Although my journey has effectively just begun, my experience with the tanren has strengthened my relationship with the sword and given me deeper appreciation for Battōdō and the potential of our art as a lifelong practice. I am grateful to Evans sensei for opening his dojo to me and I’m privileged to share some of what I am learning with others as we all move forward on the path together.
A personal account from a Fudokan student of their tanren training during the COVID lockdown.
BECOMING ONE WITH THE SWORD
Following on from part I, here is the second extract from the compilation of Hida’s writings in French by Kenji Tokitsu (author of Miyamoto Musashi – his life and teachings) – translated by William Stonborough. “In my state, there were only two…
Part 2
Nakamura Sensei on Choosing a Sword. The following extracts are from Tameshigiri no Shinzui (the Essence of Test cutting 1980). This was translated by Gavin Poffley and published as The Spirit of the Sword in 2013.
The following text is translated by one of the Fudokan students William Stonborough, from a compilation of Hida’s writings in French by Kenji Tokitsu (author of Miyamoto Musashi – his life and teachings). Childhood Hida Harumichi “Thus death was ready
Part 1
Taren (forging) sequences form a large part of the Kurikara Ryu curriculum taught at Fudokan to enable students to move freely with the sword and access the tanden. The rhythms and shapes of the movements…
Hida Harumichi The third and final instalment from the compilation of Hida’s writings in French by Kenji Tokitsu (author of Miyamoto Musashi – his life and teachings) – translated by William Stonborough. “[…]It would take me ten years to obtain a…
Part 3