The Art of Japanese Sword Dancing.
What is Kenshibudo?
We define Kenshibu as a dance to the recital of Shigin (traditional
Japanese song) with a sword or a fan. But Kenshibudo is deeper than this definition. There are many
levels of understanding to be achieved.
History of Kenshibudo.
Dances with a sword existed in the Nara
and Heian Periods (710-1191). But it was a different type from modern
Kenbu.
The history of modern Kenbu is not so old. It is said the beginning
of modern Kenbu dates back to "Gekiken Kogyo" by Kenkichi
Sakakibara in the Meiji Restoration (1874). Our Kenshibudo comes
from Kinbusa Ryu established in 1877 by Kanichiro Kinbusa and Hayabuchi
Ryu. There are two Japanese words that mean "a dance", the
one is "odori" and the other is “mai". "Odori"
is for an ordinary dance. "Mai" has something more refined.
Our students regard Kenshibu as a “Mai” and try
to perform an artistic dance on the stage.
Kenbu: Sword Dance
A brave dance to a recital of Shigin with a sword. Kenbu requires an
air of dignity and spirit along with a powerfulness and bigness as a
Samurai. It is necessary to master many aspects of Iaido since we use
a Japanese sword.
Dances were based on famous battles, legendary heroes, brave samurai
and folklore. The dance forms were manly and strong. Yet graceful like
traditional Japanese dance. Some of the movements are based on Kabuki
forms. Kenbu became a popular dance form and is still practiced today
in Japan.
At the Kenshin Dojo, Kenbu is also taught along with Iaido. These dances are taught by Corella sensei to enhance a student's
knowledge of the Japanese sword arts.
