Salle Green LLC

a center for weapons study

 

Kakuto Bugei
 

ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS:

The countries of Asia have a rich tradition of weapons use, and over the centuries have developed an astonishing variety of weapons, ranging from short to long, bladed and hafted, metal and wood, with an equal variety of approaches to their use.   

WHY ASIAN WEAPONS AND EUROPEAN FENCING?

Asian weapons offer a wide variety of weapons and techniques that broaden our existing programs, and parallel our study of historical European weapons in the Medieval, Rennaissance, and Enlightenment periods.  As a school for modern, classical, and historical fencing it just seems to make sense to offer as wide a look at weapons of cold steel and wood as is practical.  And we are already offering instruction in the cane, a weapon that bridges the European and Asian weapons traditions.  If it is pointy, we want to do it ...  

WHAT WE TEACH: 

In April 2008 Salle Green started to offer study group instruction in various Asian weapons.  The intent of this program is to present a very disciplined and traditional approach to each weapon over a sufficient period of time to allow the participant to develop competence in its use.  The program teaches techniques, traditional kata (a series of techniques linked together to provide a comprehensive practice of the entire system) when appropriate, and controlled sparring.  The length of time devoted to each weapon depends on the complexity of the weapon and the requirements for its mastery.  Participants are  expected to master technique from a variety of sources and to develop an in-depth knowledge of the weapon, its history, its literature, and its use.  Completion of study of a weapon will be marked by practical and written testing and will result in award of a belt rank, as common in the Asian martial arts tradition.  This program is for people with a serious interest in Asian weapons.

We currently offer instruction in the following weapons and in one modern weapons sport:

EMPTY HANDED SYSTEMS:

Starting in September 2010 we will start to complement our weapons offering by offering instruction in:

These two systems share many techniques and complement each other.  We feel that they make a good pairing to develop a range of effective martial arts skills.

CURRENT SCHEDULE:

EQUIPMENT:

Students are expected to equip themselves with an appropriate uniform (either gi or hakama) - for current martial arts practitioners the uniform of your current school is acceptable; for others wear of the Salle gi with the Salle mon patch is expected after the first class.  Students will provide their own weapons for the particular weapon being studied.  We can recommend sources and specific products for each course.

Because some of the weapons studied in this program are regulated under Virginia law, we recommend the following to avoid complications.  First, we will provide limited storage for your weapons in the Salle based on available space - we recommend that you leave any regulated weapon in the Salle.  Second, transportation of weapons in vehicles is governed by strict laws - weapons must be securely packaged and stored in the trunk or in another area of the vehicle where they cannot be readily accessed by those in the passenger compartment - this is specifically applicable to shuriken, and may apply to other weapons as well.  Third, wherever possible equipment that is a reasonable simulation of the actual weapon but that does not involve a sharp blade or solid contact surface should be used. Fourth, at all times when you are transporting weapons carry your Salle Kakuto Bugei passport with you to identify that you are a legitimate student of a martial art. 

THE SALLE MON:

A mon is a Japanese heraldic device, much like the European Coat of Arms.  For the Kakuto Bugei program we have adopted a mon that uses the same emblems as our Salle coat of arms.  This mon can appear as either a solid dark green or black or white emblem or as a colored patch worn on the gi. 

BLACK BELT HOLDERS:

Walter Green

Master Kenpo Karambit

2nd Dan American Modern Jujitsu Freestyle Karate

1st Dan Snake Fist Karate

1st Dan Kenpo Warrior Cane

1st Dan Shioku Waza

 

Terri Noll

1st Dan Kenpo Warrior Cane

CUSTOMS:

Instruction in Salle Green in Asian weapons is conducted in a traditional dojo atmosphere.  A handout of specific applicable dojo customs is provided to each student, and compliance with these customs is expected.

SAFETY:

Practice with the weapons used in this program requires disciplined performance of skills taught through a variety of drills and kata.  This program does not involve contact with other practitioners.  The Salle reserves the right to immediately terminate the participation of any student unwilling or unable to follow safety guidelines for the particular weapon or activity.   

WITH WHOM ARE WE AFFILIATED?

Salle Green is a member dojang of the World Shim Soo Gum Do Federation.

Salle Green is a member dojo of the United States Chanbara Association.

Salle Green is licensed to teach American Modern Jujitsu Freestyle Karate