Kobudo
KOBUDO PROGRAM
KOBUDO literally means "Old Budo" which can also be interpretted as Traditional Japanese Warriorship.
Bend Aiki Martial Arts is excited to be able to extend our martial arts curriculum to offer two additional disciplines of study through our KOBUDO Program: classes in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
It is important for prospective students to understand both IAIDO and TAIJUTSU are forms of BUDO.
These are martial ways. These arts and their techniques are not meant for competition, sparring or sport.
We do not train to fight. We train to live.
Classes are designed for adults, and are taught in a very controlled, supportive and safe manner.
Previous martial arts experience or other body awareness or movement arts are helpful but not required. Both Iaido and Taijutsu can be learned as easily by women as men, and do not require excessive muscular strength or speed.
GETTING STARTED
Getting Started is EASY! We are currently accepting new students, and enrollment can begin at any time.
We offer a $20 Starter Package which includes two 1-hr semi-private classes with our senior instructor. These give you a chance to come to our dojo, meet our instructor, and get introduced to some of the core principles of these martial art systems.
If you join our Kobudo Program within two weeks of your final Starter class, the $20 Starter Package fee will be applied to your first monthly tuition payment.
IAIDO
IAIDO (pronounced "ee-eye-doe"), the Art of Drawing the Japanese Sword, is one of the oldest classical forms of Budo. It is the Warrior Art most closely tied to Japan's unique view of Life and Death.
Iaido is largely a solitary pursuit where the practitioner continues to refine a series of highly controlled, precise movements in response to combative situations involving one or more imaginary attackers. Iaido is performed in a very calm, solemn manner and requires significant concentration and focus as careful repetition is used to polish the techniques.
For new students, we introduce the concepts necessary to undertake the study of iaido: dojo etiquette, general philosophy, footwork, body positioning, and knowledge and movement of the sword. Initially, students should wear loose fitting clothing and use a wooden sword.
Once familiar with these basic concepts, instruction targets each student independently, taking into account previous training and experience. Core elements of the training include: history, terminology and philosophy of iaido; refinement of basics (kihon); building proficiency in standard sets of techniques (waza); and integrating mental, physical and spiritual focus into techniques. At this stage, students are encouraged to obtain a standard iaido uniform consisting of a hakama, obi, and iai-kiogi.
Wooden swords (bokken) with plastic scabbards (saya) are used exclusively until sufficient skill and control of the sword is mastered. Progression to the use of an iaito, a Japanese sword designed specifically for the study and practice of iaido, will be determined on a case-by-case basis with the approval and guidance of the instructor (this typically occurs within 4-9 months of dedicated, continuous training).
Classes are taught in a mixture of English and Japanese, in a formal, friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido is often referred to as the "main branch" for all other iaido styles and is one of the largest forms of iaido still practiced.Our dojo follows the guidelines and teachings of the All Japan Iaido Federation (Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei [ZNIR]) and we recognize Ikeda Takashi Seiko (President of the ZNIR) as the 22nd Soke of the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido lineage.
Iaido does not involve sparring or the cutting of physical objects.
TAIJUTSU
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is a comprehensive Japanese martial art which incorporates the essential strategies and techniques of some of the pre-eminent warrior traditions of Japan. This dynamic system teaches self-protection and awareness through natural, relaxed, whole body movement. By relaying on simple techniques and a proper understanding of flow and body mechanics, a student will learn how to overcome brute force and speed with minimal effort.
The founder of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is Hatsumi Masaaki, who is the lineage holder (Soke / Grand-Master) for nine warrior traditions, or ryu-ha (schools of Japanese Budo), that form the basis of this modern martial art. The Bujinkan Dojo ("Divine Warrior House School") was established in 1967. This art is suited for individuals who would like to develop mind, body, and spirit through martial arts and develop the qualities of both warriorship (justice, courage, dignity) and "jihi no kokoro" (the benevolent or compasionate heart).
The fundamental techniques of Budo Taijutsu can be classified in three broad categories of action.
❖ Taihenjutsu
❖ Dakentaijutsu
❖ Jutaijutsu
Taihenjutsu includes all methods of individual body movement; the breakfalls, rolls, leaps, tumbling, avoidance and walking methods unique to this art. Dakentaijutsu includes all strikes, kicks, blocks and pressure point strikes. Jutaijutsu is the grappling method for throwing, choking, locking, wrestling, and escaping the restraining holds of others.
Budo Taijutsu also includes the use of weapons as natural extensions of basic principals, strategy for single and multiple attackers, appropriate moral context, and awareness.
The main weapon systems studied are:
❖ Bo, Jo, and Hanbo [ staves & sticks ]
❖ Kenjutsu & Tanto [ long & short swords, knife ]
❖ Naginata & Yari [ halberd & spear ]
❖ Kusari [ chain ]
❖ Torinawa [ rope ]
❖ Totekijutsu [ projectiles ]
It is the breadth of training that provides the Taijutsu practioner the fluidity, creative flexibility, and proficiency necessary for the successful protection of oneself and others.
