Katori Shintō-ryū 香取神道流 - Vietnam ベトナム

Perseverance in trainning
“The forms naturally take time to memorise. The student initially struggles merely to remember the order of movements, but the body naturally comes to absorb the forms with two or three years of repetitive practice.

Once embodied, the adept is able to complete the four forms correctly without consciously thinking about them even to the extent he can think about his work the following day while performing them. By the time the student reaches this stage, he should be able to avoid and counter-attack unexpected cuts to the head or torso instinctively in the same manner as the forms…

…Learning one new kata after another before one has thoroughly learnt what they have already been taught leaves the student unable to make the techniques their own. When I was studying under Hayashi-sensei, I simply continued to practise what I had learnt by focusing on thoroughly working on what I had been taught until my teacher told me he would teach me the next technique, and never requested he teach me the next technique myself.

It was due to this approach that Hayashi-sensei passed everything transmitted in our tradition to me. I would like not only my own students, but people in general today, to learn the importance of patiently and diligently engaging in one endeavour.”

Source: Risuke Otake, “Strategy and the art of peace”, Tokyo (Japan), Nippon Budokan 2016.
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Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: 090 907 2742
- Shobukan Thao Dien: : 090 979 4624
Location:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/nFz5r
- Shobukan Thao Dien: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/tEKQW

"Some general points about training that Otake Sensei did want to explain to us. He told us that while wooden weapons clash together during training, this is an intentional deception. Making the weapons bang together is said to improve the hands by conditioning them to shock, but if two sharp swords clashed in this manner both blades would be damaged or even broken.

In a real fight the two opponents would stand half a pace closer to each other than they do during kata practice. From this position the same blows would result, not in a clash of blades, but in cuts, slashes and chops to the opponents' bodies, arms and legs, as well as deflecting incoming attacks.

In training, where the swords men are redirecting the movements, it is also very difficult for an observer to see the real intention of the strike. This is a traditional aspect of the secrecy of the Katori Shinto Ryu. Spies or casual observers see only two wooden swords clashing, when the swordsmen know that in fact each would have delivered a cut to the other if it had been a real encounter.

In Katori Shinto Ryu, then, attack and defence are simultaneous and each move in each kata is designed to prove that principle."
Source: Howard Reid & Michael Croucher, The way of the warrior, New York, Simon & Schuster, Inc (1987)

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Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: 090 907 2742
- Shobukan Thao Dien: : 090 979 4624
Location:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/nFz5r
- Shobukan Thao Dien: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/tEKQW

Held only once every twelve years, the Shikinen Jinkosai is a deeply revered tradition, rich in spiritual and historical significance. We are truly honored that Katori Shinto-ryu students of Shobukan Dojo could take part in this sacred occasion at Katori Jingu.

Under the guidance of Otake Nobutoshi, over two days, more than 300 participants from around the world joined the procession, respectfully upholding centuries-old customs and forming a symbolic protective presence for the ritual.

🎥 Please enjoy a brief recap of this meaningful event: https://youtu.be/AJJZrChvRGk

With sincere gratitude to all who contributed to preserving and carrying forward this treasured tradition.

Shikinen Jinkosai 2026 Shobukan Vietnam Shikinen Jinkosai Shinbukan 2026Being here in Japan for the very first time is an experience I will never forget, but participating in the International semi...

[𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬]

THÔNG BÁO NGHỈ LỄ

Từ Thứ Bảy, ngày 25 tháng 4 đến Chủ Nhật, ngày 3 tháng 5 võ đường sẽ tạm nghỉ để kỷ niệm Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương, Ngày Giải phóng miền Nam và Ngày Quốc tế Lao động. Các lớp học sẽ mở trở lại vào Thứ Hai, ngày 4 tháng 5.

Kính chúc quý phụ huynh và gia đình có một kỳ nghỉ thật thư giãn, vui vẻ và luôn tràn đầy sức khỏe, hạnh phúc.

Trân trọng,
Võ đường Shobukan

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF HOLIDAY IN APRIL

The Dojo will be closed from Saturday, April 25 to Sunday, May 3 in observance of Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, Reunification Day, and Labor Day. Classes will resume on Monday, May 4.

We wish you and your family a restful and enjoyable break filled with health, happiness, and success.

