NYBA SCHEDULE:

MON 7 – 9 PM (EST) IAIDO (IN-PERSON/STREAMING)

TUES 2 – 4 PM (EST) IAIDO (ONLINE)*

WEDS 7 – 9 PM (EST) IAIDO (IN-PERSON/STREAMING)

THURS 6:30 – 8:30 PM (EST) (IN-PERSON) – KYUDO – class time will return to 7 – 9pm in Sept.

FRI 7 – 9 PRATT REC**

SUN 3:30 – 5:30 PM (EST) IAIDO (ONLINE)

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WE CURRENTLY HOLD CLASSES AT:

JOFFERY BALLET STUDIOS
434 Ave of the Americas, 3rd-5th Fl, New York City, NY 10011

Our Tuesday online class is held at:

*Bond Street Dojo 161 E 106th St, New York, NY 10029

**Pratt Iaido Club classes are held at the Pratt Rec Center
2nd fl. studio
Only available to Pratt Students and Faculty members

We are located at Joffrey Ballet Studios – 434 6th Ave. (3rd fl. – Studio 2)

https://www.newyorkbudoassociation.org/schedule-location

We are walking distance from

A B C D E F M (west 4th street station)

NJ PATH TRAIN (9th Street station)

R W (8th Street station)

4 5 6 (14th St Station) or

6 (Astor Place Station)

1 (Christopher St station)

L (14th and 6th)

NYBA MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP  – $50 PER MONTH
(this includes all in-person (2) & online (2) iaido classes per week)

For +$10 per month you will be able to also join the Kyudo group (in-person/online) as well.

KYUDO MEMBERSHIP ONLY –
$50 PER MONTH

$25 PER CLASS – MAT FEE

NYBA PATREON – We offer several tiers from $1 – $50 (Access to online classes begins at $10)

SEE OUR CURRENT PROMOTIONS

Our fee structure works like this: $50 per month + $100** RSR Annual Dues Chart + $50 RSR Passport = first month $200 ($50 per month after that for regular monthly dues). For any reason you will be absent for an extended period of time, please let us know and we can suspend your account until you come back.

For $60 per month you will be able to also join the Kyudo group (in-person/online) as well.

*This does not include kyudo and special seminars and online classes with Yahagi Sensei.

**We pay $100 – $120 (depending on Yen exchange rate*) annual Ryushin Shouchi Ryu dues directly to the Honbu (main branch in Tokyo), this allows you to be “officially” ranked within this system and to be able to attend seminars when Yahagi Soke (the headmaster) comes to the US. This does not include seminar, testing or certificate fees. NOTE: We are a non-profit organization 501c(3). We do this because we are dedicated to the preservation and continuation of traditional Japanese martial arts. All money collected goes to pay for the location, equipment, notes, etc…
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Class size fluctuates depending on attendance. We usually average 6 – 10 people per class. That being said, a smaller class size means more individual attention.

Our online classes average 5 – 10 people, we make an attempt to give as much individual attention/feedback as possible. Our hope is to be able to add more online classes for our patrons as well as exclusive content.

For Ryushin Shouchi Ryu, we use a shorter and lighter sword than most other styles of Iaido.

Kawabata Sensei believes that the ideal dimensions of the sword for Ryushin Shouchi Ryu are:

Length 27” (68.58 cm)

Weight 1.6 lbs (725 grams)

Sori 6/8 inches (1.9 cm)

MEASUREMENTS

1 SHAKU (尺) = 11.93” inches

1 SUN (寸(すん) = 1.193” inches

But this varies depending on your height and size.

No, just a positive attitude and a willing to learn. Just keep in mind that we all started out as beginners. If you do have prior experience, please let the instructors know. All students regardless of how long they have trained for should develop an attitude of Shoshin (初心). Shoshin is a word from Zen Buddhism meaning “beginner’s mind.” It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner would.

