Ittō Tenshin-ryū®

2025 Fall Taikai 川岸 (Kawagishi)

October 18 - 19, 2025

Hosted by the Great Falls Budōkan, Sterling Virginia

Seminar

Mr. Andrew Stevenson, Dōjō-chō Great Falls Budōkan.

The Great Falls Budokan is honored to host the 2025 Itto Tenshin-ryu Kenjutsu Taikai over the weekend of October 18th and 19th, 2025. The theme of this years taikai will be kawagishi (riverbanks) and will address a powerful aspect of human performance.

Whether you are new to Japanese martial arts or are an old hand, know that the Itto Tenshin-ryu welcomes all who possess the hunger to learn and the spirit to facilitate that desire.

Additionally, anyone interested in the Japanese way of the sword will draw great value from the event. While the cultural context in which these fighting traditions developed no longer exists, teachings to address conflict and strategy are as relevant today as they were at their inception. Principles for human performance and spiritual development are timeless.

Itto Tenshin-ryu kenjutsu (often referred to as simply Tenshin-ryu) was founded by Kurosawa Kojiro (circa 1900) and brought to the United States in the 1960s by the third-generation headmaster, Mr. Fredrick Lovret. The current headmaster is Mr. Arvind Rajguru. By the time the Itto Tenshin-ryu was founded, the major wars leading to the unification of Japan had been over for almost three hundred years. In keeping with the times, the techniques of the style were oriented more towards personal combat than mass engagements. To learn more about the Itto Tenshin-ryu click here.

The Great Falls Budokan opened its doors in 1974. Initially located in Maryland, it is now in Sterling, Virginia. The Head Instructor of the dojo is Mr. Andrew Stevenson, assisted by Mr. Richard Gilbert. For more information about the Great Falls Budokan click here.

Mr. Arvind Rajguru, Headmaster of the Ittō Tenshin-ryū.

Instruction will be conducted by Mr. Joseph Simms under the guidance of Mr. Arvind Rajguru, Headmaster of the Itto Tenshin-ryu, Menkyo Kaiden Yamate-ryu Aikijutsu and Goseki-ryu Aiki Heiho.

Doors to the Taikai location will open at 08:00, and the Taikai will begin promptly at 09:00 and continue until 16:00. Registration includes lunch and accompanying beverage service on both days. The Taikai will close at 16:00 on Sunday, followed by a banquet (Semi-formal, Black tie).

While once common, semi-formal dinners have become rare. Today, many associate black tie with weddings, award shows, and political affairs. To our tradition, they are party clothes. This is an opportunity to share drink, food, and camaraderie born of shared experience in a manner appropriate to the moment. Join us!

The weather in Northern Virginia during October is cool. Expect highs in the 60 degrees Fahrenheit range and lows in the mid-to-upper 40s.

The venue for the event is located in Dumfries, Virginia, about a 45 minute drive from the Tysons Corner area.

Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Space is limited, and early Registration is appreciated.

Uniforms & Weapons

Attendees should wear traditional Japanese uniforms, including zori, clean and in good repair. Weapons required for the weekend’s training include bokken (daito and shoto). If you have questions concerning uniforms or weapons, please contact the Great Falls Budokan here.

Lodging

Limited lodging is available with local deshi. Please click here to email the Great Falls Budokan to inquire about availability.

Please note that event locations for this Taikai include Sterling, Herndon, Oakton, Dumfries, and Great Falls, Virginia. We suggest the Tysons Corner area if you plan to stay in a hotel. This location is centrally located to event venues and offers direct access to all applicable travel routes. There are a variety of options through travel sites. Prices can fluctuate dramatically between properties. If you need assistance, please contact us here.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing Requirements

While the risk of severe consequences from COVID-19 has diminished, it's crucial to remember that there's still a risk, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. It's our individual and collective responsibility to adhere to this policy to reduce the risk of transmission. We can't eliminate this risk, but we can help protect each other by working together and taking precautions.

