Katori Shinto-ryu
天真正伝香取神道流
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.
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Training in Katori Shinto-ryu connects you to nearly 600 years of unbroken martial tradition. It is one of the most complete and historically significant koryu available.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Kenjutsu (sword) kata and paired forms
Iaijutsu (drawing) techniques
Bojutsu (staff) and naginatajutsu (halberd)
Jujutsu (unarmed) fundamentals
Koryu etiquette and keppan tradition
Your First Class
Wear a keikogi and hakama. Expect basic etiquette, bokken (wooden sword) fundamentals, and observation of senior students' kata. New students traditionally sign a keppan (blood oath). Classes run 90-120 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Legends of Katori 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.
Iizasa Choisai Ienao (founder)
Otake Risuke
Sugino Yoshio
Related Styles
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).
Iaijutsu
Iaijutsu (居合術, "art of mental presence and drawing") is the classical Japanese art of drawing the katana (刀) and cutting in a single motion — nukitsuke (抜き付け). It is practiced through solo and paired kata (型) using an iaito (居合刀, blunt practice sword) or shinken (真剣, live blade).
Kashima Shinto-ryu
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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