Great Falls Budokan

The 2025 Yamate-ryū Taikai is now open for registration!

Join us for this Taikai focusing on the kumigata of the Yamate-ryu. The kumigata is a set of techniques within the soden (inherited teachings) whose formal and stylized exterior overlays aggression. We say that winning is not enough; anybody can win, but winning beautifully, that is the essence.

Whether you are new to Japanese martial arts or are an old hand, know that the Yamate-ryu welcomes all who possess the hunger to learn and the spirit to facilitate that desire.

The Yamate-ryu was brought to the United States by Mr. Fredrick Lovret in 1968, the first public seminar was held in 1973. The Yamate-ryu began as a family martial tradition in a time when people bore arms. It is a direct descendant of the Daito-ryu and remains oriented toward its original purpose.

To register or learn more visit: https://heiho.org/taikaiyr

A moment from the kata Nukitsuki.

Ittō Tenshin-ryū®

The 2024 Ittō Tenshin-ryū Taikai, a significant event within our tradition, concluded on Sunday evening. Additionally, we celebrated the founding of the Great Falls Budokan by Rajguru Sensei 50 years ago.

The theme of the taikai was "Setsunateki" (刹那的), a concept that beautifully encapsulates impermanence and the present moment. In keeping with the theme, there will be no after-action report.

The purpose of the Ittō Tenshin-ryū remains true to its inception: to enhance life through the empowerment of its deshi.

While some outside our tradition claim lineage to the Ittō Tenshin-ryū, this is impossible. The transmission of this tradition requires access to its "living example" and occurs in a moment.

If you would like to learn more about our traditions or dōjō that are licensed to share this tradition, visit: https://heiho.org

Ittō Tenshin-ryū®

Two days until the clan gathers!

Participating in one of our Traditions' taikai is a unique and enriching experience filled with intense training, social gatherings, and brotherhood. While many martial arts have seminars, no one does taikai like we do!

Here we go!

Join us for the event by registering at: https://heiho.org/taikaiitr

Ittō Tenshin-ryū®
9 days until the annual Ittō Tenshin-ryū Taikai!

This occasion marks the 50th anniversary of the Great Falls Budōkan, founded in 1974 by Rajguru Sensei as the Maryland Budokan. We welcome everyone who has benefited from the tradition's teachings to gather and celebrate this milestone. While attendance is essential for deshi, all are welcome! Those physically unable to train are welcome to join us for the Banquet on Sunday night!

Additionally, anyone interested in the Japanese way of the sword will find the event valuable. Although the cultural context in which these fighting traditions developed may have changed, the teachings on conflict and strategy remain as relevant today as they were at their inception. The principles for human performance and spiritual development are timeless, offering a wealth of knowledge and insight.

To register or for more information, visit: https://heiho.org/taikaiitr

Ittō Tenshin-ryū®

21 days until the annual Ittō Tenshin-ryū Taikai!

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the Kenjutsu of the Ittō Tenshin-ryū.

The purpose of the Ittō Tenshin-ryū is not to perpetuate a set of physical techniques or to preserve an archaic method of combat but to develop a powerful, orderly, and unfettered being.

Whether you are new to Japanese martial arts or an old hand, know that our traditions welcome all who have the hunger to learn and the spirit to facilitate that desire.

Join us as and experience together the way of the sword and spirit.

To register visit: https://heiho.org/taikaiitr

Working on some kumitachi in our kenjutsu class, followed by zazen. Our zazen classes (Saturdays at 9am) are always open to the public.

The "buzz" is afoot for the 2024 Ittō Tenshin-ryū Taikai!
The Great Falls Budokan is pleased to host the 2024 Itto Tenshin-ryu Kenjutsu Taikai over the weekend of October 19th and 20th, 2024. Get ready for a fascinating experience as this year's Taikai will delve into the theme of Setsunateki (刹那的). This concept beautifully encapsulates the impermanence of all things and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
. . This occasion marks the 50th anniversary of the Great Falls Budōkan, founded in 1974 by Rajguru Sensei as the Maryland Budokan. We welcome everyone who has benefited from the tradition's teachings to gather and celebrate this milestone. While attendance is essential for deshi, all are welcome! Those physically unable to train are welcome to join us for the Banquet on Sunday night!
https://heiho.org/taikaiitr

Over the weekend of August 24th and 25th, 2024, deshi of the Yūgen dōjō, Daiseki dōjō, and Great Falls Budōkan came together to test two candidates for a Kyōsei menkyo (the first license within the Ittō Tenshin-ryū) and train together. While the training focus was myōken, led by Dr. Musicar (Daiseki dōjō), any day we are testing new candidates for a Kyōsei menkyo is a great day!

https://heiho.org

This highly anticipated podcast will cover the strategies of swordsmanship and its modern relevance, among other topics. It is not to be missed!

Tomorrow (8/28/2024) at 11 a.m. ET we will launch the new introductory video for The Way and The Power Podcast!

This video introduces the podcast, where the information comes from, why information of this nature is treasured, its relevance today, the host, and provides some general information about the podcast.

To be notified of future releases sign up here: https://heiho.org/podcast

The video will be available on the Taseki YouTube Channel. Please take a moment to like and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/

If you are interested in strategy, conflict, and performance, sign up to be notified of future podcast information!

Here is the new cover art for The Way & The Power podcast. The introduction will be released soon.

Future potential episode topics include:
- Conflict and Energy Transfer
- Defining Strategy
- How to meld with a sword (or any weapon)

If you have not already signed up for the mailing list on heiho.org, please sign up to be notified about podcast releases here:

https://heiho.org/podcast

A reminder that our zazen classes on Saturday mornings are always open to the public. We look forward to seeing you!

Great Falls Budokan holds a guided session of seated meditation, or zazen, every Saturday morning from 9am until 9:30am. The session is open to the public. More details at the link here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seated-meditation-zazen-tickets-956407238797

Rajguru Sensei, flanked by two senior deshi of the Ittō Tenshin-ryū, Captain William Knight (USPHS Commissioned Corps, Ret.) and Mr. Adam Schutz (District of Columbia Police Officer, d. 2016). The Ittō Tenshin-ryū and Yamate-ryū have amongst their rolls many deshi who have served in harm's way as well as positions of service to others. While this is not a requirement to realize the ultimate teachings of the traditions, it keeps the tradition grounded in the realities of conflict.

If you would like to learn more about our traditions, visit: www.heiho.org

Great Falls Budokan holds a guided session of seated meditation, or zazen, every Saturday morning from 9am until 9:30am. The session is open to the public. More details at the link here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seated-meditation-zazen-tickets-956407238797