月山神陰流
Over the last twenty years I have studied several approaches to kenjutsu. Over time, my primary approach has become the Kashima-shinden Jikishinkage-ryū (
Curriculum
I have taken to shortening that name Gassankan Jikishinkage-ryū (
The practice I maintain includes introductory suburi, walking methods called unpō, combined walking and cutting methods, paired kata practice of the Hōjō (four seasons) kata and to no kata (tactical kata). We conduct analysis of kata in a process called kuzushi and pressure testing in free practice called tameshi-ai. Later, we do the same with kodachi (small sword) and explore older versions of Hōjō with swords instead of shinai in a practice called habiki. Finally, we explore grappling applications with kodachi we call kogusoku and explore armored swordsmanship.
How To Train
The following individuals have trained with me to the following levels of practice:
- Jake Harlin, shoden
- Nicky Sayah Sina, shoden
- Anthony Smith, nyumon
- Ryan Baisden, nyumon
Jake Harlin and Nicky Sayah Sina now lead a weekly kata practice at the Lonin League martial arts cooperative in Seattle. I call their ongoing practice Tōsha Dōjō – it is open to new members after an interview process and probationary training period.