Sword seminar offered

Northwest Martial Arts hosts a Kenjutsu seminar featuring Sensei Ron Taniguchi from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 11.

Kenjutsu translated means "the sword art." Taniguchi is a fourth-generation Kenjutsu instructor. His family came from Japan to the Bay Area in the 1930s. His great-grandfather, grandfather, father and uncle were all members of the San Jose Kendo Club at San Jose State.

Taniguchi was the grand champion of the 2005 Last Legend Sword Tournament. He is now preparing for a trip to Japan to perform a demonstration for the present grand master of Muso Jikiden Eishin-RyuIaijutsu, Miura Takeyuki Hanshi.

During the seminar, Taniguchi will cover basic and intermediate kenjutsu techniques as well as kotachi waza (short sword technique).

The cost for this seminar is $20. No previous martial arts experience is necessary to attend. Northwest Martial Arts is at 1321 Highway 395, Gardnerville. For more information, contact Brandi Gibson at 782-8858.