HAWLEY, PA —A level-one program designed to teach students the fundamentals of Japanese swordmanship will be held at the Elite Martial Arts Institute at the IGA Plaza on Route 6. It will begin with proper handling of the sword, starting with etiquette and continuing on with the techniques and strategies of the 12 Kata of the Omori Ryu. The Omori Ryu is the Shoden or first level of practice of Muso Shinden Ryu. Classes start on Monday, January 16 and will continue on Monday nights from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Each basic technique is broken down into many reference points for ease of learning. For instance the nukitsuke, or the draw of the sword, is broken down into 22 individual points. At the end of the 12-month program, each student will have the proficiency necessary to test and become certified for Brown Belt level in the Tatsu Ken Jutsu Kyokai. Call 570/470-8980.