Tradition
Katori Shinto Ryu is a comprehensive art that instructs in combat, strategy, philosophy, and character development.
Training methods include: kenjutsu (swordsmanship), iaijutsu (sword drawing), bojutsu (staff techniques), naginatajutsu (halberd techniques), ryotojutsu (twin swords), kodachijutsu (short sword techniques), sojutsu (spearmanship), jujutsu (unarmed combat) and shurikenjutsu (art of throwing spikes).
Studies on strategy include gunbaiho (troop movement and positioning), chikujoho (fortifications), jin’ei (troop formation), noroshi (smoke signaling), ninjutsu (espionage), and tenmon chiri fusui based on yin/yang and five element theory.
Below is the lineage of the ryu:
Founder: Iizasa Choisai Ienao – Morichika – Morinobu – Moritsuna – Morihide – Morishige – Morinobu – Morinaga – Morihisa – Morisada – Morishige – Moritsugu – Morikiyo – Nagateru – Moriteru – Morishige – Morifusa – Morisada – Kumajiro Yamaguchi – Sakuichiro Hayashi – Yazaemon Hayashi – Risuke Otake – Nobutoshi Otake.
The name of the ryu has been changed depending on the era. From the time of Yazaemon Hayashi Sensei, the name of the ryu became Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu.
We not only practice the physical techniques of the art, we also place importance on its traditions, manners and courtesy and pass these down to future generations.
Joining the Tradition
Even today, those interested in joining the tradition must sign an oath to the deities of the Katori Shrine. This blood oath is a tradition that has been transmitted for generations. It ensures that aspiring students understand the correct attitude with which they are expected to approach entry to and study within the tradition.
Applicants pledge to uphold the following rules:
Oath to the Supreme Deities
On becoming a member of the Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu, which has been transmitted by the Great Deity of the Katori Shrine, I herewith affirm my pledge that:
– I will not have the impertinence to discuss or demonstrate details of the ryu to either non-members or members, even if they are relatives;
– I will not engage in altercations or misuse the art against others;
– I will not engage in any kind of gambling or frequent disreputable places;
– I will not cross swords with any followers of other martial traditions without authorization.
I hereby pledge to firmly adhere to each of the above articles.
Should I break any of these articles I will submit to the punishment of the Great Deity of Katori and the Great Deity Marishiten.
Herewith I solemnly swear and affix my blood seal to this oath to these Great Deities.
Once completed, the applicant is recognized as a member of the tradition, with the pledge serving to teach them the correct approach toward the tradition and the learning process.
Learning Process
Students are taught kata (pre-arranged routines) that are studied and practiced together with more senior practitioners under the supervision of their teacher.
Training consists of the practice of prearranged forms that contain the art’s quintessence, and enables students to gradually acquire the art’s technical, theoretical and philosophical approach.
The first kata learned are as follows.
– Omote no tachi (swordsmanship: 4 kata)
– Omote iai (sword drawing: 6 kata)
– Tachiai batto (standing sword drawing: 5 kata)
– Bojutsu (staff techniques: 6 kata)
– Naginata (halberd techniques: 4 kata)
– Chudan bojutsu (staff techniques: 6 kata)
Students practice these kata over many months and years, and are eventually introduced to a wider range of instruction. Practitioners are awarded scrolls (Mokuroku, Menkyo, and Gokui Kaiden) in line with their development.
Katori Jingu
Spiritual and Historical Foundation: The relationship between Katori Shinto Ryu and the Katori Jingu is a deep-rooted, centuries-long spiritual and historical connection that serves as the foundation for the tradition’s integrity.
Divine Birthplace: Katori Jingu is the consecrated home of the warrior deity Futsunushi-no-Mikoto and is recognized as the birthplace of Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu.
Divine Transmission: The tradition’s founder, Iizasa Choisai Ienao, received the school’s teachings through divine transmission after completing 1,000 days of austere training and prayer within the shrine grounds.
Divine Protection: Every legitimate ryu is traditionally based at a Shinto shrine; for our tradition, the shrine is Katori Jingu, through which divine power and protection are channeled to its members.
Annual Dedication (Hōnō)
Sacred Observance: Each year, the Shinbukan Dojo performs a ritualized demonstration at Katori Jingu.
Divine Communication: Led by Shihan Otake Nobutoshi and senior instructors (Shihandai), the demonstration of kata is considered a form of respectful communication and a spiritual offering (hōnō) to the deity.
Purpose: These performances express gratitude for divine protection, renew the practitioners’ commitment to the tradition’s ethical and technical standards, and assert the unbroken transmission of the lineage.
Organizational Ties
Jinkosai Participation: The Shinbukan Dojo participates in major shrine events like the Jinkosai, a significant festival occurring once every 12 years, which includes large-scale processions and martial demonstrations. Click here for Jinkosai 2026 image | Click here for Jinkosai 2026 clip
Member Oaths: To join the tradition, prospective students must sign a blood oath (keppan) addressed to the deities of the Katori Shrine, pledging to uphold specific rules and ethical standards.
