We are very excited to offer this new DVD made by our Sensei in Japan. He is the head of the All Japan Toyama Ryu Iaido Federation. If you have ever wanted an authoritative reference on Toyama Ryu, this is the video you have been waiting for. Nihonzashi highly recommends this video! It includes the latest version of the Toyama Ryu kata.

The Japanese Sword: The Tireless Pursuit of Combat Methods. Yoshitoki Hataya has pursued the killing methods of the sword and revived the original forms of Iai, Kenjutsu, and Batto. These forms were originally the same in the time of the Samurai. This is the cutting edge of Iai, not only in Japan, but around the world.

Details:

Length: 66 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

Contents:

History of Toyama Ryu Iaido
The Toyama Military Academy Military Sword Methodology
Interview with Hataya Sensei (Meaning of Tameshigiri / Reasons for Using Straw in Tameshigiri / Kendo / Kata / Difference between Iai, Kenjutsu, Batto / Demonstrations / About the Japanese Sword)
Etiquette
Kihon Happo no Kata
Kihon Happo no Kata Explanation
Kumidachi no Kata
Sword Guidelines
Tameshigiri

Kenbu Tenshin Ryu by Hiroyuki Aoki

40 Years since the founding of Shintaido, a miracle in the world of martial arts. Hiroyuki Aoki, who has always walked the vanguard , developed Kenjutsu with all of his heart and soul in order to develop physical ability as well as spiritual discipline. Kenbu Tenshin Ryu is something completely new, but each and every technique in Kenbu Tenshin Ryu fulfills all the rules set out in the classics. A training system has become completed that enables us to acquire the life force, the core of Budo, handed down in the continuous line, through out history from ancient times.

Details:

Length: 139 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

Contents:

Reiho
Batto
Tenshin Juso
Towa Taigi
Kiso Taigi
Kihon Toho
Kihon Batto Gata
What is Kenbu?
Free style Kumite
Tokushu Batto Gata
Kenbu

An Introduction to Kendo by Akira Kubo

Akira Kudo is the chief instructor of the Tokyo Kyumeikan Dojo and some of the Kyumeikan Dojod located around the world. He has worked to train students and develop instructors since 1969. His Dojo is a center that has spread Kendo all around the world. This is the best Kendo DVD which introduces Kendo both practically and philosophically.

Details:

Length: 110 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

Contents:

Manners in the Dojo
Rei
Kamae
Striking Method
Suburi
Uchikomi
Kiri Kaeshi
Kakari Geiko
Iai
Kendogata
Shu Ha Ri

Yagyu Shingan Ryu by Kenji Shimazu

Yagyu Shingan Ryu has existed for over 500 years. This DVD covers practical Samurai techniques - basic movements, jujutsu, kenjutsu and other weapon katas. Kenji Shimazu is called one of the greatest masters in Kobudo (ancient martial arts).

Details:

Length: 82 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

Contents:

Rei Ho (Bowing)
Kihon Dori-Ura No Kata / Seigan No Kata / Seigon Ura No Kata
Sufuri 21 Kajo-Sufuri Omote Kajo / Sufuri Chugoku Kajo / Sufuri Otoshi Kajo / Ura No kata / Mifuri / Seigan No Tsukai 21 Kajo / Midare Zukai / Migonashi Bukizukai
Tekitori-Teki Ukedori No Kata Ukegaeshidori / Atetsukai No Kata Ukegaeshidori / Jutsugetsu En No Den / Gyodori / Taidoin No Jutsu
Enbu-Natto No Jutsu / Toride No Kata / Tokkaeshi No Kata / Kacchu No Kata

Hiko-Ryu Kodachi by Koshiro Tanaka

The Kodachi (Wakizashi) is used to attack with the mind set that it is the last layer of protection left to defend yourself. The final act is that it cuts your own belly. It is the last line of defense and a very important weapon. It is the sword of mettle. The ways of using the Kodachi are broad and numerous.

