FAQS
WHEN ARE CLASSES?
The class schedule is:
Wednesday 1 pm – 5 pm
Saturday 1 pm – 5 pm
(Monday & Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm)*
*Monday and Sunday need to be discussed with Yahagi Sensei.
Dojo can be opened for self-practice if not used by other groups at that time.
WHERE ARE CLASSES?
生命館 | 柳心照智流
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Honbu
Seiseikan Akabane Dojo
2-4-15 Akabane Minami Kita-ku Tokyo, Japan 1F
Phone: 080-6799-3366
Phone: 090-6023-3941
HOW MUCH ARE CLASSES?
Admission fee: ¥10,000
Monthly Dues:
Adult: ¥4,000
Student (College): ¥2,000
Student (High School): ¥1,500
* This does not include the cost of seminars, tests or certificates.
RSR Annual Dues Chart
HOW LARGE ARE CLASSES?
Class size fluctuates depending on attendance.
We usually average 10 – 13 people per class.
That being said, a smaller class size means
more individual attention.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?
As far as equipment is concerned all you need are gym clothes at first. We can lend you everything, however, after you join will eventually be required to purchase your own equipment.
– Iaito – practice sword
– Bokken (w/tsuba and plastic saya) – wooden sword
– Hakama – Pleated pants
– Dogi – top
– Obi – Belt
– Knee Pads (not required)
– Tabi – traditional Japanese foot socks (not required)
WHERE CAN I GET MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
We do not sell equipment, however, please feel free to visit some of our preferred vendors.
EQUIPMENT SITES:
TOZANDO
SEIDO
AOI BUDOGU
E-BOGU
WHAT SIZED SWORD SHOULD I GET?
RSR uses a shorter and lighter sword than most other styles.
Kawabata Sensei believes that the ideal dimensions of the sword for Ryushin Shouchi Ryu is:
Length 27” (68.58 cm)
Weight 1.6 lbs (725 grams)
Sori 6/8 inches (1.9 cm)
MEASUREMENTS
1 SHAKU (尺) = 11.93” inches
1 SUN (寸(すん) = 1.193” inches
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?
No, just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Just keep in mind that we all started out as beginners.
If you do have prior experience, please let the instructors know.
WHAT IS PROPER DOJO ETIQUETTE?
We adhere to standard dojo rules. They keep our dojo a safe and respectful learning environment.
DOJO RULES & CLASS ETIQUETTE
1. Please feel free to ask any questions, but please refrain from chatting or mimicking the technique when instructors are teaching or demonstrating.
2. Try to be on-time for the beginning of class. If you arrive in class late, change off of the Dojo floor, bow in and join the class.
3. Bow to the shinzen before entering and when leaving the dojo space.
4. When not in use, swords should be placed, edge to the wall, tip facing away from the shinzen. Never step over a sword, bokuto or jo if it is lying on the floor. When picking it up bend down on one knee. Never drop or bang a weapon on the floor or intentionally, this is considered extremely disrespectful.
5. Dues should be paid on time. If there is a problem, bring it up to the manager or treasurer before payment is due.
6. If you cannot make it to class for an extended period of time, please be considerate and let one of the administrators know.
7. Be respectful to your fellow classmates and instructors. We are all here to learn.
8. If you must leave while the instructor is still teaching, excuse yourself quietly and bow out. When leaving or entering class always walk behind people for safety. Do not interrupt the class.
9. If you must stop in the middle of a Kata, immediately return your sword, and wait until the rest of the class finishes the Kata.
10. Live blades shall be used only with the permission of the instructor. Those with live blades shall keep to the right side and front of the practice area and must be mindful of the safety of other students.
11. Practice self-control. Arguments or loss of temper can result in expulsion from the Dojo.
12. Never use a weapon in a threatening manner towards another student or instructor.
13. When borrowing class equipment, please be respectful and take good care of it.
ARE SPECIAL RSR SEMINARS INCLUDED?
Unfortunately, seminars are a separate fee, this is determined by the hosting dojo and based upon on how many people are attending as well as location, etc. Non-RSR members* are usually not permitted to attend full seminars unless they are invited by the hosting dojo or they have begun the “4-STEP RSR AFFILIATED DOJO PROCESS“.
*Please note that non-RSR members are subject to higher seminar fees.
IS IT DANGEROUS?
Safety is always our number one concern, however, there is always a fair amount of risk when training in any martial art. We do everything possible to ensure everyone’s safety.
We use unsharpened swords (iaitos) during practice for safety. There is also a dojo policy to never fool around during class. Doing so will result in expulsion.
TESTING AND RANKING
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu follows a dan/kyu system like that used for many other modern martial art forms. All Dan ranking is overseen by Kunikazu Yahagi, Soke.
