A Brief Description of Yamagata Ryū Hyōhō

Yamagata Ryu is a style of martial arts that teaches weapons techniques utilized by the Samurai of ancient Japan. The weapons utilized in the Yamagata Ryu are the Nihonto (Japanese sword), the Yari (spear), and the Naginata (halberd). This style is for those who are looking to develop discipline, focus, stamina, and are interested in learning to use the most important weapons of the Japanese martial traditions. Students of Yamagata Ryu begin by learning basic stances/postures (kamae), footwork (ashi sabaki) and cutting techniques (kiri waza) using a wooden sword (bokuto) for practice. After developing a few of these fundamentals, students begin to practice partnered drills that teach proper distance and timing. Through these partnered drills, students begin to learn the basic offensive (seme) and defensive (uke) techniques. As students progress, they are introduced to more advanced concepts and combinations of techniques, which not only challenge them physically, but also provide an understanding of the strategies employed by the Samurai.

In addition to partnered exercises, students also learn techniques by which they can withdraw the sword from its scabbard while simultaneously attacking an opponent or defending against an attack (batto no kata). These techniques require the use of live swords (shinken), and are reserved for more experienced students. Advanced students also learn short-sword techniques (kodachi waza) and two-sword techniques (nito waza), as well as how to cut bamboo (tameshigiri) to test their precision with the live blade. The Yamagata Ryu employs a form of free fighting with wooden swords (kumitachi shiai) in order to test a student’s technical proficiency; however this activity requires an advanced level of control so as to prevent injury and is, therefore, entirely optional.

Who can join?

Anyone over the age of 15 can join the Yamagata Ryu at any time. Beginners are taught basics that give them a thorough understanding of the fundamentals. Students are allowed to grow at a pace that is most comfortable for them.

Are there ranks, belts or other methods to monitor progress?

The Yamagata Ryu utilizes a system of ranking peculiar to traditional Japanese martial arts. This system, known commonly as the Menkyo (licensing) system, does not utilize belts or other rank insignia. In fact, there are only four ranks in Yamagata Ryu – Menkyo Shoden (licensed in initial teachings), Menkyo Chuden (licensed in intermediate teachings), Menkyo Okuden (licensed in inner teachings), and Menkyo Kaiden (licensed in all teachings). The first three diplomas are awarded in the form of certificates. Menkyo Kaiden, which certifies that the student is licensed to teach any technique in the Yamagata Ryu, is awarded in the form of a certificate and a hand scroll.

* For more information contact Jason Backlund (Soshi) at (904) 838-4652.