撃剣Gekiken is a generic Japanese term refering to free-fencing. By donning on protective armour, and/or wielding safe sword-replicas such as the fukuro-shinai, the Japanese swordsmen (Kenjutsu-ka) or Samurai are able to fence freely with one another, utilizing his style's unique techniques.
In the 1870s, Sakakibara Kenkichi, headmaster of the Jikishinkage-Ryu, created the Gekiken-kai as a collaborated effort which brings swordsmen of various different styles together to fence with each other. It was a time where stylistic diversity was embraced, and public interest in swordsmanship was spurred through competitions and demonstrations.
As time goes by, standardization was introduced and it resulted in the birth of modern Kendo, as we know it today, after the end of WWII.
The goal of Gekiken.org is to showcase and preserve the few existing information and practice of Gekiken. We hope that one day, a free-fencing environment that embraces stylistic diversity will once again be shown to the world.
News 5 - 6 Jan 2012
Gekiken Demonstration @ Temasek Polytechnic Open House 2012!
12 Feb 2011
Gekiken Demonstration @ Chingay Parade 2011!
18 Dec 2010
Jikishinkage-Ryu, Shinai Keiko
9 Jun 2010
Gekiken Tournament 2010 Video
6 Jun 2010
A new article has been added: Historical Gekiken Pictures
This article will be updated whenever possible with new pictures, along with their background and information.
16 Apr 2010
We completed a corporate team-building Gekiken workshop for 8RewardsRoad.com!
Please view the photos here!
9 Jan 2010
Happy New Year 2010! Gambarimashou~!
A new article has been added: Historical Gekiken
Please enjoy reading and learning about how Gekiken was like in historical times
22 Jun 2009
Gekiken videos from SwordFest 2009, with participants from Mugai Ryu, Nakamura Ryu, Ishi Yama Ryu and Kendo.
31st Jan 2009
Our humble training group was invited to demonstrate at the prestigous national event of the year, Chingay 2009.
Read the full report and pictures!
20 Jul 2008
Today, 20 July 2008, was a most splendid day. Thanks to everyone's help, we had a successful and very much enjoyable demonstration at Hwi Yoh CC's open house, and a workshop at Toa Payoh East CC.
Special thanks to:
- Greg, for your most generous contribution by bringing your entire RSW collection down
- Simon, for your ever helpfulness and enthusiasm. And also running the distance of 4 bus-stops in the morning with all the wooden swords on your back. =D
- Jeremy, without you, I don't know how to go home with so many weapons with me.
- Shunjing, for helping out early in the morning. More CIP hours ahead waiting for you to claim. ;-)
- Haoyu, for coming down to help even when it's the stressful exam periods Hontou ni arigatou gozaimashita~! Videos (Hwi Yoh CC Open House):
