Am 16. und 17. April 2011
Mugai Ryu (Iaido & Kenjutsu) is an old martial art of the samurai, from Japan. The origin of Mugai Ryu Iaido reaches back to the 17th century and it is still taught in its pure form. Mugai Ryu is the essence of Japanese sword fighting and a way of Zen. Plain, clear beauty and efficiency. It contains no superfluous or pointless movements, every movement has a deeper and practical sense which is also taught.
Mugai Ryu Iaido is “Cutting Iai”, all techniques must be able to cut in the use as well as be applicable in the fight. Nowadays other Iaido schools hardly have this privilege.
Components of Mugai Ryu training are Kata, Kumitachi or Kenjutsu and Tameshigiri. So forms, duel and the cutting test.
Mugai Ryu is moving Zen.
Mugai Ryu is a widely open style, which means that everybody should be able to get the opportunity to train. So it is opening Iaido to non-japanese, women and handicapped persons, regardless of religion. The training takes place in a ruminant and respectful atmosphere. The students will get taught step by step into Bushido, as a way of Zen-Buddhism.
Kata (Forms) are trained with real swords. Until the Master degree, or Dan level, Iaito are used. Iaito are training Katana made of steel, but not sharpended. Kata training helps the Iaidoka to work on his posture, charisma, body control and presence.
The Mugai Ryu Kata are simple and clear, stressing the practibilty in real combat. To strengthen the realness real swords have to be used at master degrees.
Kumitachi (acutal combat) is taught by using Bokuto (wooden swords). It can also be called Kenjutsu – it is the actual combat against an armed opponent.
Mugai Ryu Kumitachi is the application of Kata with a partner. Next to the Iai Kata, there are about 27 Kumitachi Kata as well as many Ura and Kage – secret techniques. There is Kumitachi from standing, running, sitting and while drawing the sword. With Katana, Wakizashi and both.
The last part is Tameshigiri, the cutting test, in which the student learns to cut with a real sword. This is comparable to the breaking test of the weaponless martial arts and not an easy task.
The Katana is made for cutting, not hacking. The clean cut is quite delicate and needs a good understanding and use of the Katana. Tameshigiri is not just technique as well, it reflects the state of mind. A clouded mind will never be able to make a clean cut.
Zen and Bushido are the foundation of Mugai Ryu, founded by Tsuji Gettan, also a Zen monk. The main teachings are to strengthen the spirit and heart. This process is being done both passive and actively. While training Mugai Ryu, the spirit is trained as well. But in addition to that it is a way of life, being strong willed and focused. Spiritual training is done by sitting meditation, or Zazen and through teaching of philosophy. The training is not limited to the dojo.
Schedule
A weekend of training
Saturday, April 16th 2011 15:30 pm
Kata and Exam preparation
Sunday, April 17th 2011 13:00 pm
Kumitachi, exam and Tameshigiri.
Location
The Mugai Ryu Dojo
Stichting voor Japanse en Okinawaanse Krijgskunsten.
Marwixstraat 35-39
9726 CB Groningen
Holland
Cost
For the whole weekend
External: 130,- Euro
Members: 100,- Euro
Under 18: 80,- Euro
Costs include participation at the seminar and Tameshigiri including 3 mats to cut and use of a Shinken (real and sharp Katana).
If the participant joins the European Mugai Ryu Association after the seminar, the entree fee and first month of training will be free.
Application
Participation at the seminar
Please register until 2 weeks before the seminar, payment in advance.
Registration is only per eMail.