Kyu Shin Ludo: A Beginner’s Guide to Training – Part I

Welcome to Kyu Shin Ludo, a martial art that brings together centuries of traditional Japanese combat techniques with modern training approaches. If you’re new to martial arts, or even if you’re an experienced practitioner, you’ll find something unique here.

Our Story

Kyu Shin Ludo came to life in 2023, but its roots run deep into martial arts history. The story begins with Kenshiro Abbe, a remarkable martial artist who established Kyushin-Ryu Aikido in the United Kingdom during the 1950s. Abbe wasn’t just an aikido master – he held high ranks in judo and kendo as well, and his approach to martial arts was refreshingly practical and well-rounded. This knowledge made its way to Australia through Carl Withey sensei, and in 2023, Mikhayl von Rieben sensei transformed these traditional teachings into what we now know as Kyu Shin Ludo. The name itself carries this heritage, drawing from the Kyushin-Ryu tradition while establishing its own identity.

What Makes Us Different

We’ve built Kyu Shin Ludo around three main training approaches, and this is what makes our art particularly special. Instead of focusing on just one aspect of combat, we’ve created a system where different training methods support and enhance each other. Let’s start with our choreography and kata practice. This is where you’ll learn to move with precision and understand the core principles of our art. We call this aspect ‘aikisaber’ because it applies aikido principles to weapons work. Don’t let the word ‘choreography’ fool you – this isn’t just about looking good. These practiced movements build the foundation for everything else you’ll learn.

Then there’s our light armoured combat division. This is where things get exciting for beginners. You’ll put on protective gear and start engaging in actual combat right away, but with rules and guidelines that keep everyone safe while developing proper technique. It’s a brilliant way to start experiencing real combat without waiting years to test your skills.
For those who stick with us long enough, there’s our heavy armoured gekiken division. This is where you’ll find our most comprehensive approach to combat, including throws, locks, and takedowns while wearing substantial protective gear. It’s quite different from traditional sword arts because we encourage close-quarters combat and grappling techniques.

Our Training Approach

When you join us, you won’t have to wait years before you can participate in real practice. We believe in getting stuck in right away – safely, of course. As a beginner, you’ll start with light armoured combat and choreography work straight away. This dual approach helps you develop both technical skills and practical experience from day one.

We don’t have strict physical requirements to start training. Instead, we encourage you to develop your physical capabilities alongside your technical skills. After all, your physical condition will always influence how effectively you can apply what you’ve learned.

Our weekly schedule includes dedicated sword classes, aikido weapons classes, and competition nights. This variety ensures you can focus on different aspects of the art and develop a well-rounded skill set.

The Technical Side

In Kyu Shin Ludo, you’ll learn much more than just sword techniques. We incorporate elements from several martial arts:
From kendo and kenjutsu, you’ll learn proper striking techniques and distance management. From aikido and jujitsu, you’ll discover joint locks, throws, and the art of breaking balance. And from practical combat experience, you’ll develop real-world applications of these techniques.

We use modern training equipment – aluminium-hilted training sabers with polycarbonate blades, protective armour appropriate to each division, and specific safety gear for different types of practice. This allows us to train realistically while maintaining safety.

Beyond the Physical

While we certainly focus on developing combat skills, there’s more to Kyu Shin Ludo than just technical proficiency. We draw on traditional bushido principles and zen philosophy to support personal growth and character development.
This philosophical foundation isn’t about memorising ancient concepts – it’s about applying timeless principles to modern life. We encourage students to develop mental fortitude, ethical behaviour, and respect for others while building their technical skills.

Whether you’re completely new to martial arts or have experience in other styles, we’ve structured our training to meet you where you are. The journey typically begins with fundamentals in both light armoured combat and choreography. After about 2-3 years of dedicated training, students can begin to explore the more demanding aspects of heavy armoured gekiken.
Key points to remember about Kyu Shin Ludo:

• Combines traditional techniques with modern training methods
• Offers three complementary training approaches
• Welcomes beginners with immediate hands-on experience
• Emphasises both physical and personal development
• Provides clear progression paths

Remember, every expert was once a beginner. We’re here to guide you on your journey, whether you’re interested in competition, technical mastery, or personal development. Welcome to Kyu Shin Ludo – we’re excited to train with you.