We adhere to fairly standard dojo rules. They keep our dojo a safe and respectful learning environment.

Please keep in mind that the New York Budo Association is a nonprofit organization 501 c(3).

Everyone is volunteering, no one is paid and we are all here to learn.

DOJO RULES & CLASS ETIQUETTE

• Please feel free to ask any questions, but please refrain from chatting or mimicking the technique when instructors are teaching or demonstrating.

• Try to be on-time for the beginning of class. If you arrive in class late, change off the Dojo floor, bow in and join the class.

• Bow to the Shinzen before entering and when leaving the dojo space.

•When not in use, place the sword on the edge of the wall so that the TUKA-GASHIRA faces to the left.

• Never step over a sword, bokuto or jo if it is lying on the floor. When picking it up bend down on one knee.

• Never drop a weapon onto the floor or intentionally bang the floor with one, this is considered extremely disrespectful.

•Dues should be paid on time. If there is a problem, bring it up to the manager or treasurer before payment is due.

•If you cannot make it to class for an extended period of time, please be considerate and let one of the administrators know.

•Be respectful to your fellow classmates and instructors. We are all here to learn.

•If you must leave while the instructor is still teaching, excuse yourself quietly and bow out.

•When leaving or entering class always walk behind people for safety. Do not interrupt the class.

•If you must stop in the middle of a Kata, immediately return your sword, and wait until the rest of the class finishes the Kata.

• We do not allow live (sharp) blades to be used in class, as they extremely sharp. Our techniques are also very fast, and when there are multiple students on the floor this becomes a liability. Live blades shall be used only with the expressed permission of the instructor. Those with live blades shall keep to the right side and front of the practice area and must be mindful of the safety of other students.

• New students are responsible for the hanging the Shomen and attending to all equipment from the storage closet.

• The Shomen involves hanging the Shinzen and Otani Sensei’s portrait as well as removing them at the end of class.

• Practice self-control. Arguments or loss of temper can result in expulsion from the Dojo.

• Never use a weapon in a threatening manner towards another student or instructor.

• When borrowing class equipment, please be respectful and take good care of it.

• All borrowed equipment needs to be put back into the equipment bag at the end of the class.

• Students borrowing uniforms are responsible for washing them and folding them after class.

No, this is not a religion or place of worship. We practice Iaido (traditional Japanese fencing) and study the philosophy of Budo. The New York Budo Association does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference or national origin.

We also adhere to traditional Japanese dojo etiquette, which involves REISHKI – bowing in.

Sword training begins and ends with courtesy. Reishiki is translated as formal etiquette.

For us it includes the formal courtesy ceremony that starts and ends each class.

………………………………………………………………………………

(Begin from standing position sitting into seiza (left knee followed by right knee.)

Sitting in seiza rest both hands at your upper hip (align yourself with the most senior student).

Place the sword in front of you and then gently place it on to your right side, cutting edge facing inward with the tsuba aligned with your right knee.

The most senior member (other than the instructor) calls the Rei. “Shomen ni Rei” (Courtesy to the art you are studying.)

Note: Wait for the lead instructor to initiate all the actions of bowing

Begin the bow by placing the left hand down first, followed by the right hand creating a diamond shape. Then bow keeping your back straight. Return right hand then left hand back to hips. These actions should be performed slowly and precisely.

“Sensei ni Rei” (Courtesy to the teacher.) Followed by a bow.

“Otani Sensei ni Rei” – showing respect for the founder of NYBA Yoshiteru Otani Sensei.

NOTE: This is only done in NYBA class (not during RSR seminars).

“Otagai ni Rei” (Mutual gratitude – please honor me with your practice) the class responds by bowing and saying – “Onagai Shimasu”

At the conclusion of class the response is – “Arigato Gozaimashita”.

With the right hand stand your sword directly in front of you (centered between your knees at arm’s length) with the cutting edge facing toward you. Straighten the sageo by pulling down on it. Then place the sword with tsuka to the left and edge toward you and using one motion push the sageo in towards the saya.

