Ellis Amdur in Maryland

by Phil Scudieri Sensei

    On January 28th and 29th, 2006, an aikido and kenjutsu seminar was held at Tomon Dojo in Olney, Maryland, USA.

Mr. Ellis Amdur sensei presented techniques of the To Da Ha Buko Ryu. This included aikido, kenjutsu and naginata jutsu. The event was put on by Itten Dojo of Harrisburg Pennsylvania, Aikido of Northern Virginia, and hosted by Tomon Dojo. Tomon Dojo is the Honbu dojo of the Itto Tenshin Ryu and Yamate Ryu. The main instructor of Tomon is Arvind Rajguru senior student of Fredrick Lovret. Mr. William Knight is the assistant instructor. The dojo, and the farm land it is located on, is owned by senior student Mr. Josh Freeman. This dojo is the essence of elegance. The project was done under the auspices of Mr. Freeman.

    I did not attend the aiki part of the seminar but, from what I heard and from my own experience with Amdur sensei, I’m sure it was very successful. We primarily worked on one kumitachi/kata but sensei broke it down to demonstrate every aspect like: maai (distance), hyoshi (timing), breath control, and psychological tension. Through out the day sensei would also demonstrate naginata and its applications to our practice. Amdur sensei has lived for many years in Japan and has authored two books. Sensei is both approachable and friendly. On the mat he is thorough and all business. This was an excellent seminar. It was not only informative but was a good work out also. I saw my old sensei, Rajguru sensei, that I hadn’t seen in eight years. In addition, I was able to train with other old friends and make some new ones. I would like to express my thanks to: Jim Sorrentino of Aikido of Northern Virginia, Robert Wolfe of Itten Dojo, Josh Freeman, and the instructors of Tomon Dojo.