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Broncos, Blades and Bennett: The 13th US Nito Seminar in Idaho

13th US Nito Seminar 2025

What an incredible experience it was at the 13th US Nito Kendo Seminar! For those unfamiliar, Nito is a style of Kendo where practitioners use two swords – one long (daito) and one short (shoto). It's a challenging and fascinating style, and this seminar was an amazing opportunity to deepen my understanding and skills.

The seminar took place from Jul 17, 2025 to Jul 20, 2025 at Meridian Homecourt, in Idaho. This event has been hosted by Robert Stroud sensei (Kyoshi 7-Dan) with the support of his dojo members of Idaho Kendo Club. We had participants from all over the country, and even a few international guests, which made for a really diverse and enriching environment. What an amazing and successful event it was!!

The main instructors for the seminar were

  • R. FUJII sensei (Kyoshi 8-dan) ,
  • Y. UGAJIN sensei (Kyoshi 7-dan), 
  • F. SATO sensei (Kyoshi 7-dan), 
  • A. FUJII sensei (Kyoshi 7-dan) 

from Japan. They are leading experts in Nito Kendo. And we had one guest sensei from Kyoto Japan. My Kiwi brother, Alex Bennett sensei (Kyoshi 7 dan). He gave us a great lecture on Gorin no Sho and Miyamoto Musashi, the world famous samurai in the world. I do not think I need to mention this but their guidance was invaluable. We dive into what I learned later. 

Ichini Ichijo: One or Two Swords, Same Kendo

Fujii sensei teaching in the seminarFujii sensei showing the basics of Nito Techniques

The fundamental principle of their Nito is Ichini Ichijo; one sword and two swords are the same. It means it doesn't matter if you take Itto or Nito; the principle is the same. After all, it is Kendo. Just a different style just like Jōdan.

However, since Nito was not practiced for a long time (it was banned and was lifted in 1991), the Late Tadao TODA sensei (Hanshi 8 dan) was asked to study Nito for the current kendo world. Since then the senseis who came to the seminar made so much efforts to spread the Nito that is not only practised for the draw purpose in a match (that was the main reason why Nito was banned in shiai). 

Even though the flight that senseis were supposed to take was cancelled after a 4 hours delay, they arrived at Boise Airport at midnight the next day. They settled in their AirBnB at around 1:30am to give a full day seminar from 9am that day. What a dedication, don't you think?

Teachings from the Senseis

Fujii sensei 8-dan Nito KenshiFujii sensei (Kyoshi 8-Dan) demonstrating Hidari Nito. Courtesy of A. Tan.

Since we lost Day 1 due to the flight delay, Day 2 was the first official Nito seminar. After the introduction of the sensei and all the opening ceremony things, we started the Nito basics. The etiquettes/manners are not different from Itto. You bow, take 3 steps forward, sit in sonkyo and take a stance. The problem is that you have two swords!

So, we started learning how to carry two swords in your hands, draw them out, sit in sonkyo and put them away with and without kote on. Since you can have daito (the longer sword) and shoto (the shorter sword) in whichever hand you want, you need to know which one you need to draw first. The easiest way to remember which one should be the first to draw is the one you hold with the left hand needs to be drawn first!

Then we learned the basic striking method. Unlike the one sword technique, we cannot strike with both hands on the kanata. You might think the Nito technique has advantages but you have to swing the daito with one hand in the entire fight. It is so tiring. On top of that, you need to create an effective strike with one hand! You need to execute the sharp and powerful strike with one hand. Now that is definitely not something you can do right away. I introduced his striking method in my video called ”This Simple Trick Makes One Handed Strikes Easy!” (below) In the description area, you will find links to the sensei's original videos.

In the afternoon, the participants were separated into 3 groups; total beginners, Nito beginners and Advanced Nito practitioners. I was assigned to the Nito Beginners group to support Sato sensei. I learned so much from Sato sensei. Oh, my. You cannot imagine how much you can learn from a few hour session.

A Spinning Shinai
  • Draw out both swords while your opponent draw out his/her one sword
  • Keep the rhythm (count 1, 2 in your head)
  • Throw the centre of the gravity of your shinai at your opponent’s chest when striking the men
  • With this method, your sword will hit the target without going up and down
  • If you throw the shinai, the shinai should rotate around the centre of gravity of the shinai.

Image your create can change your action

  •       Imagine a chameleon catching a bug with its tongue
  •       Strike with a dot, not a line
  •       Strike with the kensaki rather than the blade
A chameleon catching a bug

Dō Strike with Nitō

  • To increase the power of your Dō strike, move the kensaki out of your sight
  • Bring the kensaki back so it "disappears" from your eye sight. 

Tsuki With Nitiō

  • When executing a tsuki, bring down the kensaki between your eyes and the tsuki-dare.
  • Bring your hand to the centre to avoid slipping off the target
  • You can use the kodachi to support the daito for more accurate aim

I am not going to explain them in detail because it is hard to explain in words. I can make videos about those but I am not an expert. You should come to the next Nito seminar so you can actually see him demonstrating these techniques. You should see the world class techniques with your own eyes.

We had a great dinner party followed by an auction. This auction is how Idaho Kendo Club raises funds to support the seminar. This is so fun and awesome every year. You should really come and see this auction. Atagi brothers throw a quite auction there!

Auction at 13th US Nito Seminar 2025With the Atagi Brothers at the mic, the auction was full of laughs and energy—fundraising at its finest!

We started with Stroud sensei’s AJKF Seitei Iaido demonstration on Day 3. His iai was quiet yet powerful. I am not an expert in Iaido but I can tell that his Iai is not the level you can reach in a few years. You can see the quality of experience there. 

One hour Q&A session was after the Iai demonstration. By listening to the senseis’ answers, I really thought there is not much difference between Itto and Nito. Of course, techniques are different, and you have to learn how to strike with one hand and how to use the shoto. These are exclusive to Nito. But most of the questions can be answered from the Itto point of view. Hence the principle of the delegation; Ichini Ichijo.

Beyond the training, the seminar was also a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Kendo enthusiasts. We shared stories, exchanged tips, and even had a few informal social gatherings. This is a great opportunity to get to know fellow kenshi from all over the world.

I'm already looking forward to the next US Nito Kendo Seminar! Whether you're dedicated to Nito Kendo or simply passionate about Kendo, I highly recommend attending future events. Be sure to follow the Idaho Kendo Club so you don't miss out on another Nito Seminar. It's an experience you won't want to miss!

Big Thank you!

🙏 A huge thank you to:

  • Robert Stroud sensei, for organizing such an amazing event
  • Mrs. Stroud, for putting up with me and Bro. Alec acting like 12-year-olds 😅
  • Idaho Kendo Club members, for your warm hospitality
  • Atagi Brothers, for your awesome auction skills and the fantastic food and beer!
  • And of course, our instructors from Japan: Fujii sensei, Ugajin sensei, Sato sensei, Ako sensei, and Bro. Alec

It was truly an honour to see and learn from you.

また、よろしくお願いします！

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