“To ni Rei” (Courtesy to the sword.) Followed by a bow.

With your right hand grab the sageo, moving your hand to the left and picking up the sword while holding the tsuba.

Return the sword to the standing position directly in front of you, holding with both hands. Note: Wait for the lead instructor to initiate the action.

With your right hand pull the sageo down with a snapping motion and immediately place the saya into the center of your stomach. Place the sword in between one of the layers of the obi and through the left side of your hakama (feeding it under one of the himo.)

Once sword is in place, take the sageo with right hand and simply tuck it over one of the himo on the right side and then tuck it into the right side of the hakama.

NOTE: If a student is late, please bow in on the side first before joining the class. This can also be done standing.

Unfortunately seminars are a separate fee, this is determined on how many people are attending and where the location is, etc. we normally just divide it up evenly. We also invite guests once in a while on special occasions.

Safety is always our number one concern, however there is always a fair amount of risk when training in any martial art.

We do everything possible to ensure everyone’s safety.

We use unsharpened swords (iaitos) during practice for safety. There is also a dojo policy to never fool around during class. Doing so will result in expulsion.

Please be sure to sign our legal waiver before attending classes. LEGAL WAIVER

Also please read our Dojo Rules & Class Etiquette.

The New York Budo Association follows a dan/kyu system like that used for many other modern martial art forms. NYBA offers an internal rank which is recognized by other affiliated dojos. We only charge a flat certificate fee with no testing fees. We hold rank exams every 6-months. Students are not required to join the RSR organization to hold internal RSR rankings.

Ranking in Ryushin Shouchi-ryu is overseen by Kunikazu Yahagi sensei, however the senior instructors (RENSHI) are permitted to award ranks up to the level of Sandan independently (Godan with submitted videos to the Honbu). Students are also free to visit the Honbu in Tokyo or attend other RSR Seminars where testing is being held. Fees are dictated by Japan – RSR DUES CHART

PLEASE NOTE: Students do not ask to be tested, but rather instructors will inform you when we feel you are ready. Students also do not get to choose their judges when testing.

TESTING SCHEDULE:

Testing is held 2X per year (about every 6 months). Usually students are asked to test for SANKYU after 6 months of regular attendance.

The awarding of rank reflects a students progress in their training. A student who attends class regularly can expect to test for shodan (first-degree black belt) in two to three years.

Regular rankings occur every two to three years, up to the rank of yondan (fourth degree black belt). Godan (fifth degree) rank is usually attained ten years after yondan, at which time the student is permitted to teach on her own if they wish.

Easy, after you finish your promotion (ex. Intro Class, 1 month, 3 months, etc.) you would begin paying dues on the 1st of the month – $200 for the first month ($50 monthly dues + annual RSR dues* $100 + RSR PASSPORT FEE $50), after that it’s $50 per month (which does not include special seminars). Please fill out and submit the RSR New Member Form.

Also if for any reason you need to miss classes (work/family), we suspend your membership for that time and when you return you simply continue your dues (you won’t owe us for the months missed unlike a gym membership).

You can also join us as a REMOTE NYBA MEMBER through the NYBA PATREON PAGE

NYBA members are not required to join the RSR organization, if you wish to join please follow the steps below.

1. Fill out and return the RSR New Member Application

2. Pay RSR Annual Dues – $100

3. Pay the one-time passport/processing fee – $50

   Payments should be made directly to NYBA – newyorkbudoassociation@gmail.com (through PayPal). Please specify what this payment is for.
   

After we receive payment we will mail you a physical RSR Budo Passport with your RSR Membership Number.

Once you have your RSR number you will be able to attend RSR events, online classes, and seminars. You will also be allowed to formally hold rank under the Honbu in Japan. Testing and Certificate fees are dictated by the Honbu and are listed on the RSR CERTIFICATE & TESTING FEES chart.

