Nami Ryu means “wave style” and refers to the fact that energy travels in waves. The wave effect is one of the underlying principles of our art.

As seen in the art’s name, Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho practitioners study the laws of physics and natural movement, which in turn create a tactical advantage over an attacker. Our goal is to teach practical self-defense and awareness skills that can be used in everyday life.

Nami Ryu as a martial arts system is comprised of unarmed techniques (Aiki-jujutsu) taken directly from the study of Japanese sword arts (kenjutsu and iaijutsu) and knife arts (tantojutsu) of the Yoshida family and Kuroda family arts.

Of course, we do not expect to wield a sword in self-defense against an attacker. However, the principles of fluid movement and pinpoint precision gained from studying the sword and knife are invaluable tools for learning jujutsu, which has its origins in the sword.

Learning Japanese swordsmanship teaches many more things, which you will begin to experience once you begin your training. Contact us to observe or try a class.