Technical Principles
This intermediate-level course is designed for martial artists who have learned the foundational concepts of budō and are ready to deepen their technical proficiency in the classical Japanese martial arts. In Budo 201 you will move beyond “what we do” and begin learning how we do it — refining technique, understanding subtle mechanics, and integrating body-mind alignment.
What you’ll learn
- Brief history of Japanese Martial Arts- Budo.
- The eyes in Budo- how to look.
- How breathing affects stability, technique and mental status.
- Using your voice and its effects.
- Additional Section: How to perform tameshigiri (test cutting).
Course Content
- Introduction –> 1 lecture • 2min.
- Brief History of Japanese Martial Arts –> 1 lecture • 5min.
- Understanding Ki, Duality and Kyo-Jitsu –> 1 lecture • 8min.
- Using your Eyes, Breath and Voice in Budo –> 1 lecture • 15min.
- Additional section: How to perform tameshigiri –> 1 lecture • 16min.
Requirements
This intermediate-level course is designed for martial artists who have learned the foundational concepts of budō and are ready to deepen their technical proficiency in the classical Japanese martial arts. In Budo 201 you will move beyond “what we do” and begin learning how we do it — refining technique, understanding subtle mechanics, and integrating body-mind alignment.
Throughout the curriculum you will explore:
- The anatomy of effective technique: posture alignment, kinetic linkage, timing and distance.
- The role of precision and economy of motion in budō-technique rather than brute force.
- How to read and respond: sensitizing your body to opponent/target cues, initiating rather than reacting.
- Integration of weapons and empty-hand frameworks: shared principles, unique demands.
- The deeper rhythm of practice: breath, kiai, center of gravity, and mental clarity.
- Applications in real-life dojo training
- Methods for self-analysis and ongoing improvement: video review, metric tracking, peer feedback.
in the modern dojo and on social-media, many martial artists focus on flashy techniques or high intensity. Budo 201 re-centers your training on technical excellence — the precision, control and subtlety that distinguish a practitioner from a performer. When you master how you move, every strike, draw and release becomes purposeful and powerful. This not only elevates your personal practice but also enriches your teaching and sharing of budō to a wider audience.