Bukendo (Japanese Swordsmanship)

Gomaru-ryu Bukendo is a style that practices Japanese swordsmanship. Not to be confused with modern Kendo or Iaido, Bukendo incorporates elements of Kenjutsu, Battoujutsu, and pre-war Kendo. Bukendo focuses primarily on practice for the use of the Katana (Japanese long sword). However, it also includes practice for the use of the Wakizashi (Japanese short sword), Yari (Japanese Spear), and Naginata (Japanese Halberd). Students in Bukendo train with a wooden sword called a Bokken, learning the various footwork, cuts, and thrusts. Students also participate in armored sparring practice where the students dress in the same armor used by modern Kendo practitioners, and fight using a bamboo sword called a Shinai.

Chief Instructor Geoffrey H. Beeson

Mr. Beeson has been practicing martial arts for over 15 years. He began studying Kuk Sool Won and Tae Kwon Do as a child. Mr. Beeson began studying Gomaru-ryu Bukendo and Gomaru-ryu Kenpo in 1999 and has been instructing since 2004.