PLEASE NOTE: These classes are only open to Pratt students and faculty members
– this year we are limiting the class to 15 students.
SIGN-UP FOR FALL 2024 SEMESTER.
CLASSES ARE HELD – FRIDAYS 7 – 9 PM (=🝦 ﻌ 🝦=) 2024 FALL SEMESTER EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
CLASSES ARE HELD – FRIDAYS 7 – 9 PM (=🝦 ﻌ 🝦=) 2024 FALL SEMESTER EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
Study traditional Japanese sword at Pratt Institute.
This is a weekly class in the art of Iaido/Kenjutsu – the traditional art of Japanese sword, specifically Ryushin Shouchi Ryu.
Ask us about our special student dojo rate!
Classes will include meditation, warm-up exercises, techniques, and philosophy. We practice a specific style of sword called Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (RSR). The class is open to all (Pratt Students and Faculty Members ONLY) – no experience necessary, and no equipment necessary (we will provide swords and belts), people should wear gym clothing. If interested we can also suggest online retailers for basic equipment. All participants should register online through the Pratt REC mobile app as well as agree to our code of conduct (we can provide these upon request).
A normal class would be:
– Stretching (small amount depending on time)
– REISKI (bowing in)
– Meditation
– Warm-up exercises
– Kamae (basic stances)
– Suburi (practice cutting)
– Tenku no Tachi (drawing and re-sheathing the sword)
– Kata (a rehearsed series of movements (techniques) fighting invisible opponents)
– Kumitachi (partner practice – focusing on Waza (techniques)
– REISKI (bowing out)
– Q&A (depending on time/schedule)
In the Fall of 2022 we were excited to began the first Iaido (居合道) study group for Pratt students and faculty members. The New York Budo Association is a 501(c)-3 not-for-profit traditional Japanese sword school and our mission is to practice and sustain the techniques, philosophies, and benefits of the Japanese martial arts. We are also promoting culture, physical and mental growth, health and well-being as well as non-denominational spirituality. These traditional Japanese arts are a “Do” (道) (or “Tao” in Chinese), a Way, through which one strives to reveal the true self. By bringing this true self forward, one is transformed, and so also is the world. Our focus is the study of Iaido the drawing of the Japanese sword, specifically Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (柳心照智流). Co-coordinating and developing physical actions with mental awareness via ancient spiritual techniques is as daunting as it is rewarding.
Classes are taught by Senior Instructor and former Pratt Alumni (92’) Mitchell Ratchik Sensei who lives in Fort Greene. Having studied Japanese sword since 2005, he holds the official rank of Godan-Renshi, Shidoin (5th degree with an official teaching license from Japan).
We feel that the study and practice of traditional Japanese sword arts (Iaido) can help reduce stress, improve balance, mindfulness, and self-control through the philosophy of Bushido. We believe by practicing the sword, one polishes their soul.
The philosophy includes eight core principles:
Righteousness (義, gi)
Heroic Courage (勇, yū)
Benevolence, Compassion (仁, jin)
Respect (礼, rei)
Honesty (誠, makoto)
Honour (名誉, meiyo)
Duty and Loyalty (忠義, chūgi)
Self-Control (自制, jisei)
SIGN-UP/REGISTER
PRE-REGISTER FOR FALL 2024 SEMESTER
This is more of a course in Japanese Sword, where we develop skills throughout the semester. NO EQUIPMENT or EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. These classes are only open to current Pratt Students and Faculty members. As we have a limited number of bokken (wooden swords) and obi (belts), we do encourage our members to eventually purchase their own equipment and uniforms – we can assist in this when you are ready. Due to limited space and equipment we are limiting the class size. If you wish to register later in the semester, please send us an email or DM asking if there is an available spot.
Please don’t sign-up if you are not planning on attending. If you miss more than 3 classes your spot will be forfeited to another student.
SOME BASIC FAQS…
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This year we are having students register/sign-up through our website.
https://www.newyorkbudoassociation.org/events/pratt-iaido-club-fall-2023 -
We currently hold 1 class per week at the Pratt Rec Center (upstairs in the dance studio).
CLASSES BEGIN: FEBRUARY 3, 2023
FRIDAYS 7 – 9 PM
We also offer a FREE class in Fort Greene Park (weather permitting – CONTACT US for details.
Pratt Recreation, ARC Upper Level
200 Willoughby Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11205P: 718-636=3774
E: recreation@pratt.eduHours of Operation
Mon.-Fri - 6:30am-10pm
Saturday - 8am-8pm
Sunday - 8am-5pm
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To start, just yourself and a willingness to learn – This year we are asking students to purchase a uniform (dogi (top), hakama (pants), and obi (belt)) as well as a bokken, tsuba, and plastic saya.
Some online retailers are:https://www.e-bogu.com/
https://tozandoshop.com/
We understand that this might be too much money for some students so gym clothes are perfectly fine to start, we also suggest a pair of knee pads (volleyball are ok). We can provide a bokken (wodden sword) and saya (plastic sheath), as well as an obi (belt). Eventually we suggest getting your own equipment. -
Sorry, currently this program is only offered to current Pratt students and faculty members. If you’re interested in training with us you can visit our SIGN-UP page or check out our online program on NYBA PATERON.
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Otani Sensei used to say that the hardest part of training was just showing up. Once you take the first step you’re on your way…we always suggest starting at the beginning of the semester. We don’t really have beginners classes, students practice and instructors will help them understand the basic techniques of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu.
Please note that this is more of a course – every week we will review basics as well as new techniques. Like anything in life, the more you give the more you’ll get in return. -
Absolutely! We offer Pratt students and faculty members who are currently training with us FREE CLASSES WITH US IN THE CITY – this includes 2 in-person classes per week + 2 online classes w/instructor per week. Visit our SCHEDULE page for details.
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The simple answer is no, however, if you wish to hold rank in RSR you will be required to join their organization which involves paying annual dues, testing and certificate fees (all determined by the Honbu in Japan). We are permitted to grade up to the level of Sandan (3rd DAN). NYBA usually holds rank testing every 6 months – students don’t ask to test, but are rather asked by the instructors when they demonstrate a solid understanding of the techniques.
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This is the TELEGRAM chat group where we share info and chat.
https://t.me/+3TKhVRcyQ6QwYWYx
Again, only Pratt Iaido Club Students and Faculty are allowed in this chat group. -
This year we are limiting the class to only 15 students. So you’ll have to register before Sept. 15th – If the class is filled up we will have a waiting list – students who miss more that 4 classes will have their spot forfeited.
”The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”–– Lao Tzu
PRATT IAIDO CLUB MERCH
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