YUKI NO SENSHI DŌJŌ

A Major Announcement at Dojo Yuki no Senshi!

Our Dōjo has always been a cultural center dedicated to the study and transmission of Traditional Japanese Martial Arts: Bujutsu, Hyōhō, Ninpō, and Nihontō Dō.

Yuki no Senshi represents Japanese culture in Italy with deep respect, embodying not cultural appropriation, but rather service, devotion, and love for a country that our Sensei considers his true home. A love that, through his passion and dedication, has been passed on to all of us.

The founder, Sensei Giuseppe Scolaro (Byakko San), has devoted his life to martial arts and Japanese culture. Years of relentless practice, study, and spiritual and cultural journeys have allowed him to forge a path that unites technique, discipline, culture, and consciousness. Our Dōjo was born from this vision and dedication.

Now, with great honor, we announce the introduction of an exciting new path: Kengidō, under the guidance of Master Tetsuro Shimaguchi and his prestigious international school KAMUI.

What is Kengidō?

Founded in 2012, Kengidō (剣侎道) is an original method that blends Ken (martial sword) and Gi (performing art), following the principle of Dō (the Way).

It bridges traditional Kenjutsu with stage beauty, emphasizing kata (forms), ma-ai (distance/timing), and rei (respect).

Kengidō is not only a martial practice but also a form of cultural expression that refines one’s technique, spirit, body, and communicative abilities.

What This Unique Path Offers

• Safe and thorough training suitable for all: children, adults, and foreigners, even with no prior martial arts experience.

• Direct teaching from Master Shimaguchi and his senior students, with regular classes in Tokyo and branches in Saitama, Fukushima, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the UK.

• Access to performances, video productions, and cultural exchange programs.

Join a path that honors Samurai tradition (Kenjutsu, Nanaōgi-ryū Dance, Shinkage-ryū, Karate) while embracing expressive beauty.

Innovation is part of Kengidō's DNA. Although it faced skepticism at first, Master Shimaguchi's energy and commitment earned it widespread recognition and respect.

A New Cultural Chapter in Our Dōjo

Thanks to Sensei Scolaro’s ongoing research and his bonds with great Japanese masters, Yuki no Senshi continues to evolve.

The introduction of Kengidō marks another important step forward in our growth.

Once again, our Dōjo stands as a bridge between Sicily and Japan, between tradition and innovation, proudly embracing a refined new Japanese cultural discipline: Kengidō – a path we begin from the first step, with humility and respect.

Tetsuro Shimaguchi

Born in 1970 in Saitama Prefecture, Master Shimaguchi graduated from Nihon University College of Arts, Department of Cinema. This background in visual and theatrical arts laid the foundation for his unique blend of martial technique and performance.

He gained experience in kabuki and theater, and founded the sword performance group Kengishu KAMUI, of which he is the leader.

Internationally, he is known for playing "Miki" among the Crazy 88 and for choreographing fight scenes in Kill Bill Vol. 1.

Nanaōgi-ryū Dance & Shinkage-ryū

Shinkage-ryū (柳生新陰流): A historic school of Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, founded around 1568 by Kamiizumi Nobutsuna and refined by Yagyū Munetoshi.

Its name means "Yagyū's New Shadow School" and it is known for its advanced strategy, use of long, short, and dual swords, and Zen influence that emphasizes presence of mind, adaptability, and simplicity of movement.

Meaning of Kengishu KAMUI

Kengishu (剣侎衆): A combination of 剣 (Ken, sword), 侎 (Gi, performing skill), and 衆 (Shu, group), meaning "group of sword artists."

KAMUI (かむゐ / カムイ): A term from the Ainu language used in Japan to refer to deities or spiritual entities. It evokes strength, sacredness, and the energy of nature and spirit.

Together, Kengishu KAMUI means "the collective of divine-inspired sword artists" — a powerful name reflecting their mission to embody the spirit of the sword as both martial and sacred performance art.

Kenbuyōdō 剣舞踏道

This path harmonizes perfectly with Kenbuyōdō, a project envisioned by Sensei Scolaro as our Dōjo became officially involved in Japanese Culture and Comics events.

Kenbuyōdō is born from the union of traditional Bujutsu and the elegance of Japanese performance arts.

It is an art form that blends technique, spirit, and beauty – where every strike is a gesture of precision, tradition, and grace.

In Kenbuyōdō, the sword is not merely a weapon of attack or defense. It becomes a voice and a brush, used to paint in the air ancient stories of war and harmony.

The practice stands on three pillars:

• Kata (形) – Form and structure, rooted in Kenjutsu and Iaido.

• Mai (舞) – Danced movement, inspired by classical arts like Nihon Buyō and Noh.

• Shin (心) – Heart/Spirit, uniting intention and motion.

Kenbuyōdō draws inspiration from:

• Ancient forms of Batōjutsu and Edo-period Koryū,

• The symbolic theatricality of Kabuki and Gigei (warrior performance arts),

• The inner rhythm of Zanshin, the constant awareness of the martial artist.

It transforms combat into expressive language, and aesthetics into living discipline.

Kenbuyōdō is not mere performance, but an inner path and a living body of tradition. The student learns to move with grace, determination, and full awareness, as if reciting an ancient poem with a blade.

Every session is a ritual. Every movement, a reenactment.

Kenbuyōdō – 剣舞踏道

• 剣 (Ken) – The sword: not just a weapon, but the extension of the warrior's soul.

• 舞踏 (Buyō) – Dance: a noble term used in classical Japanese dance, implying discipline, grace, and control. Not frivolous, but ritualized martial movement.

• 道 (Dō) – The Way: as in Kendō, Iaidō, Aikidō... a lifelong path of refinement.

While the core of Kenbuyōdō is the katana, the discipline includes other traditional Japanese weapons, honoring their ritual, martial, and scenic roles. Practitioners learn to dialogue with any weapon, turning technique into poetry in motion.