that sword training is not practical you are not the first to think this way. You would be surprised, however, to find out how wrong you were! Skills with the sword transfer to anything else you may be holding in your hand- or to your bare hands. As Taira sensei, our late teacher, said, "All is ken (everything is a sword)".
All of our martial arts, like other samurai methods, were designed around use of the sword. Our empty-handed skills use the same principles that are practiced in sword classes. A warrior needed to be able to continue even if he dropped or broke his sword so it made sense to develop skills that were applicable even without a sword in hand. A person skilled in a true kenjutsu method can use anything held in the hands to block, trap or counter an attack.
Takamiyagi sensei at Kodokai
This style uses both the left and right hands, rarely is this seen in Japanese methods. Ambidextrous practice develops strength and agility in both sides of the body rather than leaving one side undeveloped. It is also beneficial to those who are left handed.
Because the royal families frequently traveled to China, his style also includes the use of double edged swords and broadswords. The use of two swords (nito-ryu) is also a substantial part of this style.
Iaido
Iaido is a study in drawing the sword to cut your enemy while evading your enemies attack. Iaido is easy to learn but challenging to master- there is great depth in the simple-appearing movements. Becoming skillful requires development of sensitivity to the most subtle details of your movement.
Iaido and kenjutsu are not separate practices in our dojo. They are two sides of the same coin and should not be divided for commercial exploitation.
This is a superb discipline for improving mental focus and inner calm. As we strive for the ability to respond to a sudden attack from everyday standing or sitting positions, or while walking, we need to develop a calm but highly alert mental state and superb posture. As you gain experience, the coming together of your mind and body, and the ability to control your physical and mental poise, are significant benefits of this practice.
Okinawa, Japan with Taira Sensei
The addition of sword study can help any martial artist improve their skills. The sword relates to all techniques. Sword experience changes the way you view distance, efficiency, speed, focus and relaxed power.
And it's fun.
Want to know more about the sword arts at Kodokai?
Take a look at some photos of our practice here and in Japan.
