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So long summer...

The summer months are coming to a close this week, so we'll be moving our class from outside to being back in the studio. Your feet have adjusted to being outside avoiding rocks, twigs, puppy presents, and fallen opponents. Now they get to be reacquainted with the hard floors of the dojo.
Please wear your uniforms to class to save time as some nights we won't be able to go over the 1 hour period, so we must start right at 7.

When: Wednesday evenings
Time: 7:00-8:00
Where: Studio 6

***Tuition is due the first Wednesday of each month***

Dojo Koi Pond

[See inferior portion of this page]

Don't forget to click in the koi pond and feed our fish ;-P

Utah Dojo Newsletter

My initial goal was to have our newsletter released four times a year with a fall, winter, spring, and summer issue. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. At one point, I was releasing a month-to-month newlsetter, but was quickly tired of writing all the articles and information for them. You'll notice that I've been recruiting students to write specific items or do a little samurai history for it. I appreciate the help and plan on us making all four editions next year with some help from others because people are really more interested in what other classmates have to say.

A Brief Modern History - Toyama Ryu

Toyama Ryu is based on the forms taught at the Toyama Military Academy prior to and during World War 2. The Toyama Ryu Iaido Kai was founded by Kiyoshi Morinaga. Morinaga Sensei entered the Toyama school in 1921, and graduated in 1922. In 1926, he became an instructor of kenjutsu and jukendo. In 1940, Morinaga became the chief instructor of kenjutsu. At this time, there were five kata estabilished by the previous instructors.

1. Opponent in front: Gyaku Kessa-giri, Makko-giri.
2. Opponent to right: Suihei-giri, Makko-giri.
3. Oppenone to left: katate tsuki, Migi Kessa-giri
4. Opponent to rear: Hidari kessa-giri, makko-giri
5. Opponent near in front: Makko-giri, Morote-zuki

In 1941, Morinaga had added three kata and removed one, as described in a book on the use of the army sword and tameshigiri he published.

5. Multiple opponents
6. Opponent in front and back
7. Opponents to right and left

In 1945, Morinaga retired from the army as a colonel.

In 1964, Morinaga moved to Kyotanabe where he started the Tanabe Kenyukai where he taught kendo to youths.

In 1976, He created the Toayama iaido shinkyo kai, which became the Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido Kai in 1980, and is now the Toyama Ryu Iaido Kai.
Today, Toyama ryu is practiced by men and women of all ages, in Japan and the United States.