Sword And Staff

Deepen your understanding of stillness with training in the traditional Japanese martial arts involving the traditional Japanese training swords (the bokken and the shinai) and the short staff (jo).

As you alternate between the role of attacking sword (teacher) and defending stick (student) in no time, you will become proficient in both weapons, inevitably understanding that the very practice of Sword And Staff is the manifestation of stillness - clarity, certainty, and presence.

Movements and Forms

Like most martial arts, Sword And Staff practice comprises two distinct components – kihon waza (basic movements) and kata (forms), and your training will incorporate plenty of each. And what makes Sword And Staff especially rewarding is that you will be mastering two completely different styles of weapons at the same time.

You will start by learning and perfecting the basics. We dedicate four sessions to each basic movement. And as each is learned independently of the others, you will have the opportunity to step into the Sword And Staff class at any time. Finally, after mastering a handful of the basic movements, you will begin studying the twelve forms that are the heart of Sword And Staff. And it is here that the teachings of stillness will start to come alive.

You can get there – as many like you have throughout the last 400 years. And Sword And Staff training is suitable for both men and women of all ages.

Zazen

And, of course, there is zazen (seated Zen meditation). Every class finishes with 45 minutes of zazen at the beautiful AZC pond. (No previous meditation experience is required.)

Class Schedule

Classes are held outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the Albuquerque Zen Center ... continuously throughout the year - March through November - Thursday and Sunday mornings. The exact times are listed at the top of this page. Prospective students are invited to start their training at any time throughout the year.

Your Instructor

Jim Redel has been a member of AZC since its inception in 1989. In addition, Jim has studied and taught Aikido and the Sword and Staff through those same years ... and Sword And Staff exclusively for the last 5 years.

Getting Started

Classes are suitable for both men and women of all ages and mature teens. New students are accepted at any time. Check the dates and times listed above ... and just do it. Weapons and uniforms are provided for beginning students.

For Even More Info

We are always happy to hear from you and to answer your questions. Please email Jim directly. Finally ... how about a brochure?

Class Fees

Sword and Staff classes are offered as a FREE perk for AZC members who additionally contribute their time in making sure that a beautiful facility and quality instruction are both available when paths cross. Members can volunteer as Zendo officers, or can help maintain the center ... as their schedule permits. For those members who are unable to volunteer, there is a suggested donation of $45/month. For non-members, there is a suggested donation of $95/month.