You can begin anytime, just SIGN-UP . We always suggest new students begin in the beginning of the month with our Intro class which we hold on the first Monday of every month.

WATCH THIS VIDEO – HOW TO TIE AN OBI

WATCH THIS VIDEO – HOW TO WEAR A HAKAMA

WATCH THIS VIDEO – HOW TO FOLD A HAKAMA

KAMAE (構え)

1. SEIZA (正座)

2. IAIGOSHI (居合腰)

3. SEIGAN NO KAMAE (正眼の構え)

4. JOUDAN NO KAMAE (上段の構え)

5. GEDAN NO KAMAE (下段の構え)

6. JISURI GEDAN NO KAMAE (地擦り下段)

7. TONBO NO KAMAE (蜻蛉の構え)

8. MAKI TONBO NO KAMAE (巻蜻蛉の構え)

9. WAKIGAMAE (脇構え)

10. IN NO KAMAE (陰の構え)

11. YO NO KAMAE (陽の構え)

12. MANJI NO KAMAE (卍の構え)

SHODAN WAZA (初段の技)

Suwari Waza

1. Tenchi no Tachi (Mae)

2. Tenchi no Tachi (Migi)

3. Tenchi no Tachi (Hidari)

4. Tenchi no Tachi (Ushiro)

5. Iwakuzushi (Ippon Me)

6. Iwakuzushi (Nihon Me)

7. Iwakuzure

Tachi Kata

1. Inazuma

2. Do Giri

3. Katatekesa Giri

4. Kesagiri kara Do Giri

5. Torabashiri

6. Tate

7. Rentatsu

8. Nukiuchi

NIDAN WAZA (二段の技)

Suwari Waza

1. Kasumi

2. Itomagoi

3. Yariotoshi (Ippon Me)

4. Yariotoshi (Nihon Me)

5. Hiryu (Ippon Me)

6. Hiryu (Nihon Me)

Tachi Kata

1. Morotekesa Giri

2. Torabashiri Chuden

3. Rentatsu Chuden

4. Ukenagashi

5. Kotegiri (1)

6. Ryubi

7. Oiuchi

8. Shiraito

SANDAN WAZA (三段の技)

Tachi Kata

1. Inazuma Chuden

2. Kotegiri Chuden (2)

3. Kotegiri (3)

4. Sakategiri

5. Denkou

6. Sodesurigaeshi

7. Midare Niju Ippon Me

8. Midare Niju Nihon Me

9. Tsubame Gaeshi

10. Kifutsu

11. Konohagakure

YONDAN WAZA (四段の技)

Tachi Kata

1. Rentatsu Okuden

2. Sakategiri Chuden

3. Sakategiri Okuden

4. Denko Chuden

5. Sodesurigaeshi Chuden

6. Ryubi Gaeshi

7. Suigetsu

8. Matsukaze

GODAN WAZA (五段の技)

