***UPDATE***October 2007:The past month has been spotty. Our Deshi have not been seen lately - word is that they have other commitments. Our lone woman went off and injured her foot running so she was MIA for a week. She's back now and doing well, although pass the word along that she'd like some female company. We're not sure what's going on with our other Deshi; hopefully we haven't scared them away!One Renshi has been sick and the other has had to work during practice times. We did a self-defense seminar at Duke that was well-received. We're working on a seminar we call "party self-defense". The focus of the seminar is on how to control situations in a way that is not confrontational but does leave you in control. think of this as a basic class on "how to keep the drunk guy from coping a feel without making him feel threatened and therefore confrontational".
Aug. 2007:We lost one member of the group who moved away when his wife finished graduate school. But we also gained a new member, which is great. We now have 3 Deshi and 2 Renshi, so the students outnumber the teachers for a change! However, one of our Deshi will probably be promoted to Renshi soon so the balance will be restored.
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The Durham Kenjutsu group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm at the Karate International dojo. We practice Kenjutsu and Aiki-Jutsu with an emphasis on sword drawing, battle katas, and take-downs.
No previous martial arts training or experience is required to join. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join us for a few classes to find out if he/she would like to join the group. Our group is small, currently five members, and ranges from experienced Kyoshi (teachers) to new Deshi (students). Most of our members are Renshi (instructor) rank. Deshi practice with a bokken (wooden sword) while more advanced members use a live blade.
Our group strives to increase strength and flexibility while developing focus and concentration. A swordsman's spirit brings power to the blade, so our training integrates meditative practices with vigorous martial arts combat practice. We emphasize traditional training in a supportive environment.
