Japanese Sword
(Iaido & KenJitsu)
Iaido (or IaiJitsu) is the Japanese art of drawing the katana (Japanese sword) and striking your opponent with one smooth movement. Eishin ryu Iaido is one of the oldest styles of this art that was originally created for the elite ruling class of Japan. Eishin ryu includes techniques from the seated position (seiza waza), standing positions (tachi waza), partner exercises (kumidachi), and cutting practice (tameshigiri). In addition, Iaido includes a very intricate set of formalities and etiquette.
Kenjitsu (also written as KenJutsu,) is the art of using sword once it has been drawn from the scabbard (or saya). At DMA, we practice both single sword and two sword styles of Kenjitsu. The single sword style practiced by Herreman Sensei is a family system called Katagama Ryu Kenjitsu. This style focuses on speed and body movement through the practice of kata, and two man drills.
In addition, Herreman Sensei also studies Niten Ichi Ryu Kenjitsu. This is the style of Miyamoto Mushashi, one of the most famous swordsmen of Japan and the founder of the two style. This system uses the both the long sword (the katana) and the short sword (the wakasashi) at the same time. This allows simultaneous parrying and and striking to quickly overwhelm an opponent.
The last part required to become truly proficient in the use of the katana is free sparring, or keiko. At DMA, this is accomplished through the art of Kendo, using protective armor and a bamboo sword (shinai). The shinai is used for the safety of everyone involved, because the boken, or wooden sword that is often used in kata training can be just as deadly as a shinken or sharp sword.
Learning how to properly and effectively use the katana requires years of dedicated practice focusing on refining a few techniques to an extremely high level. At DMA, we currently partner with the Sioux Falls Sword Academy from most of our sword instruction outside of seminars. Please contact Sensei Jesse for more information.
Kenjitsu (also written as KenJutsu,) is the art of using sword once it has been drawn from the scabbard (or saya). At DMA, we practice both single sword and two sword styles of Kenjitsu. The single sword style practiced by Herreman Sensei is a family system called Katagama Ryu Kenjitsu. This style focuses on speed and body movement through the practice of kata, and two man drills.
In addition, Herreman Sensei also studies Niten Ichi Ryu Kenjitsu. This is the style of Miyamoto Mushashi, one of the most famous swordsmen of Japan and the founder of the two style. This system uses the both the long sword (the katana) and the short sword (the wakasashi) at the same time. This allows simultaneous parrying and and striking to quickly overwhelm an opponent.
The last part required to become truly proficient in the use of the katana is free sparring, or keiko. At DMA, this is accomplished through the art of Kendo, using protective armor and a bamboo sword (shinai). The shinai is used for the safety of everyone involved, because the boken, or wooden sword that is often used in kata training can be just as deadly as a shinken or sharp sword.
Learning how to properly and effectively use the katana requires years of dedicated practice focusing on refining a few techniques to an extremely high level. At DMA, we currently partner with the Sioux Falls Sword Academy from most of our sword instruction outside of seminars. Please contact Sensei Jesse for more information.