Bokken ( wooden sword ) - Giselle Demelchiore

A Bokken, (bok (u), “wood”, and ken, “sword”) is a japanese wooden sword used for training. It is usually the size and shape of a katana (traditional japanese metal sword). This Workshop is an introductory class of how to train with the Bokken.

We will practice “Suburis, the 7 basic solo movements for developing concentration, center (hara) and control the breath and Kumitachi, a partnered form of practice of the crossing/meeting of swords, which teaches students how to alternately control the center line and move off it to avoid attacks.

We shall develop the understanding that the sword practice is part of the “bushido” or warrior path and to stand this practice on the bushido code of the seven  virtues: rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty.

Limited to 15 people

Giselle Demelchiore: I have been practicing and teaching aikido and weapon techniques (Bokken and Io )  for 24 years: Iai (japanese traditional sword) for ten years and Kendo (japanese traditional sword combat) for some years. I also have experienced many years of dance and over 10 years of circus training and performing (juggling and aerial acrobacy). I have been in India twice with scholarships to study Kathakali (a traditional dance theatre form) and Kallarypayattu (martial art from Kerala). I was taught Jikyo jutsu 20 years ago by a Japanese aikido master and have been practicing everyday for the last 4 years.