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About the Styles

Aikijutsu:

Aikijutsu is an unarmed Japanese martial art tracing its roots back to Daito-ryu aikijujutsu and is closely related to Japanese swordsmanship. Aikijutsu stresses a softer and slower type of movement, with power to be added only after perfect technique is achieved. Most of the techniques, when done properly, require only a few ounces of pressure to yield rather spectacular results.     
 
The motion is almost entirely circular, and the techniques are divided into two major categories: projections and immobilizations. In either category, rather than resist an attack, the student will smoothly blend with it and then either throw the attacker or take him down with a joint lock.
 
Aikijutsu students learn to neutralize attacks by throwing or pinning an opponent, most often by means of locking one or more of the opponent’s joints. Because the opponent is controlled through a mechanical linkage, rather than by application of pain, aikijutsu is a matter of skill and not brute force. The objective of the art is to gain absolute control of an attacker, both physically and spiritually, allowing the possibility an opponent can be deterred or restrained with minimal harm. The art provides a wide range of responses to aggression, and is especially appropriate for those who enjoy the challenge of sophisticated technique. 
 
Class Structure:
For new students, classes begin with learning dojo reshiki (etiquette), followed by proper ukemi (falling/rolling) which is treated as a means of escaping techniques. Traditionally, there were no ranks in aikijutsu and one could expect any lesson to contain a combination of any of the more than 1700 techniques from simple to sophisticated. 
 
Today in Yamate-ryu Aikijutsu, the basic techniques are broken down into five progressively difficult sets of teachings called the Gokyu (five levels). Starting with six simple static hand waza (technique) these are repeated with attacks becoming more dynamic as the students techniques progress. When ready the student will be asked to demonstrate these techniques and if successful earn rank level and start on the next harder set. At each level ukemi will increase and a bokken (wood sword) kata is added to illustrate a principle of a technique and relate it back to its swordsmanship heritage.
 
Emphasis is always on student safety, and while many of the joint locks can be painful and brutally effective done at combat speed, in class, being smooth, with a light controlled touch, leading your training partner through the technique is preferred. Proper breathing, posture, balance, as well as right mental attitude are stressed in each lesson. Correct Japanese terminology will be used in class to describe the dojo as well as the techniques.
 
 
Required training equipment:
White judo keiko-gi (uniform). Beginning students may wear sweats
Wood sword (bokken) loaners are available until students purchase
I will assist students on how to size uniforms and where to purchase uniforms and equipment as necessary.
 
 
Iaido (pronounced e-i-dough)
The art of the sword is the premiere martial art of Japan. Over a 1000 years of research, study, and refinement have produced this complex and esoteric art. Generations of swordsman have devoted their whole lives to the study of every possible variation in the use of the Japanese sword. Not satisfied with mere variations in technique, they also explored the strategy and philosophy of the sword with an endless thirst for knowledge.
 
Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing the sword and cutting in a single motion. Iaido originated almost 450 years ago in the Sengoku period of Japan, a time of constant wars. The originator, Jinsuke Shigenobu, formed the style that eventually became known as 'Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu,' which was based upon his wartime experiences.

Since that time, several related styles of Iaido have formed, but all which remain are based upon Muso Jikiden Eishin ryu, and retain the core teachings of this style. As time passed and Japan entered an era of extended peace during the Tokugawa period, those who studied Iaido and many other martial arts, sought to find their place in a changing world. The need for pure combat efficiency took on a smaller role, and the desire to define purpose and meaning for the austere training methods of the martial arts gained importance.

Today, Iaido training is primarily a vehicle for personal development. Iaido training is based on 'kata' and 'kumitach.' Kata are prearranged practice forms done by one person, and kumitach are performed in pairs. Kata and Kumitach are the repository of the original combat strategies. Iaido training methods require intense mental and physical concentration. Repeating these forms, very precisely, over many years, provides a vehicle for physical and spiritual improvement and a chance for students to better understand themselves and their place in the modern world.
 
Class Structure:
Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaiso has four basic sets each consisting of eight to ten kata. Three of the four sets commence from a seated position. Each set gets progressively more complex and requires greater control of breathing, balance, focus, and of course control of the sword. 
Additionally, there are two, ten kata “kumitachi” or two person kata that are incorporated once the student has a firm grasp of the basics.
 
For new students, classes begin with learning proper dojo and sword reshiki (etiquette), followed by correct sword temoto (grip, it’s not a baseball bat), and basic drawing, cutting, stance, and movement. Correct Japanese terminology is used both for sword description and dojo practice.
To watch a skilled kenshi (swordsman) the motions seem effortless and simple, but in reality they are broken down into detailed minutiae. While at the higher levels, especially for testing or demonstrations, shinken (real sword) may be used, in class a mogito/iaito or bokken (wood sword) is used. The mogito is a practice sword that has the weight and appearance of a real sword, but is made of an alloy metal that is not sharpened and therefore much safer for beginners. 
 
Additionally, students will be afforded the opportunity to view and study several real antique Japanese swords during the year as well as watch tameshigiri (cutting of reed mat targets).
 
 
Required training equipment:
Unfortunately sword equipment and uniforms are not inexpensive and in a traditional dojo one would need to procure this prior to starting class. For beginning students allowances will be made to wear judo keiko-gi with a sword obi (sweats are OK until a gi can be purchased).
Kneepads
The preferred Japanese uniform consists of white iaido-gi top, sword obi (belt), and hakama (traditional pleated pants-skirt worn by Japanese men).
Iaito/mogito
Despite not being a real sword, mogito are still costly (some have real sword antique handmade fittings that cost many 100’s of dollars) and for new students most work will be with bokken and several loaner iaito.


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