kenjutsu
Kenjutsu is a weapons-based martial art originating in Japan. It falls within the broader tradition of bujutsu and centers on classical Japanese swordsmanship, encompassing the study of sword handling, cutting technique, and the disciplined use of the blade as its primary subject matter. Training is oriented around the sword as both a practical and formal instrument of study, with practitioners working through prescribed methods drawn from classical Japanese martial tradition.
As a weapons-based discipline, training in this family of art generally revolves around handling and applying the primary weapon with consistency and precision. Practitioners typically develop familiarity with distance management, timing, and body positioning as they relate to armed engagement, while conditioning and repetition form the foundation of skill-building. Study tends to follow structured curricula that preserve and transmit established methods of swordsmanship.
Kenjutsu encompasses a number of recognized sub-styles, each maintaining its own distinct tradition within classical Japanese swordsmanship. Chujō-ryū, associated with a medieval sword school lineage, is covered in the section below. Jigen-ryū, known for its Satsuma one-strike swordsmanship, is addressed in its own section. Kashima Shin-ryū, a koryū swordsmanship tradition connected to Kashima, is likewise covered in the section that follows.
Styles & branches of kenjutsu
Chujō-ryū
Type: Weapons-based · Lineage: kenjutsu
medieval sword school lineage Wikipedia →
Jigen-ryū
Origin: Japan · Type: Weapons-based · Lineage: kenjutsu
Satsuma one-strike swordsmanship Wikipedia →
Kashima Shin-ryū
Type: Weapons-based · Lineage: kenjutsu
koryū swordsmanship of Kashima Wikipedia →
Gear to expect. Weapons-based training typically calls for the style's training weapons (always start with the school's loaners) and protective gear — your school will tell you exactly what, and when. New students rarely need to buy anything for a trial class.
Find your martial art →Related weapons-based styles
All weapons-based martial arts →
Classification and facts from our open-data taxonomy (Wikidata CC0 base + our editorial classification). Where a fact (like origin) isn't recorded, we leave it out rather than guess. Methodology.