"Elkhorn Dojo" was chosen to be the name of a martial arts training hall that would provide space to all martial artists in Baker City, Oregon. The space was lost, but this may still happen. Meanwhile I am teaching a very dynamic sword practice, "Tengu Ryu Aiki Kendo," at our dojo on Court Ave. 

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Aikikendo

is a partner practice using wooden swords, based on the practice of kumitachi (choreographed battle), and evolving to spontaneous alternatives. This practice is especially suited for aging and former martial artists, as it is not physically demanding, but demands somatic integrity, full body engagement and mental concentration. Nevertheless, this practice is open to mature teenagers age 15 and older, and all adults regardless of their age and experience. This is an art of relationship; spacial, energetic, communicative, emotional. The goal of the training being the transcendence beyond the small self. It can be viewed as a zen practice, or moving meditation.

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I learned sword technique from the famous and controversial aikido master, the late T.K.Chiba. I have never seen a more dynamic and flowing, yet lethal sword style as his. I took what I learned from him and created my own practice. This has little to do with winning a sword fight. I call it "Tengu Ryu," the style of the mythical birdmen swordmasters who lived in the mountain forests. The Way of this training is rooted in the teachings of Richard Strozzi Heckler sensei, a psychologist and pioneer of somatic therapy who I trained under in the late 80's.

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We practice basics in every class, but the practice is centered around a short kumitachi (literally “engaged sword”), which is a choreographed battle with wooden swords (bokken), that I created. Once the kumitachi is learned, and once we are comfortable with it—that is, we have learned to relax, center and ground—we introduce variations. Next we take it a step further towards real battle, by introducing choice points in the choreography, where one partner has options, and the other must respond the the option chosen. As we advance, more options are introduced. This demands our complete and total attention, and an empty, present mind. We focus, and let ourselves flow and seek “the zone.” This is a practice of personal mastery.

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Watch  videos

of the my students practicing variations of our kumitachi 

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on the youtube channel

"Elkhorn Dojo"

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Training schedule:

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tuesday, wednesday, thursday: 5:15 to 6:30

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Please email call or text before coming to observe class,

as we sometimes cancel classes for travel or train outdoors

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Classes for 3/26-28 will be held at

1923 Court Ave. Bake City, OR

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In April we move outdoors and will be training  on the East side of the horse shoe pits in the park  along Campbell Street

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Tengu teaching a young samurai swordsmanship

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What students of Tengu Ryu say:

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"Walking into the Elkhorn Dojo was my first step into Martial Arts. The process of becoming a student of Tom Reed Sensei has been a journey in strengthening my mind, spirit, and body. It has been a journey in learning self discipline and respect for others as well as self respect. When practicing Tengu Ryu Aikikendo I am able to focus my mind, essentially turning off the outside world. For me this has been a journey in learning the grace of movement. Reed Sensei helped me improve my concentration by slowing and focusing my intention. Physical strength comes with practice and has been a benefit for all aspects of my life.  Learning the way of the Tengu Ryu for me has been a strengthening of focused control of my body and mind."

 

--Brigid Musselman

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"This is a real Martial Art, yet easy on your body. Reed Sensei's style of teaching is easy going, yet he requires discipline. It has helped me with my mental focus and so much more."

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--Jim White

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a video of the 8 suburi  (8 basic solo exercises):

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video: Kaeshi Giri ("returnng cuts") practice:

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Here is a video of Chiba sensei and Shibata sensei performing various kumitachi, begining with one called “ki musubi no tachi” which means “tying together the energies of the swords”.  This is an impressive demonstration showing their ability to flow through variations.  They were demonstrating all the variations they taught in a class for the highest ranking teachers in the organization. I was there, almost 30 years ago.

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"1. Out of clutter, find simplicity.

2. From discord, find harmony.

3. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. "

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    -- Albert Einstein, Three Rules of Work

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The arts I teach do not involve competition. The point of training in these arts is not to gain the ability to defeat others. It is to immerse oneself in a situations of controlled conflict, and develop the ability to focus, relax, center and ground yourself in such situations. 

