To death. With a stick.

December Updates

2011-12-01T07:33:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's December already? Here's what's new at Sword Class NYC!

The class schedule will changing a little bit starting Monday, December 12th:
Beginner Class: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6PM at Joria Productions at 260 W. 36th St. 3rd floor.
Intermediate Class: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 7:30PM at Ripley-Grier Studios at 520 8th Ave.16th floor. Check the monitors by the elevator to see which room we're in.
Advanced Class (by invitation only): Thursdays at 8:30PM at Ripley-Grier Studios.
*There will be no classes between December 26th and 29th. We will resume training on January 2nd and there will be no Intermediate class on January 3rd.

On Sunday, December 18th will be the annual Sung Moo Kwan Holiday Party at our dojo in Dumont, New Jersey. It will feature the first ever Siljun Dobup tournament! The cost of participation is $20 and you need to register ahead of time, so just ask for a sign up form at your next class. After the tournament will be a kumdo competition and a pot luck dinner complete with karaoke! It should be a great time and friends and family can come for free!

Finally, sword classes make a great and unique gift! If you're interested in purchasing a gift certificate for the holidays, just let us know.

Happy Holidays!

October Class Schedule

2011-09-30T22:43:00.000-04:00

Starting October 3rd, our weekly class schedule will be:

Monday
6 PM- Beginners at Joria Productions
7 PM- Intermediate at Joria Productions

Tuesday
6 PM- Beginners at Joria Productions
7:30 PM- Intermediate at Ripley-Grier Studios

Thursday
6 PM- Beginners at Joria Productions
7:30 PM- Intermediate at Ripley-Grier Studios

Joria Productions is located at 260 W. 36th St. (between 7th and 8th) on the 3rd floor. You can ask which room we're in at the front desk.

Ripley-Grier Studios is located at 520 8th Ave. (between 36th and 37th) on the 16th floor. Check the monitors by the elevator to see which room we're in.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed, as well as this space, for any changes or updates to the schedule. Feel free to e-mail us with any questions!

See you in class!

Level Test September 24th

2011-09-13T23:01:00.000-04:00

The next level test will be on Saturday, September 24th at 2:30 PM at the Dumont dojo. If this is your first test, it can be a pretty intimidating experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Don't forget to kiap! Seriously. You could do everything else perfectly, but if you forget this, you're going to fail. No one expects you to be perfect at this level, but as long as you can demonstrate your spirit and commitment, you'll be fine.
Maintain Zanshin ("remaining mind" or focus). Even if you end up on the wrong foot or don't cut properly, don't let it show. Don't make faces or heave heavy sighs. Make any small adjustments you need to and just keep going. Try not to let anything break your focus.
Tap into your chianshim (power). Make sure to engage your core. A good cut comes from speed and chianshim, not brute muscle.
Relax and breathe! Easier said than done, I know, but try. Make sure to move slower than you think you need too. When you're nervous, you'll speed up and make mistakes you wouldn't ordinarily make. Practice going slower than you think you need to so that on the day of the test, you'll move at the proper pace.

Check in with the instructor if you're not sure what you need to do on the test. Remember that you need to have your own sword and a uniform before you can take your first test. It's best if you can practice in your uniform at least a few times first- hakama can take some getting used to! The cost of the test is $40 and is due before the beginning of the test, along with the testing application form.

The dojo is easily reached by New Jersey Transit, but we are also arranging a car pool from the city. Please let us know ASAP if you'd like to get in on the car pool.

If you can't make it to the test on the 24th, we will be offering an opportunity to take a video test on Monday, September 26th during regular class. Send us an e-mail if you'd like more information or have any other questions about the test.

Good luck!

First Cutting Practice

2011-08-31T23:12:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday, I tried my hand at tameshigiri (target cutting) for the first time. This is an exercise for more advanced Siljun Dobup students. We use (very!) sharp swords (shinken) to cut rice or bamboo mats (tatami) that have been soaked in water overnight. The mats are rolled up and they are about as dense as human flesh. Kind of freaky? Maybe. Harder than it looks? Definitely!

I've been studying Siljun Dobup for just under two years and have been managing Sword Class NYC since last summer, but this was a brand new experience for me. I had practiced the techniques hundreds of times, but holding that sharpened blade in my hands took my training to a whole new level. Going into this training session, I was reviewing all the minutia of making a good cut in my head: Relax the shoulders; cut forward, not down; make a big circle; make a strong stance; don't overextend the wrists etc. I was sure that if I could just make a good cut, this would be simple. Definitely not the case.

Grand Master Seong complemented my form and posture, but when it came time to actually cut the mats, my blade actually bounced off. I had this super-sharp katana and two years of training and I couldn't even cut a rice mat?!? How embarrassing, especially in front of my teacher and fellow students, let alone the grand master and creator of the form! I was frustrated with myself and immediately began running through the list again- Relax the shoulders; cut forward, not down. . ." I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. Master Seong told me I needed more "power".

As I watched other students take their turns, I started to see what I needed to do. I am certainly no master of the blade, but I have the technical skills to make this cut. My problem wasn't in my shoulders or wrists or even in my feet, but in my head and my heart. I was simply using muscle to make my body do what I wanted it to. Sure, my form needed some tweaking, but the real problem was that I wasn't mentally or spiritually invested. My desire to perform well and demonstrate my skill had derailed my focus.

On my next try, I shut down my litany of "Cutting To-Dos". I narrowed my focus to only include my blade. I gathered as much Chi (Qi ) as I could and trusted my muscle memory to get the sword where it needed to go. It certainly wasn't perfect, but I cut that mat!

