Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu is the oldest tradition in sword fighting in Japan. In 1960 Katori Shinto Ryu received the title of "Cultural Heritage of Japan".

Historically the followers of the school were only allowed to get involved in a dispute at the request of the emperor or to protect the country. Under no circumstances were they allowed to become mercenaries, hired by power-lusting warlords. Because of this independence, the head teachers of the Katori Shinto Ryu could maintain the rule that anyone, regardless of position in life, was allowed to study.

Katori Shinto Ryu was founded by Izasa Choisai Ieano (1387-1488). The name Katori Shinto, comes from the original location of the dojo, which was built within the enclosure of the Katori Shinto shrine. Ieano was a very accomplished swordsman who was said to have never been beaten.

Many books have been written and will provide better and more in-depth history on Katori Shinto Ryu than any single website can do. Thus I encourage those interested to investige further.

Katori Shinto Ryu Kobudo is still an art very much alive. Although studied and written about by many, my opinion is that though useful to get a sense of history, the true riches can only be uncovered through diligent training. 

Certainly regular practice aids in conditioning, increases motor skills, self confidence and general coordination, if studied with intent and focus. Technical skills come with the study and repetition of kata. It is easy to become a pursuer of techniques. This is best to avoid, as learning techniques for the sake of having a collection may lead to empty knowledge and be easily defeated. Train through and past the tedium, that comes with endless repetition of every technique, and one will gain a deeper, more intimate knowledge that is robust and will withstand the pressure of battle.

Finally I would recommend to those that are interested, to invest themselves and their time in the study of Katori Shinto Ryu Kobudo, to read the translation by Victor Harris of the "Go Rin No Sho" - "a book of five rings". The "Go Rin No Sho" was a book written by Miyamoto Musashi,  probably the greatest  swordsman known to man. It is a book of both action and strategy. Understanding, beyond reading, of the many techniques and strategies described, allows one to gain meaning proportionate to the amount of true practice time invested in the dojo. 

Onno van Santen