Sep 08 - Samurai Swordmanship In The Park
The Gibraltar Kendo and Kenjutsu Association (GKKA) has organised a Martial Arts exhibition on Thursday 15th September at Commonwealth Parkas from 5.30pm.
GKKA
There are, at present, two member Dojos in the GKKA. iwa Dojo practices Kendo and an old form of Jujutsu; KNBK Kenkyukai iaido Gibraltar practices the art of the Japanese Sword (iaido). GKKA President Dylan Bocarisa has invited iaido Gibraltar dojo to demonstrate their martial art to the general public. Families and all interested persons are welcome to come and watch.
iaido Gibraltar Dojo
The school responsible for iaido in Gibraltar is the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai Kenkyukai – iaido Gibraltar, headed by Cortés Sensei. This Dojo has been offering the art of the Japanese Sword on the Rock for the past five years and teaches the Koryu Bujutsu (traditional martial art) Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu iai Heiho (MJER). This traditional Japanese martial art teaches use of the Bokuto (wooden sword), iaito (blunt metal sword) Shinken (sharp metal sword) as well as other disarming techniques. More so, MJER teaches about compassion, ethical conduct and a philosophy of life, that is, Bushido.
What are you going to see?
Instructors and students of the Dojo will hold a normal lesson where they will practice Suburi (cuts), Bogyo waza (Defensive drills), Tai Sabaki (body movement with the sword), Waza (solo practice) and Kumitachi (Paired sparring).
Instructors will also demonstrate part of the MJER curriculum, which will include:
- Batto-Ho Shoden Waza – Standing techniques against one or more opponents.
- Dai Nippon Batto-Ho Okuden waza – Standing techniques against one or more opponents.
- Omori-Ryu seiza waza – Kneeling techniques.
- Tachiuchi no Kurai – Paired sparring.
- Suemonogiri: - This is the cutting of tatami mats (straw mats). The history behind Suemonogiri (also known as tameshigiri) was used to test newly forged swords. Today it is used for competition cutting, and is a way to perfect oneself in the art of the sword.
GKKA committee members and iaido Gibraltar instructors will be available to answer any questions about membership and training opportunities in either Dojo. Kendo and Jujutsu start up in September at iwa Dojo. iaido sword classes continue in September at iaido Gibraltar Dojo. Please check our websites for further information.
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