Ken-jutsu

Although the Jō-jutsu forms within the curriculum are certainly the most renowned, the Shintō Muso Ryū is prevalently a school of swordsmanship, with the long sword, short sword and 2 sword techniques. Of primary importance is the understanding and mastering of the sword techniques present in the Ken-jutsu section of the curriculum as well as in almost every other section, with a grand total of more than 150 forms without including variations, additional teachings and Kuden (oral transmission, secrets).

The techniques draw their origins from the time of armoured combat in the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States, 1467-1615), and the older forms still reflect the aspects of such typology of warfare, such as choice of targets and angles.

An interesting aspect of the study of the sword method in Shintō Muso Ryū is the necessity to fully understand the practice partner’s weapon used in each Kata (practice pattern or form). As often in Kata the “loosing” side is performed with the sword, it may appear that the techniques are not practiced at full potential. However, on the contrary, the objective is to find the correct openings in the partner’s defence and therefore elevate the possibility and depth of the sword studies. Traditionally the more senior practitioner takes the role of the sword attacker, as it is a more complex and advanced practice, as well as that role needs to nourish the technique of the defender side of the Kata.