KENJUTSU
A Brief Explanation of Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu is translated as Sword Skills. The teachings of the BFNS are structured to ensure that students learn a variety of aspects about kenjutsu. Kenjutsu can be broken down into a number of areas:
Stances: These are Tachi, the positions that are adopted to use the sword and execute techniques. These are important as each kamae allows you to move in different ways and execute a selection of techniques. Kamae can be used to indicate intent; they can be used to convey meaning to opponents. The BFNS Kamae Books 1, 2 & 3 detail the kenjutsu kamae taught within the BFNS and provide information about how they are formed and the intent behind each one.
Drawing the sword: Iai (drawing the sword) is a very important skill within Kenjutsu. The draw can be the difference between life and death. The speed and timing of the draw can be all that is needed to win a duel. Therefore knowing how to draw and continued practice is very important to fully utilise the katana.
Drawing and cutting: Iai giri (drawing and cutting in one movement). This skill teaches fluidity for a student to draw and cut in one movement, without pausing. This enables kenjutsu practitioners to win duels quickly without resorting to an open fight with an opponent. It finishes a fight before it even has a chance to start, using speed and timing to win.
Cutting: Giri (Cuts) are the basis of kenjutsu. Without being able to cut you cannot effectively use the katana. It is also important to know what part of the sword you need to use to make the cut as different parts have a different impact when used and should only be used to make certain cutting movements.
Movement/footwork: Ashi sabaki, (footwork) is just as important in kenjutsu as with all other aspects of the art. Without correct footwork you cannot move quickly, cover distance or maintain balance when moving quickly. Footwork is therefore a critical part of kenjutsu if you are to execute cuts correctly, with the right timing and distancing.
Blocking: Blocks (Uke) are an important skill to master with the sword. Blocking checks the momentum and energy of an opponents' attack and protect you at the same time. However it is important to understand the mechanics of blocking and the benefits and weaknesses of such manoeuvres. Therefore uke are taught with an understanding of nagashi (deflections) as detailed below. It is also important for students to know what part of the sword to use when making an uke as all parts of the blade behave differently when used for blocking and this understanding is important to enable students to block effectively.
Deflecting: Nagashi, deflections are different to uke. Deflecting the attack of an opponent enables you to maintain the flow of their technique and use their momentum against them. This also helps you to maintain your flow and does not check you or your opponent at any point during your technique. Making nagashi effectively is very skilful and takes a lot of practice as if executed incorrectly nagashi often turn into uke.