Details:

Length: 85 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

Contents:

Kamae-Sei / Gedan / Chi / Jyodan / Hasso / Tsuki / Waki
Suburi
Kumi Suburi
Nuki-Sei / Kyu / Koteotoshi / Kashima / Ichishin / Totsu / Hi / Kisshin / Yukikai / Futakubi / Regaeshi
Kumi Dachi - Mi Itsu / Minuke / Shinogi Ai
Shishi Bo
Tanto
Muto-Kange / Enpi / Kizen / Jisatsu Hiji Hineri
Interview

Intro to Japanese Swordsmith by Kozuka Koubou

The Japanese sword is one of the greatest steel works of art the world has ever known. For over a thousand years people have marveled at the efficiency and beauty of the Japanese sword and the skill of the men who made them. In this program, Japanese sword researcher - Paul Martin, as he is guided through the swordmaking process by swordsmith Ozawa Shigenori in and attempt to produce a traditional utility knife called a kogatana using the same methods employed to create Japanese Swords.

Details:

Length: 30 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

Contents:

Forming the block
The folding process
Forming the blade
Clay application
The quenching process

Token - The World of Masters

The Murakumokai - A group of 8 Japanese swordsmiths who gathered for a workshop organized by The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Sword at Oku Izumo, the birthplace of Ame no maurakumo no tsurugi, one of the 3 sacred treasures. We are happy to announce that we are making this DVD about the beautiful world of the Japanese sword filmed in hi-vision, available to the public.

The swordsmiths reveal the beauty of their masterpieces, a total of 15 magnificent swords, with vivid clarity in pictures chosen from among 70 hours of material captured by highly experienced film professionals. As a result of this professional effort to show the powerful allure of these beautiful swords, the sheen of their jitetsu and hamon through the eyes of the swordsmith, we present the ultimate film experience.

In addition, throughout the film the features of the Japanese sword, the Nie, Nioi, Kinsuji and Utsuri, and their changes over time are explained. We heartily recommend this film as a valuable textbook of the features of the Japanese sword and the skill and passion of the swordsmiths who create them.

Details:

Length: 47 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

The Ancient Techniques and Spirit of the Japanese Sword - A Modern Challenge

Kinki, Chugoku & Shikoku Regional Branches of the All Japan Swordsmith Association video taped the forging of a Sue-Bizen style sword in Osafune, a town famous for sword making, employing traditional methods. The Japanese sword is artistic craftwork based on functional beauty that has developed over a period of more than 1,000 years. The beauty in the well-honed shape of the sword is the straightforward expression of the noble and powerful spirit of the warrior, and the pure and bright spirit of the Japanese people.

Although the public can visit art galleries and museums to see swords that have been completed, there are few opportunities for them to see what modern swordsmiths have brought down from past generations.

It is our great hope that many people will have the opportunity to view this video to witness the entire process of sword making, from the first step, the creation of Tamahagane, to the final polishing of the completed sword, and deepen their understanding of the beauty of the Japanese sword and the skills required to create it.

We also hope this video project will play a part in the passing down of the traditional craftsmanship of Japanese sword making. We hope that as many people as possible will have a change to see this video.

Details:

Length: 32 min
Languages: Japanese with English subtitles
Format: DVD NTSC
Other Info: All Region DVD

Kendo Principles I - Basics DVD

Kendo Principles Part I explains the basic movements of Kendo, such as Kamae, Furikaburi, and Suburi. This video can be a guide for Kenshis starting Kendo for self trainning. Dojo Instructors can also take full use of this video as an additional instruction material for their students.

