The Sora-to (sky-sword) Ryu (style) Kenjutsu Heiho (of sword-fighting strategy) is dedicated to the study of the ancient martial arts of the Samurai. We learn and apply the skills that were used by the Samurai in hand-to-hand combat with edged weapons. The strategy of the sword was the most important aspect of samurai military training. Kenjutsu can be thought of as living history, preserving principles of combat and details of etiquette of an era long past. The benefits of the Way of the sword are external (physical) and internal (spiritual) and embody timeless strengths and values that are frequently eroded by modern lifestyles. Kenjutsu is also very practical, empowering people to face the challenges of life with clarity & tranquillity. It is a potent self-defence system.

Our training centres around mastery of the Japanese long sword (Katana & bokken), the short sword (Wakizashi/shoto), knife fighting (Tanto-jutsu), long staff weapons (jo-jutsu/yari/naginata) and those unarmed techniques known as muto, or "without sword" (very effective in self-defence, including joint locks, throws, striking techniques etc. In all of our training we tend to follow the Takeda tradition of ancient Japan).

Twice a year we have a workshop : http://youtu.be/3YDT8IGPcLA

The Kagerou Gakkou (Dragonfly School) is based in the Western Cape. We train three times a week in St Andrew's Church Hall in Cape Town, on the corner of Somerset Road (the one that leads to the Traffic Department in Greenpoint) & Chiappini Street. To get there, look at the map. Classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday evening from 18h30-20h00 and Saturdays from 10h00 to 11h30. Dojo fees in Cape Town are R400 per month or R75 per class. Beginners are most welcome and weapons can be provided on order. For more information contact John on 082-920-1246.

In Somerset West we have classes on Monday evenings from 18h30-20h00 in the Mondeor Eco School hall (next to Monkey Town on the N2). In Stellenbosch we have classes on Wednesday evenings from 18h30-20h00 in the Weber Gedenk Primary School Hall. To get there, look at the map. Dojo fees in Stellenbosch & Somerset West are R350 per month. Most of the students in both towns commute to train twice a week so lifts are available. For more information contact Karina Krynauw on 083-654-7953.
 
In Hermanus we have classes in the JKA Karate dojo at the ProActive Gym in Mussel Street (opposite the Traffic Dept.) on Monday evenings from 19h15-21h00. To get there, look at the map. Dojo fees in Hermanus are R300 per month.

In Pretoria there are classes in the Rooihuiskraal Library Auditorium, Centurion, Pretoria. Look at the map. Times 19h30 to 21h00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Schalkwyk van der Merwe on 072-212-2294 or schalkwykvdm@hotmail.com for details.

I am available to teach classes to private individuals or corporate clients on a range of themes from general self defence to knife fighting, PR24-baton training, anti-mugging & anti-rape courses.
Check our our Sorato-Ryu Facebook Group

May you live all the days of your life! - John van Zyl (Kaicho)