Kent Sport is proud to offer a brand new fitness class concept to the summer term timetable as part of the Stamp-Out-Stress programme. The class runs on Wednesday afternoons at 2.10pm for 50 minutes from 10 May to 14 June.
The classes are free for Gold and Silver Kent Sport members and priced at only £2 per session for Bronze members
The practice of swordsmanship has long been used in Japan to develop health, coordination, concentration and composure. The particular style of swordsmanship practised at the University of Kent’s Kyojinkan Dojo is called ‘Battodo’. ‘Batto’ refers to quick drawing and cutting with the sword. ‘Do’ refers to a path of training that aims at full development of the individual. The style follows the principles set out by Taisaburo Namamura Sensei, 10th Dan, the chief instructor of the Toyama Ryu and the founder of Nakamura Ryu.
The teaching combines six distinct elements which can be learnt by attending each week.
Tanren (Forging)
Just as a sword must be forged to reveal its true potential, the human body must also undergo a forging process if true progress is to be made in this art. We perform a series of exercises, both empty-handed and with equipment such as tetsubo (metal poles) or tanrenbo (a heavy wooden training tool), which are designed to harness and develop the power of the body from the inside outwards.
Kihon (Basic technique)
All martial arts require strong basic techniques, from the correct swinging of the sword to the correct placement of the feet. The body and sword (together with the mind) must work together as one unit – repetition of kihon is key here.
Kata
Our style has multiple series of kata (predetermined sequence of movements). Some are individual while others are performed in pairs. The paired forms require students to take the role of both attacker and defender and add the complexities of distancing and timing often not emphasised in solo kata. The practical effectiveness of the cuts and defensive actions are of paramount importance to the style – kata is no exclusion from this.
Kumitachi (Sparring)
With protective headwear and yielding bamboo swords, we are able to engage in combat with relative safety. This is not kendo and is not performed as a sport, but instead as a method to test one’s ability to react to, defend from and respond to a dynamic combat situation.
Uchikomi (Striking)
The striking of solid targets is a key factor in testing one’s grip on the sword and the body’s ability to absorb impact.
Tameshigiri (test cutting)
The only way you can test if your cut is effective is by actual cutting with a live blade. We cut tatami omote, which is the uppermost (disposable) layer of traditional Japanese tatami flooring.
Book online or speak with reception at the Sports Centre or Pavilion, 01227 823 623.