I orginally started studing this art partially for the physical benefits, but more so for the mental and spiritual ones. In a city as fast-paced and busy as New York, we are all constantly multi-tasking. We have our smartphones in one hand and our grande lattes with an extra shot in the other (I do, anyway.) and bounce from task to task to task all day. Siljun Dobup gives me an opportunity to focus my energy on one thing and one thing only- my blade. While this has always been something I am aware of while I train, my main focus has been on perfecting the cuts and forms themselves. Of course this is important, but it can only get you so far. I will continue to practice and refine my skills, but it is time to concentrate more on my chi. It is a muscle like any other and can only get stronger with exercise. It is difficult to apply the ability to cut tatami mats to your job or relationships, but strong chi will benefit every aspect of your life.

Watch out tatami mats! I'm coming for you!

Check out the video of my cutting practice below and see more videos here.

Sara is the manager of Sword Class NYC and a 2nd Geup in Siljun Dopub. You can contact her via Sword Class NYC's e-mail, Facebook or Twitter. Keep your eye peeled for more of her blogging here!

Updates!

2011-08-28T12:42:00.001-04:00

Hello there! Long time, no see!

There has been a lot going on at Sword Class NYC! We have been been steadily growing and expanding our class schedule. Here's what it looks like now:

Beginner Classes
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6 PM at Joria Productions
**Please email swordclassnyc@gmail.com to make a reservation.**

Intermediate Classes
Monday & Tuesday at 7 PM at Joria Productions
Thursday at 7:30 PM at Ripley-Grier Studios (8th Ave. Location)
**On Tuesday September 6th, Intermediate class will be at 7:30 PM at Ripley-Grier Studios**

We are still on the lookout for a space to call our very own. Get all the news and updates on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and keep an eye on this page.

Welcome Yelpers!

2011-04-29T10:32:00.000-04:00

$140 for Samurai Sword Class 3-Pack & Take-Home Sword (reg $240) at Samurai Sword Classes

Buy Now for $140

Reg. Price$240
Discount42%
Savings$100

Time Remaining

25:26:57

22 Sold so far

Limited quantities available

What You Get

Fierce samurai skills with this Package of 3 Group Samurai Sword Classes
Proof that you’re legit - the traditional iaito training sword you’ll use in class is yours to keep
15% off your next group or private class
Go with friends - you can buy multiples as gifts
Classes held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and are by reservation only (call or email swordclassnyc@gmail.com), 48-hour cancellation notice required

Special Terms

$140 for Samurai Sword Class 3-Pack & Take-Home Sword (reg $240) promotion lasts through 4/30/2012. For another 4 years after that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid, less any value that you have already received. Limit 1 Certificate purchase per person for own use, may buy multiple as gifts. Certificate redeemable starting 4/30/2011. One person may not redeem more than 1 Certificate during the promotion period. By reservation only, 48-hour cancellation notice required or Certificate is forfeited. All reservations must be scheduled by phone or email. Not to be combined with other certificates or offers. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.

2011 H-Mart Asian Food Festival - Sword Demo

2011-03-21T16:06:00.000-04:00

New Class Schedule!

2010-11-29T21:48:00.000-05:00

Starting tomorrow (Nov. 30th), Sword Class NYC will have a brand new expanded schedule! We've added a second Intermediate class on Tuesdays from 6-7 PM and are keeping Thursdays the same- Beginners from 6-7PM and Intermediate from 7-8 PM. Now you can train twice a week! E-mail swordclassnyc@gmail.com with any questions and we'll see you in class!

SwordClassNYC.com is live!

2010-10-11T12:51:00.000-04:00

I'm so happy to announce that swordclassNYC.com is now live! It still needs a few fixes, but it's very close to final form. It was created for me by the very talented and professional Amy Olchowski of AEO DESIGN. If you need a fabulous designer AND programmer who's very receptive to feedback, she's your girl. This is the next step in growing the business, and I hope that you'll enjoy the new layout, and possibly even share the site with your friends! Or even better, sign up for a trial class HERE.

;)

A special thank you to Emily Kelly who put my in contact with Amy.

To theDealist.com customers... Welcome!

2010-09-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

Thank you for your almost overwhelming interest in Samurai sword classes! Because of the large number of purchasers, we've decided to make some changes to our class schedule.

Starting in October, we will be offering Intro classes on Tuesdays from 6-7 and 7-8 and on Thursdays from 6-7 and possibly 8-9. We will start scheduling people into classes once the promotion on The Dealist ends, which is this Wednesday at midnight. Once we start scheduling people, you'll be able to schedule all three of your classes at once, but we would like for you to attend three consecutive weeks (so if you choose a Tuesday at 6:00, you'll be on Tuesdays at 6:00 for the next 2 weeks). The classes will range from 8-12 people. You can schedule them up until basically the day before the class, but the further in advance you book, the better the chances of getting the dates you'd like.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Sab Bom Nim Raab Rashi

swordclassNYC featured on theDealist.com

2010-09-15T09:54:00.000-04:00

swordclassNYC has been featured on theDealist.com! They are a social deal website focusing on the NYC region. For this deal, we are offering a package of 3 classes, heavily discounted at $25. One correction to what is listed on the site: I am NOT the founder of this martial art (I'm no where near bad-ass enough yet). Grandmaster Jin K. Seong is the founder of Siljun Dobup and received his training in iaido and Korean sword arts from his master, the late Grandmaster Young Dal Kim.

But welcome, visitors from theDealist! I hope that you'll have a fantastic experience and broaden your understanding of this fantastic and ancient martial art. Please contact me if you have any questions at swordclassNYC@gmail.com. I look forward to teaching you!

