Welcome to the Sandia Budokan. If you are a native to Albuquerque you may have already noticed the Dojo on your travels. We are only blocks from the University of New Mexico and conveniently located at 2203 Silver SE just off of central avenue.
Visitors are welcome to observe our classes, but are expected to observe basic Dojo etiquette.
Please arrive a few minutes before class starts, and plan to stay for the entire class. A senior student will make you welcome and be your host. You will remove your shoes and sit at the side of the mat. After class, we encourage you to ask our members about the dojo and any training questions. If you wish further information, your host can introduce you to the instructor.
The style of swordsmanship taught at Sandia Budokan is the Itto Tenshin-ryu. We teach the use of the long sword (katana) and weapons used by the samurai. The training includes live-blade kata, two-person practice with the wooden sword (bokken) and live blade, and test cutting. You must acquire an authentic, combat-ready Japanese sword to study this art.
Kenjustsu is for those who seek the most traditional martial arts and are ready to pursue precise, dedicated and deep physical training. It requires a moderate financial investment and significant personal commitment.
Mr. Bryan Godfrey, Kenjutsu Instructor.
Mr. Godfrey holds a senior teaching license in the Itto Tenshin-ryu and is head instructor of the Kenjutsu department of Sandia Budokan. He has studied Kenjutsu for over 20 years, and has been head instructor of the Sandia Budokan Kenjutsukai since 1994.
For centuries, the martial arts of Japan have been a focus of training for self-discipline, self-reliance and competence in crisis. Originating as combat arts for victory on the medieval field of battle, these disciplines were soon identified as excellent vehicles for development of one's character as well. The martial way is called Budo.
Sandia Budokan is a center for the practice of Budo. Here one can train in the art of the sword and other weapons, study the subtle techniques of Aiki, and learn the more modern Japanese art of Karate. Each group operates independently, and a student normally trains in only one art until he or she has attained black belt level in their first art. All students participate in group dojo activities including open mat periods, all-dojo classes and seminars.
Sandia Budokan is a nationally respected traditional dojo, known for high standards and classical training. We frequently host visiting instructors and wholeheartedly support students attending quality seminars outside the dojo. We do not care about sports or organizational politics, and we do not teach children, or other "self-defense" courses. We are a self-sustaining organization with a modest dues structure, no paid instructors and no contracts. We welcome serious men and women to join us in our journey along the way.
For those of you who may have come into possession of an authentic Japanese sword, we would like to offer a few words of advice. No matter how strong a sword may look, they can actually be quite delicate. To preserve the value of your sword, here are a few simple steps to follow.
First, Never touch the edge or sides of the blade with your fingers because oils from your skin can cause irreversible rust in a very short period of time.
Second, Never attempt to polish a Japanese sword with any standard stones or grinding wheels. Japanese swords are shaped differently from western swords and can be quickly ruined with just a few strokes from improper polishing tools.
Third, Never attempt to cut anything with your sword. Until properly trained, it is easy to strike an object in a manner that will cause the edge of the sword to chip, the sides of the sword to be scratched, or the entire end of the sword to bend. Also, minor flaws in the edge not visible to those with an untrained eye can cause a sword to break as a result of even minor contact, resulting in the tip of the sword flying off at high speed.
Observation of just a few of these tips will help preserve the value of your sword. And while some swords are worth only hundreds of dollars, some are worth hundreds of thousands. Don't take a chance on damaging a treasure.
At Sandia Budokan we will be happy to educate you about proper care, cleaning and use of your sword. Alternatively, there are numerous books available at quality bookstores that outline basic care and cleaning topics. Remember, you do not "own" a Japanese sword, you simply take care of it for the next generation.
Please feel free to continue on to the photo section where actual class sessions were photographed, giving you a very brief view of some very basic techniques.
If you should have any questions please feel free to stop by and observe a class, or drop us an email at info AT sandiabudokan DOT org
Kenjutsu Class Schedule: Wednesday 7:30-9:00pm Saturday 10:30-12:00 noon Sandia Budokan 2203 Silver SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 (505) 268-5339 Map |
