WELCOME TO
KANGETSU DOJO
Traditional Japanese Jujutsu and Kenjutsu
ABOUT OUR DOJO
Welcome to the Kangetsu Dojo. We are a classical Jujutsu and Kenjutsu dojo located in Mississauga Ontario and the only official Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryū dojo in Canada. Our mission is to preserve and promote classical Japanese martial arts as it was practiced by the Samurai of ancient Japan. Our tradition has been passed down unbroken from teacher to student since it was founded in Japan in 1864.
JUJUTSU
Hand to Hand Combat
Traditional jujutsu is a sophisticated method of hand to hand combat used when Samurai found themselves unarmed. A broad range of scenarios is explored from empty-handed to defense against various weapons
KENJUTSU
Japanese Fencing
Hundreds of years were spent perfecting sword melee by the Samurai. Our school dedicates a significant amount of time learning this fascinating and precise art. Not just a separate discipline, the principles of kenjutsu inform all aspects of the art we practice.
BATTOJUTSU
Live Sword Drawing
Battojutsu is practiced with a live steel blade. For Samurai, learning to quickdraw their sword and attack simultaneously was a necessary skill as surprise attacks were commonplace on the streets and in social settings.
TANTOJUTSU
Japanese Knife Combat
As a testament to its utility, the knife is the only ancient weapon still carried by the modern military. TSYR is one of the few schools left in the world that teaches authentic tantojutsu. This fascinating art is only taught to trusted insiders of the school.
FAQ
The Answers You Need
WHAT MARTIAL ART DO YOU PRACTICE AT KANGETSU DOJO?
We practice a Japanese art called Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu, or “TSYR” for short. TSYR is a koryu, which literally means “old school”. Founded in 1864 before the Samurai were abolished. It precedes modern arts such as Aikido, Karate, Judo and Brazillian Jujutsu.
For more information on our art, curriculum, and history see the following links:
CAN I JUST COME TO JUJUTSU CLASSES AND SKIP THE WEAPON CLASSES?
No. TSYR can be classified a “sogo bujutsu”. That means all aspects of combat are combined into a single integrated system where principles of jujutsu and weapons work together. You cannot pick and choose parts of the curriculum and ignore others.
WHAT KIND OF WEAPONS DO YOU PRACTICE IN TSYR?
The Japanese sword (katana) is most commonly practiced, there is also a lot of emphasis on using the knife (tanto). There are various other weapons studied at higher levels including short sword (wakizashi), iron fan (tessen), secreted weapons, and armoured applications.
THERE AREN’T MANY VIDEOS OF TSYR ON THE WEB, WHY NOT?
You’re right, there are only a couple videos publicly available. Given the classical nature of our tradition we believe that TSYR is best experienced hands-on and in-person.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY BLACK BELT IN TSYR?
Belt colours do not denote rank in TSYR. The belt, or obi, is used to keep your jacket closed. Students wear any colour obi they choose. Additionally all students wear a keikogi and hakama.
SO ARE THERE RANKS IN TSYR?
TSYR uses teaching licenses, or Menkyo, which can be awarded to members who show teaching proficiency. There are three teaching licenses: Shoden (basic), Chuden (intermediate), and Joden (advanced). A fourth license, Menkyo Kaiden, is the highest license available and it gives the bearer many privileges including the ability to grant licenses and make changes to the curriculum.
IS THERE COMPETITION IN TSYR?
There is no formalized competition in our system. Although intense and realistic training is important in TSYR, it happens in the context of a classical Japanese martial tradition. As the student progresses, technique is pressure tested through increasing levels of freestyle training and drills. All the while careful attention is paid to safe learning.
ARE THERE CHILDREN’S CLASSES?
No. Unfortunately the minimum age for learning TSYR is 21. Given the seriousness of the subject matter and the commitment it takes to achieve competence a certain level of maturity is required.
WHAT’S THE CLASS SCHEDULE?
Tuesdays 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursdays 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturdays 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
HOW MUCH DO CLASSES COST?
The fee is $120 per month. Additionally you will have to purchase a uniform (keikogi, hakama, and obi) and eventually practice weapons (bokken, tanto, and habikito).
I’VE GOT OTHER QUESTIONS THAT AREN’T IN THIS FAQ, CAN I CONTACT THE SENSEI?
Absolutely! You can email Mark Ainslie sensei at info@KangetsuDojo.com
OKAY, I’M INTERESTED. HOW DO I JOIN?
Because TSYR is a traditional Japanese martial art, there is an expectation that a prospective student will send an introductory email to the dojo’s sensei explaining their interest and relevant martial art experience. The sensei may request that you come watch a class and speak in person prior to making any commitment. Acceptance to begin TSYR classes is up to the sensei’s discretion.