Welcome to Kenjutsu

When you think of martial arts, one of the first things that you think of is the sword. In Japanese martial arts, the sword is referred to as the Katana. When we practice we use the Bokuto or Bokken. One of the most important things in starting training in Kenjutsu is remembering it is Kenjutsu. This is the Samurai way of sword fighting, to kill your opponent. It is a combat art. Therefore proper behaviour must be present at all times when practicing as the Bokuto is not a forgiving training partner and sorry wont fix broken bones. Etiquette Etiquette with the sword varies greatly depending on the Ryu, School and Sensei but the basics area as follows. Bowing (Rei) Bowing to the Sensei (Shirei): standing bow after the Sensei has demonstrated a technique or when the Sensei gives you & your Uke advice during training. Standing Bow to your Training Partner (Tachi Rei): standing bow to your training partner (Uke) at the start and completion of each technique. Bowing to the Sword (Torei): from a standing position, hold the sword out in front of you at eye level with the handle on the right side, bow you head lower than the sword. From Seiza, the sword is in front of you with the Tsuba in line with the left knee. Bow by placing the left hand on the floor followed by the right to form a diamond, lower your head so it is just above your hands in the centre. After the bow, return your hands to your knees right hand first, followed by the left. Stand by rising up on your right leg, using your right hand to push off the right knee to stand up. The left hand is on the sword, just behind the tsuba. How to hold the sword The sword is worn on the left side in your Obi (belt), the blade (Ha) facing up, left hand holding the sword behind the Tsuba, thumb just touching ready to push when drawing. Once the sword has been drawn, grip the handle lightly with the right hand just below the tsuba. The right hand forms a V with the thumb and index finger on the handle. Place the end of the handle in the palm of the left hand; wrap the fingers around the handle to form the V shape so the handle does not protrude from the back of you left hand, as in Picture 1. The little finger does not grip the handle at all. (See picture)

Basic Kamae (postures)

Shizen no Kamae

Seigan no Kamae

Chudan no Kamae

Gedan no Kamae

Daijodan no Kamae Basic Cuts

Hasso no Kamae

Footwork, Timing & Distance What keeps you from getting hit? Youre Footwork, Timing & Distance. If you stand still you will get killed. If you move, you survive. Lead with the feet, never the head. The head will follow the feet; the feet will drag behind the head and get cut. Proper footwork combined with timing and distance will lead to a favourable outcome for you. When training, dont rush to get to the finish of the technique, take your time, work out where you are in relation to your Uke, how is my footwork, did the technique feel forced or did it flow? This will come to you when you practice. Speed and skill come with practice.

Parts of Bokuto

1. Kissaki tip of the Bokuto 2. Mune the back upper edge of the Bokuto 3. Ha the supposed sharp edge of the Bokuto 4. Shinogi the side part of Bokuto 5. Tsuka the hilt/handle part of Bokuto 6. Kashira the butt end of the Bokuto 7. Accessories a: saya (scabbard), b: tsuba (hilt guard), c: tsuba dome (guard stopper), d: sageo (cord).

Parts of the Sword

Haiiro no otoko (The Grey Man)