The Heart Reflection curriculum includes many weapons and disciplines in addition to kenjutsu. Each discipline should not be considered or learned as separate entities, as they all build off of and inform the others.

Kenjutsu (剣術) translates to ‘sword art’ or ‘sword technique’. It is the main focus of the Edmonton Kenjutsu curriculum and is primarily practiced with bokken (wooden sword), and fukuro shinai (a type of bamboo sword designed to allow contact with one’s partner). This also includes techniques with the short sword (wakizashi) as well as long and short sword together.

Iaijutsu (居合術) – may be considered a subset of kenjutsu as this also uses the sword. It refers to techniques for drawing the sword from the saya (scabbard) and cutting in one fluid motion. Emphasis is first placed on how to perform the movement safely, eventually moving to precision and speed. Practice is done solo with dulled blades known as iaito.

Naginatajutsu (長刀術 ) – techniques for a long pole with a blade on one end and a short blade or metal cap on the other. Naginata techniques are paired with an opponent using either a sword, or another naginata.

Sojutsu (槍術) – techniques using the yari (spear). Edmonton Kenjutsu uses a short spear with a blade on both ends with fluid movement meant to keep multiple opponents at distance. Techniques are practiced against a sword or another spear.

Bojutsu (棒術) and Jojutsu (杖術) – techniques for wooden staffs of various lengths, materials, and construction.