The first official Bushido Zazen International Society Kenjutsu seminar was held in Goole, East Yorkshire on Sunday 26th September. Senior Instructor on the course was Ian Stewart Sensei who was assisted by Nick Sleep Sensei and Owen Bolton Sensei – all three KIAI members. The purpose of the seminar was to introduce Bushido members to the Kenjutsu syllabus up to and including 5th Kyu.
The seminar commenced at 12 noon and Owen Bolton Sensei took the warm up and Suburi practice. For the next 3 hours, the class, who’s abilities ranged from complete novice to experienced Yudansha, were led by Ian Stewart Sensei through the basics of Iaijutsu/Battojutsu techniques and kumitachi including much focus on reigi, reiho, kamae, maai and Zanshin. Beginners practised with bokken whilst experienced students practiced with Iaito.
Techniques covered on
the seminar included practice of Happo Giri, both the Shinbukan style and
Bushido Aikijujutsu styles were practised. This was followed by taisabaki
and uchi waza. The class then progressed onto Iai/Batto Jutsu and Kumitachi
for the remaining time, alternating between the two.
The seminar progressed
very well and the aims of the course were completely covered. More Kenjutsu
seminars will be arranged within the Bushido over the coming months.
