A Journey Through Kendo: From Itto to Nito Ryu
Four years ago, I embarked on a journey that would shape my physical abilities and my understanding of discipline, focus, and tradition. Upon moving to Tokyo, Japan, I discovered the elegant martial art or Budo of Kendo, the way of the sword, and immersing myself in its kata, basics, and practice, which has been a remarkable experience.
My introduction to Kendo began with studying Itto, the one-sword technique foundational to this Budo. Under the guidance of seasoned instructors at my dojo, I learned to wield a single shinai (bamboo sword) precisely. The essence of Kendo lies in its simplicity and depth; the practice of striking with one sword helps cultivate awareness, timing, and strategy. Progressing through rigorous training, I was honored to earn the rank of Shodan, marking my formal recognition as a first-degree black belt through the All Japan Kendo Federation.
I also delved into the All Japan Kendo Federation katas during my training, including the first five forms. These forms encapsulate the fundamental movements of Kendo, blending martial spirit with the aesthetics of movement. Alongside Kendo, I ventured into Toho Iaido, a sword system developed by Budoka Shoji Nishio Sensei. This practice taught me the subtleties of drawing and cutting, as I assimilated the techniques taught by one of Nishio Sensei’s foremost students, Ichiro Shishiya Sensei. Each kata within this elegant system provided a fresh perspective and a way to articulate the fluidity and discipline that defines Budo along with movements from Aikido; this is a topic I have written about in the past.
However, my journey turned unexpectedly during a Judo contest in Tokyo. An unfortunate injury to my right shoulder made it challenging to perform from the common Chūdan-no-kamae stance in Kendo, which relies heavily on the functionality of both shoulders; one for striking and the other for direction. This unexpected setback led me to reconsider my approach to training.
Encouraged by one of my training partners from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, I began to explore Nito Ryu Kendo – the two-sword style. This recommendation reflected my struggle with a single sword and my partner’s keen understanding of my capabilities in the gauging distance, applying pressure and executing attack and defense strategies effectively in Kendo.
Switching to the Nito Ryu style necessitated a significant shift in mindset. Instead of the linear approach required for Itto, handling two swords—one in each hand—required a new way of thinking. It presented its challenges and possibilities. I grappled with the coordination, balance, and rhythm of wielding dual shinais (the shorter Shoto and the longer Daito). Yet, I was surprised to discover that many fundamental principles of Kendo seamlessly transitioned to this form. The distance management, the timing of strikes, and the mental preparation I had honed with Chūdan-no-kamae provided me with a solid foundation to build my understanding of Nito Ryu.
Throughout my initial lessons, the experience of practicing with two swords has been both enlightening and rewarding. Though it challenges me in new ways, the overlap with Kendo is strikingly clear. The core values of discipline, respect, and continual learning remain ingrained in each practice session, reinforcing the idea that regardless of the style, the essence of Budo endures.
My journey in Kendo, with its unexpected twists, reinforces the idea that the path of a martial artist is seldom linear. Whether wielding a single sword or engaging in the complexities of Nito Ryu, every moment in the dojo teaches me something new. I am eager to continue my exploration of this intricate art, embracing the challenges ahead and cultivating a deeper connection to the way of the sword.
A Short History of Nito Ryu Kendo
Nito Ryu Kendo, the two-sword style of Japanese martial arts, has its roots in the broader traditions of Kenjutsu, the classical art of swordsmanship. Its origins can be traced back to the late feudal period of Japan (approximately the 15th to 19th centuries) when warriors known as samurai sought innovative techniques to enhance their combat effectiveness on the battlefield.
The term “Nito Ryu” literally translates to “two-sword style,” reflecting its hallmark technique of wielding both a katana (long sword) and a wakizashi (short sword) simultaneously. This dual-wielding approach allows practitioners to engage opponents with unique strategies and techniques that exploit the advantages of both weapons. Historical records suggest that using two swords in combat may have been inspired by various styles of Kenjutsu and developed into a fully realized system by the late Edo period.
One of the most influential figures in the history of Nito Ryu is the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi, who is credited with popularizing and refining this technique. Musashi, renowned for his unmatched skills and unique philosophy on combat, authored “The Book of Five Rings” (Go Rin no Sho), a seminal text that outlines his martial principles, including those relevant to Nito Ryu. He emphasized mental clarity, the importance of adaptability, and the effective utilization of distance and timing in combat.
While Musashi’s teachings laid the groundwork for Nito Ryu, it was not until the modern era that the style began to take on its current form. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, as Western influence permeated Japan and traditional martial arts were restructured, Nito Ryu Kendo emerged. In 1912, the first formal Nito Ryu Kendo dojo was established by Sensei Shigenobu Sato, who sought to preserve and disseminate Musashi’s principles within a structured training environment.
Since then, Nito Ryu Kendo has gained recognition as a martial art and an integral part of contemporary Kendo practice. Today, practitioners of Nito Ryu Kendo learn to balance the unique strategies offered by wielding two swords with the traditional values of Kendo, such as respect, discipline, and a continuous quest for personal improvement. The style continues to evolve, with instructors adapting ancient principles to suit modern training needs while still honoring the rich traditions of its historical origins.
As Kendo continues to flourish globally, Nito Ryu remains a testament to the creativity and adaptability of martial arts, showcasing the timeless qualities of skill, strategy, and spirituality inherent in the practice of the Japanese ways of the sword.
To The Reader
The author will most happily receive your comments, including criticisms and suggestions. Noteworthy comments may be included in future editions or books on this series.
Citation:
Tony Pacenski’s photo from Japan: Tokyo.
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Yokota Air Base – Tokyo Japan
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