Yari and Shinai DVD by Sueyoshi Akeshi

Sueyoshi Akeshi, a Shugendo monk, scholar of the Japanese martial traditions, and accomplished practitioner of Iaido, has dedicated decades to preserving and teaching the art of the Japanese sword. In this instructional, he presents 34 Kumidachi partner forms organized into four distinct groups: Ura, Jisen, Kasen, and Aishin. Each sequence is demonstrated with remarkable speed, precision, and technical detail, offering a complete study of traditional paired sword practice.

Partner training is an essential part of swordsmanship, transforming solo techniques into practical application through the development of timing, distance, rhythm, and control. Akeshi demonstrates how Kumidachi complements individual practice by providing a deeper understanding of each technique in a realistic setting. For safe and effective training, particularly for beginners, he recommends the use of the Fukuro Shinai, whose padded construction significantly reduces the risk of injury compared to a wooden bokken while still allowing practitioners to train with realistic speed and intent.

Every technique is explained with clarity and demonstrated at a high level, making this program an invaluable resource for students seeking to improve both their technical skills and their understanding of traditional Japanese swordsmanship. Through disciplined practice and careful attention to detail, practitioners can steadily develop the precision, coordination, and confidence required to perform these classical Kumidachi with skill and control. This instructional serves as both a comprehensive training guide and an excellent reference for anyone wishing to deepen their study of the Japanese sword.