The schools of Japanese swordsmanship still active today

The Japanese sword, or katana, is much more than a weapon: it is a cultural symbol, a sacred object, and a martial discipline imbued with spirituality. Inherited from the samurai, the sword schools (called ryū) today perpetuate millennia-old techniques in respect of traditions. While many believe these arts have disappeared with the era of warriors, several of these schools are still active, sometimes even for several centuries.

Let's dive into the fascinating world of kenjutsu and iaidō, to discover which schools have survived, how they operate, and why they continue to captivate in the 21st century.

The origins of sword schools

Before exploring current schools, it is important to understand how these traditions have been structured over the centuries.

What is a ryū in Japanese martial arts?

A ryū (流) refers to a school or martial tradition passed down from generation to generation. In the context of the sword, each ryū has:

Its own founder (often a legendary samurai)
A set of kata (codified forms)
A specific philosophy
A hierarchical teaching system

The goal was not only to transmit a technique but a warrior mindset: strategy, mentality, breathing, and even ethical conduct.

The golden age of kenjutsu: Sengoku and Edo periods

Sword schools flourished during the Sengoku (1467–1603) period — an era of incessant wars — and Edo (1603–1868), where the peace imposed by the Tokugawa allowed for the codification of martial arts.

More than 500 ryū have been created across Japan. Some have disappeared, others have merged or specialized in iaidō or kendo. A few rare lineages have survived to this day.

Living ancestral schools

Some sword schools have been passed down without interruption since their founding. They are often classified as koryū bujutsu (ancient martial arts).

Kashima Shintō-ryū

Founded in the 15th century, this school emphasizes direct and powerful movements, close to real combat.

Origin: Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture
Philosophy: purifying the mind through martial discipline
Specificity: the kamae (postures) deeply rooted, with an emphasis on breathing and timing

This school is still taught by certified masters, primarily in Japan, but also internationally.

Katori Shintō-ryū

Considered one of the oldest martial schools in Japan (15th century), it has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage.

Founded by: Chōisai Ienao
Teaches: the sword, the spear (yari), the long staff (bō), military strategy
Rigour: very formal, demands loyalty and rigor even before practice

The main dojo, the Shinbukan Dōjō, still welcomes practitioners from around the world today.

Yagyū Shinkage-ryū

Adopted by the Tokugawa clan, this school was practiced by the shoguns themselves.

Founded by: Kamiizumi Ise-no-Kami Nobutsuna
Philosophy: victory without striking (concept of katsujinken, “the sword that gives life”)
Influence: has inspired several modern currents of kendo and iaidō

It is today transmitted by the Yagyū family, who remain the custodians of the tradition.

Modern and neo-classical schools

While the koryū perpetuate ancient traditions, other more recent schools have adapted to modern realities.

Musō Shinden-ryū

One of the most practiced schools in the world of modern iaidō. It was developed in the 20th century by Nakayama Hakudō, an influential martial arts master.

Techniques: draw, strike, clean the blade, sheathe
Style: fluid, aesthetic, highly codified
Practice: very popular in iaidō federations, especially in Japan and Europe

Hoki-ryū

Less known, but still active, this school focuses solely on iaidō. It was founded by Katayama Hoki-no-Kami Fujiwara Hisayasu in the 17th century.

Emphasis on execution speed
Training with the real sword (shinken)
Present in some Japanese universities and specialized dojos

Why do these schools still attract so many today?

Beyond the martial aspect, these schools respond to a quest for meaning, cultural identity, and personal mastery.

A transmission of Japanese heritage

Training in an ancient school means participating in a living chain of transmission. Each kata is an embodied fragment of history. The sword then becomes a tool for education, not just for combat.

Practitioners seek to understand an ancient, spiritual Japan, far from modern clichés.

A demanding and formative discipline

The practice of the Japanese sword teaches:

Extreme concentration
The respect for rituals and etiquette (rei)
Self-control, even in stressful situations

It is a path as much physical as mental, a budō (martial way) more than just a sport.

An answer to modern life

In a world saturated with stimuli and speed, these practices offer a pause, a structure, an anchor. They appeal to both Japanese and foreigners in search of authenticity.

How to learn today?

It is entirely possible to learn these disciplines, whether one is in Japan or abroad.

Dojos in Japan

The majority of schools have their main dōjō in historic cities (Katori, Kashima, Tokyo, Kyoto…). Entry is often by recommendation, and the commitment required is strong.

Some teachers accept foreign students, but require discipline, respect for the rules, and patience.

International federations

Official branches exist in many countries, with teachers trained in Japan. Some are affiliated with the ZNKR (All Japan Kendo Federation), others are independent.

It is advisable to thoroughly inquire about the legitimacy of the teaching, as not all schools are officially recognized.

Far from being frozen in the past, Japanese sword schools continue to live, evolve, and transmit a unique heritage. Whether it is about centuries-old warrior traditions or refined modern schools, these disciplines touch the very essence of Japan: the pursuit of mastery, the beauty in the gesture, and the respect for the sacred.

By starting at a sword school, one does not just wield a blade: one enters a world of humility, transmission, and inner transformation.