Kihon and Kata

Kihon” is a Japanese term meaning “basics,” and in swordsmanship, a strong foundation in the fundamentals is essential for success in more advanced techniques. Mastery of kihon ensures that every movement—whether a cut, a stance, or a step—is executed with precision, efficiency, and control.

Kihon encompasses stances, footwork, cuts, and fundamental mechanics, but it also extends beyond simple movements. Early tanren sequences are integrated into kihon to develop proper breathing, posture, and core strength, reinforcing the body’s connection to the sword.

A key aspect of kihon training is uchikomi—the practice of striking solid targets. Uchikomi is crucial for testing one’s grip (tenouchi) and developing the ability to absorb impact without compromising form or control. This ensures that techniques remain effective and efficient under pressure.

As a major component of our training, kihon is not just a beginner’s exercise—it is a lifelong practice. Every advanced technique is built upon these fundamentals, and true mastery begins with perfecting the basics.

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Tanren

The word ‘tanren’ means ‘forging.’ Just as a Japanese sword is shaped through heat and pressure to remove impurities, tanren training refines both body and mind, cultivating strength and flexibility.

As part of the Kurikara Ryū Heihō curriculum—a school of Japanese swordsmanship rooted in shugendō (mountain asceticism)—tanren serves as both a foundational practice for sword training and a standalone system of conditioning.

When practiced with the right mindset and dedication, its slow, deliberate movements help overcome physical and mental obstacles, much like the forging of a blade. Unlike conventional strength training, tanren emphasizes internal power rather than muscle.

To an outside observer, it may resemble yoga, qigong, or other ancient disciplines that traveled from India through China to Japan. But at its core, tanren is a practice of transformation—shaping the practitioner just as fire and hammer shape steel.

Kurikara Tanren  was developed by John Evans sensei (7th dan) of Fudokan London.

Tameshigiri

Tameshigiri, meaning ‘test cutting,’ is the practical application of Japanese sword techniques against a real target. In our regular tameshigiri sessions, practitioners cut soaked tatami mats, which closely mimic the density and resistance of flesh and bone.

This practice serves as a crucial test of skill, revealing whether the angles, grip, power, and body mechanics developed through kata, tanren, and kihon translate into effective cuts. While kata refines precision and form, and kihon builds fundamental movements, tameshigiri confirms whether these techniques hold up under real conditions.

Far from being a simple test of strength, successful tameshigiri requires precision, correct edge alignment (hasuji), proper grip (tenouchi), and full-body coordination. Even a slight deviation in angle or improper cutting mechanics can result in a failed cut, making this an invaluable tool for refining one’s technique.

Through tameshigiri, practitioners gain direct feedback on their progress, learning to balance power with control and ensuring their swordsmanship is not just theoretical but truly functional