Budo DVD Reviews

 
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Shinsengumi is a very famous sword group during the Bakumatsu period. Kondo Isami, the kyokucho, leader of the Shinsengumi is the 4th Headmaster of the kenjutsu style known as Tennen Rishin Ryu, and thus this style became very famous as well, even though the Shinsengumi consists of swordsmen from other styles too.

After the initial introduction of the history of Tennen Rishin Ryu, we’re introduced to the basic procedures.

1. Katana no Sashi-kata (Sashing the sword)
   With an additional belt outside of the Hakama, swordsmen can now sash their 2 swords (daisho) in a more stable manner. This segment shows us how to sash the wakizashi and katana.
2. Taito Shisei (Postures when wearing the sword)
   Postures adopted when wearing 2 swords and sword-drawing/resheathing pointers.
3. Bokuto-Nigiri (Gripping the wooden sword)
   Gripping and training pointers for the fat-and-heavy wooden sword which Tennen Rishin Ryu uses for training purposes.
4. Mi-kiri / Inaoru

In the Techniques segment, we get to watch the Kata training of Tennen Rishin Ryu.

Bokuto no Kata (with the fat wooden sword!)
Also interesting to note, the demonstration is done with both Shidachi and Uchidachi wearing their Wakizashi.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Jochu-ken
2. Hira-seigan
3. Sha-ken
4. Tegakami-ken
5. Yamagake-ken

Shiai-guchi
Kumitachi done with metal swords to overcome one’s fear when facing against an actual blade.
Even though the Kumitachi is done with the long sword (Katana), Uchidachi and Shidachi still wears the Wakizashi during the demonstration.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

Mokuroku no Kata
Using the concept of Mi-kiri / Inaoru, the Kata here are practiced with actual distancing with the objective of being combat-practical. Demonstration is done with metal swords.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Hiryu-ken
2. Inyu-ken
3. Tobi-ken
4. Samidare-ken

Chugokui Mokuroku no Kata
Tennen Rishin Ryu, Ogi techniques. Once again, done with metal swords.
Interesting to note, now the sashed Wakizashi comes into use.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Mumyo
2. Hien-ken
3. Nami-gaeshi

Tachiai
Sword-drawing in a standing position. With Wakizashi as well.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Mukonuki-geki
2. Tsuka-dome
3. Muko-something-gaeshi-geki (fill me in here, if you can)

Konpo (Bojutsu)
Staff techniques.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Migi-kamae
2. Hidari-kamae
3. Tenchi-kamae

Jujutsu
Not exactly empty-handed, done while you have a sword with you.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

• Tsuka-kudaki (While wearing wakizashi in a seated position)
  1. Maki-age
  2. Saka-dori
  3. something-wari (fill me in here if you can, thanks)
• Kojiri-sabaki (While you have a Katana placed by your side in a seated position)
  1. Aya-otoshi
  2. Shiza
• Souja
  1. Kuri-otoshi

Kogusoku
Wakizashi combat-practical techniques with Jujutsu elements.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Tsuba-gaeshi
2. Yoko-uchi
3. Tori-gaeshi
4. Shikoro-fuse
5. Gorin-gaeshi

 Iai (solo sword drawing techniques)
Supposedly techniques deployed by Kondo Isami during the Ikedaya incident.
With background narration of the concepts behind the Kata this time, YES!

1. Mukozume Haya-ashi
2. Hiki Haya-ashi
3. Tsuka-dome
4. Hidari-wakizume
5. Migi-tobizume
6. Mae-nukiuchi
7. Sanpo-ate Nikai-shita
8. Zengo Kojiri-zume
9. Zengo Sayu Tate-yoko

As we all know, Tennen Rishin Ryu is the style that Shinsengumi leader Kondo Isami trained in. For the first time in this DVD, we are being shown the Kata inside the Shinsengumi.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

• Shinsengumi-no-ken
  1. Itto-Ryodan
  2. Inazuma-ken
  3. Myo-ko
  4. Ryusei
  5. Ryukan

This is one of the most interesting part of this DVD. One unique aspect about the Shinsengumi is that, they fought in small groups. Here we are being shown their group Kata, done together with 4 swordsmen at once, chasing down their foes.
With background narration of the concepts behind the Kata!

• Shudan-no-ken
  1. Soukou-ken
  2. Sankou Geppa Ken (1)
  3. Sankou Geppa Ken (2)

During the Bakumatsu period, a very famous Hokushin Itto Ryu practitioner, Sakamoto Ryoma, who is closely related to Shinsengumi, was assassinated. This DVD showcases an renactment of the assassination narrated and done by the demonstrators.

This DVD would have been better if there was explanation behind most of the Kata performed.

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