Dento Kenjutsu and Goshinjutsu

Dento Kenjutsu & Goshinjutsu is a class consisting of a traditional form of Japanese swordsmanship. Dento Kenjutsu is the Art of using the Japanese sword, or Katana, by learning techniques which would be used on the battlefield or in a battle between a swordsman and his opponent in the feudal era of Japan. Goshinjutsu is the "empty-hand" application of paired sword techniques called Katachi. The empty-hand application, unlike it's counterpart, can be used very practically as a means to defend against, and suppress an aggressor. This is a form of old Japanese martial arts, called Bujutsu, and according to the Japanese ranking system, this is the "first level" of the art. Dento Kenjutsu and Goshinjutsu are divided into three levels of skill:


Shoden - The Shoden level is achieved by testing for and gaining a menkyo (license) in the Shoden series waza of Kenjutsu. This is the first advanced level after the beginner's level. At this point, you are able to move on and begin practice in the Chuden series of techniques


Chuden - This is the second level or Dan ranking of Kenjutsu. This menkyo is achieved after completion of the Chuden series kata.


Okuden - This is the highest level of skill achieved in this form of martial art, and is only reached once the practitioner has proven themselves proficient in both skill and teaching ability in both Shoden, Chuden, and Okuden levels.

This class offers all of the instruction that a swordsman will require to obtain a license and graduate to the level of Shoden. Specifically, you will learn the following:

15 Shoden Kenjutsu Katachi - a series of paired techniques, illustrating various sparring methods with the sword.


4  Shoden Iai Kata - a series of techniques utilizing the sword sheathed in the scabbard. At which point the technique consists of Drawing the blade, cutting, throwing the blood off, and sheathing.


2 Shoden Sage-to waza - a series of techniques utilizing both the sword and the saggeo (chord attached to the scabbard)


15 Goshinjutsu Katachi - a series of paired techniques illustrating empty-hand sparring methods.


Kihon - Basic Techniques learned by all practioners in Bujutsu. Kihon teaches correct stances and cuts.

 

Throughout your training, you will also learn dojo etiquette, such as the ritual bowing in and out of class, the proper way to hold, carry, and wear the sword, certain Japanese phrases required to practice the art, etc.


Please note that although we will not be training in an actual dojo, the etiquette is mandatory and greatly appreciated.

You will also learn the names of all techniques as well as all of the parts of the sword. You will find a complete list of all techniques and sword parts on the Curriculum page, and a list of common Japanese words and phrases on the Japanese page.

All training will take place at Instructor Todd's house at

2113 62nd St.  Lubbock, TX (across from Oakwood Baptist Church)


Although actual training will take place in the backyard, please treat the area as you would a dojo.

Materials needed will immediately consist of a wooden training sword, an obi, or Japanese belt, and eventually a scabbard and saggeo. Purchase of the complete outfit is optional, (but highly recommended) and may be ordered through Instructor Todd, or you may check the Links page for details on how to order yourself.

Classes are $7 per hour, and are from 6PM-7PM Monday through Friday. If you cannot make the given class times, private classes are given by request, priced at $15 per hour with given time. One trial class is allowed at first arrival for any class.