Warm regards,
Shobukan Dojo

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Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- D7: 090 907 2742
- D2: 090 979 4624
Location:
- DISTRICT 7: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/nFz5r
- DISTRICT 2: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, HCM City.
https://shorturl.at/tEKQW

[VIETNAMESE]
HÀNH TRÌNH TẠI LỄ HỘI VĂN HÓA VIỆT - NHẬT 2026 ⛩️🌸

Ngày 8/3 vừa qua, võ đường Shobukan đã tham gia biểu diễn tại Lễ hội Văn hóa Việt - Nhật 2026, mang đến công chúng TP.HCM những nét đẹp của kiếm thuật cổ truyền Nhật Bản.

Xin chân thành cảm ơn Ban tổ chức và quý khán giả đã dành sự cổ vũ nồng nhiệt.
Mời mọi người cùng nhìn lại những khoảnh khắc đáng nhớ của võ đường tại sự kiện!

[ENGLISH]

SHOBUKAN AT THE VIETNAM - JAPAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2026 ⛩️🌸

On March 8, the Japan Vietnam Friendship Association and the Japanese Consulate invited Shobukan Dojo to perform at the Vietnam - Japan Cultural Festival 2026. We presented the Japanese classical martial arts to the public in Ho Chi Minh City.

We thank the organizers for their kind invitation and the audience for their warm support.
Here is a link to the online article about the event.
https://www.vothuat.vn/su-kien/chuong-trinh-bieu-dien-vo-thuat-khuay-dong-san-khau-le-hoi-van-hoa-viet-nhat-2026
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Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: 090 907 2742
- Shobukan Thao Dien: : 090 979 4624
Location:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/nFz5r
- Shobukan Thao Dien: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/tEKQW

"To explain the style of combat advocated by Katori Shintō-ryū, I must first briefly describe defensive weaponry. Defensive weaponry, which has developed in tandem with offensive weaponry as its counter, includes the use of regional climatic conditions, available local resources, and man-made defensive equipment.

Fortresses and other such facilities are common examples of the use of local resources or terrain. Similarly, shields are one form of highly mobile defensive equipment; they then evolved into armor that could be wrapped around the human body like clothing.

To defend from enemy assaults, humans are said to have wrapped themselves in pelts or worn wooden armor made of interlaced bark. By the Kofun period (ca. 300-710 A.D.), the early varieties of Japanese armor called tanko and keiko were already largely perfected.

In Japan, armor is known by a variety of terms, including katchū, yoroi-kabuto, and kabuto-yoroi, depending more on the period in which it was referenced than differences in design.

Whether referred to as tankō, keikō, ōyoroi, dōmaru, hara-ate, hara-maki, gusoku or other terms, as the face of warfare changed through the ages, Japanese armor kept pace to reach ever-greater levels of freedom of movement and efficient shape.

I mentioned earlier that the ultimate goal of warfare is to achieve victory without resorting to conflict. The key to successfully achieving this goal is to have an unequalled advantage over the enemy in terms of combative technology, weaponry, and psychology, and to be always one step ahead in terms of intelligence. Thus, we must have a thorough knowledge and understanding not only of offensive weaponry, but of defensive weaponry as well.

Japanese armor has as much artistic value, utility, and presence as the Japanese sword, and is a formidable product of the best in technologies.
However, Japanese armor has, for the sake of greater ease of movement, unavoidable and exposed weak points, and it is this design defect that is targeted by the omote set of sword techniques in Katori Shintō-ryū."

Source: Risuke Otake, Katori Shintō-ryū - Warrior Tradition, New Jersey, Koryu Books (2007)
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Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: 090 907 2742
- Shobukan Thao Dien: : 090 979 4624
Location:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/nFz5r
- Shobukan Thao Dien: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/tEKQW

[For English please see below]

THÔNG BÁO NGHỈ TẾT NGUYÊN ĐÁN 2026

Chào phụ huynh và môn sinh,

Võ đường Shobukan xin thông báo về lịch nghỉ Tết âm lịch năm 2026.

Trường sẽ ĐÓNG CỬA từ Thứ Sáu ngày 13/02/2026 đến Thứ Năm ngày 26/02/2026 và MỞ CỬA tập lại từ Thứ Sáu ngày 27/02/2026.

Chúc các phụ huynh và môn sinh năm mới nhiều sức khoẻ, hạnh phúc và thành công!

