Kyoketsu Shoge Training

 

Training in our art involves a number of historical training tools including the sword (tachi), spear (yari), weighted chain (kusari-fundo) and the halberd (naginata). The aim of practicing with these training tools is not only to preserve and explore the historical lessons passed down by the samurai with them, but also as a way to learn how to use our taijutsu body arts.

At some point in the training cycle of the dojo, one is introduced to the kyoketsu shoge which is another historical training tool often linked to the ninja and ninjutsu methods.

The kyoketsu shoge consists of hooked metal blade, which has a long section of cord attached to a metal ring on the end.

(With regards to training, not real historical training tools are used, only safe and padded training tools are used in practice.)

Training with this historical training tool includes not only using the dagger and the hook, but manipulating the rope and the ring in order to control the distance and timing of a training partner, using it to strike, ensnare, and wrap around the training partner.

So why do we train with such a historical tool- what use does it have in there here-and-now of today?

As a way to test your own personal taijutsu movement and as a way to discover the mistakes and openings in your own movement.

If your taijutsu is not correct, there is nowhere to hide when training with the kyoketsu shoge, it will wrap around, hit, and ensnare you if your own body movement is not unified.

It is for this reason, besides being a fun tool to explore, that we practice the kyoketsu shoge.

See you in the dojo!

We have plenty of extra ‘shoge if you want to give it a try.