Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu: The Sword and Mind of the Samurai

El Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu It is one of the ancient schools of Japanese fencing (kenjutsu), founded with the purpose of preserving and transmitting the principles of samurai sword combat. Less known than other branches of kenjutsu, this school stands out for its focus on adaptation and a philosophy that combines sword technique with strategic knowledge and solid mental discipline. Yamaga Ryu is not only an expression of skill in sword handling, but a tradition that represents the essence of samurai culture: loyalty, honor and self-improvement.

The founding of Yamaga Ryu is attributed to Yamaga Soko, an influential Japanese philosopher and samurai of the Edo period. Soko was a profound student of bushido (the way of the warrior) and dedicated his life to reforming samurai education, emphasizing the importance of ethics, military preparation, and self-knowledge. Yamaga Soko was not only a practitioner of the sword, but also a philosopher who emphasized the need for a balanced mind and body.

Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu It emerged as a method to reinforce the principles of bushido and was passed down through a lineage of disciples who shared Soko's vision. The school, though small in comparison to others, managed to survive over the centuries due to its dedication to rigorous practice and fundamental ethical values.

Over the centuries, Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu was influenced by other schools and fighting styles of the time, adopting and adapting techniques that enriched its repertoire. However, it remained faithful to the original principles of Yamaga Soko, integrating a focus on efficiency, precision and clarity of mind. Today, a select few dojos in Japan practice Yamaga Ryu in its traditional form, preserving the teachings in their purest state and passing them on to a new generation of practitioners.

FOR Yamaga Ryu, kenjutsu is much more than just a set of techniques. It is a path of life which reflects the core values ​​of bushido, or the ethical code of the samurai. Kenjutsu in Yamaga Ryu is intended to strengthen the character of the practitioner, fostering discipline, humility and mental strength. The true warrior is considered to not only master the sword, but also commit himself to the pursuit of virtue and self-knowledge.

In Yamaga Ryu, a strong emphasis is placed on the concept of Kaizen (continuous improvement). The practitioner must constantly work to hone his or her skills and develop a calm and focused mind that allows strategic decisions to be made, both in combat and in daily life.

An essential principle in Yamaga Ryu is the control of the mind and emotions in combat situations. Students learn to cultivate a mental presence that allows them to observe the opponent without fear or anger. This state of mental clarity is achieved through the constant practice of breathing techniques, meditation and introspection exercises that are an integral part of the training.

This focus on mental calm, which is known as fudoshin (unmovable spirit), allows the Yamaga Ryu practitioner to act without attachment to the outcome. Instead of worrying about winning or losing, the practitioner concentrates on executing techniques with precision and fluidity, which gives him a tactical advantage in combat.

Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu includes a series of kata (pre-set forms) that teach students the fundamental techniques of attack and defense. These kata are designed to simulate real combat situations and to hone the practitioner's technique, posture, and mental focus. Some key techniques include:

• Kiriage: An upward cut performed from a low stance, designed to surprise the opponent by attacking from an unexpected angle.

• Kesagiri: A diagonal cut that cuts across the opponent's torso. It is one of the most powerful attacks in the Yamaga Ryu repertoire and requires precision and strength in its execution.

• Tsuki: A direct thrust attack that targets the center of the opponent's body. This technique is fast and effective, ideal for closing the distance in a surprising manner.

Each technique in Yamaga Ryu is executed with a focus on economy of movement, allowing the practitioner to conserve energy and attack with the greatest possible efficiency.

The postures (kamae) are fundamental in Yamaga Ryu, as they provide a solid foundation for executing the techniques effectively. The main postures include:

1. Jodan no Kamae: The high guard, where the sword is placed above the head. This stance is offensive and allows for quick and strong attacks.

2. Chudan no Kamae: The middle guard, which allows a neutral stance ready to attack or defend. It is one of the most versatile positions in Yamaga Ryu.

3. The Great Kamae: The lowered guard, used to attract the opponent to attack and thus prepare a quick counteroffensive.

Each stance has its own advantages and is used strategically to suit the opponent's fighting style and the particular situation.

Yamaga Ryu makes use of the concept of sen, which refers to the proper timing of action in combat. There are three levels of sen in kenjutsu:

• Sen no Sen: Act at the same moment the opponent attacks.
• Go no Sen: To act in response to the opponent's attack.
• Sen Sen no Sen: Anticipating the opponent's attack, acting before the attack begins.

Each strategy requires a deep understanding of the opponent's rhythm and mental state, allowing the practitioner to choose the right moment for each action.

Nowadays, Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu It is practiced in small dojos in Japan, where dedicated masters teach the art to a new generation of students. The school strives to preserve its original teachings, resisting the influence of modern trends in martial arts and remaining true to traditional principles. This dedication has allowed Yamaga Ryu to maintain its integrity and continue to be one of the most respected kenjutsu disciplines.

Yamaga Ryu remains a source of inspiration for practitioners of other martial arts, such as kendo and iaido, who seek to understand kenjutsu from a deeper, more traditional perspective. Its focus on mental clarity, discipline, and self-mastery resonates with those who wish to go beyond physical practice and understand the essence of bushido.

Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu It is much more than a combat technique; it is a tradition that represents the heart and spirit of bushido. Yamaga Soko values ​​such as loyalty, discipline and continuous improvement remain fundamental to practitioners today, who find in this art a path to self-knowledge and personal development.

Through rigorous practice and dedication, Yamaga Ryu Kenjutsu continues its legacy as a school that not only teaches swordsmanship, but also offers a philosophy of life, becoming a pillar of the Japanese martial arts tradition. In a modern world that often looks for quick fixes, Yamaga Ryu reminds us of the importance of patience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to learning and personal excellence.