Sab Bom Nim Raab Rashi

Comic Con demonstration time announced!

2010-09-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

SwordClassNYC and our parent company, the Sung Moo Kwan Kendo Academy will be demonstrating Kendo and Siljun Dobup ("Real Sword Training") at New York Comic Con on Friday, October 8th at the Variant Stage from 6:15 - 6:45 PM. That's not a lot of time, but I hope that you will be able to join us. At the panel, we'll be demoing:

- A brief history of the katana and the evolution of Kendo

- Kendo techniques presented by Kendo Academy students

- An introduction to Siljun Dobup and iaido

- Sets Jee, Su, Poong, and Hwa, or Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire, presented by Siljun Dobup practitioners

It should be a fantastic event, and I hope you can make it!

I can't wait to see all the costumes!

SwordClassNYC to perform at NY Comic Con!

2010-08-10T12:35:00.000-04:00

SwordClassNYC (and our parent company, Sung Moo Kwan Kendo Academy) will be hosting a panel demonstration of Siljun Dobup and Kendo at NY Comic Con 2010! I've loved Comic con ever since living in San Diego, and can't wait to participate in this fantastic event. This will be our 4th (and certainly the largest) convention performance this year, and is a great opportunity to promote these martial arts and inform the NY community about Samurai Sword classes. I will post more details when I get them, including the time and location, but I wanted to share the good news!

See you at NY Comic Con! I'll be the one dressed as a samurai. :P

“Do nothing which is of no use.”

- Miyamoto Musashi

Midsummer Magick Renaissance Faire sword workshop

2010-08-02T14:08:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know Jeff Mach (if that's possible), let me tell you that this guy knows how to throw a party. Let me back up a little. Jeff is an event organizer extraordinaire, and his events range from alternative bridal expos to renaissance faires to steampunk conventions. But one common thread through all his events is that it always feel like it's a huge party, and you have been specially invited. I have the good fortune of being able to call Jeff "friend" (and many other things, if I think about it), and am often asked to perform workshops at his events. Samurai sword training at a Renaissance faire? Sure! Why not? That's what makes his events different... special. At a Jeff Mach event, it will never be your typical {whatever}. It's not an event, it's an experience.

I performed a workshop this past weekend and it was fantastic! Even contending schedule-wise with the indomitable, fantasmigorical Daniel Greenwolf, the workshop was still well attended. The participants were interested, focused, and enthusiastic. What more could a teacher ask for? Oh right... 82 degree weather and busty lasses in corsets. Check out the pictures below, but more importantly, check out a Jeff Mach event!

Facebook | Michael Whitehouse's Photos - MMRF 2010 Week 3

New class in August!

2010-07-23T14:17:00.000-04:00

I'm very pleased to announce that beginning Thursday August 5 Samurai Sword Classes will be adding an additional class from 7-8:00 PM. This will be an intermediate class, for people that are interested in attending regularly and really training intensively. The 6-7 class will continue as a beginner class, and will be open to first-timers, beginning students, and more advanced students that want to practice the basics and/or assist the first-timers.

Also, very soon we will be rolling out the new class website. Once the website launches (sometime in August), we will be referring to the class as swordclassNYC (website will be swordclassnyc.com). Good things are happening, and I'm happy that you, dear reader, are there to share it with me!

Classes are held from 6-8(!) at 260 West 36th St. 3rd Floor (Joria Studios). See you there!

Star Wars samurai art!

2010-07-19T10:34:00.000-04:00

As you may or may not know, I am a huge Star Wars fan. I've always known about Star Wars art, and I remember when I was young it was always an incredible treat to see other artist's fresh take interpreting Star Wars. But then the future happened, and with the internet, Star Wars art became mainstream, and I'm glad it has! There are a few shining examples of how artists have reached back into the source materials of Star Wars, emphasizing its Samurai-esqu feel, but sometimes there are really fantastic creations. Here's one.

Check out Steve Bialik's blog to see more examples!

The kendo lifecycle | [ kenshi247.net ]

2010-07-13T18:50:00.000-04:00

Check out this fantastic bog post about the lifecycle of a Kendoka (kendo practitioner). I started Kendo in my 20’s, and now that I’m in my 30’s I feel I’ve entered a new stage of my training. There wasn’t so much a conscious choice to alter how I approached practice, but my mentality has developed, matured as my skill increases. I practice Kendo less as a competitive sport, and more as an expression of my spirit.

The kendo lifecycle | [ kenshi247.net ]

2010-07-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Ancient Martial Art examination held for the first time in the United States

Palisades Park, NJ — Twenty students tested in front of visiting masters from Korea to become the first American black belts in the ancient sword martial art “Chosun Sebup.” The examination was held by the Korean Kumdo Association (KKA) and is the first ever held in the United States.

Chosun Sebup is one of the earliest written sword arts. Transcribed by a Chinese military tactician in the year 1621, Chosun Sebup is a section of codex “Mu-Bee Ji,” a compilation of martial arts and tactics from China, Japan, and Korea. It is separated into three chapters, Heaven, Earth, and Man. Each chapter details different sword techniques for use on the battlefield.

Students of the form are expected to perform the techniques flawlessly and must also complete a written examination to attain their black belt, or “Dan” rank. The prospective black belts are students from two northern New Jersey Kendo schools, Hung Moo Kwan and Sung Moo Kwan. Kendo, or “the way of the sword,” is the modern martial art of sword-fighting practiced by over six million people worldwide. Chosun Sebup, though a traditional Korean martial art, shares many similarities with Kendo including the concept of harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit.

