Master Kubota's weapon class after training.
KEN-JUTSU
In our Samurai School the basic practical objective is to master the art of samurai long sword called katana.
But actually many samurais used also other weapons: shorter, one handed swords - wakizashi or tanto, staffs (depending on the lenght called either bo, jo or hanbo), spears - yari, sickles with iron weight on a chain - kusarigama, throwing blades - shuriken and many others.
All the above can be described as kenjutsu or kobudo.
One should not forget dangerous pole-arms used by noble women and warrior monks called naginata or nagamaki or about jutte - used by guards and policemen or balistic weapons such as Japanese bows - the art of kyudo and Japanese muskets - the art of hojutsu. Using rifle is connected with bayonets mounted on rifles - jukendo or used alone - tankendo.
A bare-handed samurai could fight well using ju-jutsu techniques or karate blows well known to the inhabitans of the Ryu-kyu archipelgo.
We intend to gradually practice most of the above mentioned weapons and arts of their use. We practice formal exercises with training swords iaido, sharp swords cuts called tameshigiri or sparrings with wooden or training swords - kumitachi. We also practice arts of using different weapons and defense methods when confronted with samurai sword.
Some of these trainings take the form of additional seminars, some can be practiced during summer and winter camps that we organize. And some will be practiced next year or maybe in few years time. We are not in a hurry. We practice for pleasure and to learn the culture and philosophy of Japan.
Right from the start sensei Piotrkowicz teaches the elements of self-defense art called taiho-jutsu, which is regulary taught in contemporary Japan to policemen and soldiers.
We also practice sport and games called chanbara with the use of soft weapons (choken and others).
Free sparring with soft foam swords between Michal Piotrkowicz and Lukasz Motor during Summer Ken-jutsu Kobudo Gasshuku 2005.
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