BuSheDo
This is a brand new class we're offering for the ladies! Introducing Bu-She-Do
Bu-She-Do takes the basics of handling a Japanese wooden sword (bokuto) and adds in fast-paced group exercise. Throw in some awesome music, and you have a recipe for a heart-pounding exercise session!
Bushido is the Japanese term for the code of the samurai. We drew inspiration for naming our class by taking this term and throwing in “She,” to get the spirit of what the class is all about. Come try Bu-She-Do and you’ll get to build fitness and confidence with other women in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere!
Women's Class
Times
Select Saturdays from 8:30-10:00, see below.
Online Schedule
Class dates will be posted for the next two months prior to the last listed class.
This unique blend of fitness and samurai swords is a lot of fun! Using a wooden sword you'll learn the basics of sword handling, "cutting" and combine it with low-impact body movement and footwork. This is a great workout for core strength, arms, and abdomen. We're providing a relaxed atmosphere for those who may be hesitant but are interested in swinging a sword in a fitness-focused outlet with the focus of getting our hearts pumping!
BuSheDo class is for women and girls (13 and up) only.
Tuition
Tuition
Gear package - 8 classes and gear: $160
Bring-a-friend gear special: $135 each
Single class: $15
This class will have a-la-carte pricing available with multiple pricing options.
Equipment
Wooden Sword: We offer a gear package that includes your sword and hilt, a sword bag, and tenugui (sweat towel). You are also welcome to purchase these on your own (and may borrow one of the dojo's bokuto in the meantime), but please speak to the instructor before ordering to ensure it will be appropriate for class. No metal swords.
Optional: a yoga mat. This makes the stretching portion of class extra enjoyable.
Knee pads: We spend a brief portion of each class on "floor work," where we exercise the core by rising to our feet from various kneeling positions. Knee pads are necessary for some of these exercises and will help protect your knees on all of them. An inexpensive pair work just fine, you will want a soft pair that won't slip and aren't rubbery on the outside (volleyball knee pads work fine).
Methodology
Every class we begin with a warm-up to get loose, then move into basics of how to swing a sword and walk like swordswomen. Once everyone’s warmed up and refreshed on the technique, we hit the floor for the main exercise of the day! Each unique exercise is set to a different track to keep things fun and exciting! Enjoy cutting down imaginary enemies while rocking out to varied music. You’ll practice many types of cuts, from taking down enemies straight on, to curving cuts that engage your core, to stabbing lunges that work the lower
body like nothing else.
After a vigorous set of these exercises, we split off into paired work and practice learning to feel distance and pressure while developing timing with a partner.
After the paired work, we wind down with a set of long-held stretches. In the style of yin-yoga, these are intended to target connective tissues and help promote mobility and flexibility.
While each class is a unique experience, you can expect to spend about 25 minutes in warm-ups and basics review, 30 minutes in active Bu-She-Do exercises, 10-15 minutes in paired work, and 30 minutes in stretches. Of course, we often sit down to chat and have some tea after.