# # #

2010-07-09T09:23:00.000-04:00

This weekend there will be a very special event held at the Huang Moo Kwan Kendo school in Palisades Park, NJ. For the first time in the United States, a group of students will test for their 1st Dan (blackbelt) rank in a Korean martial art called "Chosun Sebup." I will be one of these students!

Chosun Sebup is a martial art detailed in the 17th century Korean military codex, 'Mu-bee-ji,’ a compilation of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese martial arts and tactics. Because of its shared border with China and long coastline, Korea has been in external conflict for much of its history. 'Mu-bee-ji' would have been written in a time when Korea was defending it's borders from the Manchu-Invasion, and recovering from the Seven-Year War with Japan. This is of important historical significance because most martial arts traditions of the time were passed down by word of mouth from teacher to student. The manual codifies, describes, and analyzes both friendly and enemy tactics and served as an important reconnaissance tool for the Korean commanders.

Chosun Sebup was the first inclusion in "Mu-bee-ji," and was practiced with a sword that was slung from the right shoulder and hung on the left side of the body, similar to the "tachi" (slung sword). It is unknown if the sword used in this art was a curved sword of Japanese origin (Katana) or a straight sword of the Chinese tradition (Jian). It is likely that both types of swords were used, depending on geographical location and access to trade routes. Another theory is that these two sword traditions were combined as the traditional Korean sword (Jingum) is curved like the katana, but incorporates the hanging tassel similar to the jian.

Chosun Sebup is divided into three sections, each with four techniques emphasizing a different form of attach and/or defense. These are:

Chapter 1. 천 ( Cheon) – Heaven
1. 거정세 ( Guh-jeong-se) - Making high stance as if one lifts a big pot.
2. 과좌세 ( Gua-jua-se) - Cutting from upleft to downright
3. 과우세 (Gua-woo-se) - Cutting from upright to downright
4. 탄복세 ( Tan-bok-se) - Thrusting at the belly

Chapter 2. 지 ( Jeeh) – Earth
1. 표두세 ( Pyo-doo-se) - Cutting the leopard’s head – Straight up to down cut
2. 좌협세 (Jua-hyeop-se) - Thrusting at the left chest
3. 우협세 (Woo-hyeop-se) - Thrusting at the heart
4. 어거세 (Uh-guh-se) - Sword at center position – pushing forward

Chapter 3. 인 (In) – Human
1. 은망세 (Uhn-mahng-se) - Silver Python
2. 전시세 (Jeon –shi-se) - As if one spreads wings
3. 요격세 (Yo-gyeok-se) - Cutting from upright to down left
4. 봉두세 (Bong-doo-se) - Beheading the Phoenix

A demonstration of Chosun Sebup performed by a youth sword team in Korea:

2010-06-22T12:36:00.000-04:00

I can't wait to see THIS exhibit at the Museum of New York. I especially love this picture:

You can imagine this girl - a New York socialite, young and healthy - and her first experience with these foreign warriors, and what must have been going through her mind. As per most photographs of the time, their expressions are serene, as you had to wait for the camera to capture the image and it's much easier to maintain a placid expression. I suspect this was a much easier feat for the samurai, who were accustomed to keeping their expressions neutral, as was the cultural societal norm for the Japanese. Also, these were more than warriors, these were cultural ambassadors, charged with breaking Japan's self-imposed isolation from pretty much the rest of the world. What do you think they were thinking?

The exhibit begins this Friday, the 25th and runs through October 11th.

Japanese sword action Samurai exercise "TSURUGI"

2010-06-21T23:34:00.000-04:00

This guy has some of the best form I've ever seen. I'm actually
going to use his description for the grip for my beginner students.

Good things are coming!

2010-06-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

Hello blog. I know we haven't spoken in a while, and I guess that's my fault, but you know, you don't make it easy. Twitter, Facebook, Buzz... all these services and how can I continue to.... ok, I know, I know, I'm just making excuses. But maybe we can try this again? Maybe this time it will be different? Iknow I've said that before, but can't you find deep down in your code to give me one last chance? Probationary period? OK, I'm willing to try anything if it means we'll be able to spend more time together. Good, let's give it a try then!

So there's a lot going on in the wide world of Samurai swords. Alright, so maybe it's not that wide, but it's certainly hopping! First of all, we have a Kendo and sword demonstration coming up this Saturday, June 19 at the ANIMENEXT convention in Somerset NJ. We're going to talk about how real sword training has influenced anime, and if we have enough time, might to a hands-on workshop. Hope you can make it to this!

On July 11, I am going to be taking a blackbelt examination for the martial art Joson Sebup. This is an extremely old sword form from Korea predating iaido. It is from a military codex that compiled different fighting styles from the proto-Korean kingdom's allies and enemies, including China and Japan. One of the challenges of this form is that there is no living record on how the techniques were practiced, so all we can do is interpret from illustrations. Here is a video of the form demonstrated by the Korean National Kendo team. These guys (especially the girl in front) are GOOD!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GUbjJav7Ew&feature=player_embedded

We're also going to have a master's workshop about Josun Sebup and Kendo (Kumdo) on Friday July 9 at 6:30 at the SMK Kendo Academy in Dumont NJ.

Also... I purchased a new sword. The one I currently use is great for general use and repetative swinging but I wanted a new one that:

- Was made of steel instead of zinc-aluminum alloy

- Was a little heavier to feel more like a "real" cutting sword and to bridge the gap between practice cutting (on soft targets) to real cutting (hard targets like bamboo mats)

- I could use for demonstration purposes.

Here she is. Ain't she a beaut?

New Space!

