Self defence
Weapons
Dynamic, mindful exercises using self-defence techniques to develop calm confidence in everyday life.
The Weapons
Bokken (Wooden Sword)
The bokken represents the Japanese katana and helps students practise sword movements, stances and techniques safely.
Tanto (Training Knife)
Students begin practising with the tanto as part of their preparation for brown belt grading.
Jo (Wooden Staff)
The jo develops coordination, control and flowing movement, using both ends of the staff.
The Principles of Weapons Practice
The aim is to maintain a light, natural posture and coordinate every movement from the One Point.
With the bokken, students learn to extend Ki through the tip for precise, controlled cuts. With the jo, they extend Ki through both ends of the staff.
In both cases, movements should flow smoothly and continuously, with relaxed posture, clear intention and unified mind and body.
Preparing for Dan Grading
As students prepare for their Dan (black belt) grading, they learn Jo and Bokken katas. A kata is a sequence of movements designed to respond to imaginary attacks coming from different directions.