NihontoDo
, translated as "Way of the Japanese Sword", is a modern, hybrid kenjutsu system that significantly utilises sparring as a method of training.
Techniques in NihontoDo are based on the use of the katana, and its modular syllabus encompasses four main aspects of modern swordsmanship: sports, combative sparring, drawing and sheathing of the sword, and test [...].
The NihontoDo system strives for accelerated learning, through simplicity and emphasis on mastery of the fundamentals.
Competitions are held for practitioners in its Sports Kenjutsu and Combative Kenjutsu modules.
History
NihontoDo was established in Singapore in 2007 under Creator Master David Sabobel, with patronage by Samurai Sports Singapore founder Master James Wee.
NihontoDo was created by blending elements from Sports Chanbara, Toyama-ryū Battōjutsu and Kashima Shin ryū Kenjutsu, which were the foundation arts of the masters.
Originally a school teaching solely Sports Chanbara in 2006, both masters realised a need for a comprehensive sword system that focuses more on other attributes of swordsmanship besides freestyle sparring.
Based on their experience in Kashima Shin ryū and Toyama-ryū, a simplified syllabus was laid out, for the layman's ease of understanding.
Characteristics
In NihontoDo, the ultimate aim is to be proficient in the use of a shinken. Techniques are practised with this aim in mind.
Accelerated learning
Designed for the novice with no martial arts background in mind, the NihontoDo syllabus is kept simple for easy learning. Complex techniques are omitted, while perfecting the fundamentals is stressed.
Hybrid sword system
NihontoDo is considered a hybrid sword system, as it includes all aspects of sword proficiency - sparring, kata and test [...] - while other systems tend to focus solely on one or two aspects.
Sparring-oriented
NihontoDo is a sparring-oriented sword art, with two modules placing heavy emphasis on sparring. Sparring hones the practitioner's mobility, speed and awareness of distance, which can be brought over to everyday life. It also highlights to the individual which techniques are applicable in a full-speed contact scenario.
For safety, practitioners first use padded equipment to get accustomed to the dynamics of full-speed sparring.
Modules
Sports Kenjutsu
Sports Kenjutsu is the first module in NihontoDo. Practitioners use padded weapons for technique training and sparring to maximise safety and permit the use of full speed. The whole body is a legal target, except the legs, for safety reasons. Importance is placed on the use of proper sword techniques despite the nature of the training weapon used. Sports Kenjutsu is also a competitive module.
Combative Kenjutsu
Combative Kenjutsu is a sparring-oriented module that is accessible to advanced practitioners of NihontoDo. Practitioners will spar in bogu, using shinai, to further test their advancement from technique to skill. Takedowns are also integrated into this competitive module.
Battōdō
A kata-based module of NihontoDo, this module requires practitioners to perform solo kata, much like other sword schools. This is for the holistic development of the practitioner's swordsmanship.
Tameshigiri
The final module of NihontoDo is tameshigiri, where the practitioner will be required to demonstrate the ability to draw the blade, cut a target (rolled tatami omote), and sheathe the blade in a complete sequence.
See also
- Kenjutsu
- Battōdō
- Sports Chanbara
- Nihonto