Most of these rankings are awarded to students when they visit the Honbu and test or during official RSR seminars hosted by Yahagi Sensei. Official RSR instructors (Shihan-dai, Shidoin, and Jun Shidoin) can award rankings up to 1st KYU (3rd KYU, 2nd KYU and 1st KYU), independently of Japan. After being awarded 1st KYU, students will then be eligible for Shodan (based on their headmaster’s recommendation).
The awarding of rank reflects progress in the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu curriculum. A student who attends class regularly can expect to test for shodan (first-degree black belt) in two to three years.
Regular rankings occur every two to three years, up to the rank of yondan (fourth-degree black belt). Godan (fifth degree) rank is usually attained ten years after yondan, at which time the student is permitted to teach on her own if they wish.
Testing and certificate fees are determined by Japan
and are not included in your monthly and annual dues.
The fees are determined by the current Yen-Dollar exchange rate.
For more information, Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Certificate & Testing Fees
Ranks:
Sankyu (三級) |
(3rd Class) |
Yellow Belt |
Nikyu (二級) |
(2nd Class) |
Red Belt |
Ikkyu (一級) |
(1st Class) |
Brown Belt |
Shodan (初段) |
Beginning |
Black Belt |
Nidan (二段) |
2nd Degree |
Black Belt |
Sandan (三段) |
3rd Degree |
Black Belt |
Yodan (四段) |
4th Degree |
Black Belt |
Godan (五段) |
5th Degree |
Black Belt |
Rokudan (六段) |
6th Degree |
Black Belt |
Shichidan (七段) |
7th Degree |
Black Belt |
Hachidan (八段) |
8th Degree |
Black Belt |
Kyudan (九段) |
9th Degree |
Black Belt |
Shihan (師範宗家) |
Master |
Soke |
HOW DO I FIND OTHER AFFILIATED RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU SCHOOLS?
The Ryushin Shouchi Ryu organization has dojos across the globe with multiple dojos
in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan. Schools are listed by geographic region
and are assisted by REGIONAL SUPPORTERS (Shidoin and Jun Shidoin). Find there
nearest AFFILIATED RSR DOJO near you.
Dojos wishing to join the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu organization can begin the
4 STEP – AFFILIATE DOJO APPLICATION PROCESS
HOW CAN I JOIN THE SEISEIKAN DOJO (HONBU)?
New students should contact the Honbu directly and schedule a meeting with Yahagi Sensei.
Please contact Kunikazu Yahagi Sensei
TEL:080-6799-3366
yahagi@seiseikan.name
Another option is to be introduced directly by a current member.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU?
For individuals it’s easy
– Pay the annual RSR dues* and begin training under a licensed RSR instructor /study group.
– Fill out and submit the RSR Membership Application After the application is approved you will be given an RSR Passport, this will be stamped at official RSR seminars as well as proof that you had attended and paid your annual RSR dues.
*Annual RSR dues are determined by the Honbu in Japan
RSR Dues/Testing Chart
HOW DO DOJOS BECOME AFFILIATED WITH THE RSR ORGANIZATION?
We are excited to welcome new dojos (and individuals) wishing to study and join the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (RSR) organization. To have your school become an affiliated RSR dojo, you will have to go through our simple 4 STEP AFFILIATED DOJO PROCESS. Please note that these steps are being implemented to help ensure a certain level of commitment as well as the successful establishment of new RSR Study Groups.
HOSTING RSR SEMINARS
Only after an RSR study group has been established will that group be allowed to host Seminars with Yahagi Sensei. This will also have to be coordinated with Regional Supporters as part of the annual RSR Seminar (so as to better accommodate Yahagi Sensei’s travel schedule). This way the larger organization can assist with cross promotions as well as help pay for expenses. RSR TESTING & CERTIFICATE FEES* – All testing and certificate fees are determined by Japan and are not included in your annual dues. 50% of testing fees collected by regional heads (Renshi) are paid to the Honbu in Tokyo, while the remaining 50% remain in a regional RSR account. The fees are determined by the current Yen-Dollar exchange rate.
*RSR follows a dan/kyu system like that used for many other modern martial arts. Ranking in RSR is overseen by Kunikazu Yahagi, Soke. Only certified senior members (Renshi) can award rankings up to 3 – 1 KYU, independently of Japan. Rankings are awarded to students when they visit Japan or during regional and annual seminars with Yahagi Sensei. The awarding of rank reflects progress in the RSR curriculum. For ranks of Shodan and above – dojo heads must submit recommendations and will be required to submit testing application forms.
HOW TO TIE AN OBI
HOW TO TIE A HAKAMA
HOW TO FOLD A HAKAMA
REISKI (礼式)
KAMAE
Coming soon!
