劍法

I maintain a practice of sword methods 劍法 (kenpō or jianfa) derived from classical kenjutsu I have been fortunate to learn as informed by my continued internal martial arts training.

UPDATE: I only mentor a small number of people in kenpō and am not accepting new students at this time. Please see below for some recommended training resources.

Much of my focus lies in preserving Taoist methods of power development centered around the combative use of the sword that are not often found in contemporary Japanese martial arts. This focus on posture, distance, timing, body alignment, awareness of angle and centerline, balance, stability, power generation and resolve forms the core of our practice.

Katageiko

The practice of classical kata, called katageiko, serves as a foundational practice and frame of reference from which we can begin to understand the core principles of swordsmanship and develop our skill.

Kuzushi

The analysis and deconstruction of kata in order to cultivate a deep level of insight and the ability to use teachings encoded in kata freely.

Tameshi-ai

Having developed a foundation and then explored variation, we are then in a good position to begin a free practice of pressure testing called tameshi ai, to bring out the spontaneous and intuitive mindset necessary for developing higher levels of skill.

Training Logistics

Two of my students lead a weekly practice as Tōsha Dōjō ( 闘者 道場 ), which is part of a HEMA cooperative called Lonin League and is centered around the practice and analysis of introductory kata drawn from the historical Kashima-shinden Jikishinkage-ryū I learned at the Hōbyōkan.

Bibliography

  1. Hall, D.A., 2012. Encyclopedia of Japanese martial arts. Kodansha USA.
  2. Hall, D.A., 2013. The Buddhist goddess Marishiten: a study of the evolution and impact of her cult on the Japanese warrior. Global Oriental.
  3. Iwasa, M., 2005. Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryu. The Origin of Samurai Swordsmanship from Kashima Shrine. Samurai-Bushido Society.
  4. Yamada, J., 1927. Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū 鹿島神傳直心影流. Suishinsha.
  5. Amdur, E., 2015. Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions--Expanded Edition (2nd Edition). Freelance Academy Press.
  6. Amdur, E., 2018. Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training within Japanese Martial Traditions (2nd Edition). Freelance Academy Press.
  7. Friday, K.F. and Seki, F., 1997. Legacies of the Sword: The Kashima-Shinryu and Samurai Martial Culture. University of Hawaii Press.
  8. Knutsen, R., 2004. Rediscovering budo: From a swordsman's perspective. Global Oriental.
  9. Krastev, G., Allera, A. and Takahiro Y. 2023. Unravelling the Cords: The Instructions of a Master in the Tradition of Taisha-ryū. Purple Cloud Books.
  10. Skoss, D., 1997. Koryu Bujutsu: classical warrior traditions of Japan. BookBaby.
  11. Sugino, Y. and Ito K., 1941. Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto-ryu Kyohan (English Translation, 2016) Lulu . ISBN 1326770500
  12. Ohgami, S. and Threadgill, T., 2020. Shindo Yoshin Ryu: History and Technique.