While I am not teaching in a traditional manner, some Japanese traditions will be honored such as dress (gi) and etiquette (indeed, one of the benefits of training is to become more polite). it is not possible to separate this training from Japanese culture due to the many important concepts that we do not describe in our culture, nor do we have words for. Please read the blog posts in this site to learn more.

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_________________

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If there are enough people interested,

I will also teach:

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Aiki Movement 

Aikido (the way of harmony with energy) is a modern martial art known for its blending movement and “using the attackers energy” to nullify an attack. While Aikido is a rigorous practice requiring students to fall and roll, in Aiki Movement we do not follow through with throws and take-downs, but use the initial movement of techniques to capture balance, or gently lock a joint. 

This is a somatic and energetic study of relationship. It emphasizes relaxation, centering and grounding as well as non-aggression and non-reactiveness. This could be thought of “aikido for older folks", but is open to anyone who wants to learn the foundational movements of aikido. In factit is excellent training for policemen and other security officers.

Students of Aiki Movement are not required to wear a gi (uniform), but etiquette is required. If there is enough interest, Aikido could be offered in the future.

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Aikijo

 A partner practice using wooden staff (5’ “jo” or “jyo”), based on the practice of kumijo (choreographed battle), and evolving to spontaneous alternatives. This practice is especially suited for aging and former martial artists, as it is not physically demanding, but demands somatic integrity, full body engagement mental concentration. Just as Aikiken, this class is open to all people over the age of 15.

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Once it is demonstrated that there are enough students who can fall and roll, allowing them to train on a mat, I will seek a location to install my mat and teach:

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Aikido

a modern martial art that evolved from jujitsu, this is a cooperative practice in which partners deliver designated attacks and respond with designated responses that include throws, take-downs and joint manipulation. Students need to be able to fall and roll. Practice can be quite physically demanding.

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Aikibudo

an advanced level of aikido which pays more attention to self defense and martial effectiveness.  

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If you are interested in any of these, please contact me.

Tell me about yourself, and why you want to learn.

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Expenses:

First, it is appropriate to compensate your teacher with regular contributions. Typically these are monthly.

 

Aikikendo requires other expenses: a wooden sword (bokken: approx $60) and uniform (budogi: approx $85) and once proficiency of footwork and center/ground is established (about 2 years), a pair of pantaloons (hakama: approx $75)

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Advancing:

Prospective students who meet the attendance and etiquette requirements may be accepted as students after their first month of training. They must attend at least 2/3 of the classes offered in a month and follow the etiquette explained in my blog on the subject to be eligible to test for rank.

 

In Tengu Ryu we do not have colored belts while preparing to be a real student. All students wear an indigo belt until they are a "real" student. “Shodan” is the rank of a real student. “Shodan” means “beginner level.” Shodan is the title you attain when you get a black belt. The black belt signifies that you are a real student.

 

There are five or six ranks before shodan, depending on how you look at it. In one way, anyone who has their own bokken and gi and has met the attendance and etiquette requirements can have the “rank” of 6th kyu—that is, they are a dojo member.

After a few months of training you can begin to prepare for your first rank: 5th kyu. (moving forward, you progress from 5th to 1st kyu before you attain shodan)

Tests  begin with solo practice kata.

These must be performed with an acceptable level of precision of footwork and bladework.

I will also observe the etiquette of those who are nearing a promotion. This includes (but not limited to):

• punctuality

• manner of speech when addressing teachers and seniors (this includes email and text as well as all interactions outside the dojo)

• observation of the etiquette guidelines  (see blog)

• behavior during class.

• the expression of gratitude for my teaching via various forms of assistance.

Once etiquette is acceptable, and once your skill in the requirements is at the appropriate level, you will be eligible to test for your next rank.

 

Please train with sincerity.

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