Sword And Staff

A QUIET PLACE IN A NOISY WORLD

Sword And Staff

Explore stillness through traditional Japanese martial arts training with the bokken and shinai training swords, along with the short staff, or jo. This practice offers a focused way to develop clarity, certainty, and presence through disciplined movement.

As students alternate between the roles of attacker and defender, they gradually build skill with both weapons while discovering that Sword And Staff is, at its core, an expression of stillness. The training brings attention, awareness, and composure into every exchange.

Movements and Forms

Like many martial arts, Sword And Staff is built around two main elements: kihon waza, or basic movements, and kata, or forms. Training includes both, with equal emphasis on learning two very different weapon styles at the same time.

Students begin with the fundamentals, spending four sessions on each basic movement. Because each movement is taught separately, new students may join the class at any point during the year. After learning a small set of basics, training progresses to the twelve forms that form the heart of the practice, where the teachings of stillness begin to come fully alive.

This training has been passed down for more than 400 years, and it is open to men and women of all ages.

Zazen

Each class concludes with 45 minutes of zazen, or seated Zen meditation, beside the beautiful AZC pond. No prior meditation experience is necessary.

Class Schedule

Classes are held outdoors on the grounds of the Albuquerque Zen Center throughout the year, from March through November, on Thursday and Sunday mornings. Exact times are listed at the top of the page, and prospective students are welcome to begin at any time during the year.

Your Instructor

Jim Redel has been a member of AZC since its founding in 1989. Over the same years, he has studied and taught Aikido and Sword and Staff, and for the past 5 years he has taught Sword and Staff exclusively.

Getting Started

Classes are suitable for men and women of all ages, as well as mature teens. New students are accepted at any time. Check the dates and times listed above and simply begin. Weapons and uniforms are provided for beginning students.

Class Fees

Sword and Staff classes are offered as a free perk for AZC members who also contribute their time to help maintain a beautiful facility and support quality instruction. Members may volunteer as Zendo officers or assist with center maintenance as their schedule allows. For members unable to volunteer, the suggested donation is $45 per month. For non-members, the suggested donation is $95 per month.

Last, Save Your Spot in the Next Class

Hi Jim, I'd like to ... Watch a class / Jump right in (arrive at 9:45) / Which class? Thursday / Sunday / Both / Name / Email

For current students, class fees can be donated here