“The way should be like the untouchable moon that is clearly seen reflected by the water.”
– Toga Jikkyo Kan Morimasa
Kogetsukai is the sole group in the Chicagoland area dedicated to training in Zen Ken Ren (Seitei) Iaido and Jodo, Shinto Muso-ryu, Kasumi Shinto-ryu, Uchida-ryu Tanjojutsu, Isshin-ryu Kusarigamajutsu, Atarashii Naginata, Tendo-ryu Naginatajutsu, and Jikishin Kage-ryu Kenjutsu. Our name, ‘Kogetsu’, is derived from the moon shining over Lake Michigan – Moon Lake 湖月. Our vision is to foster a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion and commitment to studying traditional Japanese martial arts. As a martial arts group, we donate 100% of our proceeds to the not-for-profit organization Daiyuzenji Rinzai Zen Temple.
BENEFITS OF TRAINING
We believe in training with the six virtues of benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, sincerity, and bravery.
Jodo, Naginata, Iaido and Kenjutsu can be enjoyed by everyone, from the youngest grade–schooler to the oldest mature adult. The benefits derived from training affect many aspects of a persons everyday life.
These include:
- Speed and agility
- Precision and timing
- Self-confidence
- Community and camaraderie
- Self-control and well-being
- Inner peace and calm
- Harmony of mind and body
- Fitness
- Self-discipline and positive attitude
SWORD ARTS
Zen Ken Ren (Seitei Iaido) & Kenjutsu
We train in the art of drawing and training with the Japanese sword.
The Zen Ken Ren Iai are twelve kata drawn from several major sword schools, including Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Muso Shinden-ryu, Hoki-ryu and Mugai-ryu. Iaido emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks.
Kenjutsu, swordsmanship consists of many different aspects, including formal techniques, practical techniques, and conditioning drills. Unlike iaido, kenjutsu usually focuses more on swordplay after the sword has been drawn. The classical schools of kenjutsu we practice are Jikishin Kage-ryu Hojo and Kasumi Shinto-ryu.
Kogetsukai is a member of the Midwest Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation for Zen Ken Ren Iaido. Our training is overseen by Peter Boylan Sensei of the Michigan Koryu Kenkyukai.
STAFF ARTS
Seitei Jodo (ZNKR) & Shinto Muso-ryu
We train in the art of Jodo, “the way of the wooden staff”.
The Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Seitei Jodo system contains twelve staff forms (kata) against a swordsman using a bokuto (wooden sword). There are twelve additional basic techniques (kihon) and are taught both individually (tandoku dosa) and in pairs (sotai dosa).
As a student develops, they can move into the koryu (old style) techniques of the Shinto Muso-ryu tradition. Which includes the 64 kata as well as the Fuzoku Ryuha (Assimilated Schools), Isshin-ryu Kusarigamajutsu, Ikkaku-ryu Juttejutsu, Uchida-ryu Tanjōjutsu and Kasumi Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu.
Kogetsukai is a member of the Midwest Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation for Seitei Jodo. Our training is overseen by Peter Boylan Sensei of the Michigan Koryu Kenkyukai.
NAGINATA ARTS
Atarashii & Tendo-ryu Naginata
We train in the art of the naginata, traditionally a pole arm that has a Japanese sword blade mounted on a long handle.
One of the styles we practice is the modern (gendai) form called Atarashii Naginata “new Naginata”. It employs the use of a bamboo and oak naginata for practice & competition. Majority of training is dedicated to Engi (forms) and shiai (matches) wearing armor (bogu). Bogu is not required until a certain level of proficiency is demonstrated.
The second school is the classical (koryu) art of Tendo-ryu naginatajutsu. Tendo-ryu the “School of the Way to Heaven” dates back to the late 1500s.
Kogetsukai is a member of the Midwest Naginata Federation and the United States Naginata Federation for Atarashii Naginata.
Training in Tendo-ryu Naginatajutsu at Kogetsukai is conducted under the personal instruction of Takami Tanner Sensei.
CLASS SCHEDULE, COST & LOCATION
START YOUR FREE INTRO CLASS TODAY
SWORD ARTS
Zen Ken Ren Iaido & Kenjutsu
Sundays 2:00 – 3:45 pm
Thursdays 8:30 – 10:00 pm
$30 a month
or
$60 a month for all three arts
(Iaido/Kenjutsu, Jodo & Naginata)
STAFF ARTS
Seitei Jodo & Shinto Muso-ryu
Sundays 3:45 – 5:15 pm
$30 a month
or
$60 a month for all three arts
(Iaido/Kenjutsu, Jodo & Naginata)
NAGINATA ARTS
Atarashii & Tendo-ryu
Sundays 5:15 – 7:00 pm
$30 a month
or
$60 a month for all three arts
(Iaido/Kenjutsu, Jodo & Naginata)
ZEN PRACTICE
Kogetsukai gratefully accepts your tax-deductible donations for classes at Daiyuzenji (a not-for-profit organization). 100% of your contribution goes toward the continuing upkeep of Daiyuzenji temple.
DAIYUZENJI CHICAGO RINZAI ZEN TEMPLE
Zazen (seated meditation) & Hojo (sword forms)
Thursdays 7:00 – 7:45 pm (zazen)
Thursdays 7:45 – 8:30 pm (Hojo)
To schedule your free meditation instruction please visit:
Kogetsukai gratefully accepts your tax-deductible donations for classes at Daiyuzenji (a not-for-profit organization). 100% of your contribution goes toward the continuing upkeep of Daiyuzenji temple.
