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Kenjutsu
(Contributor: Al Bowers - bowers@wilbur.dfrf.nasa.gov)
Intro:
The combative use of a sword.
Origin: Japan
History:
The origins of this art are lost in the midst of history. It
probably has its origins in 12th century or 11th century Japan.
It is famous in myth and story from people like Miyamoto Mushashi
in the 15th century.
There are 4 root systems, Cujo-ryu, Nen-ryu, Kage-ryu and Shinto
Ryu. These probably all have roots prior to the beginning of the
16th century. In the 16th century, there was an explosion of styles,
with many being formed between then and the present.
Modern kenjutsu schools trace from either the monk Jion (Nen
ryu or Cujo ryu) or from Iiosai, the founder of the Tenshin Shoden
Katori Shinto Ryu.
Description:
This is a hard, weapon style using the Japanese sword. It involves
powerful, high commitment strikes to selected targets in order
to kill the opponent. There is a strong side of spiritual and
philosophical study, similar in a way to that of Aikido.
Training:
There is a large amount of two-person work, mostly with wooden
swords (bokken). Some schools use the fukuru shinai, an ancestor
of todays weapon (Shinkage ryu, Nen-ryu). Sparring is a developed
student activity.
Sub-Styles:
Kage, Shinkage, Yagyu Shinkage Cujo, Itto-ryu, Nen-ryu, Katori
Shinto Ryu, Kashima shin-ryu, Niten-ichi-ryu, Jigen-ryu.
Shinkage was a royal school - for the Shogun.
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