Tendo-ryu
Swift, sharp, and unyielding — beautiful battlefield art.
What is Naginata
The naginata is a traditional Japanese pole weapon featuring a long, curved blade mounted on a wooden shaft. Originally developed for the battlefield, it was used by both warriors and temple monks for its versatility in offense and defense.
Historically, the naginata also became associated with women of the samurai class. Its long reach allowed them to protect their homes while their husbands were away in battle, and it came to symbolise both strength and dignity.
About Tendo-ryu
Tendo-ryu was founded over 450 years ago by Saitō Hōgan Denki-bō Katsuhide, a samurai from present-day Ibaraki Prefecture. After studying under the renowned master Tsukahara Bokuden, he sought a deeper understanding of martial truth and undertook a hundred-day retreat at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine in Kamakura.
There, he attained spiritual insight and founded his own school, first named Ten-ryu (Heavenly School), later renamed Tendo-ryu, “The Way of Heaven.” He taught both the techniques of combat and the spirit of sincerity (makoto) as one unified path.
Today, Tendo-ryu preserves a wide range of traditional martial disciplines, including naginata, kenjutsu (swordsmanship), nitō (dual-sword techniques), jō, kusarigama (chain-and-sickle), kodachi (short sword), and tantō (dagger).
What You Will Experience
In this session, participants will be introduced to the flowing yet precise movements of Tendō-ryū Naginatajutsu — a martial art that unites elegance and power.
Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you will learn the fundamental postures, footwork, and handling of the naginata, exploring how balance, timing, and spirit come together in each movement.
Even within a short training, participants can feel the distinctive rhythm of Tendō-ryū — a tradition where technique and sincerity are inseparable, and where every motion reflects harmony between strength and grace.
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
Kimura Yasuko, Seventeenth Head of Tendo-ryu
Born into a distinguished sake-brewing family in Itami, Hyōgo Prefecture, Mrs Yasuko Kimura was raised with a deep appreciation for traditional culture and martial arts. Her family has long been connected to the Shubukan, a historic dōjō founded by the Konishi family in the late 18th century to preserve peace and order in the region.
Today, she continues this legacy as Director of the Shubukan Foundation and Seventeenth Head of Tendō-ryū, one of Japan’s most respected naginata traditions.
Mrs Kimura is devoted to sharing the spirit of Tendō-ryū — strength with grace, and discipline with compassion.
