Ken-Jutsu

Koryu-Bujutsu – an old, traditional martial art 

Ken-jutsu is inextricably linked to Japanese history. The first mention of this martial art dates back to the 13th century, when it was believed to be a secret fighting technique used by samurai. From its inception, it was used to shape character and strengthen the body. It's difficult to understand the significance of ken-jutsu without understanding the role and importance of the sword for the Japanese samurai, and its overall importance in Japanese culture. The sword symbolized the samurai's origins and rank, and was attributed magical and mystical properties.

The power of Ken-Jutsu and its significant role are best demonstrated by the fact that it gave rise to Battodo, Iaido, and Kendo. This extraordinary success was undoubtedly due to the high demands this art placed on its practitioners. Practitioners developed mental and spiritual abilities, as well as physical fitness.

The emphasis is primarily on perfecting the execution of specific techniques and proper breathing. Wooden Bokken swords are used in Ken-Jutsu to perform sets of exercises – kata. In SOTO, the first, basic series of Kihon-Dachi is practiced with a thick, wooden Bokuto sword (with tsuba). For the remaining series, a Fukuroshinai (Fukurojinai) leather-wrapped bamboo sword is typically used. In addition to kata, sword drawing – Batto-Jutsu – is practiced using a real Katana sword, or less frequently, the Iaito. Tsubazeri exercises, which involve spontaneous yet technical handling of close-quarters situations, add variety to the classes.

In our dojo, we cultivate the legacy of the over five-hundred-year-old tradition of the Ko-Ryu school of Ken-Jutsu Kashima Shin Ryu. These techniques have been developed and used since the Middle Ages on the battlefield, in duels with and without swords. Our instructors and advanced practitioners train in Japan, among others, under the supervision of Sensei Minoru Inaba, who holds the title of Meiyo Shihan, at the Shiseikan Budojo in Tokyo, located on the grounds of Meiji Jingu, one of the main temples in the capital of Japan.

The basis of the Kashima Shin Ryu school exercises is the mastery of a strong, stable "center", body and mind control at a very high level, mainly through skillful control of tension, dynamics, relaxation, spiral movement, using proper breathing and concentration, as well as Kiai.

Websites:

• Shiseikan Budojo w Tokyo (JP)
• ISBA (International Shiseikan Budo Association)