Formal & Battlefield Training
Bushindo Sword: Iaido & Battojutsu
Learn the sword principles Doshi received from three great masters, organized into a clear warrior path you can study at home or in your dojo.
The Way of the Sword
One of Richard’s great loves is the bladed arts, and the sword became a passion and was the first reason to travel to Japan to train with Soke Hatsumi in Ninjutsu. Ninjutsu teaches Kobudo, real battlefield sword fighting skills. Richard also wanted to learn the presence of being taught in a formal Iaido (way of the draw) sword school and battojutsu (cutting on the draw and real traditional fighting skills).
In 1990 he began training with Kancho Kenshinsai Machida, a renowned Japanese Sword Grandmaster. In March 2001 Richard was the first non-Japanese person to be awarded the Shoden level makimono in Muso Tenshin Ryu Iaijutsu, and in March 2003 he was awarded Chuden Mokuroku level (5th dan) in Muso Ikken Ryu Batto Jutsu, the highest rank issued to anyone outside of Japan.
For the Samurai the sword was a way of life. Sword study is really a study of the mind, focus, precision, flow and creativity. The Empowered Warrior Inner Art teachings are designed to enhance your personal empowerment.
What You Will Train
- Formal, informal and unified sword training
- Core lessons from Master Teachers Tenio, Hatsumi, Machida and Van Donk
- Sword etiquette, holding, drawing, cutting and returning cleanly
- Kamae, bokken drills, sword vs. sword and battlefield presence
- Taijutsu and unarmed defense against a sword
- Shoden, Chuden and Mokuroku levels, with ranking available
If You Love the Blade
This Path Is for You
Sword Masters Course: all levels from day one, online at Bushindo University.