Getting Started

Equipment and Attire

Your primary training tool in Kyu Shin Ludo is the standard saber, which measures 100cm from pommel to tip. These training weapons feature an aluminium hilt with a polycarbonate blade that’s 2mm thick with a 1-inch diameter. Each saber includes a flat rubber disc tsuba (hand guard) and a rounded pommel for safety. While we encourage students to eventually acquire their own standard saber, our clubs maintain training equipment that new practitioners can use as they get started. As you progress, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore other weapon configurations drawn from traditional wooden weapons training – including saberstaff (based on bo), short saber (tanto), asymmetric paired weapons (one short, one long), and dual-wield sabers, each offering unique training challenges and opportunities.

For protection, we use a practical combination of modern safety gear: N350-rated fencing masks provide essential head protection, while hard shell reticulated motorcycle armour and leather or HEMA gauntlets protect the body and hands. During non-armoured practice and choreography work, students wear a traditional black gi, with instructors and senior students distinguished by their hakama. Competition nights take a more relaxed approach to attire – we welcome cosplay elements as long as they don’t compromise the effectiveness of protective armour. This blend of traditional and modern equipment allows us to train effectively while maintaining safety and enjoying the creative aspects of our practice.

Training Formats

Kyu Shin Ludo offers several complementary training formats, each developing different aspects of your martial arts journey. Understanding how these formats work together will help you make the most of your training time.

Dedicated Ken (Sword) Classes

These classes form the backbone of your saber training. Here, you’ll develop fundamental techniques, footwork, and striking methods. A typical sword class begins with warm-ups and basic movement drills, progressing to technique practice and partner exercises. These sessions emphasize proper form, distance management, and timing. Beginners focus on basic strikes and defensive techniques, while advanced students explore more complex combinations and tactical applications.

Aikido Weapons Classes

Our aikido weapons classes explore the principles of blending and redirection as applied to saber work. These sessions help you understand how traditional aikido concepts translate to our modern practice. You’ll learn about body positioning, energy redirection, and the relationship between armed and unarmed techniques. While these classes complement our sword work, they also develop unique skills that enhance your overall martial understanding.

Light Armoured Practice

Light armoured sparring provides an essential bridge between technical practice and full combat. It’s particularly valuable for beginners, offering a safe environment to test techniques against resistant opponents while building confidence and understanding of combat dynamics. Using protective gear but keeping techniques focused primarily on strikes and blocks, this format lets you develop timing and distance management without the complexity of throws or disarms.

Unlike heavy armoured gekiken, light armoured practice maintains a focused ruleset that includes tsubazeriai (close-quarters blade work), traps, and ring-out victories. While practitioners can engage in close combat and use techniques to control their opponent’s weapon or position, the format doesn’t include takedowns or disarms. This limitation helps newcomers develop strong fundamentals before progressing to more complex techniques.

Choreography and Kata

Our choreography and kata training serves dual purposes. First, it provides a structured environment for learning and transmitting traditional forms and techniques. Through careful, repeated practice of set patterns, you’ll develop precision in your movements and deep understanding of principles that might be harder to grasp in free practice.

Second, this training supports those interested in performance and exhibition work. We regularly hold competitions for innovative demonstrations that showcase both technical skill and creative application. These events judge participants on their fidelity to proper technique while encouraging creative expression, much like traditional martial arts exhibitions. Whether you’re interested in pure martial application or performance opportunities, these sessions provide valuable training in control, precision, and fluid movement.

Weekly Competition Nights

Competition nights bring together all aspects of training in a supportive environment. These sessions typically include both light armoured sparring and demonstration opportunities. They’re structured to be welcoming to beginners while challenging for advanced students, with different rule sets allowing participation at all skill levels.

