Katori Shinto Ryu

Katori Shinto Ryu is one of the oldest extant martial arts in Japan, a true koryu. The Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu was founded in 1447 by Izasa Ienao[?], who was living near Katori jingu (shrine) at the time. He was a respected spearman and swordsman whose home town had been destroyed and wandered for a time before settling near the temple and developing the art.

The current (2003) headmaster is Izasa Yoshisada[?]. The foremost practitioners of the art are Otake Ritsuke[?] and Sugino Yukihiro[?].

The syllabus comprises kenjutsu (katana, wakazashi, both at once), naginatajutsu (glaive), iaijutsu (sword drawing), bojutsu (staff), sojutsu (spear), yawara-jutsu (grappling and knife fighting), shurikenjutsu[?] (spike throwing), ninjutsu (intelligence gathering and analysis), chikujojutsu (fortification), gunbaiho (strategy and tactics), in-yo kigaku (philosphical and mystical aspects).