Enzando School Of Japanese Swordsmanship

Enzando School has now moved to a monthly class only. Each monthly session will be 4 hours in length with the first session on 15th July. These sessions are for experienced students of Japanese Sword only. Beginners are welcome to email the school to request attendance so that suitable tuition be added to a class. Many thanks, Umut.

This video (which I made with the Shadow Yoga school) shares a unique insight into the correct attitude/approach to training in order to bring about healthy and sustainable 'change' in ones mind and body. The parallels with the martial arts are distinct! https://vimeo.com/237387049

A good resource for Battodo and Taikai exemplars https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYjbcP-x efvuWQD6Uz9aKXQ

Seigan no Kamae. Photo by Sam Ford

This Wednesday we will be visited by William from the London dojo. William has been studying Battodo for 4years and currently holds a 1st Kyu (one level below Shodan) rank.
Below is a clip taken from our Summer Gasshuku on Holy Isle, Scotland. This was part of a a mini Taikai/Competition we staged on cutting. Here, you can see students of varying levels cut straws which are fixed onto wooden stands. Straws may not look like much to cut, but the skill and precision needed to ...cut a straw is of a high level! Otherwise, the straw will just bend. There are some examples of this here.
The opening shows beginners, then gradually we move up in rank. Skip to 47min to see the 3rd Dan cutting (including myself, the final of the three 51mins in). The 3rd Dan practise natural stepping and then straight into kata 1-4 of Toyama Ryu set.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLP_saB9f mA
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I will begin to run Beginners courses again at the end of September. However, we have had two new starters begin training at Enzando during regular classes and so far it has been managed well. Just let me know via email if you're keen on trying a taster session and I'll book you in and bring something for you train with (wooden sword/Bokken).
enzandoinfo@gmail.com

Holy Isle. Gasshuku Summer 2017

Had a fantastic 5days of Tanren, Battodo & great company. @battodo_fudokan #battodo #japanesesword #cambridge #holyisle

Just a quick reminder that there's no class this Wednesday 26th July. See you the following week!

This Wednesday we will be visited by 3rd Dan Senior Instructor from the London dojo, Matt Duffy. This will provide a good chance for those training with the school to see some of the more advanced kata within the Battodo syllabus and have some instruction points from someone other myself! You can see Matt and Sensei John Evans performing the Nakamura set below!
https://vimeo.com/111433176

Photo by @samfordsamford @cambridgetown Classes run every Wednesday 6.30pm-8pm

Tonight is the last night of the beginners course and we'll be learning the first of the Toyama set - Ipponme. Here's a useful link to the kata in the meantime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrtxZLCYe mA
If you are keen to start Battodo in Cambridge and want to come along to a class then drop us an email
enzandoinfo@gmail.com
... Drop-in classes (which count for the first class only!) are £10. After that, it's a £35 monthly fee which cover 4 classes.
Address and more details are on the FB page.
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This Wednesday we will be working on footwork and Kesagiri (diagonal cut). The kesagiri is one of the most effective cuts used within Battodo. A diagonal cut is not only one of the most natural cuts to execute but also one of the most difficult cuts to evade. The diagonal angle also makes it easier to move from the kesagiri into other cuts in quick succession...

Uzumaki (The Whirlpool). This cutting formed part of my Nidan grading and got me a pass. Here, you can see the final movements of the kata done against a straw target (which is harder to cut accurately without bending the straw) and a tatami mat (which is standard cutting material for Tamishigiri). Tamishigiri (cutting) is an essential part of Battodo practise. It ensures that the cuts you are performing in your kata and kumitichi excersises are 'real'.
Uzumaki is part of th...e water kata and as such embodies the element of water in it's emphasis on fluidity and the how the sword can carry the body.

#cambridge #martialarts #japanesesword #battodo
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
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There is no class this Wednesday 24th May. Classes resume following Wednesday 31st May with the final 2 weeks of the beginners course.
The new beginners course starts Wednesday 7th June. Those that have completed the beginners course will begin their 6th Kyu training.
The grading system in martial arts is an important part of a students training, adding milestones to knowledge attained and efforts that have lead to fruitful ends.
... In the coming weeks I'll detail the grading system used in Battodo and the relevant syllabus attributed to each level. Any questions can be answered during class.
Gambatte!
If you're interested in starting Battodo at the Enzando School, Cambridge, then please get in touch for further info.
Enzandoinfo@gmail.com
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Now officially on Visit Cambridge website! #cambridge Official Visit Cambridge and Beyond #martialarts #swordsmanship
http://www.visitcambridge.org/…/battodo -enzando-p715061Hill…

Thanks @arjunawholefoods for giving our flyer centre stage! Great produce and staff. #cambridge #healthyliving #martialarts #holistic

A mini site... growing step-by-step... http://cargocollective.com/enzando/

Umut is an excellent teacher and always finds helpful hints to ensure fast learning.

Umut is a very good person who is able to provide quality training^^

If you are in the area and you have always wanted to try Japanese sword try Enzando School!! Umut is a really good teacher straight to the point and patiant! He has definitely helped me along my gradings!! Give it a go it is life changing!!!

I trained with Umut for 2.5 years in London at Battodo Fudokan whilst he went from 1st Kyu to 3rd Dan and I went from ungraded to 1st Dan. Umut is exceptionally unwavering and bold, yet understanding and compassionate in both his training and teaching. If you want a genuine introduction to Japanese sword from a genuine personality, and you happen to live in Cambridge, look no further!