TENSHIN SODEN KATORI SHINTÔ RYU

The Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū school was founded in 1447 by Master Iizasa Chōisai Ienao, formerly a sword instructor for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. After a spiritual retreat of one thousand days at the Katori Shrine, during which he engaged in rigorous training, purification rituals, and prayers to the deity Futsunushi-no-Ōkami, he founded the school.

Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū gave birth to many other martial traditions and has included renowned swordsmen such as Matsumoto Bizen, Tsukahara Bokuden and Muso Gonnosuké

Iizasa Chōisai Ienao carried a message of both peace and martial fulfillment, reflected in his saying: “He who overcomes his enemy without fighting is superior to one who defeats him,” and in the school’s founding principle: “Heihō wa heihō nari” – “The art of war must be the path to peace.”

Since its foundation, the school has never compromised its teachings and remained independent from political powers. Thanks to the founder’s principles and this independence, the authenticity and uniqueness of its teachings have been preserved for over 600 years, both in form and spirit, just as initiated by its founder. More than twenty generations of sōke (headmasters) have succeeded each other throughout the centuries.

Since 2006, Jean-Paul Blond has held the title of Shidōsha (guide), conferred upon him by Otake Risuke, Shihan (technical director) of the school. He is officially authorized to teach the school’s disciplines.

The curriculum centers around the practice of weapons through kata (pre-arranged forms). Disciplines taught include:
- Iaijutsu – art of drawing the sword
- Kenjutsu – swordsmanship
- Bōjutsu – art of the staff
- Naginatajutsu – art of the halberd
- Jūjutsu – art of “flexibility”
- Shurikenjutsu – blade throwing techniques
- Sōjutsu – spear techniques
- Ninjutsu – medieval intelligence and espionage
- Senjutsu – strategy
- Chikujōjutsu – art of fortifications

Find us on Budō Stages 1 and 4 for weapon demonstrations and introductory sessions in Japanese swordsmanship!
(No registration required – simply come at the scheduled times.)

Thursday
09:45 - 10:30 / Budō Stage 1
11:30 - 12:15 / Budō Stage 4
16:30 - 17:15 / Budō Stage 1

Friday
10:30 - 11:15 / Budō Stage 1
12:15 - 13:00 / Budō Stage 4
17:15 - 18:00 / Budō Stage 1

Saturday
09:45 - 10:30 / Budō Stage 1
11:30 - 12:15 / Budō Stage 4
15:00 - 15:45 / Budō Stage 1

Sunday
09:15 - 10:00 / Budō Stage 1
13:30 - 14:15 / Budō Stage 1
16:00 - 16:45 / Budō Stage 4

For more information or simply to chat, visit us at our booth!