koryu

Koryū, or koryū bujutsu, refers to traditional Japanese martial arts schools dating from before the modernization of Japan in the late 19th century. The term combines ko (old) and ryū (school or tradition). Koryū designate lineages preserved within families, dojos, or through master-student transmissions, often documented in scrolls (densho) and licensing documents (menkyo).

Historically, koryū originated from battlefield tactics and samurai training, encompassing weapons such as the sword, spear, staff, bow, and unarmed grappling. They emphasize kata, strategy, distance (maai), timing, posture, and etiquette (reihō). Methods are transmitted through kuden (oral instruction) and hierarchical teacher-student relationships. Many koryū maintain long, continuous lineages and private or semi-private dojos, preserving technical repertoires, teaching methods, and strategic principles.

Koryū differ from gendai budō (modern martial arts) such as judo, kendo, or aikido, which arose in the late 19th and 20th centuries and often adapted to contemporary sport or pedagogy. In contrast, koryū typically retain traditional training equipment, forms, etiquette, and organizational structures, and their practice may emphasize historical authenticity and lineage integrity rather than competition formats.

Notable examples include Katori Shinto-ryū, Kashima Shintō-ryū, Yagyū Shinkage-ryū, and Niten Ichi-ryū, among others. Some koryū remain active with publicly accessible demonstrations or open training, while others are maintained by private families or foundations. Scholarly study of koryū informs understanding of pre-modern combat, social structure, and cultural heritage.