Katori Shinto Ryu

Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō Ryū (天真正伝香取神道流) 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] (Sawara city, Chiba prefecture) at the time. He was a respected spearman and swordsman whose feudal master was deposed, encouraging him to relinquish control of his household to conduct purification rituals and study martials arts in isolation.

The current (2004) headmaster is Izasa Yoshisada. The representative, and sole head instructor on behalf of the headmaster is Otake Risuke (Narita city, Chiba prefecture). Other unauthorized instructors not licensed jointly by Izasa Yoshisada and Otake Risuke are also teaching in both Japan and abroad, claiming to have authority to do so, but this claim is unfounded.

The syllabus comprises kenjutsu (katana, wakizashi, 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 (philosophical and mystical aspects).