Kenjutsu



Kenjutsu is the Japanese martial art specializing in the use of the Japanese sword (katana). Generally, kenjutsu takes the form of partnered practice exercised through //kata// (pre-arranged forms, as opposed to competition, solo, or freestyle practice). Kenjutsu is the core means by which //koryū// train their students to employ the Japanese swords against a variety of classical weapons, while indoctrinating the student in the combative mindset of the school. Therefore, kenjutsu can be seen as an integral aspect of all classical Japanese sword school curricula. Today most //koryū// schools continue to employ kenjutsu as part of their curriculum. Some are even thriving on a relatively small scale. Schools (or //ryū//) such as Yagyū Shinkage-ryū, Kashima Shinto-ryū, Kashima Shin-ryū, Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū, Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryū are some of the more famous still existing. Some of these schools trace their lineage to the early years of the Tokugawa shogunate. Many other schools can legitimately trace their history from the founder dating back to the 14th century, such as Maniwa Nen-ryū (founded: 1368) or Tatsumi-ryū (founded: Eisho period 1504-1520) or Kashima Shin-ryū (founded: ca. 1450).

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 * Mind Body and Kickass Movies clip

Katori Shinto Ryu techniques** media type="youtube" key="XYjFpb1G4D4" media type="youtube" key="tN6FYoGCvBo"
 * Fotage of Sugino Sensei (10th Dan), Master of Katori Shinto Ryu**