Yuèshān-guan is read Gassankan in Japanese — while internal martial arts training is my primary focus, I continue to practice classical sword methods (kenpō) from Japan I learned before moving to Seattle.
After moving to Seattle in 2016, I continued to work on the classical sword methods I had learned at the Hobyokan and Capital Aikikai. Eventually, I started working with a small number of people to continue my practice, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to engage in freestyle pressure testing.
The product of this effort is Tōsha Dōjō, led by Nicky Sayah Sina and Jake Harlin, which meets as part of Lonin League. Weekly training includes:
- Foundational walking and cutting practices.
- Four seasons arrangement of foundational kata.
- Tactical exchanges performed with leather-wrapped shinai.
- Analysis of kata in a process of deconstruction (kuzushi).
- Free practice called jigeiko.
I continue to mentor this activity as time permits. Inquiries can be made through Lonin at the link above.