Our dojo is fortunate to have Louise Herschel, Sandan Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu helping us establish this class  and make Iaido available for our students.  Herschel Sensei has tested for her ranks in Iaido under Eliza Meeker Sensei, Rokudan and  in Kumamoto, Japan in front of Ota Sensei and his board.  We are planning a return trip there in the late winter/early spring 2009 for her to get further Iaido training and for the rest of us to train in Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu/Aikido with Nishi Sensei again if his schedule allows.  Herschel Sensei teaches an Iaido class on Satudays at 9 am and every other tuesday from 6:45-8:15.

Okinawan/Japanese Kobudo   class every other tuesday  6:45-8:15   Our tuesday evening class follows this curriculum:

Okinawan Kobudo

   Bo -------  Kata, Kihon  basic theory

   Sai-------- Kata, Kihon  basic theory

   Tonfa----- Kata, Kihon   basic theory

   Kama----- Kata, Kihon   basic theory

   Nunchaku-  basic theory

   EikuBo---- Kata, Kihon

Kata studied include Shuji No Kon Sho, Shuji No Kon Dai, Sakugawa No Kon Sho, Sakugawa No Kon Dai,  ChatanYara No Sai, Tozan Toyan No Kama and others

Japanese Kobudo

Jo, Bokken, Bo      basic forms and more formal Kata

Philosophy   

     It is the philosophy at the White River Budokan that the study of weapons needs to adhere to the concepts and basics involved in traditional training methods.  No frivolous use of ANY weapon will be tolerated.  Safety is the first priority.  However, there is always risk involved in weapons training.  Please listen to your instructors and use weapons as instructed.  Please ALWAYS be aware of other people near you when using a weapon.

Kobudo rank is given using the same ranking system as KarateDo or any of the other arts taught here.  We use a six kyu system(first rank rokkyu to ikkyu) followed by dan rankings.  Please refer to the Shodan requirements under Goju Ryu and read the paragraph of what it means to earn this rank in ANY art.