Koryu

Iaido & kenjutusu: historical swordsmanship

Together, iaido and kenjutsu form the core of our koryu training—classical arts that connect us to the essence of the Japanese sword. They are disciplines of focused practice and study, grounded in patience, repetition, and humility.

But they are also deeply rewarding. The practice of kata (choreographed forms)—whether solo or with a partner—develops focus, posture, presence, and understanding. You begin to see the sword not just as a weapon, but as a mirror of the self, a reflection of one's inner state, and as a key to understanding Japan’s vast cultural and historical heritage.

If you are drawn to the silent intensity of iaido or the combative precision of kenjutsu, we welcome you to explore these paths with us. Each cut, each breath, each bow brings you closer to something timeless.

Iaido— The Art of Drawing the Sword

Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing and cutting with the sword in a single, fluid motion. It is a discipline of grace, precision, and inner calm. At Shinshokan, we study both Seitei Iai—the standardized forms of the All Japan Kendo Federation—and Muso Shinden Ryu, a classical school passed down through generations.

In iaido, each kata is a living link to the past. Practitioners move in solitude, wielding a sword with mindfulness and purpose, as if facing invisible opponents. Through these forms, we learn how to move the body, but still the mind. We also practice tameshigiri—test cutting with sharp blades (shinken)—to ground our training in practical application and sharpen our understanding of real technique.

Kenjutsu — Traditional Combat Forms

Kenjutsu is the battlefield origin of Japanese swordsmanship. At Shinshokan, we study two distinct and complementary traditions: Kurama Ryu, a school with 16th-century roots, and Keishi Ryu, developed in 1886 for the Japanese police. Unlike Kendo’s dynamic sparring, Kenjutsu is rooted in partner forms and historical techniques—kumitachi—performed with bokken (wooden swords).

Through these structured kata, we absorb the tactics and spirit of a bygone age. Movements are deliberate and full of meaning, revealing the realities of armed combat and the psychological warfare of the samurai.