The History of Ithildin Megil Kuru

The Ithildin Megil Kuru school of swordsmanship is a small martial arts school located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was founded in 2001 by Master Kevin Tomas and Master Trevor Womack. The two masters named the style and school this because it no longer is completely Japanese or European. The name is simply a middle ground for the two styles. It is formed by a fusion of techniques from a Japanese sword style known as Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Kenjutsu and ancient European styles commonly used by the warriors, knights, and duelers of Norway, the Celts, England, and some of Spain. The swords that are taught using this style are the Japanese Sword (A curved, single-edged blade also called the Katana or Nihonto), the Long Sword (A straight, double-edged sword mostly used by the knights of Europe, as well as Islamic warriors), and the Shearing Sword (a single edged straight sword called a Chokuto used in Japan. Other countries had similar swords but called them different names.). Studying multiple styles allows one to use rounded, momentum-using strikes and blocks of a straight-sword while still being able to use direct movements of a curved-sword. Years of training and study have brought the two styles together to form one universal style. Our name for it is Ithildin Megil Kuru which translates to Star-Moon sword style.

Though it is a unique new style, a lot of work and training goes into both the system and the classes. The purpose of the classes is plain and simple: To provide a martial art for those who can’t afford commercial programs without sacrificing the teachings of morality and control that naturally come along with the lessons. The class follows a five-phrase creed that stands for all of Ithildin Megil Kuru’s meaning. The classes are regulated to be very friendly and flexible but also remain rigid and retain a hard working atmosphere. Since the style is not completely Japanese or European, the system does not elevate individuals by belts (Though belts are not used in Iai-jutsu, Kendo, Kenjutsu, or European swordsmanship). Instead, simple rankings of one through ten for beginners, one through five for specialists, and levels one through three for master levels, and A master being the highest level possible are used. Consult the Rankings page for more detailed information on the Rank System. We are currently not recognized by any other martial art association as we are a stand alone society and are involved in teaching more than one nationality's martial art. Because we are our own society however, we recognize ourselves to be teachers and practitioners nonetheless and work in a closed circuit system. Despite this, we would be happy to invite any other organization who would recognize us or join our circuit.


Please do not expect our school to follow regulations that do not apply to us. Since we are not recognized with an organization, we do not charge for lessons. The only restrictions that we follow are those of the Virginia State Law and those given to us by students before hand. If you have any questions at all, please contact Master Trevor Womack or Master Kevin Tomas. Their email addresses are posted on the main page.