Boulder Japanese Sword Arts
Classic Samurai Swordsmanship Arts in Boulder, Colorado at One Dojo
The traditional Japanese swordsmanship martial arts led by the Iaido Tanshinjuku and Nami Ryu communities at One Dojo offer practitioners a unique blend of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Rooted in centuries-old samurai traditions, these disciplines—each with distinct historical and technical characteristics—cultivate skills that extend far beyond combat, fostering personal growth, discipline, and a deeper understanding of self. ​
Iaido Japanese Swordsmanship
Iaido Tanshinjuku
Founded on principles and movements of Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido and Toyama Ryu, Iaido Tanshinjuku this traditional Japanese sword-drawing art to Boulder, Colorado, which benefits the mind, body and spirit.
Practitioners develop intense focus by visualizing an opponent while executing precise techniques, fostering a meditative state that calms the mind and sharpens concentration. This solo practice enhances mental clarity and helps manage stress, making it easier to navigate daily challenges with composure.
The art physically fortifies the body through precise movements performed from seated and standing positions, building leg strength, balance, and dexterity. The repetition of kata, or prearranged forms, boosts cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscle memory, contributing to overall fitness.
Iaido Tanshinjuku is deeply rooted spiritually in the bushido code, promoting virtues such as honor, respect, and self-discipline. Iaido follows a structured progression through levels like Shoden, Chuden, etc., encouraging a balanced character with both mindfulness and sensitive qualities. The introspective nature of solo practice aligns with Iaido’s goal of developing a resolute will.
Practically, the rapid sword-drawing techniques sharpen reflexes and awareness, useful for self-defense, while preserving Japan’s samurai heritage through historical techniques and philosophy.
The Iaido Tanshinjuku community at One Dojo fosters connection, encourages lifelong learning and builds camaraderie.
Japanese Sword & Jiujitsu
Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho
Rooted in traditional samurai sword-based and empty-hand martial arts—including Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, & Tantojutsu, as well as Aiki-Jujutsu, the basis for modern Jiujitsu and Aikido—the art of Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho offers significant mental and physical benefits.
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The art emphasizes a mindset of “no anticipation, expectation, assumption, or judgment,” training practitioners to remain present and adaptable in high-pressure situations. This principle-driven approach hones mental clarity and quick decision-making, proving valuable in demanding fields like law enforcement or personal defense.
Nami Ryu builds full-body coordination and core strength through fluid movements with the katana, tanto, and unarmed aiki-jujutsu techniques. Practicing cuts, blocks, and evasions, along with repetitive kata and partner drills, improves agility, strength, cardiovascular endurance, and muscle memory, supporting overall physical health.
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Nami Ryu draws from bushido ethics and its Yanagi Ryu and Kuroda samurai family traditions, focusing on principles over rigid techniques to foster a holistic understanding of conflict and resolution. This practice nurtures humility, respect, and integrity, encouraging personal growth.
Nami Ryu’s integration of kenjutsu, iaijutsu, and aiki-jujutsu not only preserving samurai heritage through historical techniques, but also provides versatile self-defense skills for both armed and unarmed scenarios, ideal for modern security professionals, with awareness training that can be applied to contemporary threats to personal safety.
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Nami Ryu at One Dojo is part of a tight-knit community of dedicated students across the United States. Led by Stuart Carpey Sensei, 3rd dan, he promotes continuous learning and camaraderie, and a deepening commitment to the art’s path of self-discovery and personal growth.​