Kashima Shinto-ryu
鹿島新當流
Kashima Shinto-ryu is one of the oldest Japanese martial traditions, originating from the Kashima Grand Shrine. It is a comprehensive system covering sword, drawing techniques, and empty-hand combat with deep Shinto spiritual roots.
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Kashima Shinto-ryu connects martial training to Japan's ancient Shinto spiritual tradition. It develops powerful, centered swordsmanship rooted in shrine practices.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Kenjutsu sword techniques with Shinto spiritual foundation
Battojutsu (drawing and cutting)
Jujutsu (empty-hand) combat
Naginata (halberd) techniques
Shinto purification and martial ritual
Your First Class
Wear a keikogi and hakama. Expect fundamental cutting exercises, paired kata, and instruction in the school's spiritual and philosophical framework. Classes run 90 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Legends of Kashima Shinto-ryu
Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵)
Miyamoto Musashi is Japan's most famous swordsman, known for his undefeated record in 61 duels and his dual-wielding technique. His treatise "The Book of Five Rings" remains one of the most influential texts on martial arts strategy, studied by practitioners and business leaders alike.
Tsukahara Bokuden (related lineage)
Kunii Zen'ya
Related Styles
Katori Shinto-ryu
Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu is one of the oldest extant Japanese martial arts, founded circa 1447. It is a comprehensive system covering sword, staff, spear, halberd, and unarmed techniques, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu (剣術, "sword technique") refers to the classical Japanese sword arts — koryu (古流, old-school traditions) — practiced by samurai (侍). Unlike Kendo, it uses wooden bokken (木剣) or blunted steel swords and focuses on partner kata (型) preserving battlefield techniques.
Kendo
Kendo (剣道, "way of the sword") is a modern Japanese fencing art using bamboo swords — shinai (竹刀) — and full armor — bogu (防具). Descended from kenjutsu, it emphasizes spirit (ki), sword technique, and body unity — ki-ken-tai-ichi (気剣体一致).
Itto-ryu
Itto-ryu ("One Sword School") is a major Japanese sword school founded by Ito Ittosai in the late 16th century. Its central technique, kiri-otoshi, influenced the development of Kendo and many other sword traditions.
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