Japanese Swordsmanship

at

Two Dragons Academy

Patient Dojo

Iaido and Kendo Study Groups:

Two Dragons Academy's Iaido Teacher Isaac Patient teaches a Traditional Style of Toyama-Ryu Iaido

The Essence of Japanese swordsmanship lies in its perfection. It does not mean to strike down an enemy, but rather to "strike down" the enemy within oneself. In doing so, we rid ourselves of counter productive and self destructive attitudes. Reactions to life-- Such as anger, jealousy, and selfishness -- are eliminated. Learning the art of Japanese swordsmanship involves the practice and use of many different arts and skill.

Toyama Ryu Iaido is a style that is appropriate for all ages and degrees of physical abilities.

For more info please feel free to contact us.

Iaido

Iaido (drawing way) is based on Iaijutsu (drawing art) and was practiced by the samurai. The modern samurai neither carries a sword nor does he face the threat of death. The modern practitioner of Iaido travels the road of perfecting the self. While learning Iaido the practitioner (Iaidoka) also learns to quiet the mind, and control both their bodies and energy. Iaido is often practiced along side Kendo.

Kendo

"The way of the sword" is one of Japan's oldest martial arts, and the one most associated with the Samurai.  Kendo has, in recent years, developed into a highly competitive sport. However, Kendo still has strong tradition and focus on etiquette. It is often practiced alongside Iaido as a means of application of the techniques.  It is a subtle martial art for all ages. At Two Dragons Academy/Patient Dojo we use Kendo more for the application(bunkai) it has to our sword practice. This is a common Training method in many schools around the world and is commonly refrered to as "Tamashiai"

Toyama Ryu

The Toyama ryu "gunto soho" (military sword methodology) was created and standardized (seitei) in 1925 in response to concern that officers would not be able to effectively draw and employ their sword (gunto) should the need arise while operating in hostile environments. After WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army was disbanded and three major lines of Toyama ryu were adapted and taught independently - Morinaga style, Yamaguchi style, and Nakamura style. Toyama Ryu can trace its roots back to traditional Samurai swordsmanship and by blending classical and modern thinking into progressive 21st Century Japanese swordmanship. Batto-Do sword techniques are renown for their practicality, immense cutting power and gracefulness. This also makes it the perfect martial art for men and women of all ages to learn sword skills in a friendly and safe environment, blending together physical and mental disciplines as well as spiritual growth.