Hudson Valley Sword Academy

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 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.

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.

What is En Zan Ryu?

Interview with Hudson Valley Sword Academy founder Raul Acevedo - Soke

Adults (21+) man and woman are welcome

Who can join the Martial Arts Sword Academy?

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for martial arts practice and sparring.