Official Shibu
of Tenshinsho-den
Katori Shinto-Ryu
Athens
ABOUT BUSHINKAN DŌJŌ
Bushinkan Dōjō is the only official shibu of Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū Shinbukan Dojo in Greece. Through our training we stride to preserve this art that has been awarded the status of an Intangible Cultural Asset of Chiba Prefecture and promote the cultural exchange between Japan and Greece.
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).
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.
JOIN 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.
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 kata learned are as follows.
– Omote no tachi (swordsmanship)
– Omote iai (sword drawing)
– Tachiai batto (standing sword drawing)
– Bojutsu (staff techniques)
– Naginata (halberd techniques)
– Chudan bojutsu (staff techniques)
Students practice these kata over many months and years, and are eventually introduced to a wider range of instruction. Practitioners are awarded scrolls in line with their development.
7
7 Virtues of Bushido
GI
REI
YO
MEIYO
JIN
MAKOTO
CHU
Integrity
Respect
Heroic
Courage
Honor
Compassion
Honesty &
Sincerity
Duty &
Loyalty