Budo DVD Reviews

Ura-kata Vol.1 - Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Hiden Mokuroku
60min, 5500YEN (with English subtitles!) ORDER

Nippon Daito yu Aikibudo Seishinkai headmaster, Sano Matsuo, begins with an opening introduction, and also says that the secret teachings can be deadly weapons if used for the wrong weapons and thus a student’s character has to be considered before transmission of Ura-kata (inner teachings).

So it seems that Ura-kata is being unveiled for the first time, with Shigemitsu Kato as the instructor. Unlike Omote-kata which can be learnt by anyone, Ura-kata is only taught to Shodan and above. Furthermore, when Omote techniques are countered, Ura techniques are used. If Ura techniques are countered, there’s still Ura-no-ura.

Contents:

• Idori (10 kata)
  - Ippon-dori
  - Gyaku Udedori
  - Hiji Kaeshi
  - Kuruma Daoshi
  - Shime Kaeshi
  - Kakae Jime
  - Karami-nage
  - Kote Gaeshi
  - Nukite-tori
  - Hiza Jime
• Hanza Handachi (5 techniques)
  - Hanmi Nage
  - Ura otoshi
  - Izori
  - Kata otoshi
  - Irimi nage

Each Kata is first shown the Omote, then followed by the Ura, so now we can notice the differences. Kato Sensei then gives important pointers and instruction before moving on to the next Kata.

Budoka with a good amount of experience and level in Aikido, Taijutsu etc… should be able to benefit from the pointers given by Kato Sensei.

The Hanza Handachi segment was particularly interesting, as you can see how the techniques later look like when done with Wakizashi sashed at the demonstrators’ belt in Gotenjutsu (techniques inside the palace).

Finally, Hanza Handachi is applied with Goho-no-jin (5 directions formation), to deal with multiple attacks that can be used in different places inside the house when you’re surrounded by your enemies.

Excellent production with lots of quality and informative instructions!

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Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo
43mins, 6000YEN ORDER

Suio Ryu is a style which have been transmited from father to son for around 400 years since the Tensho period. It is a sogo bujutsu which has kenjutsu, naginata, kogusoku, jo, kusarigama in its curriculum.

This DVD is mostly about the Iai curriculum of Suio Ryu.
Starting with some introduction, followed by some basics in Iai, like releasing the sword with your thumb and pulling back your saya. Other than that, not much instruction other than a narration while the Soke is demonstrating various Kata.

Interestingly, unlike the usual one-man Iai that we usually see, we get to watch how 2 Iai Kata are actually partnered-up. One Kata is for the Shidachi, another for the Uchidachi, and can be practiced together.

The last 15mins or so, we get to see some paired Kenjutsu work with wooden swords. Kogusoku, using short swords, is done with quite a bit of Jujutsu involved. And finally we end with Suio Ryu Kusarigama!

Top: Paired Iai
Below: Nito vs Kusarigama

Contents:

• Batto theories (koiguchi, sayabiki)
• Iai ~ Tachi-iai / Kumi-iai / Kuyo
• Kenpo
• Kogusoku
• Kusarigama

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Yawara no Maki, Kuroda Tetsuzan
Recorded year 2000, 40 mins, 6000YEN ORDER

A big showcase of Shishin Takuma Ryu Jujutsu, as taught by Kuroda Tetsuzan Sensei, a total of 29 Kata!
Starting off with a bit of asobi (playing with Jujutsu techniques), the first part of this DVD is pretty interesting to watch. Like how Kuroda Sensei can make a person fall to the side while touching fingertip-to-fingertip with him!

Shishin Takuma Ryu Jujutsu Kata showcase: 

• Omote Idori (10 kata)
• Ura Idori (5 kata)
• Ryu no Maki (14 Kata)

Kuroda Sensei always demonstrates all the Kata in a particular segment first, before letting his students partner-up and practice, while he walks around giving personal instruction to each of them.

Don’t expect a lot of indepth instruction in this DVD. This is more for people to get a glimpse of what Shishin Takuma Ryu Jujutsu is about, and also for Kuroda Sensei’s students’ reference when away from dojo. That said, the level of Jujutsu showcased in this DVD is very high and a pleasure to watch.

For indepth instruction DVDs from Kuroda Sensei, check out the “Gokui Shinan” series.

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Ken no Maki, by Kuroda Tetsuzan Sensei
Recorded in year 2000. 40mins. 6000YEN. ORDER

As the title suggests, this DVD is about swordsmanship from Kuroda Tetsuzan Sensei, which will be 2 of the 5 schools in Shinbukan Kuroda Ryugi.
- Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu
- Komagawa Kaishin Ryu Kenjutsu

Starting off, Kuroda Sensei demonstrates a few Kata from Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu.

1. Shin no Tachi
2. Gyou no Tachi
3. Sou no Tachi
4. Etori
5. Kannen dachi

After which the students will practice on their own while Kuroda Sensei walks around giving important pointers which they should take note of.

A large part of this DVD from here on will be about Komagawa Kaishin Ryu Kenjutsu.

1. Omote Tachi (6 Kata)
2. Omote Jitte (5 Kata)
3. Kodachi (12 Kata)

After demonstrating the Kata from each segment, students will get to practice while Kuroda Sensei walks around giving important pointers.

As you can see, there’s a lot of Kata covered within 40mins, therefore one shouldn’t expect to get much indepth instruction from this DVD.
This DVD is excellent from people who wants to get a glimpse of the Kenjutsu taught by Kuroda Sensei and also current Shinbukan Kuroda Ryugi students who wants to refresh their memory.

If you’re looking for indepth instructions, check out Kuroda Sensei’s “Gokui Shinan” series.

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