Help start a Japanese Sword Sparring School in Toronto!

Hello! My name is Steven Alexander, and I am very excited to share my dream of bringing the rich tradition of Japanese swordsmanship to Toronto through the founding of a martial arts club focusing on the concept of Gekiken!

Gekiken (撃剣), literally "striking with swords", was a form of training and competition with swords that emerged during the Edo period in Japan. It involved full-contact duels with bamboo swords and protective armor, serving as a form of practice that helped bridge the traditional martial art of Kenjutsu with what eventually evolved into modern kendo. Gekiken allowed practitioners to engage in more realistic sparring while maintaining safety, maintaining a middle ground between the brutal but realistic practices of many edo-period Koryu (traditional schools) and the safe sportified practices of Kendo.

For all my life, I have been passionate about martial arts and the profound philosophies that underpin them. Kendo, in particular, has captured my love with its emphasis on discipline, skill, and artistry. I have been doing Kendo for 3 years and though I am new to this art, I've also adopted HEMA and Gekiken as a part of my practices. Seeing the lack of Gekiken practice in Toronto, I have a vision to establish a dedicated space where individuals of all ages and skill levels can come together to learn, practice, and immerse themselves in the practice of Japanese free fencing; the practice of Gekiken

The funds raised will be used to primarily purchase necessary equipment to begin practice with interested members. This school will not only focus on physical training but also emphasize the cultural and historical significance of the art, creating a learning environment that is martially rigorous that is immersed in the cultural traditions found in Kendo and Koryu.

In supporting this campaign, you directly help the preservation and promotion of a martial practice that bridges the multicultural communities of Toronto , promoting community building that is found in Martial Arts. Whether you are a martial arts enthusiast, someone seeking a new and exciting hobby, or simply a supporter of cultural education, your contribution will make a significant impact for this burgeoning new club.

Thank you for considering supporting this endeavor. I hope for your consideration in this endeavor, for the proliferation of martial arts in Toronto!

With gratitude,

Steven Alexander