Chanbara...the "Ultimate Physical Game of Chess" is for everyone. Knives, short swords, long swords, staves, sticks and spears flail and slash at blinding speed. In a few short breaths of trial and error you can experience the reality of full-contact combat.
Chanbara: is a revolutionary new martial art/ sport, which is sweeping the United States of America as we speak!
Chanbara: uses safe equipment and lets participants' battle at 100% of their strength, power and capability, without the risk of injury. Now used in 25% of the schools in North America.
Chanbara: keeps the Samurai spirit alive by bringing thousand-year-old techniques into the 21st century.
Chanbara: complements all martial art techniques and styles.
Chanbara: teaches in hours, where traditional polishing techniques take weeks and even months to perfect.
Chanbara: is a member of the Japanese Department of Education/Recreation with over 200,000 combatants strong.
Chanbara: will refine your stroke, stance, breathing, balance, rhythm, speed and strengthen your confidence.
Over forty years ago Japanese martial artists and sword masters came together and created a training style to accommodate new age 21st Century training methods. The founder, Tanabe Tetsundo and his group of some of the strongest swordsmen in Japan called this new school of thought Goshindo, colloquially known as Sports Chanbara.
These martial artists and masters were very traditional. They also knew that the times were changing and decided to educate today's public in the way of the modern Japanese Samurai. New materials made out of flexible plastics and the constant refining of swords for combat in the 21st century proved to be a stroke of genius.
Not only was Chanbara fast. Heavy and cumbersome protective equipment was not needed. A light head mask to protect the face and a new age Chanbara sword did not inflict injury to the combatant. The Japanese public embraced this new sport allowing it to become part of the Japanese Department of Education and Recreation.
Moreover, while the masters were looking for an easier way for adults to practice open hand and weapon techniques. Younger martial art students immediately started to play with the equipment. Shortly after, instructors began to notice a considerable difference in the way the younger students' motor skills and reflexes improved. Chanbara had done in hours what traditional polishing techniques took months and even years to perfect.
From ages 4 to 94, Chanbara has something for every one. Chanbara is great for children to burn off extra energy 2~3 times a week. Young adults have "Chanbara fun" while practicing their instructor's techniques. Weekend warriors are able to cut away extra pounds and slash stress levels down to size. Of course, Chanbara is for the dedicated martial artist who wants to match wits in the ultimate physical game of chess. Best of all, Chanbara's excitement creates strong retention levels giving a helping hand to the instructor who has to keep the students happy and honed.
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Click on the selections below for additional information on chanbara:
Basic Chanbara Sword Concepts
Chanbara 5 Point Workout
The Three R's of Retention
Chanbara Teaching Overview
Sports Chanbara Overview
Click on the selections below for Tournament Rules and Regulations and ISCA Information:
General Rules and RegulationsISCA Rule Hand Book
Sparring Rules Summary
Ring Illustration