How the Formats Work Together

Each training format reinforces the others. The precision you develop in kata enhances your sparring. The combat experience from light armoured practice improves your understanding of kata applications. The principles learned in aikido weapons classes influence both your technical work and competitive strategy.

For Beginners

Start with:

• Basic sword classes to develop fundamental techniques
• Light armoured practice to begin applying skills
• Kata training to refine movement and understand principles
• Competition nights to experience different aspects of the art

For Intermediate Practitioners

Add:

• More complex weapon techniques
• Aikido weapons classes
• Exhibition training if interested in performance aspects
• Regular participation in competitions

For Advanced Students

Include:

• Heavy armoured gekiken training
• Complex kata and applications
• Teaching opportunities
• Competition organization and judging

Remember, there’s no requirement to participate in all formats – many students focus on the aspects that best suit their interests and goals. However, we encourage trying different training methods as each offers unique benefits to your overall development.

Basic Etiquette (Reiho)

During training, we maintain many traditional martial arts courtesies while adapting them for our modern training environment. Good etiquette isn’t just about following rules – it creates a respectful training atmosphere and helps keep everyone safe.

Opening and Closing Practice

How we begin and end training depends on the type of session. During choreography and traditional practice, we follow aikido-style etiquette, kneeling in seiza for formal bowing. For sword training nights and competitions, we perform a standing bow (rei) with the saber held in our right hand across the heart – a blend of traditional respect with our modern practice.

Training Space and Bowing

You’ll notice we bow when entering or leaving the training space, and again when stepping onto or off the training mat. Some of our dedicated training spaces maintain a kamiza (symbolic head of the dojo), and in these locations, you’ll be shown the appropriate bowing procedures. For informal training nights and competitions, we maintain basic bowing etiquette without these additional formalities.

Addressing Your Instructors and Seniors

We use ‘sensei’ to address our instructors from traditional Japanese martial arts backgrounds, while some instructors may prefer ‘guild master’ or ‘instructor’. Senior students (sempai) play an important role in our training structure – they’re there to help guide newer students and their reasonable requests should be respected. If you ever have concerns, you’re always welcome to speak directly with your instructor.

Partner Practice and Competition

Mutual respect is central to our practice. Always bow to your partner before and after practicing techniques together. In competitions, we follow the saber skirmish ruleset, which includes bowing to the judges, referees, scoring table, and your opponent. These courtesies help maintain a respectful atmosphere even in the heat of competition.

Weapon Handling

Your saber might be modern, but our respect for it draws from traditional sword arts. When not actively training, keep your saber controlled and close to your body – we follow kendo guidelines for weapon control. Casual flourishes or uncontrolled displays are absolutely not permitted; they’re both disrespectful and dangerous. Remember, these etiquette guidelines aren’t just formalities – they help create a safe, respectful training environment where everyone can focus on learning and improving. If you’re ever unsure about proper etiquette, don’t hesitate to ask your sempai or instructor.

Fundamental Concepts

At the heart of Kyu Shin Ludo lie principles that have guided martial artists for centuries. While our training methods may be modern, these core concepts remain as relevant as ever. Let’s explore the key ideas that will shape your journey in our art.

Ki-ken-tai no icchi (Unity of Spirit, Weapon, and Body)

Think of this principle as the foundation of effective technique. In aikido, you might see this when a practitioner moves to neutralise an attack – their intention, physical movement, and technique flow together seamlessly. We apply this same principle to our saber work, where your mental focus, weapon control, and bodywork must function as one cohesive unit.

This isn’t just philosophical talk – you’ll feel the difference between a strike thrown with just your arms versus one where your whole body, mind, and weapon move as a single unit. It’s the difference between merely swinging a saber and executing an effective technique.

Maai (Distance and Timing)

Maai is possibly one of the most important and delicate elements in combat. It’s about understanding the combative interval between you and your opponent, both physically and mentally. In Kyu Shin Ludo, we recognize three main physical distances:

Issoku-itto no maai (uchima) – literally “one step, one cut” – is our most crucial distance. At this range, you can strike with a single step forward or avoid an attack with one step back. It’s the ideal position where you’re both protected and ready to attack.