2010-04-19T18:56:00.000-04:00

Starting on Thursday, April 22nd, the new home of sword class will be at 36th Street Studios(260 West 36th St. 3rd Floor). Class will still be from 6-7:00PM and are for all experience levels.

Looking for new space for class.

2010-03-22T10:40:00.000-04:00

Spring is here, the healthcare bill has passed and change is in the air. Since I started teaching the sword class in September, the class has been at the Workmen's Circle Building on 33rd St. It seems that soon the space will longer be available and I'm going to have to find a new place to hold classes. There are a few requirements for the next space:

- Must have high ceilings. Most pre-war buildings have sufficient ceilings, as do industrial/loft spaces. It's not fun to swing a sword over your hear and have to worry about hitting a heating duct.

- I'd love to find a space near Penn Station. That's where I come into the city, so that would make it very easy for me to hold classes.

- Not more than $30/hour.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Leads? Ideas?

Busy Februa.... Wait, it's March already?

2010-02-22T09:11:00.000-05:00

Wow, February was a busy month! Between special classes for NYU students, doing a workshop at Jeff Mach's Wicked Faire (which was a blast, by the way. If anyone ever has the opportunity to attend a Jeff event, especially the Wicked Faire, do it! There's something for everybody and you'll have a great time), and my trip to New Orleans, I haven't had much time. The Thurday class continues as usual, and I'm even considering adding a second class directly after the 6:00 class, or on another day of the week (possibly Tuesdays). Ah if only it didn't cost so much to rent space in NY!

I'm also having a conversation with a mother who is interested in setting up a teen class for her son and some of his classmates. I think this is a terrific idea. I know that if I would have had the opportunity to study the sword in High School, I would have jumped at it! I think that it would have really brought some much needed focus that I seemed to lose, especially in the last year of school.

Oh, and if you've been to the class, I'd love it if you would take the time to write up something about it on Yelp! It doesn't even have to be long, just a few comments and maybe a rating. I've pasted a link below to help speed you on your way.

Schedule updates - FEB 11, 18

2010-02-11T10:17:00.000-05:00

There will be NO CLASS ON FEB 11. I will be in the Big Easy, paying my respects to Baccus, and his disciple, Drew Brees.

On FEB 18 class will begin at 5:30, instead of the usual 6:00. The class will run from 5:30 - 6:30. There will be an NYU class coming after that from 6:30-7:30. Any student from the 5:30 class is invited to stay at no cost to continue practicing until 7:30. Please contact me if you have any questions!

Thank you!

Sexy Swords Spies

2010-01-27T11:29:00.000-05:00

Hopefully, soon I'm going to be starting a new partnership as a teacher with the Stiletto Spy School, a company that creates kick-ass-and-takes-names spy missions for women (and now for men, too) including small arms training, hand-to-hand combat, sexy dancing, poker playing, and now.... sword training! Even better, there's already a knife class, so I can use the line: "That's not a knife.... THIS is a knife." Check out their website to find out more about what they day, or you can see them on German TV here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbxEshT9Ct4

Schedule update!

2009-12-21T11:24:00.001-05:00

The next class will be on MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 at 5:30 PM. I will be there from about 4:30 to get in some extra training if anyone wants to come early.

Grand Masters

2009-12-21T11:16:00.001-05:00

DSCF4105
Originally uploaded by Sung Moo Kwan

About a month ago, I had the honor of sparring with come visiting masters, including two grandmasters (other than my own teacher). Obviously, this was was an incredible experience. They each had a very distinctive style, and I learned different lessons from each of them.

I try to always keep an open mind, and remember that there is no one way to do anything. Each of these extrodinary gentlemen have reached a supreme level of ability walking their own paths, and it's just breathtaking to see them learn from one another.

Swords and Dating - Time Out NY writeup

2009-12-09T13:23:00.000-05:00

Time out has done another write up on the class. I may try that restaurant after the next class! My date will be Vivian, my sword ;)

Samurai sword class and venison-chili nachos
Sword virgins get in free to the weekly samurai sword class at the Workmen’s Circle (NYR Studios, 45 E 33rd St at Park Ave, sixth floor; 201-317-9517; Thu 6–7pm). Equipped with a wooden sword, you’ll learn basic etiquette, like “how to respect each other,” according to instructor Raab Rashi. Postbattle, bury the hatchet over venison-chili nachos ($12.95) and a refreshing Doc’s Hard Apple Cider ($7) at Waterfront Ale House (540 Second Ave at 30th St; 212-696-4104, waterfrontalehouse.com). Just watch out for a final lunge if you try to snag the last chip.

Read more: http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/sex-dating/81062/best-mostly-free-dates#ixzz0ZDXFbJUR

2009-12-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, this made me so happy this morning. I've often wondered if Mario ever had formal training, or are his (in)famous exploits in the Mushroom Kingdom borne solely of his sheer will of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds? I think he's probably had training with SISMI

Photo shoot with Lauren Rutten

2009-11-17T11:48:00.000-05:00

This is a photo shoot that I did with a very talented artist and friend of mine, Lauren Rutten. She is actually one of the artists I work with at my day job, and is also an incredibly talented teaching artist. You can see more or her work at her website, http://www.laurenruttenphoto.com/

You can see the rest of the pics HERE

8 Forms

2009-11-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

This is a video of me demonstrating the 8 forms of Siljun Dobup. These forms are exactle the same as those practiced in Nakamura Ryu - a school of iaido founded in the 20th century from which Siljun Dobup draws heavy influence. These 8 basic positions lay the foundation for all the cuts practiced.

New video up!

