Virginia Kenshinkai

the Virginia Kenshinkai studies the Japanese sword martial arts of Nakamura Ryu Battodo, Toyama Ryu Iaido, and Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo.

Batto, like iai, is a 'drawing sword' art that begins and ends with the sword in the saya. Nakamura Ryu grew from basic swordsmanship for military officers taught at the Toyama Military Academy in the late 1920's, although it has deep roots in several koryu, or older styles.

Students learn basic sword techniques, one- and two-person forms, and cutting. There is no sparring. Emphasis is on focus and control, effective technique, and spirit. Students may occasionally be exposed to other sword arts, either by visiting instructors or through voluntary participation in seminars or competitions.

We are a full member dojo in the International Batto-Do Federation, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. 

Mugai Ryu was founded in 1693, and is based on older styles from the Sengoku period and a strong foundation of Zen. Emphasis is on 'cutting iai'. Training includes iaido (individual and two person forms, kneeling and standing), kenjutsu, and shizan (cutting).

Our Mugai Ryu study group is part of the US Federation of Mugai Ryu under Tony Alvarez sensei and authorized by Niina Gosoke, soke of the Meishi-ha.

If you are interested in training with us, please contact Dave Drawdy at drawdyd@hotmail.com. We are also available for demonstrations, community and cultural events, and seminars.

Directions:

From I-395 and Duke St.
- Take I-395 to Exit 3A. Take the exit EAST along DUKE ST. towards Landmark Mall.
- Passing Landmark Mall, continue on Duke St. for about 3 miles until you come to S. QUAKER LN. There will be a Wendy's on your right-hand side, on the corner.
- Turn RIGHT onto S. QUAKER LN. The dojo is located in the building on your right, just past Wendy's.

From I-495 and Telegraph Rd.
- Take the exit for Telegraph Rd. to go NORTH on TELEGRAPH RD.
- Go north on Telegraph Rd. until you reach the junction with DUKE ST. Exit to DUKE ST. going WEST.
- Go west along Duke St. until you reach S. QUAKER LN. There is a Wendy's on the LEFT.
-Turn LEFT onto S. QUAKER LN. The dojo is located in the building on your right, just past the Wendy's.

Parking
You can park on the street unless marked otherwise (most areas are fine after 5pm). There is also a limited number of unmarked spaces in front of the building, but do not park in the marked spaces. If you enter through the front of the building you will come into a wood-paneled foyer with a business guide on your right and two elevators. The door to your right will open into a hallway. The dojo will be on your left.

Our dojo is a space leased by the Capital Area Budokai, a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of Japanese weapon martial arts.

Membership forms and information may be found here:
http://www.capitalareabudokai.org/forms.html