Kurama-ryu Kenjutsu
The Way of the Sword from Kyoto’s Sacred Mountain
What is Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu — literally “the art of the sword” — is the classical martial art practiced by samurai long before modern kendō was born. It is not a sport, but a study of life and death through the sword: how to move, sense distance, and remain calm in any situation. Every motion embodies mindfulness, precision, and respect.
About Kurama-ryu
Kurama-ryū Kenjutsu traces its roots to Kyoto’s Mt. Kurama, where the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have trained under the sage Kiichi Hōgen.
The school was formally founded in the late 16th century by Ōno Shōgen and became known as one of the “Eight Schools of Kyoto.” Its teachings combine spiritual awareness with refined technique — powerful, yet always under control.
Over the centuries, Kurama-ryū was carefully preserved by successive generations. In the late Edo period, Shibata Emori, a retainer of the Tokugawa shogunate, revitalized the school and founded Shūseidō Dōjō in Yotsuya, Tokyo — today recognized as the oldest private kendō dōjō in the city.
A hallmark of Kurama-ryū is the use of hamaguriba, uniquely shaped wooden swords reminiscent of clam shells, used in elegant yet forceful kata (forms). Each movement is accompanied by powerful vocal expressions that reflect inner spirit and focus — a living expression of samurai determination.
What You Will Experience
Guided by a master of Kurama-ryū, you will learn the foundations of samurai swordsmanship — posture, breathing, and awareness — using a wooden practice sword.
Through calm, deliberate movements, you’ll discover how true strength lies not in force, but in focus and composure.
Each form is a quiet dialogue between body and spirit, offering a glimpse into the discipline that shaped generations of warriors.
Key Points
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Private or small-group instruction
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English interpretation available
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No prior experience required
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All materials provided
Practical information
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Duration approx. 2 hours
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No special clothing required
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Advance booking required
Meet the instructor
Akio Shibata, 18th Headmaster of Kurama-ryu
Born into a family devoted to the preservation of traditional swordsmanship, Akio Shibata is the 18th headmaster of Kurama-ryū, a lineage that has been passed down through generations since the late 16th century.
He continues to uphold and share the art of the sword as both a master practitioner and a key figure in Japan’s classical martial arts community.
With decades of teaching experience, Shibata-sensei welcomes learners from all backgrounds to experience the essence of Kurama-ryū — calmness, precision, and spirit in every movement.