2009-10-27T10:18:00.000-04:00

There's a new video on youtube of Grand Master Seong performing Set Gi (Earth), Cut Number 1. This is the first maneuver you learn after getting through all the basic cuts. It is a diagonal-downward cut, from left to right, ending in the center.

Samurai Exhibit at the Met Museum

2009-10-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

Check this out! There's going to be a fantastic exhibit at the met all about Samurai! I'm definitely attending this on November 8 for the panel discussions and especially Okisato Fujishiro, "Japan's leading sword polisher and connoisseur."

Let me know if you're interested in going with me!

Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156–1868
October 21, 2009–January 10, 2010
The Tisch Galleries, 2nd floor

	View images from this exhibition.

	Learn more about a special one-day lecture and panel event.

	Search the calendar for related programs.

Class is NY PRESS "BEST OF 2009!"

2009-10-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

From the NY Press. Click here for the entire list.

Best Way to Feel Like a Stud: Samurai Sword Class
The Workman’s Circle, NYR Studios, 45 E. 33rd St. betw. Madison & Park Aves.
You need a physical hobby and yoga isn’t butch enough and Karate might involve getting hit, right? So what’s left? There’s always swords. No we’re not talking swallowing or any other sort of swordplay (such dirty minds!) Raab Rashi offers a class in “Siljun Dobup,” or “the art of the Samurai sword” for only $15 bucks a class. We’re not endorsing any sort of Kill Bill antics, but how often can you learn how to kill a man for cheaper than what it costs to buy him a decent dinner? We’re in. Visit swordclass.blogspot.com to learn more.

2009-10-09T13:40:00.000-04:00

This is an amusing anecdote from my friend and student, Sarah. She has the uncanny knack for attracting people on subways... Enjoy!

"I'm not sure exactly why, but people on the subway always come talk to me (or do other things at me... but that's not what this note is about). I suppose I generally look pleasant and approachable, and I have this really bad habit of looking at people directly in the face. In any case, I wasn't terribly surprised when on my way home from sword class last night, a guy sat down next to me and struck up a conversation.

"I know this is going to sound really strange if it isn't the case, but... is that a Katana in that bag??" he asked.

"Well... no, technically it's an Iato, a practice sword..."

*inhales sharply* "Oh my god. YOU STUDY."

"I just started," I said. "I'm actually just coming from class."

"Okay. I swear, I SWEAR I'm not hitting on you. I'm REALLY NOT. I have a girlfriend, I love her, I'M NOT HITTING ON YOU. But, THIS is the sexiest thing I've ever seen. I really hope that there is somebody that appreciates just how AMAZING all of this is." *he makes a sweeping motion toward me*

I blushed and thanked him and reiterated that I have just begun studying and that I'm not very good... but, that he had made my night.

"No," he said "you made MY night." And then he got off of the train.

If I haven't mentioned it before now, I love my sword. Though, should I be worried that I'm still approachable enough for someone to come talk to me on the train when they think I'm armed (and actually am armed)???

OH!!! Come take sword class with me! First class is free, and it's $15/class after that! Thursday nights @ 6pm on 33rd between Madison and Park! I can guarantee the presence of at least two very attractive women with swords... if you're in to that sort of thing. :-)"

So there you go. I loved this story because I remember what it felt like the first time I held my practice sword. I had always liked swords, and have, through various times in my life, had a impressive if not alarming array of historical blades, wall-hangers, and other sword and dagger-like accessories. But nothing ever felt like receiving my first practice sword. This was MY sword, and it was the sword I was starting a journey with. It was my traveling companion, my comrade, my peer. It's a feeling unlike any other. I hope you will have the opportunity to experience it!

Buying you first iaito - Part 1 - Size Matters

2009-09-27T20:38:00.000-04:00

The Student Mind.
Buying you first iaito

I've asked my students to purchase their first iaito. I know that when I purchased my first sword for training, I wish that I had a guide or reference to help me navigate the many aspects of what can be a quite sizable and significant purchase. I hope that these posts will help you to make an informed decision when choosing your own sword!

There are many things to consider when buying a sword for training. Weight, size, blade curvature, aesthetics, and "feel" - the most intangible but arguably the most important aspect of choosing your sword. Of course, there's one more very important factor: price. In my following posts I will discuss each of these qualities and how to make a decision to find the sword that's right for you.

PART 1 - SIZE

Size matters. It's the truth. But this doesn't mean that bigger is better!

Generally, iaito blades vary in length from 27-29 inches. The handles, or "tsuka" usually range from 10-13 inches. Of course, as there is no "standard" sizing in sword creation, it is not unusual to find much longer or shorter swords often custom made to the purchaser's preferences and proclivities. It is important to note that the blade and handle lengths must be considered separately, as these lengths will vary from person to person based not only on the practitioner's height, but also on their training style and preferences.

Blade Length - The length of your sword's blade should not be determined by your height alone. You height will of course play a factor, but arguably more important then your height is your arm length. When drawing the sword, the right hand not only draws the sword forward, but simultaneously the left hand draws the scabbard (sword case) or "saya" back until only the tip of the blade remains in the mouth of the saya. When in this position, the body may turn a little bit, maybe 10-15 degrees, but should not turn more then that. Ideally, the body should remain almost completely square and faced-front and all but the tip of the blade should be out of the saya. Those with shorter arms will find that they have to compensate with turning their body more if they have a long blade, which should be discouraged. Likewise, a person with long arms and a short blade will find that the sword has exited the mouth of the saya before they've fully extended their right (drawing) arm.

Generally, a longer blade will be heavier and a shorter blade lighter. There are merits and deficiencies to both, but I will address this in a following post.

