During his free time he enjoys architectural studies, world history, and discovering new Japanese sake to add to his collection. Val Sensei’s goal is to impart his knowledge and skill acquired over 17 years of training to his students as deeply and sincerely as possible.
In 2021, with the help of four of his closest dojo friends, he had the opportunity to start a new Japanese sword school in Queens. Basic Iaido combines drawing the sword with either a defensive block or cut, followed by either. Iaido contrasts with Kenjutsu (combative swordsmanship with a drawn sword) and Kendo (the Japanese art of Fencing) both of which focus on the sword being drawn ready for combat. He regards this time as a great learning experience and cherishes the time and people he met along the way. Iaido is the contemporary art of drawing the long sword (Katana). Because of Ryushin, he was able to travel all over the world, participating and performing at seminars where he met high level practitioners of Japanese martial arts.
One of the reasons is because the 17th undisputed headmaster, Oe Masamichi, awarded at least 16 licenses of full transmission. It claims an unbroken lineage dating back from the sixteenth century to the early 20th century. Yahagi Sensei gave him the dojo name Ryu Yuu (柳勇) and after almost two decades of Training and teaching, he became the head instructor of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu at New York Budo Association. Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido is one of the most widely practiced schools of Iai (Sword Drawing art)and Kenjutsu in the world. After many years of training and visits to Japan for personal instruction with Sensei, he was appointed Shido-in (指導員)- official instructor of the system a tittle recognized by Japan honbu (home) dojo in 2018. He was so impressed with the undeniable speed and power with which they were performed that he was inspired to dedicate the rest of his life to this sword system. In 2005, Val had the privilege of meeting Yahagi sensei at a New York seminar where he witnessed the Sword techniques of Ryushin. He began learning Muso Shinden Ryu at New York Budo Association in 2001 due to his interest in Japanese culture and military history. For further questions you can contact your instructor.Val holds the rank of Godan (五段) Renshi (錬士) in Ryushin Shouchi Ryu. These sessions start on a fixed date and last for 3 months. These include Iaido, Iaijutsu, and Kenjutsu including what is known as koryu bujutsu (old school martial arts or pre-Meiji era) both from the Tokugawa period and reaching further back into the warring states times of the Muromachi period.
In order to be permitted to the practical test, a required minimum of 60% of the maximum number of points must be achieved in the theoretical exam. The dojo regularly offers introductory sessions in iaido to beginners from 15 years of age and up. The theoretical examination takes place before the practical test. It consists of the written naming of various forms and sword components. Iaido focuses on the precise and fluid movement of the draw. Since the beginning of 2008, the Kyû examinations have included a theoretical exam component. Iaido is the fine art of drawing a Japanese sword, known as a katana. On the following pages, you will learn more about the history of Eishin Ryu, the structure of its system, the Dojo in which Eishin Ryu trains and the courses. Japanese Sword Arts - An overview of the various styles The Iaido dojo - My First Experience of Iai Iai swords - Where to buy and what to do with them. These pages serve to inform on Iaido, Eishin Ryu and the organisational structure of the All Japan Iaido Association (Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei) and its representatives in Europe.Įishin Ryu is one of the oldest Iaido schools and, despite many secessions, still has the most practitioners. Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, shortened to Eishin Ryu, is a style or school of the traditional Japanese martial art Iaido. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Ikeda Takashi Soke (22nd Grand Master) died on 27.5.