Byakkokan Dojo

I joined Byakkokan Dojo about a year and a half ago. Prior to joining, I had been on a 9 year hiatus since I originally tried the art of Japanese swordsmanship and I knew that I wanted to pick it up again… Largely, because I enjoyed it… But just as important, I needed to begin my healing process both physically and mentally. After visiting some other sword schools, I decided to check out Byakkokan after conducting some internet research (Plus, the hours seemed manageable given my hectic work schedule). The first class I observed was a tameshigiri class. I knew right away that this type of Japanese swordsmanship offered the right path for me. Bear in mind that this ryu is a military style of sword study. So that means that the you are taught how to perfect the most effective cut utilizing kata, sparring and tameshigiri to reinforce that. The spiritual element may arise from studying our style, but is not the focal point like many other sword disciplines.
The teaching at this dojo is stellar. Sang Kim sensei is truly one of the foremost experts in this field. He is extremely observant and is quick to help you improve. He has a very engaging style of teaching and it’s obvious that he takes a personal interest in overseeing student development. The assistant instructors and senior students are excellent as well. They are patient and also go out of their way to help you in or out of class. The class size (ranges between 5 to 10 students) is the perfect size to receive personal attention, as well as pairing up to practice specific drills.
If you want to practice Japanese swordsmanship, come visit Byakkokan Dojo. You will not regret it!

I got recommended to Byakkokan by a friend who is a student here, I have only attended two lessons so far but the sensei has won me over.
Sang-​sensei is extremely nice and helpful, and makes everyone feel welcome in class. If you’re interested in Japanese sword arts then I would say definitely give Byakkokan a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
See you there!

I first came to Byakkokan about two years ago because I heard there was a Japanese sword school that was located close to the aikido dojo I go to (New York Aikikai) and that had classes that fit with my schedule. I tried it out because it was convenient, but I stuck around because the teacher is incredible.
It is a small school (I think the record for number of regular members was recently set at around 15) and it rents space from a karate dojo (Karate-​Do Ken Wa Kan), but the instruction is top notch. I have had a large number of martial arts teachers over the years, and I say without hesitation that Sang sensei is one of the best. He is not only a very talented swordsman, but he is a thoughtful, careful teacher who knows how to challenge his students without overwhelming them with information.
The varied practice of forms, cutting, and sparring is a well-​rounded approach to effective, combat-​oriented training. Toyama Ryu is not, as far as I can tell, a very philosophical or meditative style – it was developed for military use, after all – but that doesn’t mean you won’t learn anything you can use in your day-​to-​day life.
Two years in, I’m getting exactly what I want out of martial arts training: I’ve learned a tremendous amount, but I also feel like I’m just getting started.