Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.
– Miyamoto Musashi
Kenjutsu
Classical Japanese Swordsmanship
Kenjutsu is the traditional Japanese art of swordsmanship practiced through paired training that refines timing, distance, posture, awareness, and composure. At Kogetsukai, beginners and experienced practitioners train in a respectful environment dedicated to sincere practice and authentic tradition.
Students study multiple classical sword schools, offering a broad yet historically grounded approach to Japanese swordsmanship:
- Kasumi Shintō-ryū Kenjutsu
- Jikishin Kage-ryū — Hōjō no Kata
- Sugawara Sōgō Budō – Katori Shintō-ryū Kenjutsu
Our Training
Kenjutsu training centers on formal paired kata (kata-geiko) that preserve battlefield principles transmitted through centuries of traditional practice.
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- Precise cutting angles and blade alignment
- Strong body structure and decisive footwork
- Distance awareness (maai)
- Timing, breath control, focus, and intention
Training progresses gradually with strong emphasis on safety, etiquette, and controlled advancement before any introduction to higher intensity partner exercises. Periodically, students may participate in gekikan, a form of controlled free-exchange practice using protective equipment. These sessions allow students to further explore timing, distancing (maai), initiative, adaptability, and composure in a dynamic environment while complementing the foundational study of kata.
Each lineage contributes distinct training objectives:
Each lineage contributes distinct training objectives:
- Kasumi Shintō-ryū emphasizes applied sword engagement and controlled technique usage.
- Jikishin Kage-ryū – Hōjō no Kata builds physical conditioning, upright posture, stability, and internal strength through powerful ceremonial forms.
- Sugawara Sōgō Budō Katori Shintō-ryū provides instruction in one of Japan's oldest and most comprehensive classical martial traditions.
Together, these schools cultivate functional sword skill balanced with mental discipline, historical preservation, and character development.
- Precise cutting angles and blade alignment
- Strong body structure and decisive footwork
- Distance awareness (maai)
- Timing, breath control, focus, and intention
Training progresses gradually with strong emphasis on safety, etiquette, and controlled advancement before any introduction to higher intensity partner exercises. Periodically, students may participate in gekikan, a form of controlled free-exchange practice using protective equipment. These sessions allow students to further explore timing, distancing (maai), initiative, adaptability, and composure in a dynamic environment while complementing the foundational study of kata.
Each lineage contributes distinct training objectives:
- Kasumi Shintō-ryū emphasizes applied sword engagement and controlled technique usage.
- Jikishin Kage-ryū – Hōjō no Kata builds physical conditioning, upright posture, stability, and internal strength through powerful ceremonial forms.
- Katori Shintō-ryū Kenjutsu provides deep technical structure within one of Japan’s most comprehensive classical martial systems.
Together, these schools cultivate functional sword skill balanced with mental discipline, historical preservation, and character development.
Hōjō Training
Before Thursday evening Kenjutsu and Iaido practice, Kogetsukai members are welcome to participate in Hōjō, a traditional series of paired sword forms practiced weekly at Daiyuzenji.
Hōjō develops posture, timing, distancing (maai), body alignment, and composure through structured partner training. The practice emphasizes precision, awareness, and coordinated movement while reinforcing the principles found throughout classical Japanese swordsmanship.
Together with Thursday evening Kenjutsu and Iaido, Hōjō provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of traditional sword training in a focused and supportive environment.
Before Thursday evening Kenjutsu and Iaido practice, Kogetsukai members are welcome to participate in Hōjō, a traditional series of paired sword forms practiced weekly at Daiyuzenji.
(tap to expand)
Hōjō develops posture, timing, distancing (maai), body alignment, and composure through structured partner training. The practice emphasizes precision, awareness, and coordinated movement while reinforcing the principles found throughout classical Japanese swordsmanship.
Together with Thursday evening Kenjutsu and Iaido, Hōjō provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of traditional sword training in a focused and supportive environment.
Gekiken (Advanced Training)
Senior practitioners may also participate in Gekiken, an advanced form of free practice conducted in protective armor (bogu). Unlike kata, Gekiken allows experienced students to apply the principles of traditional kenjutsu against a fully resisting partner in an unscripted environment.
Rather than emphasizing point scoring or tournament competition, training focuses on timing (maai), initiative (sen), control, adaptability, and the practical application of classical techniques under pressure. While movements and principles drawn from our kata naturally emerge during practice, Gekiken is not choreographed and there are no predetermined sequences or points. Participation is by instructor invitation and is reserved for senior practitioners who have developed a solid foundation in kata and partner training.
