Chanbara for children is easily incorporated into any curriculum offered at any martial arts studio, private or public schools. Chanbara is designed as a learning tool to assist instructors on how to teach the basic concepts of swords and weaponry. Here is a basic guideline.

Chanbara begins each and every class with Kihon, which teaches the five basic sword strikes. These may take minutes to learn and yet years to master. These simple and internationally known strikes can be taught on a “one on one” basis or to a group of 100.

When one has learned the five strikes they progress to pre-arranged blocking and striking patterns. These striking and blocking patterns incorporate both offensive and defensive movements and techniques. Balance, speed, timing, rhythm and breathing are honed with this practice while (ideally) eliminating bad habits.

The next two phases are sparring and technique training with your opponent which are used in most all sword styles. From these basic variations, you can learn to mix and match your own arsenal of offensive and defensive techniques while experimenting and sparring.

While practicing the sword you will meet, practice and spar with people from different walks of life and experiences. You then might decide to be a traditionalist or perhaps a nonconformist. Whatever your niche is you will find enjoyment in it.

Samurai Sports also offers many alternate programs that can be designed to your personal needs and/or specifications depending on age, rank and class time allotted for part and/or full-time programs.

Full-Time Programs

Here are some examples of Full-Time Programs that you can create for your school utilizing traditional and combative disciplines supplied you through our books, manuals and media offered to you by Samurai Sports. You will then be able to instruct chanbara, padded weapon sparring, and traditional sword patterns and protocol.

These are the prescribed Chanbara “combative” and Goshindo “traditional” programs. NOTE: Goshnido classes require more training time for the instructor to effectively teach a traditional sword program. Traditional and combative certification is available.

Chanbara Children's Program

Children 4 to 10 years old. This is an excellent starter program. A combative short sword plus, if wanted, a short sword and shield. These classes run approximately 45 to 90 minutes.

Chanbara Youth Program

For youth ages 10 to 17. This is an outstanding program for the advancing student. The combative long and short sword; short sword and shield; staff; knife; nunchaku; spear and double swords are used. These classes run approximately 45 to 90 minutes.

Goshindo Youth Program

This traditional program allows advanced students to learn traditional and combative sword techniques via the Toyama Iai-Batto-Do system utilizing wood, metal and padded weaponry. Basic iaido forms including 20 techniques are practiced with short and or long swords. This program requires certification to effectively and correctly instruct this sword style.

Soft-padded weaponry is used to hone movement and techniques at full speed and power if desired bamboo can take the place of padded weaponry. The Toyama Iai-Batto-Do system is well documented and has been perfected by the Japanese over generations of training. These classes run approximately 45 to 90 minutes.

For detailed information, consult the manual Sword Curriculum for Professionals.