Basic Feet Movements (Ayumi Ashi, Okuri Ashi, Fumikomi)
Basic Positions (Seigan-no-Kamae, Yasume, Sonkyo)
Basic Shinai Movements (Furikaburi, San-Kyodo Men-Uchi, San-Kyodo Kote-Uchi, San-Kyodo Do-Uchi, San-Kyodo Tsuki-Uchi, Zenshin Koutai Men-Uchi, Zenshin Koutai Sayu-Men-Uchi, Jougue-Buri, Renzoku Sayu-Men-Uchi, Kote-Men, Kote-Do, Kote-Men-Do, Hayasuburi)

Kendo Principles II - Bogu Basics DVD

Kendo Principles Part II explains the basic movements of Kendo using the actual Bogu (Protector Armor for Kendo). It also illustrates examples, and incorrect moves which students tend to make. This video can be a useful self-training guide for Kenshi who were recently allowed to wear Bogu. Dojo Instructors can also take full use of this video as an additional instruction material for their students. This video is all narrated in English, for easy understanding and the camera is taken from various angles. Many slow motion shots were taken to illustrate good and bad examples from different angles.

Men Uchi (Large/Small Movement)
Kote Uchi (Large/Small Movement)
Do Uchi (Large/Small Movement)
Tsuki (Morote Tsuki/Katate Tsuki)
Various combination of the above Kirikaeshi / Kakarigeiko

Kendo Principles III - Advanced DVD

Kendo Principles Part III explains advanced movements of Kendo using the Bogu (Protector Armor for Kendo). It also illustrates examples, and incorrect moves which students tend to make. This video can be a useful self-training guide for Kenshis who are experienced in Kendo, in order to improve their techniques and have an in-depth understanding of the advanced techniques. Dojo Instructors can also take full use of this video as an additional instruction material for their students. This video is all narrated in English, for easy understanding and the camera is taken from various angles. Many slow motion shots were taken to illustrate good and bad examples from different angles.

SHIKAKE WAZA: Omote Kara Men, Ura Kara Men, Ura Kara Kote, Tobikomi Do, Kote Men (Omote), Kote Men (Ura), Tsuki Men, Maki Waza
NUKI-WAZA: Kote Nuki Men
SURIAGE WAZA: Kote Suriage Men (Omote), Kote Suriage Men (Ura), Kote Suriage Kote, Men Suriage Men (Omote), Men Suriage Men (Ura), Men Suriage Kote
KAESHI WAZA: Men Kaeshi Do, Men Kaeshi Gyaku Do, Kote Kaeshi Men
DEBANA WAZA: De-Kote, Degashira Men, Nuki Do, Nuki Gyaku Do, Ai Kote Men
TSUBAZERIAI: Men From Tsubazeri, Kote from Tubazeri, Do from Tubazeri, Gyaku Do from Tsubazeri

Kendo Principles IV - Nito-ryu (Two Swords) DVD

Kendo Principles Part IV explains the major techniques of Kendo using two Swords (Nito-Ryu). Miyamoto Musashi, the most famous Samurai in the Japanese history, has developed the Nito-Ryu technique during a combat. This video illustrates correct examples, and incorrect moves which are common to new students. It can also be a useful self-training guide for Kenshis who wants to learn Nito-ryu and have an in-depth understanding of the advanced techniques.

Dojo Instructors can also take full use of this video as an additional instructional material for their students. This video is all narrated in English, for easy understanding and the camera is taken from various angles. Many slow motion shots is taken to illustrate good and bad examples from different angles.

All techniques and moves are explained by Matthew Raymond (Black Belt 5th Dan), one of the most famous Nito-Ryu Kenshis in the world. He has learned his Nito-Ryu techniques during his long training in Osaka, Japan. Matthew has won many big titles and he is currently member of the Canadian national team participating in four World Kendo Championships, placing 3rd place in 1994 and 2000.

BASIC TECHNIQUES: [Sonkyo, Seiza, Kamae (Jodan - Daito, Jodan - Shoto), Distance, Tsubazeriai, Okuri Ashi, Datotsu (Men-Uchi, Kote-Uchi, Do-Uchi, Tsuki-Uchi)]

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: [Combinations (Kote-Men, Kote-Do), Debana Waza (Debana Men, Debana Kote, Debana Do), Hiki Men, Hiki Kote, Hiki Do, Kakarigeiko, Kirikaeshi, Zanshin]

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