Who Can Train?
Kenjutsu is open to teens and adults of all experience levels. No prior martial arts background is required.
Students develop:
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Students develop:
- Partner-based and cooperative
- Progressive and safety-focused
- Structured around discipline and etiquette
- Designed for both physical and personal development
- Partner-based and cooperative
- Progressive and safety-focused
- Structured around discipline and etiquette
- Designed for both physical and personal development
Equipment
Loaner equipment is available for first-time students. Training is conducted using:
- Bokutō (wooden swords) for paired kata
- Suburitō (conditioning swords) when appropriate
- Iaitō (Zinc Aluminum Alloy sword) for solo kata
Loaner equipment is available during initial training.
Additional Monthly Training
Sugawara Sōgō Budō Katori Shintō-ryū
In addition to our regular weekly kenjutsu curriculum, Kogetsukai offers monthly training in Sugawara Sōgō Budō Katori Shintō-ryū, one of Japan’s oldest surviving classical martial traditions.
Led by Rob Dillon Sensei, these optional sessions provide students with the opportunity to study the traditional kata and principles of this historic system while complementing their regular kenjutsu training.
One Saturday each month • Separate registration required
Lineage & Affiliation
Kogetsukai trains within the following classical traditions:
- Kasumi Shintō-ryū Kenjutsu
- Jikishin Kage ryū Kenjutsu within the Daiyuzenji lineage of Ōmori Sōgen
- Sugawara Sōgō Budō Katori Shintō ryū Kenjutsu under instruction of Rob Dillon Sensei
Begin with a Complimentary Introductory Class
The best way to understand training is to experience it firsthand. Beginners are welcome, and no prior martial arts experience is required.
Train in a respectful community dedicated to authentic Japanese martial arts, personal growth, and disciplined practice.
Your first class is complimentary.
Kenjutsu
(Classical Swordsmanship)
Sundays
-
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Thursdays
-
8:30 – 10:00 pm
Sundays
-
Kenjutsu
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Thursdays
-
Zazen
7:00 – 7:45 pm
-
Hojo
7:45 – 8:30 pm
-
Kenjutsu
8:30 – 10:00 pm
Monthly Support
Monthly training support consists of two separate contributions: one to Daiyuzenji Zen Temple, which hosts our training, and one to Kogetsukai, which supports instruction, youth programs, seminars, and equipment.
Daiyuzenji Temple
$
50
a month
-
Supports the temple that hosts Kogetsukai's regular training.
Kogetsukai
$
25
a month
-
Supports instruction, youth programs, seminars, and equipment.
Total Monthly Support
$75 / month
Together, these two monthly contributions sustain authentic Japanese martial arts training in Chicago.
1. Aisun (Migi)
Equal Distance (Right)
2. Aisun (Hidari)
Equal Distance (Left)
3. Ju
Eagle
4. Chibarai
Breast Sweep
5. Sarin
Left Wheel
6. Uke Kaeshi
Receive and Return
7. Nito Ai
Two Swords Meet
8. Surikomi
Sliding In
9. Inchu
Center of the Throat
10. Uke Nagashi
Flowing Reception
11. Miuke Dome
Three Receives and Stop
12. Tsuki dashi
Driving Thrust
1. Aisun (Migi)
Equal Distance (Right)
2. Aisun (Hidari)
Equal Distance (Left)
3. Ju
Eagle
4. Chibarai
Breast Sweep
5. Sarin
Left Wheel
6. Uke Kaeshi
Receive and Return
7. Nito Ai
Two Swords Meet
8. Surikomi
Sliding In
9. Inchu
Center of the Throat
10. Uke Nagashi
Flowing Reception
11. Miuke Dome
Three Receives and Stop
12. Tsuki dashi
Driving Thrust
Visit Our Dojo
Daiyuzenji
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. #112
Chicago IL 60613
Training
Sundays & Thursdays
Parking
Free street parking
Public Transit
CTA Addison Brown Line station
New Students
Complimentary introductory class
by appointment.
Visit Our Dojo
Daiyuzenji
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. #112
Chicago IL 60613
Training
- Sundays
- Thursdays
Parking
Free street parking
Public Transit
CTA Addison Brown Line station
New Students
Complimentary introductory class by appointment.