カリキュラム
CURRICULUM
VAL (柳勇)
INSTRUCTOR
Val holds the rank of Godan (五段) Renshi (錬士) in Ryushin Shouchi Ryu. He began learning Muso Shinden Ryu at New York Budo Association in 2001 due to his interest in Japanese culture and military history. In 2005, Val had the privilege of meeting Yahagi sensei at a New York seminar where he witnessed the Sword techniques of Ryushin. 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. 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. 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. 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. He regards this time as a great learning experience and cherishes the time and people he met along the way. 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. 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. During his free time he enjoys architectural studies, world history, and discovering new Japanese sake to add to his collection.
MATT
MANAGER
Matthew Dolan currently holds the rank of Nidan (二段) in Ryushin Shouchi Ryu. He spent part of his childhood living in Tokyo Japan, which had a large impact on his life and led to his interest in Japanese sword. He began his training in Ryushin in late 2017 at New York Budo Association and became fascinated with this style of swordsmanship. As a lifelong musician, he came to appreciate the subtle details and exacting precision involved in the art with its subtle similarities. He believes the beauty and lethality that intertwine are unique to the iaijutsu that he studies. Apart from the demanding physical aspects of Ryushin, Matthew strives to better understand the mental focus required, which helps him in and outside of the dojo. In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his lovely fiancé, playing his guitar and reading good books.
WILLIAM
TREASURER
William Richardson was born in Manhattan New York, and soon after relocated to Alabama due to his parent's service in the United States Coastguard. At the age of six, he returned to New York where he has remained to this day. William's interest in Japanese Sword came from a chance viewing of a PBS documentary at the age of ten. Ever since, he has been fascinated with every aspect of the subject. He began his training in Ryushin Shouchi Ryu in 2018 at New York Budo Association, and currently holds the rank of Shodan (初段). William remains dedicated to solely practicing and perfecting his techniques in Ryushin on a daily basis. Outside of the dojo he enjoys reading Manga and has a vast and ever-growing collection of samurai movies.
Within traditional Japanese swordsmanship systems, there is a transmission of knowledge from person to person, that in many cases spans centuries. The current soke of our style Yahagi Sensei, describes this transmission of knowledge as passing down an “empty bottle” which is given to each of his students. Every bottle given to every practitioner, is exactly the same for the purposes of preserving the sword system. The bottle is essentially the shape of Ryushin shouchi Ryu and the contents that are put inside the bottle, are each individuals own understanding, ability, and experience during their years of training. Over time, the empty bottle given to you will become full, and this will define your own unique Japanese swordsmanship.
KATA
Kata (型 or 形 prearranged forms) are specific situational circumstances that contain the Waza (techniques) of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu against imaginary opponents. Learning how to properly execute these techniques as you maintain correct bodily form, is the ultimate goal in all of our kata. Making them real in your mind involves imagining the opponent which is essential to the practice. Cutting properly, while simultaneously making your movements smooth and beautiful is what we strive for.
KUMITACHI
Kumitachi (組太刀) is partner practice with bokken (wooden swords). The purpose is to learn and practice timing and distance on an actual opponent. Doing so correctly takes control and steady focus throughout. Kumitachi is an important part of our martial arts training, allowing practitioners to practice the techniques they do in kata with an actual opponent.
KATA
Kata (型 or 形 prearranged forms) are specific situational circumstances that contain the Waza (techniques) of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu against imaginary opponents. Learning how to properly execute these techniques as you maintain correct bodily form, is the ultimate goal in all of our kata. Making them real in your mind involves imagining the opponent which is essential to the practice. Cutting properly, while simultaneously making your movements smooth and beautiful is what we strive for.
KUMITACHI
Kumitachi (組太刀) is a partner practice with a bokken (wooden sword). The purpose is to learn and practice timing and distance on an actual opponent. Doing so correctly takes control and steady focus throughout. Kumitachi is an important part of our training, allowing practitioners to practice the techniques they do in kata with an actual opponent.
TAMESHIGIRI
Tamashigiri (試し斬り, 試し切り, 試斬, 試切) is the practice of test cutting with a live blade. Beginning in the Edo Period, swords were tested for their cutting ability on soaked tatami mats. We replicate this art with our own soaked tatami mats and occasionally fresh bamboo, to simulate flesh and bone. This allows us to test the angle and efficiency of our cuts.