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Last year, our entire family started taking a Samurai Jujutsu class. It appealed to me because Jujutsu means “gentle art” and the focus is on learning the ability to defend against an attacker.
One aspect that has been fun (though difficult, at times) to learn is sword work, or Kenjutsu. We use wooden swords (bokken) that are the same size and shape as the Samurai sword (katana) to learn how to defend against an attacker with a weapon (this would often be a bat, broomstick or golf club in real life).
While Jujutsu has been great for my flexibility (we learn to roll and be thrown) and coordination, it isn’t a workout, and I don’t consider it my fitness for the day. In fact, it is more of a stress-relief and relaxation time since even though we are very active in class, it is quiet and focused (that doesn’t happen often at home with the kids).
Forza Samurai Sword Workout
I was excited when my husband got me a workout DVD that combines the techniques of Jujutsu sword work with more intense activity and repetition for a full workout. The workout is called Forza- The Samurai Sword Workout and it is a lot of fun!
I really enjoy workout activities like deadlifts and kettlebell swings, which tone the whole body but which seem to provide more noticeable results for the lower half of my body. The Forza Workout provides noticeable results for my upper body (I was very sore after trying it).
What I Liked
I liked the intensity of the workout, and that it could be done in less than half an hour, at home, and is it was a fun way to mix up my other workout routines. It was also fun to use the sword and have a new way to workout.
What I Didn’t Like
The DVD itself was poorly filmed. It was easy to watch and complete the workout, but the quality was less than I’d expect for a professionally filmed DVD.
Also, from a Jujutsu perspective, the sword work isn’t perfect. I wasn’t doing it for the sword skills but mainly for the exercise, so I wasn’t worried about this but some purists would be offended my some of the techniques. The other thing that I actually liked but some people may not like is that it is suggested to purchase a sword for this workout. I got this one, but a broomstick or baseball bat or even a stick would work.
What is the most unusual workout you’ve ever tried? Share below!
I have never heard of this but now it has me curious. Are you still doing it?
There’s a lot of workout videos like this in youtube with nice video quality. 😉
I’d just take this video for the workout that it is only and wouldn’t trust it as martial arts training.
It’s not meant to be martial arts training, just a really good workout!
Do you mean jiu jitsu?
No, “jiu jitsu” is the modern Brazilian spelling. The original Japanese is “jujutsu,” which is the style that we take. 🙂