Handle (tsuka) length - Determining the proper sized tsuka depends mostly on hand size, and usually will vary in length proportionally to the size of the blade. The longer the blade, the longer the handle. Again, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and will vary according to preference, but less so than the blade length. The reason for this is that longer blades have a different center of gravity than shorter blades, so the fulcrum point of the sword must be lowered in order to optimize the cutting potential.

To find the proper length of the handle, you must maintain the proper grip. This is similar to the relaxed "golf" or "tennis" grip where the last two fingers on each hand are doing most of the work, and the blade "rests" in the rest of the fingers. An incorrect grip is one in which all the fingers are grasping tightly. The left hand should be on the bottom, with the little finger about 1 - 1 1/2 inches from the end cap of the sword. The right hand grips in a similar fashion, with the right hand little finger at a space of two finger widths above the left. Ideally, this should position the right hand index finger just below, or even just grazing the blade guard (tsuba). If there is more then a finger's width between the right hand and the tsuba, your tsuka is too short.

Johns Hopkins student kills intruder with samurai sword, police say -- baltimoresun.com

2009-09-15T14:01:00.001-04:00

Johns Hopkins student kills intruder with samurai sword, police say -- baltimoresun.com

Posted using ShareThis

Hoo, boy. Ok... ::takes a deep breath::

2009-09-08T15:00:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to announce a new sword class that I will be teaching in New York City. Much like the Hoboken class, it will be offered on Thurdays from 6-7:00 PM. I will be offering these classes in conjunction with KINESIS PROJECT, a dance/theatre company. The classes will actually be held at the historic Workman's Circle center, a place with direct ties to my family. I'm excited about these new classes. Melissa Riker, the Artistic Director at Kinesis has been wonderful to work with so far. The best part is that I can offer the classes for less then I've been charging, now only $15/class. This can even go down if you'd like to commit to a longer study period (3 months, 6 months, etc...)

The first class will be on SEPTEMBER 17 at 6:00. Remember that the first class is always FREE!!! Bring a friend!

Elemental Balance

2009-07-14T11:13:00.001-04:00

IMG_0235
Originally uploaded by amylitt

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited for a getaway to a beautiful estate in Red Hook, NY. The house itself was gorgeous, and our hosts were fantastic (not to mention the jacuzzi!), but what left the greatest impression on me was the beautiful landscape surrounding the house and the breathtaking view. You see, their house faces the Catskills National Park, so their view will never be tarnished by ungainly development, sprawl, or logging.

I took the chance to exercise and practice my forms surrounded by lush fields and mountain views. Additionally, my good friend Amy Litt - social networking guru, amateur photographer, and all-around powerhouse - was kind enough to take pictures of the occasion . While training in this incredible setting, it felt... right. I suspect that the progenitors of the Asian sword arts similar to Sil Jun Do Bup studied in this manner. In most Asian cultures, and especially in the Japanese culture, there is a close kinship between man and nature that has never fully developed in Western cultures. There is a bond between our actions and natures' and we affect each other in everything we do.

In Sil Jun Do Bup, after learning the basics, you progress to the four forms that comprise the art: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. This is no coincidence. In each elemantal form, you are performing similar movements, ie. in Set Earth, the first cut is an overhead diagonal cut. After you make the initial cut, you stop. Solid. Powerful. In Set Water, the first cut you make is still an overhead diagonal cut, but your body and the sword continue to "flow" into a more natural finishing position. Fluid. Adaptable.

For the warrior, the sword is an extension of the self, and the self is a balance of the elements. By focusing on one element, we can incorporate its characterists into our training and become more powerful in that element. By training in a natural setting, we are closer to the elements and can more freely associate ourselves with them and let their energies flow through us without the blockages imposed on us by the 'modern world.' We can free ourselves, and feel the elemental forces of nature both around us and within us.

You can look at the rest of pictures HERE.

2009-07-07T11:32:00.000-04:00

Greetings to visitors from the Midsummer Magick Faire! I'm very excited to be leading a workshop at the Faire where I will give an introduction to Iaido - the Way of the Sword. Using wooden practice swords, we'll learn the 8 basic cuts and forms that have been practiced for centuries. We'll discuss the mythos surrounding the curved asian sword known as the "katana," and explore other questions: How and why were eastern and western sword styles similar? How were they different?

Availability for these workshops is extremely limited, due to the space requirements and the supply of wooden swords available. Please show up early!!!

For more information about the Faire, go to their page: http://www.midsummermagickfaire.com/index.html

2009-05-18T15:23:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. New images for the class. The symbols above are the traditional characters for SIL JUN DO BUP - real sword training. the image below was created as a postcard to promote the class. Check it out, send it on to others and, most importantly, come to class!

From Kendo

This weekend: Sakura Matsuri

2009-04-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend I will be attending Sakura Matsuri - the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botinical Gardens. Throughout the day, I will offer free introductory Sil Jun Do Bup classes to anyone who might be interested in picking up a wooden sword! I attend this event every year that I can, and according to the forcast the weather is going to be very agreable this Saturday.

Let me know if you're going to be able to make it! I'll update again once I know where I'll be setting up shop for the day.

For more information about the festival, check it out here: http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/sakura.html

"Your first class is free" and other marketing questions

2009-04-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

One of the challenges of teaching a non-traditional martial art such as Sil Jun Do Bup (or than the difficulty that many non-Koreans have in pronouncing it) is the question: "how do I market this?"

