Curriculum

While the study of kenjutsu focuses predominantly on the Japanese sword, the Heart Reflection Style also includes training and techniques for other classical Japanese weapons. Ottawa Kenjutsu therefore provides instruction in the following arts:

Kenjutsu  剣術  – all aspects relating to the art of the sword which are trained using bokken, fukuro shinai, and katana. Kenjutsu also includes techniques using a sword in one hand and a wakizashi (short sword) in the other.

Kenjutsu Kata using fukuro shinai

Kenjutsu Kata using fukuro shinai

Iaijutsu   居合術  - techniques for drawing the sword and cutting with one instantaneous movement. The emphasis is on first performing the movements safely, then learning to draw and cut with precision at a fast speed.

Iaijutsu   Kata

Iaijutsu   Kata

Naginatajutsu   長刀術  - techniques using a pole mounted with a long blade. Movements involve using both ends of the weapon, keeping opponents at a distance and various spinning techniques.

naginata  Kata

naginata  Kata

Jujutsu  柔術  and Tantojutsu   短刀術  - the art of using empty hand techniques including joint locks, kicks, strikes, and breaking an opponent's grip. These techniques are also trained in connection with tanto (a short blade) and fan.

Tanto  Kata

Tanto  Kata

Sojutsu  槍  - techniques using a yari (spear) with blades on both ends.  The movements involve using both ends in fluid, dynamic techniques which were historically used to defeat individual or multiple opponents.

Yari  kata

Yari  kata

Bojutsu   棒術  - techniques with various staff weapons, including a heavy octagonal staff (八角棒), and a long, thinner staff () .

Hard Bo   kata

Hard Bo   kata

Jojutsu   杖術  - techniques with a short, flexible staff (haze-jo). The flexibility of the jo allows for circular movements and spinning techniques which keep the jo in constant movement.

Jo vs bokken kata

Jo vs bokken kata