Pair build area's traditional Japanese weapons training culture

Kevin Bull and Eric Paule were each practising their own style of martial arts when they met about two years ago and quickly formed a collaborative relationship.

“I was kind of shocked that someone else practised that style around here,” says Bull, who, like Paule, teaches traditional martial arts and weapons training. “We noticed there’s a hole in the market for weapons training” with bow staff and traditional Japanese weapons.

Paule teaches sword training, specializing in the handling of the Japanese sword having undergone both modern and classical training.

Bull focuses Okinawan martial arts, both empty-handed through karate as well as the weapon systems of Okinawan, using bo – a staff weapon, the sai pointed melee weapon and tonfa melee weapon. He likes to put heavy emphasis on self-defense and practically over sport or tournament-style martial arts.

Bull had been training on the beach near Craigleith as well as at Collingwood’s Friendship Gardens and as fall approached last year he found some unique indoor space at the Craigleith Community Centre, a former school house which the two enjoy for its ambiance and history. There they created Seizan Budokan dojo which they run twice each week, teaching traditional martial arts and weapons training.

The facility’s wood floor lends itself nicely to old-school martial arts which is traditionally practised on a flat floor, says Paule.

“I originally trained and taught Kempo- Kungfu in my younger years that I incorporate into my teaching offering striking, kicking, blocking and grappling techniques as part of my classes and a broad perspective from different martial arts I have practised over the years,” Bull explains.

Through their practice Bull and Paule would like to build the area’s martial arts community, particularly in weapons’ training and connect with others with similar interests. So they’re pretty excited to host a 12th-generation master next month. Kajiya Takanori uses the classical Japanese swordsmanship style called niten ichi ryu.

“It’s my chance to host him and train with him personally,” says Paule who describes him both as knowledgeable and approachable – two traits which are unexpected to be found together in a master. “Each practitioner is different…. Sensei recognizes that and he takes the time to point that out.”

They hope to attract others who have interest and experience in the sword training style through the soke’s seminars during the two days of his visit and aim for a high level of training. Their goal is to offer something similar in the future and have it grow into something bigger.

Through their combined efforts, the two aim to add to the variety of physical activities and health options to the area’s already active community.

They say this style of sword training can also be practised by older participants as it's lower impact and based on techniques, timing, and philosophy over strength.

Meanwhile the two have been developing their techniques and style. They have started doing weapon sparring wearing armour, emulating traditional martial arts sparring in a historical context. Eventually, they say, they’d like to compete in Japan. People from around the world gather in Okinawa to practise the art.

They also see a potential to get students involved as well once they become comfortable with weapons training.

For more information, reach out to  [email protected].