Rembukan Dojo
Classical Martial Arts for Stick & Sword Fighting
Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo & Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido
Welcome to the Rembukan Dojo.We are a private (non-commercial) dojo dedicated to the study and preservation of traditional Japanese martial disciplines. Our primary focus is Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo (Jo, Kenjutsu, Tanjo, Jutte, Rope Tying) and Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido.Our approach to training reflects a 6-decade journey and a deep connection with the Japanese traditions.Practicing these wonderful traditions is an enriching experience. There is always something new to learn, a new mystery revealed, and something new to develop.
Rembukan Dojo
Our Machi Dojo
We have been fortunate to have had many Japanese teachers visit our neighborhood dojo. Almost universally, they have been surprised to observe that the Rembukan reminds them of the way dojo "used to be" in Japan.
The Rembukan is located within a a natural setting in keeping with the Japanese belief that in training, we take energy from nature in practice.
The Rembukan is more than a physical space. It was built and maintained by the students that train here. Sticking to It.
Mastering classical weapons requires commitment. Training with weapons is dangerous for the practitioner and everyone else in the dojo. It's a serious undertaking that shouldn't be taken lightly.Skills acquisition develop with sincere effort. Training in a martial tradition is uncompromisingly honest. The effort we expend yields dividends commensurate with your investment. There are no shortcuts. Ah, but the training can be incredibly rewarding.These arts are not intended as a short-term undertaking. As we bow onto the mat, there is no place for ego. We accept corrections with humility. This truth applies to beginners, senior students, and instructors alike. Training is the process as well as the goal.The Journey is forever..
What We Study
Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo
Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo (SMRJ) emerged at the turn of the 17th century and had remained a secret martial tradition of the Kuroda domain until the 20th century.At the center of this tradition is the “Jo”, a wooden staff developed for use against the Japanese sword. Associated arts would be incorporated into the ryu (Bugei)
The originator, Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi had mastered 3 different styles of swordsmanship and a sickle and chain weapon called the kusarigama. To know the jo requires an understanding of the sword as well. SMRJ includes training with the jo, sword (Kasumi Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu), kusarigama (Isshin-Ryu), jutte (Ikkaku Ryu), tanjo (Uchida Ryu) , and rope tying (Ittatsu Ryu Hojojutsu).
Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido
Muso Shinden Ryu (MSR) is the art of drawing the sword and breaking the initiative of the attacker.MSR was introduced by the sword saint Nakayama Hakudo Sensei who was also a Jodo Menkyo holder (licensed teacher).The discipline develops the ability to draw and use the sword in situations in which the practitioner is placed at a tactical disadvantage. Iai requires precision, awareness, control and continual efforts towards refinement.This sword art also provides a profound understanding of how the sword is used in concert with a katana's blade geometry for efficient technique.The nature of the art invites the development of “soft” skills of great value in training in martial ways as well as lessons for life.We therefore require that all Rembukan students’ study both jodo and iaido. Jodo and Iaido provide complementary approaches to the study of classical Japanese weapons and budo.
About Dojo name -Rembukan JapanShimizu Takaji Sensei (Rick's Jodo Teacher)
I'm very proud of the students that have continued to train at the Rembukan Dojo. You have not only demonstrated that you are terrific people but also great exponents of these ancient martial traditions.Your efforts make the dojo a breathing living place and you have enriched my life and touched the lives of my family. I appreciate sharing the mat with you. Perhaps you will have stories to add - I hope so.As to who we are? Well we're an interesting mix of adults. There is an incredible array of talent within the group and a wealth of impressive accomplishments both personal and professional that could be boasted about within the membership, but none do.Ranks, competitions and trophies are not a big part of our traditions. Everyone simply strives to improve their individual skill sets, and by so doing, the overall understanding of the group. Everyone realizes that we'll never truly complete the task. It's about making the effort.I had been studying karate for almost 10 years when I met a policeman while at college that was a judoka. Thru a special police course, Officer Bruce Brown traveled to Japan to train and began formal instruction in Shindo Muso Ryu as well as other budo. Upon my graduating University Bruce invited me to Japan and sponsored my entrance to the original Rembukan Dojo. It was there that I first met many of my teachers including Shimizu, Draeger, and Kaminoda Sensei.I could not imagine then what a profound effect it would have on my life or that one day I would be in some very small way trying to promote Shimizu Sensei's vision for Jodo to have a global stance. He thought that practicing Jodo was good for both mental and physical health, and envisioned Jodo and it's associated arts, as a gift to be offered to people everywhere. At the Rembukan, we study each of these traditions as well as the Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido.
2026 Seminar Schedule
September 18th - 20th: Fall SeminarNovember 6th - 8th: Winter Seminar
December 20th: Bonnenkai
January 8th -10th 2027 Shinnenkai
Welcome Dr. Jerry O'Brien, Menkyo and Rembukan Shibu for Delaware with the successful launch of his Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo website
We are interested in what you think about our site and welcome your comments. If you are interested in practicing at the Rembukan please contact us to discuss setting up a visit.If you're interested in instruction, there are some things you should consider...As a private dojo we have a selection process for interviewing and selecting members.Interested candidates should be aware that training takes time to invest in skills development.We don't instruct minors.Visits are by appointment only.
| 1. Fudo Kanashibari |
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| There is a medical condition called “Sleep Paralysis”. It explains that experience we feel when we wake from a dream state with the feeling that we needed to move or say something and couldn’t. |
| 1.About Iaido Experiences: The Pros & Cons |
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| Iaido is an easily misunderstood martial discipline. Is it a martial art? Is it practical? Is study worthwhile? |
| After Shimizu Sensei... (Who We Are: |
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| Our Journey 1970 - |
