Hudson Valley Sword Academy
Open Enrollment into Greenwood Lake branch (adults 21+ only)
In our Greenwood Lake katana class, you will learn under supervision of your instructor sensei Andrei Ralko, Black Belt 2nd Dan, the iaido (Japanese katana technique of handling sword by using dull practice sword), tameshigiri (cutting mats with sharp katana sword), and sparring with plastic padded sword while wearing protective gear. Also, you will learn the basic meditation skills.
Hudson Valley Sword Academy Greenwood Lake branch Instructor
Sensei Andrei Ralko, Black Belt 2nd Dan
Hudson Valley Sword Academy founder Raul Acevedo-Soke with his student Andrei Ralko, Black Belt 2nd Dan
What is En Zan Ryu?
En Zan Ryu translates into the way of the “far away mountain”. In 2013 Hudson Valley Sword Academy founded this style of iaido as a way of re-examining techniques purely for tactical value. Very much like Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kung Do looks at all styles and yet is it’s own style, such it is with En Zan Ryu. The name En Zan Ryu came from the idea that we are located far from other sword schools as well as being separated from them by a mountain (Bear Mountain State Park). In more technical terms, En Zan is the concept of seeing everything and nothing at the same time. If all of the focus is on one specific part of the opponent, this could be exploited by a distraction. When unfocused, the opponent will go on the offensive. The goal is to achieve a balance.
En Zan Ryu is taught in different sections (keeping in mind that we are still growing and forming our style).
1. Mori no Bu – The set of the forest – this set is an answer to being attacked by one person in front of you.
2. Kawa no Bu – The set of the river – this set addresses being attacked by surprise from any given direction.
3. Ko Kawa no Bu – The set of the small river – this is a short sword set (wakizashi or tanto)
4. Kaze no Bu- The set of the wind – using the short sword vs long sword when attacked from different angles.
Martial Arts Katana Sword Classes
Join our adult martial arts katana sword classes
Learn sword drawing and handling with expert instructor in a safe environment.
Sharpen your cutting skills by practicing tameshigiri (cutting mats) under guided supervision.
Engage in exciting sparring sessions while wearing protective gear to ensure safety.
En Zan Ryu sword style explained
Interview with Hudson Valley Sword Academy founder Raul Acevedo - Soke
En Zan Ryu Heritage
Time lineage from nowadays to the Samurai era of Japan
Mamoru Higashiuetoko
Mamoru Higashiuetoko was Raul Acevedo first katana and kendo sword teacher, who is from the same Japanese town as Japanese samurai and politician Saigo Takamori. Mamoru Higashiuetoko believes that he is descended of Saigo Tacamori.
Saigo Takamori
Japanese samurai and politician Saigo Takamori (1828-1877), one of the most influential figures in Japanese history. Saigo Takamori was the "last samurai", a prominent figure in Japan's modernization who led the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, a last effort to preserve the samurai way of life against a rapidly modernizing government. Though the 2003 film The Last Samurai was inspired by his story, Saigo's rebellion was defeated, marking the end of the samurai era. Saigo Takamori lived as samurai and died as samurai by committing seppuku, a form of ritual suicide, during the final stages of the Satsuma Rebellion.
Raul Acevedo - Soke
En Zan Ryu sword style was created by Raul Acevedo - Soke, the founder of the Hudson Valley Sword Academy. En Zan Ryu was the answer for searching and creating realistic and practical sword style for on-foot samurai fighting environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is iaido training?
Iaido is drawing and cutting with your blade in one motion and then returning the blade to the scabbard. Sword forms and kendo forms overlap.
What is tameshigiri?
Tameshigiri is practicing cutting with your sharp blade. Today we use tatami mats to cut instead of human bodies as they did in Samurai days.
Adults (21+) man and woman are welcome
Who can join the Hudson Valley Sword Academy Greenwood Lake branch?
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for martial arts practice and sparring.
What is kendo?
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art, which descended from swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bōgu). Today, it is widely practiced within Japan and many other nations across the world.