Introduction to Japanese Sword Practice
£60.00 4 Sections 17 Lessons
Course Description
Course Aim
The aim of this course is to introduce participants to the foundational principles and practices of Japanese swordsmanship. Training will focus on the use of the bokken (wooden sword), including how to hold it correctly, adopt appropriate stances (kamae), and perform basic footwork, thrusting, and cutting techniques. This course has been designed to support the in-class course run by Nintai Kai Martial Arts (Nintai Kai Battodo)
As the course progresses, the practice will extend to sword sheathing and unsheathing, with the intention of introducing the first kata (formal sequence) based on overall class readiness and performance.
Integrated throughout the sessions will be basic breathing and energy-focused exercises, which help participants begin to connect the sword, body, and internal energy (ki). The practice emphasizes a holistic and integrated approach, rather than competitive sword fighting.
In-class students will also engage in partnered exercises, which involve safe and controlled sequences with another participant to develop awareness, timing, and distance.
Each session will generally include:
- Warm-up and stretching
- Fundamental drills (kihon)
- Tanren (conditioning or qi-gong style exercises to develop structure and flow)
This course is designed to provide a grounded, respectful, and comprehensive introduction to Japanese sword practice as a mindful physical art.
Course Content
Part 1 - Getting to grips with the Japanese sword
In this first session, you will be introduced to the course and how to follow the course content. You will then go on to cover the foundational elements of Japanese sword practice using the bokken (wooden sword).
Please note: formal dojo etiquette will not be covered in this introductory course—we want you to focus on getting started with the physical practice. Etiquette and formalities will be introduced in the Japanese Sword Continuation Course.
In this session, you will cover:
• Basic warm-up procedures to prepare the body for training
• Introduction to the bokken and how to hold it correctly
• The first stance: Chūdan No Kamae (middle stance) and how to step and move from this position
• The technique of tsuki (thrust): a simple yet effective method of attack with the Japanese sword
• Basic tanren (conditioning) exercises to begin developing structure, flow, and internal awareness
• An introduction to the connection between body, breath, and sword, with a focus on the tanden (the centre of internal energy)
This first session sets the tone for the rest of the course and establishes the key principles that will support your progress throughout your practice.
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Welcome and How to Approach the Course
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Lesson- Standing Warm Up
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Lesson- Intro to Bokken
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Lesson- Grip and Holding the Bokken
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Lesson - Stances Chudan No Kamae
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Lesson - Tsuki (The Thrust)
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Lesson- Cool Down Explanation
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Tanren Intro
Japanese Sword Introduction Class 1
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Section 1 Review Test
Part 2: Building Fundamentals – Cuts, Movement, and Breath
In this session, you will begin to deepen your understanding of Japanese sword fundamentals by exploring a basic cutting technique and further developing movement from Chūdan no Kamae.
You will also reinforce what was introduced in the first session, including correct grip, stance, and the thrusting technique (tsuki), while starting to build fluidity and control through structured repetition and mindful practice.
In this session, you will cover:
• Review of grip, stance (Chūdan no Kamae), and tsuki
• Introduction to Kirioroshi (vertical downward cut)
• Introduction to Kesa Giri (diagonal cut)
• Introduction to footwork drills, including stepping forward, backward, and turns
• Additional tanren exercises, with emphasis on coordinating breath, movement, and intention, including "Holding the Tree" (postural grounding)
• Continued development of awareness of the tanden and posture
The focus of this session is to begin developing precision, coordination, and connection—essential qualities for progressing toward more advanced movements and forms.
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Welcome to Week 2
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Kirioroshi (Straight Cut) Lesson 1
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Kirioroshi (Straight Cut) Lesson 2
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Kesa Giri (Angle Cut) Lesson 1
Introduction to Japanese Sword - Kesa Giri (Angle Cut Cut) Lesson 2
Japanese Sword Introduction Class 2
Part 3 - Integration and Introduction to Sword Handling Techniques
In this session, you will continue developing your foundational skills by refining core techniques and beginning to explore sword handling practices, such as drawing and sheathing. These movements are key components of kata and require mindful attention to posture, control, and breath.
You will also begin learning the individual elements of Kirikaeshi, a traditional four-step cutting sequence, usually practiced with a partner. At this stage, you’ll focus on executing each part individually to build control and awareness before later integrating it into paired practice.
In this session, you will cover:
• Review of Shōmen-uchi (straight cut) and tsuki
• Performing Shōmen-uchi with movement, including step-in and recovery
• Introduction to drawing and sheathing the sword: Chiburi and Noto
• Breakdown of the Kirikaeshi four-step sequence (solo practice)
• Addition of new tanren exercises, including: "Holding the Ball" (developing connected breath)
This session begins the transition from static techniques to fluid movement and sword handling, helping you lay the groundwork for more advanced forms in later weeks.
Japanese Sword Introduction Class 3