Aside from the regular challenges of marketing a martial art class, there are a few unique challenges to marketing a class in Sil Jun Do Bup. These are:

1. Sil Jun Do Bup is indeed a martial art, but unlike many other arts it is for the most part practiced individually rather then with partners. One obvious reason for this is that you are using a real sword, and although it is blunted along the edge, you are still capable on inflicting grave injuries if it is handled carelessly or disrespectfully.

2. New students of SJDB do not usually begin their studies with a focus on self-defense. Although many of the skills obtained during your study of the form help to make you a more aware, healthier, and more powerful person, most students do not assume they'll be carrying around a sword with them on the street (probably not the best idea...)

3. Many (most) people simply do not know what SJDB is. When explaining it, I first make mention that it is closely related to the Japanese art of iaido. Then, assuming I gauge no reaction of familiarity with the latter, I usually go on to explain that it's the art of drawing the sword, cutting, and re-sheathing that the Samurai of feudal Japan studied, "you know, like in Samurai movies such as 'The Last Samurai' and 'Seven Samurai' or even 'Kill Bill.'" Karate? Familiar. Kung-Fu? Familiar. Sil Jun Do Bup? Is that some kind of rice dish?

So given these unique challenges, how can I target my marketing? To begin to approach this, I need to first identify what kind of audience I am looking for. When thinking about this, and from feedback I've received from friends and family, I've narrowed it down to a few groups.

People who:

1. want to get into shape. - This is similar to the yoga-set. These are people who want to improve their flexibility and overall health but don't want to run for an hour on the treadmill.

2. practice a non-traditional martial art. - Many of these people study eskrima, kravmaga, or other exotic forms.

3. have a broad appreciation and awareness of global culture.

4. really like swords. - This was me. It started with lightsabers, moved to knights, samurai, or anyone who could swing a sword and make it look really cool.

And, arguably the most important:

4. can afford to take the classes. - This is one of the most challenging, not because the classes are expensive, but they do take an initial investment on top of the class fee. The uniform is $100, and the sword (which doesn't have to be purchased until after the first promotion test - usually 2 months) runs about $350 (and is actually a great deal). Depending on how long you want to commit to, the classes run for less than $18 each.

So these are the issues in a nutshell. Here's what I've done to market so far:

1. Press release - This was the first thing I did, and got some great responses, including the feature run in the Waterfront Weekly.

2. Flyering. I post these around Hoboken, and although they're gone within a couple of days, I'm hoping that people will begin to recognize them and take notice.

3. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter

4. I've been posting any martial arts sites and discussion boards I can find.

What other ways can I reach out to the local community? I think that one of the best ways is to actually show people the art, to demonstrate it, but it is not easy to find the opportunity to do so - I can't exactly just go into the park and start swinging a sword around, right? So, any ideas?

New Sword Class in Hoboken, NJ!

2009-04-16T10:22:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, I will be teaching a new sword class in Hoboken NJ on THURSDAYS at 7:00PM. The style is SIL JUN DO BUP, similar to Iaido, but focuses more directly on actual cutting. More details are below. If anyone is interested, you can email me at raabrashi@gmail.com or call me at 201.317.9517

The following is a repost from the Waterfront Weekly Journal, where it was featured as the cover story:

http://www.nj.com/living/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/living-1/1238999118299070.xml&coll=3

Get moving ... with swords

Monday, April 06, 2009

By JAMIE SCHUH

JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A new kind of martial arts will soon be coming to Hoboken.

Sil Jun Do Bup is a Korean form of sword practice, which literally translates to mean "real sword training." It is similar to Iaido, a Japanese form of sword practice that focuses on the drawing of the blade from the kneeling or sitting position. Sil Jun Do Bup, by contrast, focuses on cutting and strikes.

But don't worry, the classes being offered by teacher Raab Rashi at Monroe Movement Space are completely safe.

"You begin training with a wooden or plastic sword," says Rashi, 29. But even before the sword is picked up, "we focus on respect."

Rashi began training unofficially seven years ago, later being taken under the wing of Grandmaster Jin K. Seong, a seventh degree black belt from Korea.

"I was always into swords and martial arts, but I never had the opportunity (growing up) to formally train," says Rashi.

He soon took up teaching at Grandmaster Seong's school, The Kendo Academy in Dumont. The school has two other locations in Closter and East Brunswick. Seong was interested in expanding the school, and Rashi thought Hoboken would be a good fit for this unique style of practice.

"It's a community where people are very open to international ideas. There's a real global awareness and consciousness in Hoboken."

During the first class, Rashi will explain the form of Sil Jun Do Bup, the etiquette involved and then begin to introduce basic movements such as bowing, drawing the sword, stance, basic cutting and sheathing.

"(The basics) are things you work on throughout your journey," says Rashi. "Even masters will be working on these things."

And even though the art involves a lot of physical discipline, what is most important is the mental discipline that practitioners of Sil Jun Do Bup will develop.

"You can go into it with some expectations," Rashi says, "but you will find other things in the art that you weren't expecting to find. You can want to improve your stamina and physical well-being, which you will, but you will also improve your mental focus and reaction time. It will make you a more aware person."

For Rashi, who says that studying sword movement has made him more "grounded," he hopes his students will develop "a sense of calm and focus."

Classes in Sil Jun Do Bup are wholly unique to the Hudson County area, which makes it an even bigger draw to anyone interested in martial arts or sword training.

"We're the only program around like this. There's a few wonderful Kendo schools in the area," he says, but none in the county that specialize in Sil Jun Do Bup.

Classes in Sil Jun Do Bup will run Thursdays at Monroe Movement Space, 720 Monroe St. in Hoboken. Prospective students may show up for a free first class, and then sign up for six months, 24 months or a full year. For more information or to register, call 201-317-9517.