Tosa Eishin Ryu Iai-Jutsu Jikyo-Juku, Melbourne Dojo

Easter Saturday training. Everyone is preparing for gradings!

In my early years of training (like an idiot) I discounted Batto Ho series as not particularly difficult or important. Many years later I was surprised to see these techniques reappear in much more difficult waza, and so returned to them with a fresh perspective.
How wrong I was, Batto Ho teaches simplified scenarios to quickly train the beginner, but they are rooted in practicality, and are built on Iaijutsu fundamentals. Not only does this series offer rapid basic competency, but is yet another route to the path of understanding Iaido technique. The masters knew what they were doing all along...

We call this waza Zenteki Gyaku-tō, it is known by other names in other schools.

What makes a good sword?

This is a beginners iaito, it's well over 20 years old, has worn fittings, a bit too light and only passable balance. The saya has been repaired many times with resin and duct tape. The plating is wearing thin in places. But most importantly, it contains the dirt, sweat and tears of almost all of my beginning students. It has given hundreds of hours of training before being passed on to the next beginner.

Koryu concerns itself with the practicalities of martial training. In Iaijutsu the sword is always respected, handled carefully and maintained as well as possible, but this respect comes from purpose. The sword is a tool, and training its use connects us to a way of life that is rooted in history, tradition and meaning.

In my mind this is a good sword.

Today Melbourne and Sydney dojo trained together at the Melbourne dojo location. I was very pleased to return Sydney's official kanban authored by Lord Yamauchi many years ago. I have been holding it for a while and am very glad to see it heading back home to Sydney now.

Training today. This technique appears over and over in the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu syllabus. Different applications, always the same principle. Waza contain the fundamentals to swordsmanship, they must be learnt to understand sword mechanics.

Training today. We discussed targeting. My Sensei's first question is always "Where is your opponent?". Here the same technique can look very different depending on the target, wrists, chest even forehead. We must always visualize our opponent and adjust accordingly. Koryu training is focused on application and practicality.

Iai no Kata, preparation for gradings continue. Today two different heights and reach.

It is Uchidachi's job to manage distance and provide the opportunity for Shidachi to learn. Amanda needs to carefully control the distance.

After she receives the cut she is in a strong position, if she can hold the block!

Paired kata is essential to understanding Iaijutsu. Melbourne dojo train Tachi Uchi No Kurai and Iai No Kata every week, but with gradings coming up this year there is currently focus on Iai No Kata.

Rollcall, Saturday 14/2/26

He's been learning Iai since the age of 14, and now preparing for 4th Dan grading in June. The examination will cover the first three waza series of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, and paired kata.

The next 5 months will be intense.

Happy (Late) New Year!

We had a longer than normal break this year, but we're back now.
The first class for the year is always focused on fundamentals, and Mae is the most important Waza to perfect. Repetition and focus on details is the key.

京都剣道教室, Kyoto Butokuden, 2019.