Suwari Kata

1. Hoou

Tachi Kata

1. Inazuma Okuden

2. Torabashiri Okuden

3. Enren

4. Shinobu

5. Uzumaki

6. Uzushiho

7. Midaremai

DIRECTIONS

Migi (右） Right

Hidari (左） Left

Ushiro (後ろ) Rear

Mae （前 Front

Ue （上） Up

Jodan （上段） Upper

Chudan (中段） Middle

Gedan (下段） Lower

Kamae （構え） Posture

Shita （下） Down　

Uchi （内） Inside　

Soto （外） Outside

Seiza （正座） Kneeling seated position

Suwari （座り） Seated

Tachi （立ち） Standing

Omote front/forward

Ura back/behind

Maai timing and distance

COUNTING

1 Ichi （一）

2 Ni （二）

3 San （三）

4 Shi （四）

5 Go （五）

6 Roku （六）

7 Shichi (七）

8 Hachi (八）

9 Ku (九）

10 Ju (十）

GENERAL TERMS

Bokken/Bukuto （木剣・木刀） Wooden sword

Iaito (居合い刀） Unsharpened Practice Sword

Waza （技） Technique

Hajime （始め） To start

Yame （止め） Stop

Kata （型） Form or Pattern

Reishiki （礼式） Bowing in/out

Ryu （流） School

CLOTHING

Hakama （袴） Wide/pleated pants

Himo （紐） Hakama’s cords

Keikogi (Gi) （稽古着） Training jacket

Obi （帯） Belt

Tengui （手ぬぐい） Bandana/Towel

Tabi （足袋） Traditional footwear

Technical Terms

Shidachi （仕太刀） Defender of the Attack

Uchidachi （打太刀） Attacker

Tanden （丹田） A spot 2 inches below navel and 2 inches in

Kumitachi （組立ち） Partner practice (bokken)

Mokuso （黙想） Meditate

Cuts

Tameshigiri （試し切り） Test cut

Chiburui （血振るい） Blood clearing

Nukitsuke （抜き付け） Draw and Cut

Noto （納刀 Re-sheathing the sword

Hasuji （刃筋） “Whishing” sound from cut

Kirioroshi (切り下ろし） Vertical down (chuden)

Makkogiri （真っ向切り） Vertical down (gedan)

Kesagiri （袈裟切り） Shoulder to hip

Gyakugesa （逆袈裟） Hip to shoulder

Dogiri （胴切り） Horizontal through torso

Ichimonji （一文字） Horizontal

Tsuki （突き） Thrust　

Body Terms

Do （胴 ）Side of torso

Kote （小手） Forearm/wrist

Men （面） Face/head

In (陰） Motion of contracting the body

Yo （陽） Motion of expanding the body

Chuyo （中庸） Neutral position between In and Yo Titles

Sempai （先輩） Senior

Kohai （後輩） Junior

Shihan （師範） Japanese Title meaning Model or Senior Instructor

Shidoin （指導員） Japanese Title meaning Instructor

Souke （宗家） Headmaster

Sensei （先生） Teacher

SWORD TERMS

Katana/Shinken （刀・真剣） Sharp Sword

Wakizashi （脇差） Short Sword

Saya （鞘） Scabbard

Koiguchi （鯉口） Opening of saya

Tsuba （鍔） Guard

Habaki （はばき） Ferrule

Sageo （下げ緒） Cord

Kurikata （栗型） Knob on saya

Tsuka （柄） Handle

Menuki （目抜き） Ornament on handle

Hi （火） Groove in blade

Mune （棟） Back of blade

Mekugi （目釘） Peg

Kissaki （切っ先) Point of blade

Hamon （波紋） Temper line

Monouchi （物打ち） Top 6 – 8” of blade

GREETINGS

Ohayo Gozaimasu （おはようございます） Good Morning

Konnichiwa (こんにちは） Good Afternoon

Konbanwa (こんばんは） Good Evening

Sayonara (さよなら） Good Bye

Onegai Shimasu （おねがいします） polite way to make a request (spoken when one wishes to practice with a fellow student or teacher and at the beginning of each class)

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita （どうもありがとうございました） Polite Thank you

Dozo （どうぞ） Please　

Kyudo Terms for Beginners

Yumi – Bow

Haya – First Arrow

Otoya – Second Arrow

Honza – Starting Line

Shai – Shooting Line

Torikake – Gripping the String with the Glove Hand

Tenouchi – Gripping the Bow with the Left Hand

Toriyumi no Shisei – Basic posture when Holding Bow and Arrows

Hassetsu

Ashibumi – Footing

Douzukuri – Forming the Body

Yugamae – Readying the Bow

Uchiokoshi – Raising the Bow

Hikiwake – Drawing

Kai – Full Draw

Hanare – Release

Zanshin – Remaining Spirit