Kashima Kenjutsu at Aikido West

Kenjutsu (swordsmanship) is an excellent complement to aikido training and helps develop well aligned and clearly focused movement, with power and subtlety. It is an ideal method for cultivating a sense of presence and focus, while practicing fundamentals of distance, timing, coordination, and balance.

Classes combine solo exercises – designed to build proper posture, movement, and body mechanics – and paired practice of kata (forms) from the Kashima Shinryu school. Kashima Shinryu is an older traditional Japanese martial art (koryu budo) which developed during Japan’s turbulent medieval period. Its teachings embody core principles of Japanese martial arts.

New students are welcome to come observe and join the classes at any time, and no prior weapons or martial arts experience is required. Loaner weapons are available for new students to use during class.

Classes are held every Tuesday and Friday from 6:00 PM to 6:50 PM. Kenjutsu class students are also welcome and encouraged to join the all-levels aikido class immediately afterward at 7:00 PM on those days.

Check out this video of dojo members Felicia and Michael demonstrating Kihondachi, the first and most basic kata series from the Kashima Shinryu curriculum.