Toi maai (toma) is our long interval. Here you’ll need more than one step to reach your opponent. While it’s a position of safety, it makes striking effectively more challenging.

Chikai maai (chikama) is the close interval. This range requires special skill to use effectively – it’s dangerous for beginners but can be advantageous for experienced practitioners.

Remember that maai isn’t just about physical distance – there’s also a mental aspect to consider. Your personal “one step, one cut” distance (uchima) might differ from others based on your height, reach, and movement style.

Kamae (Stances)

Kamae is about readiness, not just stance or posture. Each position serves as both a defensive guard and a launch point for techniques. Let’s look at our core stances:

Chudan no Kamae is our most fundamental stance and the root of all others. When standing in chudan no kamae, your back should be straight, with both feet parallel and pointing forward. Your right foot leads, and your left heel stays slightly raised – be careful not to let it turn inwards when you move. This stance serves a dual purpose, offering both a strong offensive position and an impenetrable defence.

Jodan no Kamae is an aggressive stance, both spiritually and physically. When using Jodan, you’re not just taking a high position – you’re working to suppress your opponent with both your attacks and your spirit. It’s considered a “Kokoro no Kamae” – a mindset or attitude – because its effectiveness depends more on your spiritual approach than physical positioning.

Gedan no Kamae might look defensive, but don’t be fooled. While appearing to take a lower guard, it’s actually an attack posture that lets you deflect opponents’ attacks and create striking opportunities. Many practitioners use it as a transitional stance, particularly when moving from Chudan no Kamae into a thrusting technique.

We also practice seigan, waki gamae, and ko gusumi, each offering different tactical advantages. In all stances, remember that your grip should be firm but relaxed – imagine holding an egg without crushing it. The left hand provides about 70% of your grip strength, while the right hand contributes 30%. Keep your left hand level with your navel, and your right hand should be loosely gripped one finger’s width from the tsuba.

Tenouchi (Hand Technique)

Tenouchi is critical for effective saber control. Think of it like a confident handshake – your grip should be firm but your wrist and arm must remain flexible. This balance allows you to hold your saber securely without tension, enabling fast movement and precise control.

With your left hand, grip the saber at the tsuka-gashira (end of the handle), forming a “V” shape with your thumb and forefinger on top. Your right hand maintains a looser grip one finger’s width from the tsuba (hand guard). The only time your right hand should grip tightly is at the moment of contact during a strike – keep it relaxed at all other times.

Your grip should be firm, as though holding an egg without crushing the shell. Focus the strength of your grip in your little finger and ring finger, while keeping other fingers and thumb relatively loose. This grip remains consistent throughout your various cutting and striking techniques, with the balance of power being roughly 70% in your left hand and 30% in your right.

Ukemi (Breakfalling)

In Kyu Shin Ludo, ukemi becomes essential as you progress to advanced practice, particularly in gekiken where throwing techniques are incorporated. Good ukemi skills don’t just prevent injury – they expand your tactical options by allowing you to safely recover from throws and engage from the ground.

Ukemi practice isn’t required for beginning students focusing on basic saber work or light armoured combat. However, if you plan to progress to advanced gekiken practice where throws and takedowns are allowed, you’ll need to develop these skills. Through progressive practice, you’ll learn how to fall safely and recover quickly, maintaining your combat readiness even after being thrown.

Putting It All Together

These concepts might seem abstract now, but they’ll become clearer through practice. You’ll start noticing how maintaining proper maai naturally influences your choice of kamae, how both support the principle of ki-ken-tai no icchi, and how tenouchi and ukemi enable you to execute techniques effectively and safely. Everything connects – that’s the beauty of a well-designed martial system.

In the next article, we’ll explore specific training methods for developing these principles as well as warm-ups, footwork and basic strikes.