JUJUTSU Kenjutsu Oulu: The Art of the Sword, Focus & Traditional Budo.
Kenjutsu (剣術) is traditional Japanese swordsmanship focused on the samurai sword (Katana), cutting techniques, partner katas, and precise distance control (Ma-ai). Experience the rich history and spirit of budo at our Äimäkuja dojo.
What Does Kenjutsu Training Entail?
Kenjutsu develops mental focus, body coordination, spatial and distance awareness (Ma-ai), and explosive precision.
1. Sword Handling & Stances (Kamae)
Training begins with fundamental sword control, correct grips (Tenouchi), cutting trajectories (Suburi), and ready stances. You learn how to move the sword economically and with decisive power.
2. Partner Drills & Kata Forms
In Kenjutsu, most training takes place with a partner using wooden swords (Bokken). Kata forms teach evasion of attacks, sword binding, and rapid, calculated counterstrikes.
3. Mental Focus & Etiquette (Reigi)
Kenjutsu is fundamentally an art of the mind. Dojo etiquette, mindfulness, and mutual respect create a safe, focused, and mentally rewarding training environment in every class.
What Equipment is Used in Kenjutsu?
Getting started is easy. You don't need any special equipment for your first training sessions!
A wooden practice sword and plastic scabbard (saya). Our club provides loaner bokkens for beginners free of charge during practice!
For the first few weeks, sweatpants and a t-shirt are all you need. As you continue, an official Gi and traditional pleated swordsmanship trousers (Hakama) are acquired.
Contact sparring utilizes padded, leather-covered fukuro shinai bamboo swords and 1600N fencing masks to protect mind and body.
Official training uniforms feature Kenjutsu, Hokutoryu, World Federation of Jujutsu (WFJ), and Oulu club sleeve badges.
Train at the Äimäkuja Dojo
Kenjutsu classes take place at Jujutsu Oulu Ry’s dedicated, air-conditioned tatami dojo located at Äimäkuja 6 A, Oulu.
Saturdays: 13:30–15:00 (Unchanged)
SporttiAppro 2026 (Tuesday, Sep 22): University students joining Kenjutsu on Tuesday, Sep 22 (Max capacity: 10 participants due to swords and safety space).
Photos from Kenjutsu Training
Explore authentic Kenjutsu moments captured at our dojo:
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenjutsu
Answers to common questions about starting Japanese swordsmanship:
No, you don't! Our club has plenty of loaner bokkens (wooden swords) and sayas (scabbards) available for free during your trial period. Our instructors will gladly provide guidance when you are ready to acquire your own bokken.
Regular, flexible indoor sports clothes (t-shirt and sweatpants) along with a towel for washing your feet are perfectly sufficient. We train barefoot on the tatami. An official practice uniform (Gi) and Hakama swordsmanship pants are only purchased as you progress further.
Yes, absolutely! Kenjutsu starts from the very basics. Every movement, stance, and sword handling principle is taught systematically and safely under the direct instruction of experienced teachers.
Definitely! Many practitioners at our club train both Hokutoryu Ju-Jutsu and Kenjutsu. They complement each other exceptionally well by reinforcing distance management, timing, balance, and spatial awareness.
