I just came across this, and I've thought a ryu containing Katori in its name is interesting enough to share here (although their rythm and momevents remind me more of Kashima Shinto Ryu):
I just came across this, and I've thought a ryu containing Katori in its name is interesting enough to share here (although their rythm and momevents remind me more of Kashima Shinto Ryu):
No weapons? Not martial.
That was interesting, thanks!
Never heard of them before. Hopefully one of the more knowledgeable folks will wander by and comment on it.
Paul Smith
"Always keep the sharp side and the pointy end between you and your opponent"
From the video's introduction:
Kamigawara Shinto Katori Ryu bojutsu's history goes back 479* years to the Tenbun era (Muromachi Period, aka Sengoku Jidai). It was brought to Kamigawara approximately 320 years ago by Nakatugawa Mataemon. There are 12 Omote and 12 Ura waza. Only the Omote is shown here, as the Ura are still considered secret (not be shown even to family).
* The video is from Nov., 2014
無雙直傳英信流・日本古武道居合研究会 - Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu ・ Nihon Kobudo Iai Kenkyukai
東京蘆洲会 - Tokyo Roshukai
Thanks for that bit of translation Eric, it is much appreciated!
Paul Smith
"Always keep the sharp side and the pointy end between you and your opponent"
What I find really interesting about this group is that, if you ignore the kenbu-ish cadence of their kata, they look like a total blending of Kashima and Katori styles of Shinto ryu.
And they wear blue kendogi like they do at Katori, but wear the white hachimaki like they do over at Kashima.
They perform rather like they are reconstructed though, they don't look sharp.
I would rather put it in the bo no te (bo-odori) corner rather the bujutsu one.
They preservered some old documents back from Nakatsugawa´s time, but I´m not sure if it was transmitted until modern days without any interruptions.
The normally only show the omote waza twice a year. Here is another video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOjwqtTUxCs
Michael Reinhardt