Battojutsu is at the Essen Anime Meeting (E.A.T.)!

Anime meets martial arts

On 26.10.2024 it's time again. The Essen Anime Meeting takes place. This time with us: The Shobukan Inyo-Ryu Battojutsu group from Bochum.

Under the direction of Benedikt Schwarz (2nd Dan), the dance studio Le Serpent Rouge in Bochum normally not only trains pole dance, but also Battojutsu - the art of sword drawing. Now Benedikt & his group are paying a visit to the E.A.T. on 26.10.!

Experience the fascinating art of battojutsu - the lightning-fast drawing of the sword, uchigatana - and learn more about the martial art of the samurai.

Nowadays, when sword fights on the open street are fortunately rather rare, Battojutsu trains balance, calmness, eye and body awareness; but especially the constant, calm and considerate attention to the surroundings.

You can also find out more about other Japanese martial arts at the stand, including Gendai Kenjutsu, Nagamaki, Naginata and Sojutsu.

We are currently offering courses in Bochum, Braunfels, Siegen and Bayerisch Eisenstein.

You can find more information about our training times and other dates here.

At the E.A.T. there is everything the anime fan's heart desires. Grab a mic and sing along in karaoke, grab a controller and show off your skills in Mario Kart & Smash Bros, browse through the merchandise for sale (or sell it yourself!), watch with wondrous eyes what famous cosplays there are this year or take part in the cosplay competition yourself.

You want to know more about the E.A.T. (Essen Anime Meeting)? This link will take you to the event's link tree with links to Facebook, Instagram and - most importantly - the house and weapon rules. Even if you like swords (p.s.: we do too), please stick to the rules and don't bring any dangerous objects.

Update from Benedikt (27.10.2024):

Our booth at the E.A.T.- Essen Anime Meeting. We had a blast demonstrating, explaining, teaching and learning battô and kenjutsu from the huge crowd that was gathered there.

I was dazzled by the huge crowd and the sheer artistry of the disguises - it seemed that only a very small percentage of attendees were not in some form of disguise. It was great to see how much work, dedication and skill went into these costumes. We felt very underdressed. I was glad that there were two members of the dôjô present who could name and explain the characters, because there just wasn't time to ask all the cosplayers about their role.

I also commend the anime scene for its casual, free and natural (i.e. not forced) support of LGBTQIA+. I've seen and talked to many genderqueer people there, and I loved how they were just part of the crowd and readily accepted.

As someone who normally wears full sparring armor and a concealed fencing mask for extended periods of time, I still remember how impressed I was by those who were able to spend an entire day in a 着包み mask in kigurumi (and in some cases, high heels to boot). This dedication to a hobby is legendary, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Many thanks to Debbie Wobbe and the many other members of the team for putting on such a great event! We had a great time and will definitely be back next year.