Kenpō

Lineage

I studied several approaches to classical Japanese swordsmanship before moving to Seattle in 2016. Chief among them was an unofficial line of Kashima-shinden Jikishinkage-ryū maintained at the Hōbyōkan following the teachings of Namiki Yasushi and Itō Masayuki. Some of my thoughts on practicing multiple styles of classical Japanese swordsmanship can be found on my blog at Inner Dharma :: Gogyo Exegesis. It details some of my thinking on how arts relate to one another and describes the thought process that led me to focus on a single koryū.

Practice

Since that time I have continued traditional katageiko, conducted analyses of kata in a process called kuzushi and performed combative pressure testing called tameshi-ai.

In doing this, my practice has become increasingly influenced by my continued study of internal martial arts. Time spent making pilgrimage to sacred sites in Japan has refined my thinking, to the point where I feel my approach is somewhat unique:

I have evolved my practice to constrain my expression of kiai to be more akin to the vocalizations found in internal martial arts: flowing from, or aligned with, a movement, rather than driving a movement.
I no longer forcefully coordinate breathing with each movement, but instead keep my breathing relaxed and steady and utilize sophisticated reverse breathing methods from Tàijíquán instead of the ibuki style of breathing often used during traditional aun kokyu.
Emphasis is placed on developing a connected body that integrates force with each action in an optimal manner while remaining relaxed and able to adapt suddenly when needed.

There are intact lineages of Kashima-shinden Jikishinkage-ryū in Japan as well as representatives in the US and Europe. My own practice is independent and not an official line of the art. Some recent thoughts on how my practice relates to internal martial arts and how I view the history of Shinkage-ryū can be found on my blog at Inner Dharma :: Kiai is not a sound.

Curriculum

Training begins with formal katageiko (form practice) that includes methods of walking, cutting, breathing and foundational methods called hōjō that consist of paired partner practices introducing five element theory (gogyō).

Once proficiency is developed with foundations, an austere set of tactical forms are introduced and then broken apart to reveal insights hidden within. Those insights are tested in freestyle practice of increasing intensity.

The use of the small sword called kodachi serves as a point of departure for armored grappling methods called kogusoku. Older versions of the foundational practice are then performed with swords (habiki).

Where To Train

Jikishinkage-ryū at Lonin is a small group in Seattle led by two gentlemen I mentor. It is open to new students after a traditional observation and interview process. Some photos of their practice can be found below.

Kenpō

Lineage

Practice

Curriculum

Where To Train

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