Kenjutsu - Hyoho Niten Ichi ryu

Kenjutsu, 剣術, is a Japanese martial art specialized in sword techniques when the sword is drawn from its scabbard (saya). It is considered part of nihon kobudo (traditional Japanese martial arts) and was developed to teach combat with the katana (Japanese sword). Between the 16th and 19th centuries, more than 600 schools and styles of Kenjutsu were created, focusing on combat effectiveness. During times of peace or training, samurais used wooden swords, bokuto, to avoid damaging the katana or causing fatal accidents. At the end of the 19th century, during the Meiji Era, carrying swords was prohibited, causing many schools to disappear or fall into oblivion.

We teach the school founded in the 16th century by the famous warrior Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) and known as the Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu (兵法二天一流) school. This school is known for its focus on combat strategy (Hyoho), especially the use of two swords. The name Niten means “Two Heavens in One,” referring to Musashi's unique technique of using both a katana (long sword) and a wakizashi (short sword) simultaneously.

The Niten Ichi Ryu school not only teaches combat techniques but also emphasizes the strategy and philosophy behind the use of the sword. Musashi's teachings stress adaptability, mental control, and combat efficiency, always seeking to achieve victory with minimal effort and a deep understanding of the nature of conflict.

The use of two swords is one of the distinctive features of this school. Musashi developed this technique to balance both defense and offense simultaneously, optimizing combat and the response to any situation. In addition, students of the Niten Ichi Ryu school learn to use other weapons for combat, including the katana, wakizashi, and the long staff, through kata (pre-established forms) that simulate real combat scenarios.

The Niten Ichi Ryu school follows a traditional hierarchical structure, passed down from master to student. Through generations of Shihan (masters), the art has been preserved and adapted without losing its original essence. The direct relationship between master and student is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the teachings.

Today, Niten Ichi Ryu remains one of the most influential schools in the fields of Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, practiced worldwide. Students not only learn sword techniques but also delve into the strategy and philosophy that underlie the Japanese sword art. The school continues to be a pillar in the practice of traditional Japanese martial arts, contributing to the development of practitioners who seek to refine their technique and achieve harmony between mind, body, and spirit.

The Niten Ichi Ryu school is more than just a martial art; it is a philosophy of life that continues to influence the modern world. Through its teachings, students learn to apply combat strategies and the warrior's mindset not only in duels but also in their daily lives, always striving for personal perfection and spiritual harmony.

Miyamoto Musashi (1584 - 1645).
Founder of the Niten Ichi Ryu school.