David House

Doushu (founder) of Yanagi Ken Ryu IKenjutsu/Iaijutsu has been a studen of martial and combat arts since 1964, he is a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in many different units both during the '60's and 70's and has spent many years studying martial/strategic/tactical philosophy. His background in MJER sword style and Shotokan Karate do as leadhim to a distinct style of swordsmanship called Willow Blade Style swordsmanship with its founding principals coming from the philosphies of Morihei Ueshiba...the founder of Aikido, Takuan Soho, Buddist Monk and famed teacher, Miamoto Mushashi the legendary swordsman, Yagyu Munenori and most of all by the principals and ideals of Minamoto Yoritomo one of the most influcencial philosophers of the Bushido code. He is also a student of WMA... (western martial arts) and is a scholoar of Rapier, Long and Broad Sword style and is currently forming an ARMA Study group as well as a JSA (Japanese Sword Arts) group as well.

"My philosophy is that to be a truly accomplished swordsman, one must voraciously study all aspects of the craft and never be limited to one style of thinkingt or one approach to these arts." I further believe that the greates competition we will ever face is located within our own minds, and that conquering that most insidious opponenet is the true goal of the student. Core to my thinking is the great truth taught in MJER that one must never..."fight to win"...but always fight.."not to lose" and therefore shiled oneself from the folly of over-extention and foolish overconfidence. The need to develop the mind ad well as physical skills is also very esential to becoming a tryly well rounded person. There are nor real "attacks" in Willow Style, each movement is a reaction to the attack of another swordsman and includes the Aikido phylosohpy of letting the aggressor defeat himself with his aggression. Many traditional kata are used as well as the unique Willow Style Iaijutsu draws that include techniques to dispatch an attacker with side and rear draws. The Way of the Swordsman is one of self discipline, study and dedication to becoming the best person we each can be and includes strict adherence to the principles of self control and right thinking. I still adhere to the 21 precepts of MJER and teach those as guidelines to living correctly." "Mushashi's wisdom is reflected in adherance to his belief that "the way is in traning" or as I like to think...it is truly the journey and not the destination that is most improtant."



Students are not required to by expensive uniforms or pay high fees for testing and the like here, but are encouraged to carefully decide what equipment they need and get it on their own. Loose fitting comfortable clothing tha can be moved in easily is required though. I am not Japanese, nor do I dress like a traditional Sensei, posing in Hakima and the like. A good loose Gi is designed for these arts and is always acceptable, but I don't ask my students to run out and purchase any specialized equipment. Later if they choose I will help each one find any specific pieces of equipment they might want, but I have designed traning swords and aids wthat will allow them to experience these arts before deciding to spend a fortune buying fancy gear they might later decide they do not need. Rank is decided by accomplishment and not based on time requirements, age and the like but by observed dedication and by accomplishing the understanding of Kihon...[the basics] and awareness gained from constant practice.

just a little bit more about David.

He did study a bit about my style , the WarriorRage Kickboxing which the name was changed to Bolinger Kick-Boxing.

David also is designing some of his own traning gear (armor) as well as sword making. He also does servival traning and he has been in paint ball competition for many years.

And in the past he has doen a live in training program were a family would stay at his place and train.

He is based out Crawford Nebraska, about 8 miles south of town. and his phone number is:

308-665-7637