The koryu bujutsu are the martial arts of the samurai class of feudal Japan. The term "koryu" literally means "old flow" and refers to ryu-ha founded prior to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Shindokan Budo Dojo is the area'region's primary source for instruction in authentic koryu sword and weapon arts.
Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iai-Heiho
Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iai-Heiho (iaijutsu) is an authentic tradition of Japanese swordsmanship, with origins in the techniques of Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu, who established the teachings that would become Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu (or simply Eishin-ryu) in the closing years of the Sengoku Jidai of 16th Century feudal Japan. One of the oldest extant koryu, or classical schools of Japanese martial arts, it is a system of strategies and methods of face-to-face combat, beginning with the sword in the saya. In fact, it is often said that the life of iai lies in nukitsuke, the act of simultaneous drawing and cutting with the sword. It is this emphasis of on combative techniques and strategies of swordsmanship beginning with the sword in the saya that designates Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu as a system of iaijutsu. However, it should be understood that iaijutsu, as taught within our lineage of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, does not stand in isolation from kenjutsu (the techniques of swordsmanship that are employed after the sword has been drawn), but is rather a component of a broad range of sword methods. Carl E. Long, Hanshi, is the 22nd-generation Soshihan of our line of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu and Kaicho of the Kokusai Nipppon Budo Kai, and is recognised in Japan as such. He is the successor to Shimabukuro Masayuki Hidenobu, Hanshi and is the recognized representative of the legacy of both Shimabukuro Hanshi and Miura Takeyuki Hidefusa, Hanshi. Please visit the page entitled "History and Geneology of Tosa Iai" at the KNBK webpage for an in-depth presentation of the history of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu.
We also practice Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu as part of our study of Shindo Muso-ryu Jojutsu, as well as cross-training in other koryu kenjutsu systems.
Koryu Bujutsu at Shindokan Budo Dojo
Classical Japanese Sword Arts: Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu and Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu
Shindokan Budo New England
Why Study Classical Japanese Sword Arts?
Classical swordsmanship may be considered the apex of Japanese martial arts, and has directly or indirectly influenced a wide range of classical and modern bujutsu and budo. Iaijutsu waza and kenjutsu kata demand exacting precision and refinement, requiring in turn, a tremendous degree of concentration and discipline. Iaijutsu is swift and precise, yet graceful; its flow lending to an aesthetic quality with significant appeal. Iaijutsu and kenjutsu training reenacts historic combative scenarios that resulted in death, creating an intensity of spirit, seriousness and focus found in few other arts. The qualities described above can result in a wide range of benefits for the committed practitioner. They can include the development of correct posture, physical alignment and coordinated breathing through sophisticated, precise movement and the awareness of the physical body. This can lead to the development of heightened concentration and a calm and relaxed mind, enabling a practitioner to more effectively deal with stressful situations. These qualities may, in turn, lead to the development of confidence, dignity and compassion. It is hoped that these qualities come to permeate every aspect of one's daily life, quietly exerting a positive influence on others, and as such, contributing to the gradual, but exponential, improvement of our communities and the progression of society at large. This is a significant purpose in the continuation of the study of the centuries old traditions of iaijutsu and kenjutsu in our modern era and indeed the underlying mission of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai. Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iai-Heiho and koryu kenjutsu are excellent vehicles for the accomplishment of such meaningful goals.