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 ideas of the true swordsman are universal to become better humans and increasing the quality of our lives.
Even though swordsmen are antiquated, the mindset of one is not.
ラジカスキー真照
館長Saneteru Radzikowski is the head sword instructor of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō. He lives and teaches Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu from Nara, Japan.
Loyalty is one of the shining points in any list about the virtues important to the samurai. There are endless stories about loyal warriors doing …
Present and switched on
The method of critically watching practice is commonly referred to as Mitorigeiko. Last week I was having conversations with one of my …
What is the difference between munen and mushin? These concepts outline the ideal mental state for the bushi, or warrior of Japan. Attaining either munen …
I once had an interaction with someone who referred to their school as a genuine samurai school. They insisted their school was authentic and that …
免許皆伝 Menkyo Kaiden and Koryu Proliferation
Mention menkyo or menkyo kaiden around some martial artists and looks of admiration abound.You hear koryū practitioners or people looking …
Practice is life.
Life is practice.
Enjoy them together.
Enjoying morning keiko outdoors. The smell of plum blossom and sounds of the birds. The whistle of the sword …
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you that were kind and supported us in the past year. Also my best wishes to …
When people want to find a martial arts teacher, do they often think of mister Miyagi? Or Some similar lone white-bearded master who is tending …
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 …
You can jump and twirl around and whip about your sword as quick as you want. If you aren't applying grounded techniques with your body …
The mental issues involved with subscribing to someone you dislike, hate, have anger towards, desire to ridicule or act maliciously, is very real and …
Joe is a bit of a jerk.Joe joins a dojo.Joe practices martial arts for 12 years.Joe is still a jerk.
We've all met Joe. At least …
Why make the distinction between martial art and combat skill? I believe that combat skills require a different paradigm of training than that of traditional …
Martial artists should be aware of what can live in the shadow of righteousness; jealousy is a subtle thing. It can ruin our practice and …
Someone asked, “What value is there in martial arts training?”
I reflected, what do I value in martial arts? Why do we practice? I have been …
In #budo as well as life, in general, we should avoid wasting time. We need to be vigilant and stand guard against being caught up …
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 …
There is a saying, "You get out of it what you put into it." It is pretty self-evident, however, that is not how I see …
This video describes basic hand grips (tenouchi) for using a katana (Japanese sword).
Be thankful for your mistakes, failures, and blunders.
They are your own teacher reminding you of the middle and correct way.
Be mindful of your shortcomings. Just …
「武は戈を止むるの義なれば少しも争心あるべからず」斎藤弥九郎神道無念流練兵館
斎藤弥九郎
Saito Yakuro, Shindō Munen Ryu instructor of the famous Renpeikan in Edo once said that the character for bu in budō 武道 is made …
As a martial arts instructor, or school, or especially if you're representing an authentic Japanese "koryū" you have a responsibility for safety.
If you are a …