What is Budo DVD 1 by Katsu Nagano

Relaxation, Axis, Information Warfare:

The True Speed Born from Softness

In this DVD, we delve into the deeper layers of traditional martial arts, not just mimicking the movements passed down by past masters, but studying the intent behind their actions. The Rai Shin Kai, led by Katsu Nagano, explores how softness and axis give birth to martial efficiency—speed and balance achieved through relaxation and precision, especially through body techniques and swordsmanship.

This first volume of a two-part series focuses on the fundamental principles, teaching the correct ways to receive attacks, understand joint alignment, and maintain balance through posture and footwork. Mastering the connection between the body’s center and shoulder, you'll experience the living, breathing techniques that lie at the heart of traditional martial arts.

Content Overview:

1: Training—Collaborative Action

• The Importance of Receiving:
  • Martial arts as a battle of information: genuine responses vs. misinterpreted force.
  • Poor reception techniques: improper release of tension, misalignment.
  • Effective reception: relaxing the body while keeping the axis centered.
  • Understanding when a technique is "on" or not: Maintaining body alignment and controlling the center.

2: Basic Training—Body Mechanics for Effective Practice

• Softness: The interplay of relaxation and axis.
  • Knee Relaxation: Footwork and leg transitions.
  • Elbow Relaxation: Basic strikes and techniques with the wooden sword.
  • Soft Reception: Forward and backward rolls.
• Half-Body and Straight Lines: Training to move within a structured, non-rotating framework.
  • Body-Sword Unity: Understanding half-body transitions and foot movement.

3: Approach to Technique (1)—Shoulder Control and Release

• Shoulder Control:
  • Jujutsu: Basic techniques (Ikkyō) and Kenjutsu: Small sword reception.
• Shoulder Release:
  • Jujutsu: Hand reversal.
  • Kenjutsu: Wrapping sword techniques.
• Control and Release in both seated and standing positions.

4: Approach to Technique (2)—Half-Body and Centerline Combat

• Half-Body Transitions:
  • Jujutsu: Ikkyō and Kenjutsu: Small sword combat techniques.
• Centerline Control:
  • Jujutsu: Hand reversal and Kenjutsu’s double-sword techniques.
• Combining Half-Body and Centerline Combat:
  • Seated techniques: Hand reversal and striking techniques.
  • Standing techniques: Mid-level strikes and hand reversal.

Instructor:: Katsu Nagano (Founder of Jūken Rai Shin Kai)

Born in 1968, Katsu Nagano began his martial arts journey at the age of 23 with the Shō Seikan (run by Sensei Yoshinori Kōno). Later, he trained with his elder brother Junichi Nagano at the Fū Shin Kai. In 2005, Nagano founded the Jūken Rai Shin Kai, dedicating himself to the study and instruction of traditional martial arts, with a particular focus on weaponry and body movement. His teachings center around the principles of internal balance and the fluidity of motion.