Sakurai-ha KIR

[Scotoe]

I was just wondering how many people here are studying Sakurai-ha KIR?

Thanks

[A.J. Bryant]

Hello Scott,

I studied with Kotaka sensei from 1995 to 1999. I still practice the Iaido and some kumitachi. I imagine you're a student of David's? Say hello for me and tell him I hope all is well in Utah. Wasn't sure if he was still teaching SHKIR as I understand there are some organizational things happening.

By the way, you might want to set up your Signature so your full name is on every post.

[seskoad]

is there any different between sakurai Ha Kogen itto ryu and Henmi's family KIR?

[A.J. Bryant]

is there any different between sakurai Ha Kogen itto ryu and Henmi's family KIR?

According to Kotaka sensei, his school is descended from KIR. Unfortunately, there is no documented evidence to support this. Having studied one and seen the other on video, they do not look at all alike. From what I saw during my study, the ryu shares more in common with Ono-ha Itto-ryu, Hasegawa Eishin-ryu, and a little less with Tennen Rishin-ryu. Given that, it might be better to simply refer to the art as Sakurai-ha Itto-ryu or just Sakurai-ryu to avoid any misunderstanding.

[Sherman Chow]

As I understand it, Sakurai Ha kogen Itto Ryu is the minority in the kendo world community. I'm curious, and I do apologize if I'm on thin ice, but do the 2 ever interact through casual play or competition?

[A.J. Bryant]

Sherman,

To answer your question, yes they do--at least last I knew. Kotaka sensei was secretary of the pre AUSKF Midwest Kendo Federation, so it's only natural. Most of their interaction was with the Miami Valley Kendo Club and the Cleveland dojo when I was there. Might have changed at this point.

Regards,

[Sherman Chow]

Originally posted by A.J. Bryant
Sherman,

To answer your question, yes they do--at least last I knew. Kotaka sensei was secretary of the pre AUSKF Midwest Kendo Federation, so it's only natural. Most of their interaction was with the Miami Valley Kendo Club and the Cleveland dojo when I was there. Might have changed at this point.

Regards,

Hey Andrew,
thanks for your response. If you can recall, what were some stylistic differences that you noticed? I'm sure there is a bit of variance in play due to the individual, but if anything sticks out, I'd like to hear it.

[A.J. Bryant]

Sherman,

Well, there are many. First, Sakurai-ha Kaigenji Itto-ryu is classical Kendo, more akin to Gekken or early pre-war Kendo. Quick kote strikes are only half points and generally frowned upon. Overall there are many more targets than modern Kendo. Jujutsu waza (taiyoho) are also allowed between advanced students. There's also keiko between spear and ken. Finally, Kotaka sensei sometimes did/does multiple opponent keiko as well...

Now, to be fair, some of these things are explored in some modern Kendo dojo. In Kotaka sensei dojo however, they are the core of training, along with iai, kumitachi, taiyoho, sojutsu, kyujutsu and hojojutsu.

If you want more information on pre-war Kendo, do a search for it. There was an interesting discussion here in the sword forum some time back.

Regards,

[Sherman Chow]

Andrew,
hey thanks for the pre war kendo advice. I'll look it up!

[Earl Hartman]

Kyujutsu? Do you know anything more about this, such as what school of kyujutsu is taught?

I'm skeptical, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

[A.J. Bryant]

Hi Earl,

Been a while since I've seen you post...

Anyway... Skeptical?

I wouldn't read too much into the kyujutsu (or hojojutsu). I don't think there's any official ryuha being practiced here. According to Kotaka sensei, "Sakurai" sensei taught him a variety of arts, which would have been common among the samurai class of his time (late 1800's). It really boils down to "this is how you use a bow to kill people" or, "this is how to tie someone up" kind of instruction.

That said, keep in mind that I'm no longer a student of Kotaka sensei's or affiliated with him, so who knows what is being said/taught in regards to historical information?

If you’d like me to expand on some of these things, just PM me--Ditto for anyone else.

Regards,

[seskoad]

do you have affiliated dojo/organization in Japan?

[A.J. Bryant]

Don’t know much,

First, I’m not affiliated with Sadao Kotaka. I studied at his dojo from late 1995 to early 1999. I still maintain the 29 Iaido waza (Omori, Hasegawa Eishin, etc.), Kendo and Itto-ryu Kumitachi that are required for SHKIR Origami Shodan (1st-dan) in my dojo.

Does Kotaka sensei have any affiliation in Japan--not that I’m aware of.

There was some discussion about the Dai Nippon Butokukai (DNB) at one point, but they have no record of him. At the time I studied under him, he claimed 6th-dan Okuden, but later claimed 7th-dan Menkyo awarded by the DNB in the 50’s.

The only thing I do know for certain is that he was a 5th-dan in the old Kendo federation (American Kendo Federation) before leaving.

Most people thought Saito was dead but ended up finding out he taught Kendo in Tokyo. Did Sakurai Gen’noshin Fumitake accompany him in Hachioji, who knows? Confusing times produce strange and/or unusual historical accounts.

Regards,