The Sword Arts Of The Samurai

Mune-Muso Kenjutsu School
Kenjutsu - the study of Japanese sword strategy. The Mune Muso Kenjutsu School is run by Dr. Eugene Botha who has been training in the martial arts for over 25 years. Eugene has studied various martial arts and Professionally trained students for 12 years before changing his career.

The Dojo brings together like minded people that have an interest in exploring the Way of the Samurai, philosophy, strategy in battle/combat, including the collection, study and preservation of various weapons and collectables from the Samurai era in Japan.

Our instruction centers around mastery of the Japanese long sword (Katana), the short sword(Wakizashi), knife fighting (Tanto-jutsu), staff (jo-jutsu) and unarmed techniques known as muto, or “without sword” (including joint mobilization, throws, grappling, striking techniques, etc.).

Training is of what is known as “The Way” (Bushido). The Way of the Warrior.

"The Way" directs a student to how, he/she can respect, understand and express the inherent true “Self” through the rigors of training and study of the Martial Arts.

As students of the Mune Muso Kenjutsu School, we also explore our experience through the training and philosophy as a means to understand life and how one fits in it. This is an integral part of a Woriors training.

Mune-Muso is the expression used when thought, word and action merge as one. Essentially a state of being without the interference of Mind.

Location:

The Mune Muso Kenjutsu Dojo is based in Randburg.

Class is once a week at the Robin Hills Scout hall, Cnr Cherry Road and Oorbietjie Street, Robin Hills.

Classes are held every Wednesday evening from 19h00-21h00.Please feel free to contact

Eugene at: mdherbals@myconnection.co.za / 082 7791159

Our Training

At the Mune Muso Kenjitsu Dojo the main focus is on training techniques and strategy with the Katana.(Japanese Long sword).

Techniques include: The various cuts, drawing and sheathing, evasion techniques, blocking techniques, formal sequences, partner work and tameshigiri (cutting rolled straw mats) to test the efficacy of the students cutting techniques.

Tameshigiri:

We practice tameshigiri in order to test our skills that result from hours of training.
Traditionally a mat made of rice straw is used called Tatami. The mat is rolled up and then presented on a cutting stand as a target.

Other training may include:Wakizashi (Short sword), Tanto (dagger), Jo (short staff) and unarmed combat techniques.

The Classes:
Classes are geared toward combat strategies of the Japanese sword arts, combining physical and subtle aspects that a warrior needs to be a rounded Human Being and harmoniously able to respond to daily living. A warriors path is not just about killing. The skills learned in training and the strategies assist us in all aspects of our lives. As in all Bushido, Warrior training requires that the formalities and required respect met. Student at my school are encouraged to strive to uphold these manners and etiquette as part of their development.

I emphasise the training towards the development of the student on the Warrior path to discover who they are as "warriors or seekers" of the Self.

Classes may have a Philosophical aspect to them to invoke understanding and bring on the awareness of living the Bushido Way.

Training starts with the bokken (wooden sword) and once I feel that a student can be safe with his/her live blade I will allow its use with certain training. I recommend that all students acquire an Iaito(a Katana replica that is not sharp) in order to train safely.

Safety is of the utmost importance and is strictly expected from each student. Those that do not cooperate are asked to leave.

To Become a Student of the Mune Muso Dojo

If you are interested you have to be 18 years old. You may attend one class to try it out. If you would like to join an interview will be arranged after which you will be notified of your acceptance.

A Judo or Karate Suit will be required - In the beginning you can wear gym clothes that are easy to move in. If accepted you will be required to purchase a Bokken (wooden training sword) from me to train with. (these are made specially for us to withstand the rigours of training) The cost around R480. Please NOTE! Plastic bokken are not allowed.

Within three months of training you will be required to have the following:

Bokken
Wooden Wakizashi
Wooden Tanto
Jo (short staff)
Iai to - A blunt training sword. Make sure to ask me what quality will be acceptable.
Display swords are not allowed.
Karate or Judo Gi with a belt.
If you fail to reach this requirement you will have to stop class untill you have the equipment.

Within one year of training you must have purchased a Shinken (live blade). Your training will be reaching a level where you will be doing Tameshi geri to test your skills.

If you do not have this your training will sease until you aquire the equipment.

Fees: One class a week: R200 per month. There is only one class per week at the moment. This will change to R400 p/m when 2 classes per week are introduced. These fees are payable regardless of how many classes are attended.

Associate School

Mune Muso Kenjitsu Dojo Association

We are closely associated with the

Sorato Ryu Kenjitsu Heiho in Cape Town.

http://www.kenjutsu.co.za/

John van Zijl (Kaicho) and Eugene Botha (Sensei)