First Kenjutsu International Association of Instructors Seminar held in America at the Delaware Budokan June 25^th, 2005

By Phil Scudieri Sensei

The incense was lit in the burner and the sake had been poured in the traditional cups on the kamiza. The rin (bell) was struck three times as the sound declared the Tai Kai was to begin. The opening commands of Shinza nirei, Sensei nirei and Muk so echoed through the Delaware Budokan on June 25, 2005.Twenty nine people from Arizona, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Texas and Delaware came to learn and share information on Kenjutsu or Japanese Fencing.

Seminar Participants

KIAI Officers: Celinda Ellsworth sensei, Dana Abbott sensei, Phil Scudieri sensei, Tom Johnson sensei

I, as vice president of KIAI and head of the Delaware Budokan and the San Sai Ryu began the seminar with the opening ceremonies and techniques. Students lined up in pairs to practice nagashi ni soku waza or “two-step flowing exercise.” This technique teaches you to blend and observe your opponents timing, distance, breathing, and rhythm immediately. Since kenjutsu is done with the katana out of the saya (scabbard), the next drill was an advancing technique that started with shi-tachi’s bokken in Ten no Kamae and uchitachi in jo dan or “upper level.” Both opponents would run toward each other and shi tachi would speed up at the last second changing the dynamic of the waza. At the last second he would then be able to beat uchitachi to the cut with the right hand reaching across his body and cutting across uchitachi’s body underneath his arms. These were good beginning waza to get everyone’s heart pumping and cover basic movement.

Scudieri Sensei leads opening techniques

Next was well-known author, swordsman, and KIAI Board of Advisors member Dana Abbott. Abbott Sensei first worked on metsuke or “focusing.” This was done with holding the kissaki (tip) at different levels to check the psychological effect at each point. Temoto or “proper grip” was also emphasized by Abbott sensei at this point. We then moved outside and Abbott Sensei worked on happo gamae or “eight basic positions.” Here he showed us how to move through them fluidly and efficiently.

Dana Abbott sensei explains happo gamae

The last portion of Abbott Sensei’s program was practicing Chanbara, a fast pace type of kendo using a padded sword and men (helmet) Here one receives points for strikes to target areas. This is quickly becoming a new sport style of fencing referred to as Kombat Kenjutsu.

Seminar participants practicing Chanbara as Abbott sensei instructs

After lunch, Honorary KIAI member and author Dr. Donald Cunningham instructed us in several methods and weapons used by law enforcement in early Japan. The first was the jutte. This is a kind of truncheon with a hook on one side. This weapon came in different sizes with some used as a type of badge for public administrators and not very functual. We were shown various ways to use this weapon to strike an opponent, restrain his katana, and take the suspect into custody. There is also a cord attached to the jutte, which includes various ways to snare the transgressors wrist while using the jutte. Next Cunningham sensei demonstrated torinawa, or “arresting rope waza.” The length was based on the various ryu-ha or styles. The ropes had loops or metal rings instead of knots so as not to humiliate the suspect with being bound.

Don Cunningham sensei explains the technique

Don Cunningham sensei demonstrates restraining techniques on Tom Johnson sensei

Seminar participants practicing various waza as Cunningham sensei observes

I have always found it fascinating to see someone skilled in this art. A person can be completely bound up in a matter of seconds. In some waza the rope is carried in the sode (sleeve) of ones kimono. In a flash the rope emerges to snare a hand, weapon etc.

Seminar participants practicing ensnaring techniques

At the conclusion of Cunningham Sensei’s program we were given the treat of examining a portion of his beautiful collection of antique jutte and tessen (metal war fans).

Seminar participants examine Don Cunningham sensei's collection

The final action of the day was a review with Abbott Sensei of the material we had learned.

At the close of the seminar we lined up, Muk so, Shinza ni rei, the rin was struck three times, and the tones and Tai kai… faded away. All the participants were then invited to attend a celebration at Scudieri Sensei’s home.

KIAI officers and members who attended were: Vice President Philip Scudieri, Board of Advisors members Celinda Ellsworth Sensei and Dana Abbott Sensei, KIAI Online Magazine Editor Tom Johnson Sensei, Walter Orth Sensei, William Messick Sensei, Richard Ray Sensei, and Don Cunningham Sensei. Hopefully more KIAI members from around the United States will attend this informative and educational event next time.

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