Preserving a lost art
Sugano Sword System
Honoring the Traditional Way
The late Sugano Shihan was from a nearly lost generation (only a few are left) of key uchi deshi (live-in-students) who studied daily and directly with the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, otherwise known respectfully as O-Sensei to aikidoist worldwide. As part of his training with O-Sensei, Sugano Shihan studied weapons and particularly with the bokken. Unfortunately, O-Sensei never established a systematic way of practicing with the sword. Sugano Shihan was a master swordsman and, like the rest of his aikido technique, known for his power, speed and uncanny sense of timing.
The Fundamental Patterns
There five fundemental patterns (icho no ken, ni no ken, san no ken, yon no ken, and go no ken) presented over the course of two volumes (taped several years apart). These two volumes (available on DVD or for download) are available now from the Shin Do Kan Aikido dojo in California.
Even as Sugano Shihan worked to create a systematic approach to practice with the sword, his instruction had always remained incredibly dynamic and constantly evolving. Sugano Shihan’s weapons instruction was organic and free from any kind of formal kata. At the Shin Do Kan dojo in Newport Beach, California (where Sugano Shihan would teach twice a year), he would pair off the students and have them practice basic sword patterns with the bokken designed to develop correct body positioning (hanmi), timing, and increased awareness of distance. These patterns would have been lost to the world of aikido if it were not for his key students Tony Smibert Shihan, Robert Botterill Shihan, and Hanan Janiv Shihan, but chiefly Sensei Gentil Pennewaert who supervised the video taping of Sugano Shihan’s way of practicing with the bokken.
How to order your Sugano Sword System DVD
We currently offer Sugano Sword System 1 and 2 in the following formats:
1. DVD Copy with Case – $50.00 each
2. Digital Download – $40.00 each
Own a physical copy of the exclusively filmed Sugano Sword System DVD with a professionally designed case to be shipped and paid through our paypal. You may also contact us directly and send a check. Shipping charges will apply ($7.95). International shipping is $12.00
For those interested in the downloadable version, rest assured that you can pay securely with your Paypal account or your personal Credit Card. You will be directed to Paypal to complete the transaction and redirected back to our site for the download link. A receipt will also be emailed to your email account. If you experience any problems, feel free to contact us for comments or technical service.
Please Contact the Dojo with your Purchase Request and we will send you the payment invoice, PayPal link, and link to download your video purchase.
Sugano Sword System 1
Sugano Shihan, master swordsman, developed a systematic approach to studying the Samurai Sword with specific exercises that will take you to another level of understanding.
Digital Download: $40.00 | DVD Copy with Case: $50.00
Sugano sword system 2
The Sugano Sword System DVD is the second volume of Sugano Shihan’s systematic approach to learning the samurai sword which reveals specific patterns and its relationship to Aikido.
Digital Download Price: $40.00 | DVD Copy with Case: $50.00
Please complete the form below to place and order for Sugano Sword System Recordings:
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