On a beautiful clear day in Japan, the Sakura (cherry blossom) petals were falling to the ground. As the Sakura represents a new beginning, a new season, and the passing from one stage to another, they are essentially the symbol of life’s renewal. The calming and cleansing experience of these falling petals inspires us to pursue what we truly desire. The cherry blossom, as the emblem for the Shinken Bujutsu school, was chosen for exactly this reason: Shinken Bujutsu was born in pursuit of the truth within the martial arts.     The place where the martial arts are practiced is called a Dojo . The first character to the left is “ Do ” which means “the way” or “the path.” The second character to the right is “ Jo ” which means “the place.” Dojo , therefore, means “the place that teaches the way.” Though the martial arts at first may seem to be only a physical activity, the “way” to which Dojo refers is not simply a physical one – ...

    Shinken Bujutsu is a martial  art system based in reality and truth. While Shinken Bujutsu is the name of the school,  those words, when translated, shed a beacon of light on  the true purpose of the martial arts. The philosophy of the school is thus contained in the name itself.  Shinken is literally translated as “true sword” but it implies a serious and honest reality.  To become skilled at anything requires an honest effort grounded in reality; a correct balance must be obtained between form and function. While many factors are involved in the development of a martial artist, the quality of the system is the foundation. The school itself must be led with the same notion of sincerity and pursuit  of truth, with the intention of teaching only what has been deemed to  be effective.  It is only in this way that any school can truly promote the growth of its students.     The term Bujutsu is used...

     In Japanese martial arts, Kaeshi Waza (返し技) refers to counter techniques where you reverse an opponent, often by turning their momentum against them to execute your own technique or to defend.   This advanced skill involves sensitivity to shifts in resistance, effective body movement (tai sabaki), and a deep understanding of timing to anticipate and exploit an opponent's mistakes.  There are several adaptable applications to this technique. Briefly, your initial throw is resisted and based on natural movement this is one possible adjustment to counter. In this example a gyaku waza technique is applied to finish by locking the elbow.    

     Sutemi basic meaning is to throw away your body or to sacrifice your body is ok too. Along with body, it is performed most efficiently mentally with complete fearless commitment. Another words total immersion and no holding back. The waza (technique) demonstrated is an adaptive flow and transition appropriate when the opponent resists in a particular manner. As with all techniques there are numerous details that need to be understood and applied skillfully to be successful.    

        Our curriculum includes training in bojutsu which is traditional stick and staff fighting techniques. Lengths vary for example rokushaku bo six shaku long, hanbo three shaku long or half a bo length. there are many others as well    

     This technique is called ganseki nage, meaning rock throw. There are many variations and students are taught in a progressive manor. A key point is how to enter the hand which can be difficult when the opponent resists strongly or is skillfull and we address this from the onset of practice.