The method of Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu, practiced at our dojo is from the style of Kukishin Ryu.

The sword used in Kukishin Ryu is much larger than what most people are used to. The sword that is used is called the daikatana, or "great sword". The blade length is 31", and the tsuka, or handle, is 15". Most people are familiar with a practice sword that has a 28" blade and a 9" tsuka. We also use longer swords, such as the tachi and nodachi. In addition, we practice with daisho, or the long and short swords worn together. This habit of wearing both the long and short swords was an honor reserved for the samurai class alone.

The common name for Japanese swordsmanship is Kenjutsu. But in Kukishin Ryu, a different, older name is used. The word for sword, ken, is attached to the word for law, po. So the term kenpo is translated as "The Law of the Sword". (This use of the word kenpo has nothing to do with the unarmed fighting style of the same name.)

Kukishin Ryu Kenpo is an ancient system of swordsmanship, dating from the fourteenth century, and has no similarity with modern derivatives, such as kendo, iaido or aikiken. Swordsmanship is not a sport, or a discipline of self-improvement. It is an art of war, to be undertaken very seriously. Kukishin Ryu kenpo is taught completely traditionally-- authentic and realistic. It is battlefield tested, and has endured for over 700 years with a rich legacy...

Practice is based upon waza (a type of kata in which 2 people are involved in combat scenarios), solo cutting practice, full speed practice with safe weapons, and actual cutting of straw targets (tameshigiri). A student who is new to our dojo is not allowed to begin sword training right away, but only after several months of basic training.

Click here to see photos and videos of our tameshigiri practice

Below are photos depicting tameshigiri materials. The goza is a bundle of straw, or rolled up straw mat that has been soaked in water for 3 days and then dried for 3 days in the shade. Here are shown both a single roll and a double roll. Sensei Harding has also successfully cut a triple roll, as well as three single rolls together.

Pictured below: Shidoshi Ken Harding cutting a double goza

Picurted below: David Schmitz, one of our senior students, wearing yoroi (Japanese Armor)

(We know of no one else who has perfomed cuts while wearing armor.)

We use hand-made, folded steel swords. They are made traditionally, with authentic materials and construction. Kukishin Ryu kenpo is meant to be peformed
against an armored opponent, as demonstrated below by Shidoshi Paul Richardson.