Chanbara, Iaido, and Kenjutsu
Chanbara (Spo-Chan)
The sporting method of Chanbara, the Japanese game of Swashbuckling is a fun-for-all ages way to begin teaching Japanese swordsmanship to children and adults that is physically active, affordable, and safe.
Using foam or inflatable swords, practitioners attack five vital points common to traditional Japanese swordsmanship in an effort to win the match.
Iaido - The Way of Self-Discovery
Iai 居合 (Lit. "Being in Harmony" and Do 道 ("The Way"), Iaido is the martial art where a practitioner draws the sword from the scabbard, cuts down an imaginary opponent, and re-sheathes the sword with intensity, focus, and serenity.
Sometimes called Battodo 抜刀道 or Battojutsu 抜刀術, literally refering to drawing and cutting with the sword.
Training includes Tameshigiri 試し切り, the act of test-cutting soaked bamboo mats tightly woven to the density similar to the human body.
Kenjutsu - The Art of the Sword
Kenjutsu is a method of training in Japanese Sword Arts which two partners take turns playing the Winner and Loser, Aggressor and Victor.
Kenjutsu usually starts with the swords drawn out of the scabbard and contains ceremonies which pay homage to the act of fighting on the battlefield vying for openings.