Levels of Training
ALL LEVELS
Level 2 - PRESENT
Level 1 - PAST
Learners of all levels (beginner through advanced) will train and hone their swordsmanship together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and regard.
All kenshi (sword students) are expected and required to also engage in guided self-reflection writing exercises.
Level 1 - PAST
Level 2 - PRESENT
Level 1 - PAST
Self-Reflection Theme:
Where Have I Been?
To understand who or what your adversaries are in your own life, you must first understand who and what it is you are.
To discover the answers, you must first reflect on who you have been.
Level 2 - PRESENT
Level 2 - PRESENT
Level 2 - PRESENT
Self-Reflection Theme:
Where Am I Now?
Take careful inventory of your present self. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is a test of your insightfulness as well as your honesty (about yourself to yourself).
Level 3 - FUTURE
Level 2 - PRESENT
Level 2 - PRESENT
Self-Reflection Theme:
Where Ought I to Go?
Having completed the previous two sets of writing exercises, you will now articulate a vision of the future for yourself.
Where are you headed? Why? What is your purpose?
on ranks and hierarchy
There is no formal hierarchy or accredited system of "ranks" at Yozan. That is simply not our way or purpose.
We will, instead, train together and learn from each other with mutual regard, respect, and due humility.
While this absence of ranks/hierarchy is a departure from tradition, it also safeguards everyone against treating our martial arts learning as a mere commodity (i.e. we will not walk the path of various "McDojos," where hapless students purchase their belts just for attending the required number of class sessions). After all, the fundamental goal of our kenjutsu at Yozan is for all of our learners to become better human beings and lead better lives outside of class. Excessive focus on belts and ranks/titles often distracts from this higher purpose.
The spirit of zanshin in Japanese martial arts reminds us that no one, not even the course instructor, is ultimately “better” or "stronger" than anyone else. Moreover, the petty need to “prove” one’s relative superiority over others and/or boast of one's rank/title is, in fact, a weakness of character which we should all be striving to overcome.
