NYBA CURRICULUM
Iaido/Kenjutsu (居合道) – Japanese Sword
The foundation of NYBA is the study of Japanese sword. NYBA is one of the oldest sword schools on the east coast (EST. 1963 by Otani Sensei). We currently practice three styles, as we believe that a combination of these practices provides our students a comprehensive and well rounded understanding of the Japanese sword. The study of these techniques is a life long journey, we are all learning and looking for ways to improve.
– ASAYAMA ICHIDEN RYU (浅山一伝流) (official study group)
– MUSO SHINDEN RYU (夢想神伝流)
– RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU (柳心照智流).
OFFICIAL STUDY GROUP
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OFFICIAL STUDY GROUP 🌸 🌸 🌸
This is a formal Koryu with a long linage of over 400 years and was designed for combat while wearing armor. It practice includes a wide variety of weapons and techniques. In 2024 several senior dojo members began to formally train in Asayma Ichiden Ryu under the instruction of Seki Sensei and the Honbu, beginning with online training and attending seminars in Japan. In 2026 we were permitted to establish an Official Study Group and are now starting to incorporate it into our regular curriculum. We are so excited to be hosting Seki Sensei this coming NOV. for the 2026 ASAYAMA ICHIDEN RYU USA SEMINAR!
RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU (柳心照智流)
This style is considered a Gendai-ryu (modern system), using a short, light sword, with many one-handed techniques, it was designed for bodyguards during the Edo period. Originally introduced by Kawabata Sensei (a good friend of Otani Sensei’s) in the 1980s. It has been a core-kenjutsu practice of our dojo since 2006.
MUSO SHINDEN RYU (夢想神伝流)
Established by Nakayama Hakudō (中山博道), today, Musō Shinden Ryū stands as one of the most widely practiced forms of iaidō, preserving a lineage that traces back to the formative period of Japanese swordsmanship while remaining a living tradition in the modern era.
Today NYBA continues this tradition in our practice with the support and direction of the FEI (European Iaido Federation) under the direction of Philip Ortiz Sensei, Malcolm ‘Tiki’ Shewan Sensei, and Charles Boleware Sensei.
KYUDO(弓道) – Japanese Archery
KYŪDŌ (弓道) is the Japanese martial art of archery which is based on kyūjutsu ("art of archery"), which originated with the samurai class of feudal Japan. Our focus is Heki-Ryu Chikurin-Ha Zen Archery under the guidance of Rick Beal Sensei in Pasadena California, however we welcome any and all Kyudo practitioners – including Renmei students.
HEKI RYU BISHU CHIKURIN-HA
(日置流尾州竹林派)
The Chikurin-ha of the Yoshida-ryu reveres Ishido Chikurin (d. 1605) as its founder. He is considered to have inherited the tradition stemming from Heki Yazaemon Noritsugun, a relative of Heki Danjo Masatugu's, whose actual connection to the family is a source of debate. Chikurin was a Shingon Buddhist priest at the Yoshida family temple in Omi who learned the Yoshida-ryu style of archery before founding his own school. He learned the Yoshida-ryu style from Izumu no kami Shigemasa, but he also studies the main Heki-ryu style with Yuge Yarokuro.
In 1603 Chikurin entered the service of the Matsudaira clan in Owari (modern-day Nagoya) with a stipend of 250 kokus. He died there, but his heir –Chikurin had left the priesthood and married sometime earlier-- remained to establish the Chikurin-ha, which carried on by successive generations*
The full name of our style is Heki Ryu Bishu Chikurin-ha, where Bishu refers to a region in Japan that our style of Chikurin-ha is associated. Other branches derived from Chikurin-ha are Izumu Ha, Dosetsu Ha, Taishin Ha, Yamashina Ha, Jotoku Ha, Sakonemo Ha, and Okura Ha.
Senior instructor Phil Ortiz has been practicing Kyudo for over the 38 years under various styles including: All Nippon (federation style), Heki-Ryu Chikurin-Ha, and Zen Archery. Our focus is Heki-Ryu Chikurin-Ha Zen Archery under the guidance of Rick Beal Sensei in Pasadena California.
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*Hurst, G. Cameron. Armed Martial Arts of Japan, Swordsmanship and Archery. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998. Print. Page 135
NAGINATA (薙刀) – Japanese Polearm
also known as "atarashii naginata" (あたらしいなぎなた), is a modern martial art involving the use of a Japanese halberd. The early users of the naginata were foot attendants to the samurai and warrior monks. Their primary use was to cut horses' legs during battles. Around 1400 A.D., the fighting style changed to using a long, straight spear in massed formations. The naginata was not suited for this style of warfare, so it was left at home for women to guard the house and castle. All samurai-class women were trained to use the naginata and a small dagger. The weapon has been associated with women ever since.
ATARASHI NAGINATA
(あたらしいなぎなた)
“Atarashii” Naginata is the contemporary version of the practice of Naginata, literally meaning "New Naginata", which became the standarsised version in a similar way as it was with the development of Kendō, Judō and Iaidō. Begun in Japan after WW2, it incorporates sports competition elements and techniques to the practice that keep the art interesting and relevant in the modern age. Practice includes the use of both kata (choreographed practice) and shiai (full-contact sparring with flexible weapons and armor). The All Japan Naginata Federation sets technical specifications for regulations and ranking. NYBA is under the USNF (United States Naginata Federation) and the GNYNF (Greater New York Naginata Federation).
In 2025 NYBA began a naginata study group with the support of Katie Roche Sensei of the Greater New York Naginata Federation and taught by Edward Lin Sensei. The group continues to grow and we hope to compete as an NYBA team soon!