Class Info

 The rapier and dagger is a classic sword fighting combination that offers a fast-paced and exciting style that is perfect for those looking for a thrilling and dynamic martial art. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fighter, rapier and dagger offers something for everyone.

One of the things that makes rapier and dagger so much fun is the diversity of techniques and strategies it offers. From fast and intricate footwork to precise and powerful strikes, rapier and dagger allows you to express your creativity and individuality in your fighting style.

 In addition to the physical benefits, rapier and dagger is also a great  way to challenge your mind and improve your strategic thinking. The  style requires a high level of tactical awareness and decision-making,  as you must constantly adjust your strategies and tactics in response to  your opponent's movements. 

Our rapier and dagger classes cover a large variety of historical and modern styles, some examples include German, Italian, Bolognese, English, Spanish and several modern styles exclusively taught at our school. 

The katana isn’t just a weapon—it’s a work of art forged in fire and tradition. With its sleek, curved blade and unmatched sharpness, the katana is the perfect balance of elegance and deadly efficiency. Every strike is fluid, precise, and powerful, making it an extension of the wielder’s will.

Crafted for speed, designed for control, and revered for centuries by master swordsmen, the katana isn’t about brute force—it’s about mastery. Holding one feels like wielding history, discipline, and raw potential in a single motion.

Whether you're a martial artist, collector, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of refined craftsmanship, the katana calls to something deeper: a desire for skill, honor, and a weapon that moves like poetry.

Information for the Kenjutsu/ Iaijutsu/ Batojutsu/ Iaido/Kendo Class at Synergy Sword Arts

Instructor: Shidoshi Bryan Garner (5th degree Black belt Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu)

Outline for Class

Intro: Background and expectations for learning  a traditional Japanese Martial Art/Etiquette and Behavior, etc.

Styles/ Sword Schools students will be learning from:

***Disclaimer ***:

(Shidoshi Bryan Garner is licensed/ranked in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu.  He has no official ranking or menkyo kaiden in Eishin Ryu or Hyoho Niten directly. Shidoshi Garner has received competent instruction in these styles for a number of years by individual instructors as well as attending seminars to improve upon his experience and knowledge. This class is intended to share that knowledge with students but no official ranking certificates may be issued in the aforementioned styles.)

Eishin Ryu Iaido/Iaijutsu.  Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū (無双直伝英信流 or 無雙直傳英信流) is a Japanese sword art school and one of the most widely practiced schools of iai in the world. This system under Students of Ōe Masaji, further lineage Shimabukuro Masayuki Hidenobu (21st generation), Carl E. Long (22nd generation), John Martin Sensei (student/Instructor)

Kukishin Ryū 九鬼神流 / Kuki Shinden-ryū Happō Bikenjutsu 九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術 is a Japanese martial arts system translated as the nine demons school. It is one of the nine ryū (schools) taught to current grandmaster of Togakure Ryū, Masaaki Hatsumi by Takamatsu Toshitsugu.
(Bikenjutsu (秘剣術) or “secret sword technique”. It is a system based on the teachings of the Kukishin Ryu, Togakure Ryu (Ninjutsu) and a few other schools ... Learned under Ishizuka Sensei, Shidoshi Jeff Russel)

Miyamoto Musashi's two-sword style, known as Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū (兵法 二天一流), is a unique swordsmanship technique that utilizes both a long sword (katana) and a short sword (wakizashi) simultaneously. (Learned under Shidoshi Jeff Russel and john Martin sensei)


The Kenjutsu/ Iaijutsu/ Batojutsu/ Iaido/Kendo class will cover the following:

-Etiquette, history and Japanese sword tradition.

-Traditional Samurai/Iai wear and clothing customs for wearing and wielding the katana or daisho and moving in kimono and hakama.

-What materials and mindset the serious student will require for prolonged practice.

-History and anatomy of the Japanese swords. The proper handling and wielding. The "guards" (kamae) in Kenjutsu. Proper cutting and parrying.

-Warm-ups and drills. Drawing (Batojutsu) and re-sheathing (Noto)

-Learning Kata, (Sword forms)

- Kenjutsu waza (sword techniques with partners.)

-Sparing: fighting with a sword using two hands.

-Eventually learning to spar with Daisho (Long and short swords) simultaneously. (Niten)

-**Extra** Tameshigiri- live (sharp) sword cutting Seminar. Usually day events (typically one or two a year)  for those that have gone through the courses.

This class will primarily focus on teaching the principles and techniques of Iaido, a Japanese martial art emphasizing the swift and efficient drawing and wielding of a sword. It typically covers Reiho (etiquette), sword parts, basic kata (forms), and advanced techniques like Nukitsuke (swift drawing of the sword).

Key Elements

1. Reiho (Etiquette):
Iaido emphasizes proper conduct within the dojo, including entering and leaving, handling the sword, and performing salutations (like Ritsurei and Datsuto).

2. Sword Parts:
Students learn to identify and understand the various components of the Japanese sword, including the blade, hilt, saya (scabbard), and other parts.

3. Basic Kata (Forms):
Iaido practice revolves around learning and performing kata, which are pre-determined sequences of movements that train the student's technique, speed, and mental discipline. Examples include Mae (front), Ushiro(behind), and Ukenagashi (block and lead).

4. Advanced Techniques:
As students progress, they learn advanced techniques like Nukitsuke, which involves the swift drawing and wielding of the sword, and other techniques designed to respond to various attack scenarios.

5. Mind-Body Connection:
Iaido emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, and the importance of mental discipline and self-control.

6. Kenjutsu and Iaido:
Iaido is often practiced alongside Kenjutsu,which involves sword techniques in a more combative context.

Introduction to Iaido: History, principles, and philosophy.
Reiho: Dojo conduct, salutations, and proper sword handling.
Sword Knowledge: Identification and understanding of sword parts.
Basic Kata: Practice of fundamental forms (e.g., Mae, Ushiro, Ukenagashi).
Nukitsuke: Learning the technique of swift sword drawing.
Advanced Techniques: More complex kata and techniques.
Drills and Sparring (with Bokken - wooden sword): Practicing techniques with a Bokken.
Theory and Application: Discussing the principles of Iaido and applying them to pra

The spear is a dynamic and exciting weapon to learn and practice. It offers a wide range of techniques and strategies, from long-range thrusting and throwing to close-quarters combat.