Kaishin Ryu Kenjutsu

13/08/2026

I believe this footage is from the late 1950s or early 1960s. It features Mr Shimizu Takaji, 25th headmaster, wielding the jo alongside Mr Kuroda Ichitarō using the kodachi.

They are demonstrating a ranai kata from Shinto Muso Ryu.

The name Kodachi Ranai (小太刀 乱合) translates roughly as "companion sword" and "bringing order from chaos", where ran means chaos or disorder and ai means joining or harmony. It was designed to test whether a martial artist can maintain poise, timing, and precision when practise becomes fast, fluid, and even chaotic.

Mr Shimizu Takaji was the 25th Headmaster of the Shinto Muso Ryu school and was one of the primary people responsible for introducing Jōjutsu to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police in the 20th century.

16/07/2026

I believe this footage dates around 1973 and is recorded on 8mm film.

It features a practice session of Yakumaru Jigen-ryū (薬丸自顕流) with Mr Saneo Okuda tutoring a young Yasuo Yakumaru in the grounds of Nanzu Shrine, Kagoshima, Japan.

04/07/2026

Demonstration video showcasing Niten Ichi-ryu Hyoho, the classical school of swordsmanship founded by Miyamoto Musashi in the early Edo period.

Filmed at the Shinichi Dojo at Usa Jingu shrine in Oita Prefecture, this segment documents traditional sword techniques unique to the lineage.

24/06/2026

This video demonstrates the foundational techniques of the Shin Tamiya Ryu Battojutsu school.

​The video features a unique piece of traditional training equipment called a Ukegote (受け篭手).

The forearm guard is crafted from mousouchiku (tortoiseshell bamboo). The forearm guard functions as the target area and the attacker aims and strikes directly against this guard during practice.

​Sensen no Sen (先々の先)
​The essence of this training is in a timing strategy known as sensen no sen (striking or preempting the opponent's initiative).

​As soon as the defender shows an opening or an intent to strike, the attacker reads the timing and cuts down across their path, seizing the initiative and intercepting the strike before it can land.

25/04/2026

13/04/2026

What a great design for saburi.


#素振り

26/03/2026

Morning all, as there’s no class later, I thought I’d share a little challenge for you.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and close your eyes. Lift one foot off the ground so that your knee is level with your hip, and see how long you can hold the position before you have to put your foot down.

No peeking, make sure your eyes are firmly closed.

If you can make it to 30 seconds, leave a thumbs up.

13/03/2026

This video features the 15th headmaster of the Shinbukan Kuroda Ryugi, Tetsuzan Kuroda, at a special publication event for his book “Ask Tetsuzan” (鉄山に訊け) at the Shosen Grande bookstore in Tokyo.


#鉄山に訊け


Please follow the below link.

https://youtu.be/xpG78sYXLz8?si=k7xwu1cytN7eEWCh

05/03/2026

05/03/2026

The Last Stand of the Shogunate.

This incredible photograph from the Boshin War (c. 1867–1868) captures a pivotal "cross over" in Japanese history. It features soldiers of the Tokugawa Shogunate standing at the threshold of a new era.

What makes this image so powerful is the visible clash of cultures.

The Transition
You can see the shift from traditional samurai culture to modern military life.

The Hairstyles
Many of the men still sport the traditional chonmage (topknot).

The Weaponry
While some wear Western-influenced uniforms, they still carry their katana, the iconic soul of the samurai.

These men were part of the final defense of the Shogunate against Imperial forces. Looking into their eyes, you see a world about to change forever.