Kenjutsu or "the art of the sword” describes a classical Japanese sword art (or koryū). Katori Shinto Ryu is the style of swordsmanship taught during these classes, which are taught in a traditional manner by Corey Reid, as taught by Master Sugino Yukihiro.

Classes usually run two hours and include both solo and paired practice (omote-tachi).

Classes begin with a review of all the stances and the cuts that form the foundation of Katori Shinto Ryu swordsmanship.  This forms a warm-up for the primary practice, the omote-tachi. In this practice, pairs of students work through the forms, one taking the side of the aggressor and one the defender.  These forms are quite complicated and require focus and energy to perform properly.  As such, our practice is usually noisy and energetic.

Everyone can practice at the same time, and the instructors offer personal attention to help students learn the details of each movement.

After the omote-tachi, we practice other weapons (depending on the knowledge of the attending students) such as a staff, spear, short sword and naginata. We finish our classes by practicing iai-jutsu, which is a solo form using actual swords.

For more information, please visit www.torontokenjutsu.com

INSTRUCTOR: Corey Reid