Rakushinkan - Training

Training at Calgary Rakushinkan consists of Aikido, Aikijujutsu, Iaijutsu (aka Iaido) and Kenjutsu.

Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu:

Iaijutsu (or iaido) is a sword drawing art. Iai kata are practiced individually against imaginary opponents. In this style there are three sets of kata: suwari waza - kata performed from Japanese sitting posture, handachi waza - kata performed from a squatting position, and tachi waza - kata performed from a standing position.

Below is a video of Ishikawa Sensei performing some suwari waza.

a list of Mugen Shinto Ryu kata...

more on iaijutsu / iaido...

Aizu Ono ha Itto Ryu Kenjutsu:

Kenjutsu is a sword fighting art where we practice sword techniques with a partner using bokuto (wooden swords).

Itto Ryu means "school of one sword". This style of kenjutsu traces its roots back to the Muromachi period. In many ways, Itto Ryu is a duelling art. This style is particularly good as it complements our Aiki and Iai practice very well. The principle of "one sword" is of paramount importance.

Below is a video of Ishikawa Sensei and his student Nakajima-san.

Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu:

Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu is the precursor to Aikido. It was popularized by in the early 20th century by Takeda Sokaku, but with roots going back 900 years. This art emphasises throwing techniques, joint locks and manipulations, pins and immobilizations, etc.

Below is a video of Josh and Ishikawa Sensei performing some suwari waza.

Ki to Tanden no Aikido:

Aikido is a popular Japanese martial art based on the principle of harmonizing with an opponent's attack and using his/her own power against him/her. We perform techniques with out conflict and therefore very little muscular power is required.

Ki to Tanden no Aikido is Ishikawa Sensei's own method of Aikido aimed at developing ki and the use of tanden.

Below is a video of Ishikawa Sensei performing some aiki techniques.