Chikushin Martial & Cultural Training Group

09/29/2026

Here's a followup to the latest article, "The Short History on the Japanese Axe"*. It was mentioned that the group "Nihon Onojutsu Kyōkai” (日本斧術協会) trains in the way of the axe, which fall under "onodō" (斧道). Browsing their affiliated websites, you'll find that they are associated with "All Japan Soudo Federation" (全日本槍道連盟, Zen Nihon Soudo Renmei), an establishment that researches and preserves the art of the spear based on the teachings from different spear-related schools. Through this, we can be certain that a great deal of attention would be placed in establishing a system that would work with the axe.

Websites tied to the Nihon Onojutsu Kyōkai has been open with some info related to their curriculum. For example, below are the postures/stances they use while wielding the axe. Below is the original Japanese, followed by my English transliteration.

斧の構え方

(1)中段の構え(左・右)
(2)上段の構え(左・右)
(3)下段の構え(左・右)
(4)脇構え(左・右)
(5)八相の構え(左・右)

AXE POSTURES

(1) Chūdan no kamae (left / right)
(2) Jōdan no kamae (left/ right)
(3) Gedan no kamae (left / right)
(4) Waki gamae (left / right)
(5) Hassō no kamae (left / right)

These postures are especially similar to those found in kenjutsu, which may mean there's some influence taken from sword techniques.

Next, there are listings of 13 kihon (basic) techniques and 13 kata (practice forms). Unfortunately, there is no explanation on their contents.

Lastly is a list of 5 points that work as principles a practitioner must uphold while studying in this group. This list works similarly as dōjō kun (道場訓, dōjō rules). You can see below the original Japanese, followed by my English transliteration.

稽古のポイント

1.正しい姿勢と気位を高める。
2.間合がわかり、打突が確実となる。
3.動作が正解、機敏、活発となる。
4.個癖がなくなり、刃筋が正しくなる。
5.目付、眼が明らかとなり気合が充実する。

TRAINING POINTS

1. Hold in high regard having proper form and be proud of yourself
2. Your attacks will hit true when you understand proper distancing
3. One will become nimble & energetic when your movements are correct
4. One's axe will aim true once you fix any bad habits
5. Make one's gaze and eyes clear, and your kiai full breath

Although clearly a modern system, Nihon Onojutsu Kyōkai looks like a group that seriously retains the concept of the axe as once a weapon used on the battlefield. It would be an honor to catch a glimpse of how the system works in person.

*access the article here: *https://lightinthecloudsblog.com/2026/09/25/short-history-on-the-japanese-axe/

09/07/2026

Wishing everyone a relaxed, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend here in the States. Taking advantage of the nice weather in my area to spend time with family and recharge ourselves before tackling another busy week of work. Stay safe!

09/01/2026

- 4TH QUARTER TRAINING SCHEDULE -

・Hand-to-hand: Atemi tanren

・Weapon training: Sōjutsu (kamayari)

・Monthly theme: Uchibari

* NOTES *
・Throwing proficiency of uchibari will be worked on regularly, as well as incorporated into kata geiko and other training sessions.

08/23/2026

It's been a minute since I've updated my blog, but it's all for a good reason. I've been working on a new series on Japanese battle formations, a topic I've been wanting to discuss for over a year. This weekend part 1 is up on Light in the Clouds, and will kick off by introducing the famed 8 formations associated with Sengoku period.

These 8 formations are legendary in their own rights, as their names are mentioned in many documents reciting big battles by renown warlords like Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Takeda Shingen. Yet, how much of an impact did they truly have on the battlefield, and which individuals really used them? Answers to this can be found in part 1, along with much more throughout the series.

https://lightinthecloudsblog.com/2026/08/22/battle-formations-part-1-warring-periods-8-formations/

06/27/2026

How's this 2026 treating everyone? Being the Fire Horse zodiac, good things come to those who work hard and are passionate. Here's a folklore that can serve to help guide us on the right path. Named "Manzō to uma" (万蔵と馬), we get to see how the actions of an average man can be life changing...and yes, it does involve horses.

Although introduced as a folklore, it is actually based off of a real life story. How accurate is it? Click the link below to read more on this.

It’s time to visit this year’s horse theme with an old Japanese folklore. Over the years, I’ve introduced various folklores that correlate with that year’s Zodiac pretty clo…

06/02/2026

A new article is online at Light in the Clouds blog, which gives shine to the theatrical world of nōgaku. Many should be familiar with images or depictions of Noh, where actors wear eye-catching masks or face paint, lavish wigs, and colorful outfits on a stage with props depicting medieval Japan layout, singing in an enchantinh voice. When did this style of performing art begin in Japan? Who are the pioneers? Was this form of entertainment popular?

Nōgaku as a field of performing arts has a very long history, and has a systematic structure. The latest serves to give readers a brief introduction and overview of its role in Japanese history, which can be accessed at the link below.

Over the years, many articles here cover medieval Japan, from famous warlords, iconic battles, and legendary weapons. In some of these, theatrical actors and performers have also been mentioned, su…

04/30/2026

Recently I saw a topic about extreme mobility from a low crouching posture while wielding a sword. It was quite impressive, and had me thinking about my own experience in relations to the topic. This led to the following article, entitled "Basics 101: Bending the Knees". Here, I showcase some of the methods used for building strong legs, and what the purposes are in relations to kobudō.

Leg strength is essential in martial arts, but it's more than just building large muscles. To find out more, just click the link below.

Mobility is a core point in all martial arts. Ensuring we strengthen our legs on a regular basis is important. Standard leg exercises is good, such as running, squats, training with weights, and so…

03/20/2026

A while ago I had acquired a tachi (太刀) style sword. A new addition to my training, this allows me to further understand the traits of this sword and its usage in the past, especially how it capable it was against foes wearing gusoku (具足).

Here's a side-by-side comparison of a tachi and a katana. Some differences are pretty obvious, which includes the curvature in both the blade and the handle.

02/01/2026

Early this morning, I did solo training at a field where no one else was around. I moved at a steady pace while working on nagamaki and rokushaku bō techniques, despite the freezing cold due to the recent heavy snowfall.

早朝、静かで人気がない場所によって一人訓練した。最近の大雪で激寒くなっているが、長巻や六尺棒の技法を軽く振ってみた。

#長巻術 #棒術 #一人稽古