Study IAIDO (居合道) – traditional Japanese sword at Pratt Institute.

This is a weekly class in the art of Iaido/Kenjutsu – the traditional art of Japanese sword, currently we focus on a school called Ryushin Shouchi Ryu – taught by Mitchell Ratchik Sensei,
5th DAN (Ryushin Shouchi Ryu), 1st DAN Asayama Ichiden Ryu, and 1st DAN Muso Shinden Ryu.

Ask us about our special student dojo rate!

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), and is one of the senior instructors at the New York Budo Association.

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.

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 this website.

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)

Study KENDO (剣道)
Japanese Fencing
at Pratt Institute.

This is a weekly class in the art of Kendo – the traditional art of Japanese fencing – taught by Behzad Hadizadeh Sensei,
6th DAN – All American Kendo Federation

Kendo is one of traditional Japanese martial arts, or budo, that arose from the samurai, or warrior in feudal Japan, fighting with bamboo "swords."Kendo players wear protective gear like armor over kimono-like training wear. Kendo differs from many other sports. Heir to the traditional spirit of Japanese martial arts, kendo is not solely about winning but also respects good manners and nurtures ?
a strong spirit.

This group practices Kendo – traditional Japanese fencing – classes will include warm-up exercises, kendo techniques, and bogu practice (sparring).

The class is open to all (Pratt Students and Faculty Members ONLY) – no experience necessary, and no equipment necessary (we will provide shinai - practice swords), people should wear gym clothing. If interested we can also suggest online retailers for basic equipment.

A normal class would be:

– Stretching (small amount depending on time)

– REISKI (bowing in)

– Warm-up exercises

– Striking Drills

– REISKI (bowing out)

– Q&A (depending on time/schedule)

Study NAGINATA (薙刀)
Japanese Pole-arm
at Pratt Institute.

This is a bi-weekly class in the art of NAGINATA – the traditional art of Japanese Pole-arm – taught by Coach Otto Herman,
2nd DAN – Greater New York Kendo Federation

Naginata, also known as "atarashii naginata" (あたらしいなぎなた) is a modern martial art involving the use of a Japanese halberd.

The early users of Naginata were foot attendants to the samurai and warrior monks. In about 1400 A.D. the fighting style changed and the Naginata was left home for samurai women to use to guard the house and castle, which led to its association with women ever since. After WWII, some naginata masters gathered together to develop a sportified version of naginata practice that would become atarashii naginata.

Today, Naginata is practiced worldwide by people of all ages and genders,
and continuing to grow in both numbers and in diversity.

Classes will include meditation, warm-up exercises, techniques, and philosophy. We practice a specific style of Naginata called "atarashii naginata" (あたらしいなぎなた).

The class is open to all (Pratt Students and Faculty Members ONLY) – no experience necessary, and no equipment necessary (we will provide shinai - practice swords), people should wear gym clothing. If interested we can also suggest online retailers for basic equipment.

A normal class would be:

– Stretching (small amount depending on time)

– REISKI (bowing in)
– Meditation

– Warm-up exercises

– Striking Drills/

– Kata
– Striking Practice

– REISKI (bowing out)

– Q&A (depending on time/schedule)