Ganryu-jima Dojo
巌流島道場
Our Story
Our name refers to the island of “Ganryu Jima” in Japan, where the duel between two of the most legendary samurai of their era took place: Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. Musashi emerged victorious. The connection also extends to the unique fighting style “Nitto-ryu”, the technique of fighting with two swords, the katana and the shorter wakizashi, for which Miyamoto Musashi became famous.
Ganryu Jima Dojo has only existed since 2023, but it was preceded from 2014 by the Kenshin-tachi association, which operated in a similar spirit, though those years were really only the beginnings, the rough foundations, and the first ideas of how it could work. In 2019, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Kenshin-tachi association dissolved, and one of its original founders, Lukáš Turanský, established Ganryu Jima Dojo.
What We Train
We teach the styles Toyama-ryu, Battō-dō, and Happō-ryu, complemented by our own style of swordsmanship. Our head instructor has more than 15 years of experience in Japanese swordsmanship. At present, we run group training only.
Our Instructors
Lukáš Turanský
Head sensei (instructor), founder of the dojo
I have practised Japanese swordsmanship since 2011. Before that, I trained in European weapon arts, aikido, and kendo. Alongside teaching kenjutsu, I actively lecture on a range of Japanese historical topics.
Joining the Dojo
Kenjutsu Training
Training opens with reihō, the shared bow: first to the shinzen, then to our senseis and finally to our swords. Tanren gata follows, a warm-up made of a series of sword exercises. After that we either practise kumitachi, drills in pairs, or go straight to the topic of the day, which may be a new technique, sparring, combat games or conditioning.
Recruitment for Kenjutsu Training
Recruitment takes place at the turn of September and October. Details are announced on our website and social channels.
Cultural Section
The cultural section consists of regular meetings where we practise dressing in kimono, making cords using the kumihimo technique, weaving straw waraji sandals, and exploring similar elements of Japanese culture.
Interested in joining us? Get in touch