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
DIRECTIONS
Migi |
(右) |
Right |
Hidari |
(左) |
Left |
Ushiro |
(後ろ) |
Rear |
Mae |
(前 |
Front |
Ue |
(上) |
Up |
Jodan |
(上段) |
Upper |
Chudan |
(中段) |
Middle |
Gedan |
(下段) |
Lower |
Kamae |
(構え) |
Posture |
Shita |
(下) |
Down |
Uchi |
(内) |
Inside |
Soto |
(外) |
Outside |
Seiza |
(正座) |
Kneeling seated position |
Suwari |
(座り) |
Seated |
Tachi |
(立ち) |
Standing |
Omote |
front/forward |
|
Ura |
back/behind |
|
Maai |
timing and distance |
Counting
1 |
Ichi |
(一) |
2 |
Ni |
(二) |
3 |
San |
(三) |
4 |
Shi |
(四) |
5 |
Go |
(五) |
6 |
Roku |
(六) |
7 |
Shichi |
(七) |
8 |
Hachi |
(八) |
9 |
Ku |
(九) |
10 |
Ju |
(十) |
General Terms
Bokken/Bukuto |
(木剣・木刀) |
Wooden sword |
Iaito |
(居合い刀) |
Unsharpened Practice Sword |
Waza |
(技) |
Technique |
Hajime |
(始め) |
To start |
Yame |
(止め) |
Stop |
Kata |
(型) |
Form or Pattern |
Reishiki |
(礼式) |
Bowing in/out |
Ryu |
(流) |
School |
Clothing
Hakama |
(袴) |
Wide/pleated pants |
Himo |
(紐) |
Hakama’s cords |
Keikogi (Gi) |
(稽古着) |
Training jacket |
Obi |
(帯) |
Belt |
Tengui |
(手ぬぐい) |
Bandana/Towel |
Tabi |
(足袋) |
Traditional footwear |
Technical Terms
Shidachi |
(仕太刀) |
Defender of the Attack |
Uchidachi |
(打太刀) |
Attacker |
Tanden |
(丹田) |
A spot 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in |
Kumitachi |
(組立ち) |
Partner practice (bokken) |
Mokuso |
(黙想) |
Meditate |
Cuts
Tameshigiri |
(試し切り) |
Test cut |
Chiburui |
(血振るい) |
Blood clearing |
Nukitsuke |
(抜き付け) |
Draw and Cut |
Noto |
(納刀 |
Re-sheathing the sword |
Hasuji |
(刃筋) |
“Whishing” sound from cut |
Kirioroshi |
(切り下ろし) |
Vertical down (chuden) |
Makkogiri |
(真っ向切り) |
Vertical down (gedan) |
Kesagiri |
(袈裟切り) |
Shoulder to hip |
Gyakugesa |
(逆袈裟) |
Hip to shoulder |
Dogiri |
(胴切り) |
Horizontal through torso |
Ichimonji |
(一文字) |
Horizontal |
Tsuki |
(突き) |
Thrust |
Body Terms
Do |
(胴) |
Side of torso |
Kote |
(小手) |
Forearm/wrist |
Men |
(面) |
Face/head |
In |
(陰) |
Motion of contracting the body |
Yo |
(陽) |
Motion of expanding the body |
Chuyo |
(中庸) |
Neutral position between In and Yo |
Titles
Sempai |
(先輩) |
Senior |
Kohai |
(後輩) |
Junior |
Shihan |
(師範) |
Japanese Title meaning Model or Senior Instructor |
Shidoin |
(指導員) |
Japanese Title meaning Instructor |
Souke |
(宗家) |
Headmaster |
Sensei |
(先生) |
Teacher |
SWORD TERMS
Katana/Shinken |
(刀・真剣) |
Sharp Sword |
Wakizashi |
(脇差) |
Short Sword |
Saya |
(鞘) |
Scabbard |
Koiguchi |
(鯉口) |
Opening of saya |
Tsuba |
(鍔) |
Guard |
Habaki |
(はばき) |
Ferrule |
Sageo |
(下げ緒) |
Cord |
Kurikata |
(栗型) |
Knob on saya |
Tsuka |
(柄) |
Handle |
Menuki |
(目抜き) |
Ornament onhandle |
Hi |
(火) |
Groove inblade |
Mune |
(棟) |
Back of blade |
Mekugi |
(目釘) |
Peg |
Kissaki |
(切っ先) |
Point ofblade |
Hamon |
(波紋) |
Temper line |
Monouchi |
(物打ち) |
Top 6 – 8” ofblade |
GREETINGS
Ohayo Gozaimasu |
(おはようございます) |
Good Morning |
Konnichiwa |
(こんにちは) |
Good Afternoon |
Konbanwa |
(こんばんは) |
Good Evening |
Sayonara |
(さよなら) |
Good Bye |
Onegai Shimasu |
(おねがいします) |
polite way to make a request (spoken when one wishes to practice with a fellow student or teacher and at the beginning of each class) |
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita |
(どうもありがとうございました) |
Polite Thank you |
Dozo |
(どうぞ) |
Please |
RSR KATA LIST
Download our RSR KATA CHEAT SHEET – print out, fold over and tuck into your Dogi!
