Kenjutsu - Definition

Tameshigiri

Kenjutsu (Japanese: 剣術) is a classical Japanese martial art, a koryu budo. There are many different schools, with the objective to teach efficient use of the Japanese sword in combat.

The practice is largely done in the form of kata, and also by actual cutting and thrusting of the blade against water-soaked rolled mats and bamboo poles. The practice tool is either bokken (wooden sword) or shinken (real swords such as katana, tachi, etc.).

Some ancient sword schools still exist, such as Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, Kashima Shinto-ryu, Kashima Shin-ryu, Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu. As in other koryu arts, belt colour is not used to show the practitioner's ability. Instead of grades, licences such as menkyo kaiden are given.

Modern budo arts derived from traditional sword work are kendo and iaido.

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