Okay, now we have something to look at… thanks for that!
Firstly, I'm going to bring back something I said earlier, as this might be potentially what we're talking about…
As far as "Hapkido sword"… honestly, the less said the better. There was no sword that Choi brought back from Japan, all that's taught as "Hapkido sword" is made up, and desperately flawed. To think that that could teach anything even related to actual sword usage is to have no idea of how these weapons operate.
To give an idea of what I was talking about, here is a clip of "Hapkido sword"…
Honestly, I'm at a loss where to start with this… nothing there is even close to proper usage of the weapon, the cutting mechanics are ludicrous, the postures are cramped and awkward, and there is no grasp of how a sword operates at all… by contrasting this with the clips I posted on the first page, the difference should be more than apparent…
So, if this is anything like what you learn as "kenjutsu", simply be aware that it really isn't. At all.
But now to the fun stuff.
If you're genuinely after kenjutsu, bear in mind that, as Hyoho said, that term pretty much only refers to the old-school methods, what are known as Koryu (literally "old flow", or old styles). These arts are very difficult to find (for example, to gain instruction in one of my chosen ryu-ha, I travel 2700 km to the other side of the country a few times a year), in cases your only option is a lot of travel, or possibly to move… even to a different country. But you're in a bit of luck.
One of the most famous classical Kenjutsu systems, the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, was associated with the Tokugawa Shoguns, being instructors to the Shogun (Supreme Military Ruler of Japan) and his family. This is a very elegant, technical, precise school of swordsmanship (a reflection of Yagyu Munenori's personality, as much as anything else), with a fantastic reputation. It is currently taught in a couple of lines, most dominantly the Yagyukai (Edo line), and the Owari line.
One of the most well known, and highly respected senior members of the Koryu community is Meik Skoss. Mr Skoss spent a number of years in Japan, studying a number of classical systems along with his now wife, Dianne, and they have since been instrumental in making Koryu far more accessible in the West than ever before, running
www.koryu.com, and publishing a small number of books. They teach at the Shutokukan Dojo in East Hanover, New Jersey, teaching Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, as well as two other Koryu systems (it's not advised to study more than one at a time, though… at least, until there is some base understanding).
Now, I'm going to be very clear here… typically, by providing you with their details, it would be seen that I am vouching for you. I am not doing that. I am simply providing you with the information for you to provide yourself an incredible opportunity that many (including myself) would be highly envious of. So I am not speaking for you, or for the Skoss', but I will provide you the (public) information for their dojo, as well as some sage advice should you wish to pursue this line.
First off, they can be contacted through their website (
Classical Japanese martial arts at the Shutokukan Dojo), which includes an application form for their school. But, before you do that, I advise you to read the following article a few times… it was written by Dave Lowry, a colleague of the Skoss', who provides quite an insightful glimpse into what would be expected. Try not to be overwhelmed or put off by it… but do take it's message to heart. The article is named "So You Want To Join The Ryu", and has become almost the standard boilerplate for people looking to study these arts:
So you want to join the ryu by Dave Lowry
Finally, I'm going to give you another clip to watch… covering some aspects of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Hyoho.
If you have any further questions regarding this Ryu, bearing in mind that I have no first-hand experience with Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, but a relative amount of etic understanding, I (and others) can attempt to answer them. Other than that, I wish you well, especially if you choose to go to the Shutokukan… which would be incredibly recommended!