SHODAN WAZA (初段の技)
Suwari Waza |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
1. Tenchi no Tachi (Mae) |
Heaven, Earth Rise |
Front |
2. Tenchi no Tachi (Migi) |
Heaven, Earth Rise |
Right |
3. Tenchi no Tachi (Hidari) |
Heaven, Earth Rise |
Left |
4. Tenchi no Tachi (Ushiro) |
Heaven, Earth Rise |
Rear |
5. Iwakuzushi (Ippon Me) |
Cutting Stone 1 |
Front |
6. Iwakuzushi (Nihon Me) |
Cutting Stone 2 |
Left/Front |
7. Iwakuzure |
Falling Stone |
Right |
Tachi Kata |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
1. Inazuma |
Lightning |
Front |
2. Do Giri |
Do Cut |
Front |
3. Katatekesa Giri |
One Handed Kesa Cut |
Front |
4. Kesagiri kara Do Giri |
Kesa & Do Cut |
Front |
5. Torabashiri |
Running Tiger |
Front/Back |
6. Tate |
Shield |
Front |
7. Rentatsu |
Continuous Movement |
Left/Right/Front |
8. Nukiuchi |
Draw & Attack |
Rear Right |
NIDAN WAZA (二段の技)
Suwari Waza |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
1. Kasumi |
The Mist |
Front |
2. Itomagoi |
Final Farewell |
Front |
3. Yariotoshi (Ippon Me) |
Spear Drop 1 |
Front |
4. Yariotoshi (Nihon Me) |
Spear Drop 2 |
Front |
5. Hiryu (Ippon Me) |
Flying Dragon 1 |
Front |
6. Hiryu (Nihon Me) |
Flying Dragon 2 |
Front |
Tachi Kata |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
1. Morotekesagiri |
Two-handed Kesa Cut |
Front |
2. Torabashiri |
Chuden Running Tiger |
Front/Back |
3. Rentatsu Chuden |
Continuous Movement |
Left/Right/Front |
4. Ukenagashi |
Receive and Block |
Front |
5. Kotegiri (1) |
Kote Cut |
Front |
6. Ryubi |
Dragon’s Tail |
Back |
7. Oiuchi |
Follow and Strike |
Front |
8. Shiraito |
White Thread |
Front |
SANDAN WAZA (三段の技)
Tachi Kata |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
1. Inazuma Chuden |
Lightning |
Middle-Level Front |
2.KotegiriChuden (2) |
Kote Cut |
Middle-Level Front |
3. Kotegiri (3) |
Kote Cut |
Front |
4. Sakategiri |
Opposite Cut |
Front |
5. Denkou |
Electric Lightning |
Front |
6. Sodesurigaeshi |
Sleeve Brush |
Front/Back |
7. Midare Niju Ippon Me |
Moving Rainbow 1 |
Back |
8. Midare Niju Nihon Me |
Moving Rainbow 2 |
Back |
9. Tsubame Gaeshi |
Sparrow Moving |
Opposite Directions – Front |
10. Kifutsu |
Big Buddha |
Front |
11. Konohagakure |
Hiding Behind Falling |
Leaves Front |
YONDAN WAZA (四段の技)
Tachi Kata |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
1. Rentatsu Okuden |
Continuous Movement |
Left/Right/Front |
2. Sakategiri Chuden |
Opposite Hand Cut |
Middle-Level Front |
3. Sakategiri Okuden |
Opposite Hand Cut |
Front |
4. Denko Chuden |
Electric Lightning |
Middle-Level Front |
5. Sodesurigaeshi Chuden |
Brush Sleeves and Return |
Front/Back |
6. Ryubi Gaeshi |
Dragon’s Tail Return |
Front |
7. Suigetsu |
Water Moon |
Front |
8. Matsukaze |
Pine Wind |
Front/Back |
GODAN WAZA (五段の技)
Suwari Waza |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
Hoou |
Phoenix |
Front |
Tachi Kata |
English Translation |
Opponent(s) |
1. Inazuma Okuden |
Lightning |
Front |
2. Torabashiri Okuden |
Running Tiger |
Front/Back |
3. Enren |
Circle Spin |
Surrounded/Front |
4. Shinobu |
Stealth |
Front |
5. Uzumaki |
Whirlpool |
Left/Right |
6. Uzushiho |
Whirling Tides |
Left/Right/Front |
7. Midaremae |
Disordering Dance |
Outnumbered |