Gathering of Swordsmanship Enthusiasts
Good to Know
Location
Regular gatherings take place in Liberec, on the border between the Vratislavice and Vesec districts – we train in private outdoor premises.
How Often We Gather
Gatherings take place every week, both group and individual, in the afternoon.
Primary Group Gathering Times:
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Sunday 16:30–18:00: Basic movements, kata practice (forms), kenjutsu (sword combat with practice swords), or shurikenjutsu
Martial Arts Disciplines
Suburi (kihon / shadow fencing), kata (forms), and gekiken (sparing / free fencing with practice swords) form the foundation of all our gatherings.
In the beginning, strong emphasis is placed on building solid fundamentals, providing a foundation upon which further skills can be built according to the practitioner’s interests and the capabilities of the dojo.
These encompass not only advanced sword-handling skills (katana), but also shurikenjutsu (shuriken throwing) and tameshigiri (test cutting).
We are not a classical school (Koryū)
Happō-ryū developed from Toyama-ryū, which itself was established in 1925 at the Toyama Military Academy.
Due to the circumstances of its origin, this style is stripped down to its essentials and heavily focused on practical application. Happō-ryū emphasizes simple, functional techniques, which consistently translate into excellent performance in tameshigiri.
A side effect of this pragmatic approach is that our style does not incorporate a large number of rigid ceremonies or formal rituals that some students might expect. Nevertheless, we actively come together and participate in Japan-themed events and cultural gatherings.
Equipment & Attire
Initially, you can attend gatherings in standard, non-distracting activewear with just a bokken, which we can lend you to start.
The traditional attire that a swordsman acquires over time consists of hakama, kaku-obi, and gi. The hakama should be dark-colored, while the color of the remaining attire is left to the individual swordsman's taste and discretion. Traditional attire is required for official events.
Another essential piece of equipment is your own sharp katana – without which it is practically impossible to practice swordsmanship. It is not necessary to own a sword forged using traditional Japanese methods; modern steel replicas are completely fine. However, a quality katana is essential for practicing tameshigiri and truly understanding the techniques. If you are unsure about choosing the right sword, we are happy to offer advice before your purchase.
Pricing
Out of respect for your time as well as ours, our sessions are paid.
Fees for sessions depend on the chosen format, as detailed below.
The first session is only charged if the sensei and the prospective practitioner agree to continue working together.
Sessions can be booked as one-on-one private lessons, two-on-one sessions, or group sessions for up to five practitioners. Group sessions are paid in advance for a consecutive series, typically a minimum of 10 sessions.
Costs for your equipment vary depending on your preferences and requirements. As a general estimate, expect around 5,000 CZK for training attire, 5,000–15,000 CZK for a sword, and about 1,000 CZK for a maintenance kit. These expenses are not required just to get acquainted with the style.
If you decide to continue practicing tameshigiri (test cutting) regularly, please factor in the associated material costs.
Private session, one-on-one.
1 hr
800 Czech korunas
A swordsmanship gathering for two people. The price applies to both participants combined – 500 CZK per person.
1 hr
1,000 Czech korunas
The price includes 10 consecutive one-hour sessions for 1 person. Capacity is strictly limited to 5 practitioners per session.
2,500 Czech korunas