Samurai: An Introduction to Japanese Swordspersonship

Rob Dillon and members of Flowering Dogwood Martial Arts Way invite you to join them in an introductory exploration of Japanese swordspersonship. In this program you'll learn about Japan's traditions of swordspersonship including an introduction to Japan’s oldest surviving martial art, the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. A ryu is a "school" and this one was founded in the 15th Century!

You're invited to learn some of the historical and cultural background of this art form and see this authentic and bona-fide, "old-school" art of Japanese swordspersonship in action. You'll see how a martial practice may become an art of peace, of self-expression, social engagement, and a "way to go" towards whole-person fitness.

Robert W. Dillon, Jr., Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus and Founding Faculty, Department of Theatre and Dance, Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, Southeast Missouri State University. In 2021 Rob moved to University Park, Illinois, to be closer to his adult children. There he founded Flowering Dogwood Martial Arts Way to continue his 50-year journey of martial arts study, scholarship, practice, and sharing-in-teaching.

Participants must be at least 13 years or older to attend. Registration is required!