Trân trọng.
Võ đường Shobukan
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TET HOLIDAY 2026 ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear parents and students,

Shobukan dojo would like to inform you about the Tet holiday 2026.

We will CLOSE from Friday 13/02/2026 to Thursday 26/02/2026 and REOPEN from Friday 27/02/2026.

Happy Lunar New Year!
We wish you and your family health, happiness and success in the new year.

Best regards,
Shobukan Team
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Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- D7: 090 907 2742
- D2: 090 979 4624
Location:
- DISTRICT 7: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lz6ZAzLMi5XVoKiK6
- DISTRICT 2: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, HCM City.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wzR1zPdk3yTe9XLZ8

“Yari - Spears
An array of polearms, or yari, also brought death to more people than swords in samurai medieval warfare. Most were double-bladed and designed for stabbing, they ranged from smaller spears designed to be used in confined spaces, to long nagae yari, which could stretch to 21¼ feet (6.5 meters). In between, there were crescent-shaped blades, triple-bladed spears, asymmetrical blades and even triangular-shaped blades. By the 16th century, ashigaru maneuvering in close formation were the backbone of battlefield armies, sometimes integrated with lines of soldiers bearing fi****ms. Mounted samurai also used spears, the momentum of a horse's gallop adding to the deadly force of the weapon.
Spears, and the earlier naginata (glaive), were also used to injure and dismount horseback riders. The naginata was essentially a curved sword mounted on a shaft; it was also a popular weapon among warrior monks and became the representative weapon studied by women of samurai families to defend the homestead. Naginata is practiced as a martial art in contemporary Japan, primarily by women.”

Source: Gavin Blair foreword by Alexander Bennett, An illustrated guide to Samurai History and Culture - From the Age of Musashi to Contemporary Pop Culture, Tokyo, Tuttle Publishing
Pic source: Risuke Otake, Katori Shintō-ryū - Warrior Tradition, New Jersey, Koryu Books (2007)

Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: 090 907 2742
- Shobukan Thao Dien: : 090 979 4624
Location:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/nFz5r
- Shobukan Thao Dien: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/tEKQW

“THE APPEARANCE OF WEAPONS
All living creatures possess an intrinsic capacity for waging struggle. As beasts grow nature gives them weapons with which to attack enemies or defend their families. Beasts have sharp claws, tusks, strong horns, forelegs with which to deliver powerful blows, and hindlegs useful for kicking; with these weapons they defend themselves.

Man does not possess such formidable natural weapons as do beasts, but because of his various experiences and research has learned how to make the best effective use of implemental weapons for hunting or combat.

Any race in any country in the world, including our Japanese ancestors of the remotest eras, had methods with which to catch birds and other animals for food. The implements that they used the ancients used for hunting were eventually developed into sophisticated weapons.

Archeologists have proved that many of the weapons used in prehistoric times were clubs and axes made of stone, or in some cases, made from bone, horn, or the tusks of beasts. Stone weapons, once used in prehistoric hunting, have been found in our modern time.

While swimming in the sea or walking in the mountains and fields, ancient man noticed the elasticity of seaweed, grasses, vines, trees, and bamboos, and discovered that these things could be used to project missiles more effectively than the stone thrown by hand. Later, these early experiences with the projection of missiles led to the development of the bow and arrow. The bow and arrow is a great invention, and relative to the time when it was first discovered, it as monumental a discovery as is our nuclear bombs of today.

Until quite recent times the bow and arrow has used for hunting purposes as the best projectile weapon with which to kill game at long range.

As for weapons operating at middle-range, mention must be made of the halberd and spear, both featuring a blade that is mounted on a long wooden shaft. With regard to short-range weapons, the sword has proven best. The oldest sword used by primitive man dates to man's earliest appearance on earth. Later, the copper sword appeared; this being rather short in length because of the inherent weakness of that metal, no matter how efficient was the cutting edge. Then the iron sword appeared; it was both sharp and strong…”

Source: Risuke Otake, The deity and the sword 2, Tokyo (Japan), Minato Research & Publishing Co.,LTD (1977)

Website: https://katorivietnam.org
Instagram: Katori_shobukan_vietnam
Hotline:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: 090 907 2742
- Shobukan Thao Dien: : 090 979 4624
Location:
- Shobukan Phu My Hung: D1.01 Riverside Residence block D, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/nFz5r
- Shobukan Thao Dien: 204/28 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
https://shorturl.at/tEKQW