Kenjutsu: сoncept, history and practice today

Kenjutsu is literally translated as the techniques of saber. It is a direct legacy of the samurai who fought on the battlefield.

Key points about kenjutsu

• Kenjutsu is theart of wielding the sword.
• Its purpose is to transmit the know-how of the samurai.
• It is very codified with a fine partition of each movement.
• It is taught in traditional Koryu schools.
• It is an integral part of our culture.

A brief history of kenjutsu

Martial arts schools teaching kenjutsu appeared around the 12th century. However, the latter developed particularly following the victory of the Tokugawa dynasty in Japan, which then experienced a great period of peace.

The samurai had to find a way to perpetuate and pass on their skills to the next generation. The great samurai masters naturally founded their schools to teach all the techniques related to the art of sword fighting.

Kenjutsu is therefore an art of transmission. Many values related to transmission are found in the discipline. When learning kenjutsu, the student not only learns how to handle the sword, but also how to pass on what he or she knows in an effective way.

Kenjutsu is usually practiced without protection. The training is done with unsharpened swords like bokken. For the experts of this discipline, real swords such as uchigatana katanas or wakisashi will be used.

A post-war discipline

Japan then experienced a great period of peace. The samurai had to find a way to perpetuate and pass on their skills to the next generation. The great samurai masters naturally founded their schools to teach all the techniques related to the art of sword fighting.

Kenjutsu is therefore an art of transmission. Many values related to transmission are found in the discipline. When learning kenjutsu, the student not only learns how to handle the sword, but also how to pass on what he or she knows in an effective way.

The four techniques of kenjutsu

Kenjutsu is a highly codified art that governs the actions of samurai. The techniques learned are aimed at a flawless efficiency in combat. The teaching has developed over the years and has been greatly refined in the way it teaches swordplay.

But it has become so precise, that it is criticized for the complexity it brings to the practice. The practice is often controversial because it is difficult to implement in a real fight. Indeed, the difference between attacking and retaliating is fine during a real fight between two samurais.

This art provides a complete apprenticeship in swordsmanship. The masters in this field are recognized for their competence and their skill with the sword.

Kiri otoshi

This term means “cut” and “down”. The kiri otoshi teaches a riposte that starts from the top and deflects the opponent’s blade while cutting him. The parry and the riposte are then simultaneous.

Kiri age

It means an upward movement of the sword. The back of the blade is used to deflect a blow from the opponent. The movement is made from the bottom up and allows the defender to prepare an attack with his blade.

Kiri kaeshi

This is a sword technique that allows you to fight back against an attack while recovering the energy of the attack. We use the strength of the opponent’s fighter to turn it against him.

Maki otoshi

The term means “to roll up”. Here, the aim is to make the opponent’s sword fall by rolling it on him. The tip of the sword must then fall into the enemy’s legs. It is a technique of parrying and riposting at the same time.

What are the movements taught in kenjutsu?

Each sword movement is broken down by kenjutsu and then worked on in depth. Swordsmen are taught to repeat movements so that they become instinctive when fighting. Depending on the kenjutsu club you go to, you will get different training .

Each movement must be taught to its user at the right time and in the right way.

• Shomen uchi This is a vertical cut that starts in the middle of the face and works its way down. The swordsman holds his sword with both hands to deliver a powerful downward blow.
• Tsuki This is a breakthrough movement that starts in a straight line on the enemy. The tsuki is a thrust that aims to pierce the enemy.
• Yoko guruma This is a horizontal cut from left to right or from right to left. It is a horizontal cut, very practical to finish his opponent. It is used for beheadings, events, etc.
• Kesa giri It is a diagonal movement from top to bottom. This is the easiest movement to learn of all the kenjutsu cuts.
• Gyaku kesa giri It is a diagonal cutting movement from the bottom to the top. It is a little harder to realize than its analogous movement, the kesa giri.

Kenjutsu, a multiple art?

To learn how to handle a sword well, it is not enough to know how to make beautiful movements. To become an outstanding warrior, you need to master many other aspects related to the practice:

1. The attitude The swordsman must have a relaxed attitude. The latter must be able to take powerful blows while dodging attacks. The head is upright, the arms are relaxed, the body and shoulders are clear.

2. The holding of the saber You must hold the sword between your thumb and index finger. When cutting, you have to squeeze your little fingers to make a powerful and devastating cut.

3. Simultaneity It is the art of moving like your opponent. You must be able to imitate your opponent and his or her behavior.

4. The blade is an extension of the body: the whole body must support the strike of the blade. This is what differentiates a good swordsman from another.

5. The distance It is defined according to 3 principles, the to ma, the ma and the chika ma. It defines the situation where the opponents are too far away to touch each other, where they can attack each other and where they are too close to be a danger.

6. The threat It refers to the fact that kenjutsu is a decisive art. One should never be defensive but have the intention to kill with every attack or retaliation.

7. Vigilance: the combatant must be on alert at all times. The mind must be clear and calm.

8. The look The samurai’s position must be wide and allow him to see every attack of his opponent.

9. Custody There are different types of guards that can be used in specific situations.

10. Movements: The samurai can move either with small steps, or with a chassed step or by changing the dominant leg.

11. The initiative The attack can be made either by moving forward, backward or on the spot. The initiative responds to each situation.

12. The link The kenjutsu master must be able to read his opponent to defeat him. You have to clear your mind and read the opponent’s intentions.

The kenjutsu is found in the famous manga Naruto

Naruto puts kenjutsu in the spotlight in many scenes of the anime or the manga. We can see Dantesque sword fights that illustrate the fighting techniques taught in kenjutsu .

Sasuke is the standard-bearer of it because he is used to fight with his katana. Mifune is another protagonist who is a master in the art of kenjutsu. Even if it shows a fanciful vision of the practice, it reveals the spirit that a master must have to excel in this discipline.

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