Ittō Tenshin Ryū
Kenjutsu - The Art and Science of Japanese Swordmanship
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Kenjutsu is the art of swordsmanship, and considered the most highly respected of all Japanese martial arts. Generations of swordsmen have devoted their lives to the study of every conceivable variation in the use of the weapon. Those swordsmen laid the groundwork for the strategic and philosophical aspects of the art, penetrating to the very core of conflict itself.
Kenjutsu is an art for those who wish to develop themselves both physically and spiritually. It includes an integral study of strategy, which can be applied to many situations in daily life. With ceaseless dedication, kenjutsu students throw themselves into the grit and necessity of their work, and are enriched with the unique benefits which only few could understand.
The practice of Ittō Tenshin-ryū kenjutsu is particularly suited to those students seeking the depth and sophistication of weapons arts, students who are ready to pursue precise, dynamic, and physically challenging training that is also intellectually demanding. Derived from Ittō-ryū, Ittō Tenshin-ryū is a relatively modern style of swordsmanship dating to around 1900, and differs from the older style primarily in its focus and the manner in which it is taught. Ittō Tenshin-ryū training emphasizes the development of a strong and committed spirit, and practices are conducted in a structured class format allowing students of vastly different levels of experience and ability to practice together, building a powerful sense of community and shared purpose.
In addition to practicing paired, combative forms with long and short wooden swords (bokken), students of Ittō Tenshin-ryū enjoy an extensive curriculum of solo forms with live, steel swords (shinken), as well as supplemental study of other weapons of the samurai, including the yari (spear), naginata (halberd), and jō (four-foot staff). The style also incorporates a wide variety of jūjutsu techniques for use by a swordsman to impede or disarm an opponent, or to regain the upper hand when an opponent attempts to grapple with the swordsman.
Persons desiring to train in Ittō Tenshin-ryū must acquire a Japanese sword, approved for use in class. Fortunately, there are now a wide variety of sources for proper katana of modern manufacture, some of which are modestly priced but authentic in design and entirely acceptable for use in training. We can provide recommendations. The required uniform and wooden weapons can be ordered through the dōjō.
Persons applying to train in swordsmanship must be aged 16 years or older.