Edo Yagyu Kai

Yagyu Shinkage Ryu is one of the koryu -- the ancient martial systems of Japan. It is a heiho, a strategic system employing a wide range of skills. Although today's practice focuses on the katana (long sword), more advanced practitioners also learn the wakizashi (short sword), tessen (iron fan), and muto (empty-hand disarming techniques with roots in classical jujutsu). As with other koryu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu focuses primarily on preserving and transmitting a martial system hundreds of years old. Unlike present-day Japanese sword arts like iaido, which seeks to perfect the drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing of the sword, and kendo, which is a competition sport based on specific rules, the various koryu are historical, living martial traditions handed down from teacher to student for more than 400 years. Our branch of the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu traces its lineage to the early 16th century, through eighteen headmasters.

See the links above to read more about our ryu (style), our history, and our lineage. You can also view information about active dojo (schools) in your area, find resources with articles and links, or contact us with any questions.