Testing Requirements:

All attendees must test negative for the COVID-19 virus WITHIN 24 HOURS BEFORE attending Ryū gatherings.
You must take IMMEDIATE ACTION if you develop cold or flu symptoms during an event. As soon as you become aware of these symptoms, isolate yourself and arrange for a test. If the initial test is negative, repeat testing 24-48 hours later, as often, the over-the-counter antigen tests may not become positive for 2-3 days after symptoms develop.
In case of a positive COVID-19 test, notify the event coordinator immediately.
If you test positive for the COVID-19 virus WITHIN 3 DAYS OF RETURNING from a Ryū event, notify the event coordinator immediately.

Schedule

Friday, October 17, 2025 (Pre-Taikai Events)
1600 - 1800 | Open Mat. Great Falls Budokan
1930 - 2200 | Cocktails and dinner, cost-share, Location TBD

Banquet at Fogo de Chão

Dress: Semi-formal (Black Tie)

Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian steakhouse. The name means "ground fire", and refers to the traditional gaúcho method of roasting meats over an open fire. To learn more about the restaurant click here.

Full Menue - $100.00 Per Person, Dinner, FountainBeverages, Coffee and Tea, Gratuity Included

Vegetarian Option - $73.00 Per Person, Dinner, FountainBeverages, Coffee and Tea, Gratuity Included

Please note: Cash Bar

~ Full Menu ~

✦ Market Table and Feijoada Bar with seasonal salads, exotic vegetables, imported cheeses, smoked salmon, cured meats, Fogo feijoada (traditional black bean stew with sausage), seasonal soup, and more

✦ Fire-roasted meats including Filet Mignon, Rib Eye, Picanha, Lamb Chops, Chicken, Sausage, and more

✦ Traditional Brazilian sides of warm pão de queijo (cheese bread), crispy polenta, mashed potatoes, and caramelized bananas

✦ Selection of desserts including favorites such as Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches, Chocolate Brigadeiro and Cheesecake

✦ Fountain beverages, coffee and tea

~ Vegetarian Options ~

✦ Roasted veggie power bowl - Vegan and gluten free, served with chimichurri spinach rice

✦ Seared tofu and sesame black bean pasta - Vegan and gluten free, tossed with carrot ginger-sesame dressing

✦ Market Table and Feijoada Bar with seasonal salads, exotic vegetables, imported cheeses, smoked salmon, cured meats, Fogo feijoada (traditional black bean stew with sausage), seasonal soup, and more

✦ Selection of desserts including favorites such as Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches, Chocolate Brigadeiro and Cheesecake

Taikai Registration

For assistance with registration please click here.

To register for the Taikai, please follow the instructions below and select the appropriate option for your situation including Taikai attendance and Banquet menu selection. Please note that noshi, separate from the Taikai registration fee, may be delivered during check-in on the morning of the Taikai.

Enrollment Process (2-3 min)

Select the appropriate box:
1. I am attending the Taikai only. (12 hours @ $125.00)
2. I am attending the Taikai and the Banquet by myself. Full menu. (12 hours @ $225.00)
3. I am attending the Taikai and the Banquet by myself. Vegetarian option. (12 hours @ $198.00)
4. I am attending the Taikai alone and the Banquet with a guest. Two Full menu. (12 hours @ $325.00)
5. I am attending Taikai alone and the Banquet with a guest. Two Vegetarian options. (12 hours @ $271.00)
6. I am attending Taikai alone and the Banquet with a guest. One Full Menu & One Vegetarian option. (12 hours @ $298.00)
7. I am attending the Banquet by myself. Full menu. (1 hour 30 Minutes @ $100.00)
8. I am attending the Banquet by myself. Vegetarian option. (1 hour 30 Minutes @ $73.00)
Select your time zone from the drop-down list and click on the Set time zone button.
Select date = Taikai and Taikai + Banquet October 19, 2024. Banquet only October 20, 2024.
Select the time.
Select Continue.
Enter your contact information.
Enter your Bazin's on Church Menu selections.
Accept the Terms, Conditions & Acknowledgement and Release of Liability.
Attest you are at least 18 years old as of the date of this class.
Select “Pay Now” to Checkout.