Yamate-ryū aikijutsu makes use of numerous weapons in its curriculum. These include bokken, shōtō (wakizashi), tantō, and jō. Other weapons may also be used occasionally. It is important to understand why we use weapons in our training and how they impact the techniques we teach. Although many aiki arts treat weapon training purely as a way to improve their empty-handed techniques, in Yamate-ryū the weapons are integral to our art’s modern application, not just our history.

Look left, look right, look in front, and look behind. You are not alone. You are a member of the Ryū, a timeless, spaceless, entity that extends forever. You are raw potential and the Ryū is the hammer forging you.