Teaching maai 間合い, the ideas of combative spacing and timing intervals in kenjutsu.
It is difficult to wind through the brambles and thorns of life. It is impossible to escape from the drawing of blood, both metaphorically and …
To learn a traditional bujutsu, koryu or comprehensive martial art is something to approach as a serious endeavor. Learning martial arts is not a hobby. …
Bugei translates as Martial art, Military arts, or Arts of war. Bu 武 means warrior or military. Gei 芸 means art, craft or technique. It …
Beware The Rabbit Holes.
I want to talk about some pitfalls of martial arts training. Although I focus on classical kenjutsu and iaijutsu training, this advice …
This is important to understand when practicing historical or classical martial arts. Although the sword is not part of everyday life and death struggle the …
This video describes basic hand grips (tenouchi) for using a katana (Japanese sword).
The koryū of Japan are not self-defense arts. Although they can be authentic and certainly do deal with the realistic push or pull of an …
Maai 間合い
Combative spacing or maai is important to investigate early on and come to understand. In weapons combat it is essential. Although at some point …
Four Friends. Four Enemies.
One morning while on alms rounds the Buddha gave a heap of advice to the son of a homeowner, Sigala, whom the …
Under the big blue sky, Walk with purpose. せいしょうにへいほうす。青空をすたすた歩く。
Move towards your difficulties (or life in general) with a mind imbued with equanimity. This idea is …
The code of the samurai is always popping up in martial arts circles and popular culture. Written about in the book, Bushido; Soul of Japan …
Budō Is Limitless
When does training end? When do we become a master? The short answer is that it just never really happens. There are no …
From all of us at Shinkan-ryū Kenpō to you, Have a wonderful New Year Celebration. Thank you for your support.
I would like to express my thoughts on the concept of mushin no shin — commonly known as mushin (無心) It is different from munen. …
I will be talking about basics and mastery. Before I begin, I want to say that I use the word mastery in this a few …
鬼は外! 福は内!
In our house we dont use beans to chase out the demons, we use swords.
Just having a little fun during setsubun. I wish everyone …
I'd like to discuss briefly discuss what Budo or Bujutsu means. I’m not a scholar or linguist, but I tried my best to bring you …
Budo does not begin and end when you pass through the dojo, or step on and off a mat. Practicing musha shugyo when you have …
Budo values reflection and compassion. When these are not present it is hard to develop the heart and character for deeper study. The heart or …
For those that lack wisdom the way is difficult.
It is best to consider the three marks of existence; Suffering, Impermanence, and No-self.
We should strive to …
The desire to destroy is within us all. We must overcome this urge to tear others down or damage someone's happiness. Whether it's intentional or …