Tradition · 伝統
The art of preserving what cannot be rushed.
Katori Shintō-ryū — a comprehensive art instructing in combat, strategy, philosophy and character.
Chapter One · Origin
Born in 1447.
Still practiced today.
Katori Shintō-ryū is among the oldest extant traditions of Japanese martial arts. Founded by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao in the 15th century, after twelve months of seclusion at the Katori Shrine, it has been preserved without interruption — an Intangible Cultural Asset of Chiba Prefecture, transmitted from teacher to student in kata.
We not only practice the physical techniques of the art — we place equal importance on its traditions, manners and courtesy, and pass these down to future generations.
From Yazaemon Hayashi Sensei onward, the school’s name became Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū — “the heavenly-truth-transmitted Katori Shintō tradition”.
Chapter Two · 系譜
Twenty-four
generations.
An unbroken line from the founder’s first kata to the head of the line today. Each name is a steward, not an inventor.
-
戦
Sengoku Era
-
1
Iizasa Chōisai Ienao
- 2Iizasa Morichika
- 3Iizasa Morinobu
- 4Iizasa Moritsuna
- 5Iizasa Morihide
- 6Iizasa Morishige
-
江
Edo Era
- 7Iizasa Morinobu
- 8Iizasa Morinaga
- 9Iizasa Morihisa
- 10Iizasa Morisada
- 11Iizasa Morishige
- 12Iizasa Moritsugu
- 13Iizasa Morikiyo
- 14Iizasa Nagateru
- 15Iizasa Moriteru
- 16Iizasa Morishige
- 17Iizasa Morifusa
- 18Iizasa Morisada
-
明
Meiji Era
- 19Kumajirō Yamaguchi
- 20Sakuichirō Hayashi
-
昭
Shōwa Era
- 21Yazaemon Hayashi
-
22
Risuke Otake
-
令
Reiwa Era
-
23
Otake Nobutoshi
Chapter Three · Disciplines
Nine weapons.
One curriculum.
Each discipline informs the others. A swordsman learns to step like a spearman. A staff student learns to cut like a swordsman. The art is the conversation between them.
Kenjutsu
剣術 · Swordsmanship — the foundation of every other discipline.
Iaijutsu
居合術 · Drawing the sword. Decision and edge, in a single motion.
Bōjutsu
棒術 · The six-foot staff. The discipline of the empty weapon.
Naginatajutsu
薙刀術 · The curved blade on a long shaft.
Ryōtōjutsu
両刀術 · Long sword and short, in both hands.
Kodachijutsu
小太刀術 · The short sword. Closing distance, economy of movement.
Sōjutsu
槍術 · The straight thrust. Distance, line, the unshakable center.
Jūjutsu
柔術 · When the weapon is lost. Locks, throws, yielding strength.
Shurikenjutsu
手裏剣術 · The bo-shuriken. Concentration projected into the air.
Chapter Four · Entry
An oath signed in ink.
Even today, those interested in joining the tradition must sign an oath. This oath has been transmitted for generations — it ensures that aspiring students understand the correct attitude with which they are expected to approach entry to and study within the tradition.
Once completed, the applicant is recognized as a member of the tradition. The pledge serves to teach them the correct approach toward the tradition and the learning process.
Kata in pairs.
“Students practice these kata over many months and years, and are eventually introduced to a wider range of instruction. Practitioners are awarded scrolls in line with their development.”
Chapter Five · Curriculum
Kata, repeated
until natural.
Students are taught kata — pre-arranged routines studied and practiced together with senior practitioners. The forms contain the art’s quintessence, and enable students to gradually acquire its technical, theoretical and philosophical approach.
- 第一 · 01Omote no TachiFoundational swordsmanship kata
- 第二 · 02Omote IaiSword drawing
- 第三 · 03Tachiai BattōStanding sword drawing
- 第四 · 04BōjutsuStaff techniques
- 第五 · 05NaginataHalberd techniques
- 第六 · 06Chūdan BōjutsuMid-level staff techniques