Seminar

The Great Falls Budokan is pleased to host the 2024 Itto Tenshin-ryu Kenjutsu Taikai over the weekend of October the 19th and 20th, 2024. This year's theme will focus on “Yoko-gamae,” the favorite posture of the Itto Tenshin-ryu.

This occasion marks the 50th anniversary of the Great Falls Budokan, which Rajguru Sensei founded in 1974 as the Maryland Budokan. We welcome all deshi, past and present, who have benefited from the tradition's teachings to gather again and celebrate this milestone with Sensei.

While this is important to a deshi of the ryu, 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 created, 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. Originally located in Marlyland, today it is 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.

The instructor for the event will be Mr. Arvind Rajguru, the Headmaster of the Itto Tenshin-ryu, Menkyo Kaiden Yamate-ryu Aikijutsu and Goseki-ryu Aiki Heiho.

Doors to the Great Falls Budokan will open at 09:00 and the Taikai will begin promptly at 10:00 and continue until 17:00. Registration is inclusive of lunch and accompanying beverage service on both days. The Taikai will close at 17:00 on Sunday, to be followed by a formal dinner (Black Tie).

While at one time 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 together drink, food, and camaraderie born of shared experience, in a manner appropriate to the moment. Join us!

The weather in Northern Virginia during the month of October is cool. Expect highs in the 60 degrees fahrenheit range and lows in the mid to upper 40’s.

Please note registration will be on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited and early registration is appreciated.