Kenjutsu 「剣術」
The word 'Kenjutsu' can be ambiguous because it has both a general and specific meaning. Historically, it was the very first word used to describe Japanese sword techniques. Coined during the Heian Period (794 - 1195 AD), it roughly coincided with the beginnings of the samurai warrior class and the development of the katana sword. Literally , Kenjutsu means "sword-technique" and, in its most generalized use, simply refers to swordsmanship as a whole. Other terms, such as Iaijutsu, Battojutsu and Iaido, all came centuries later in order to describe specific aspects of swordsmanship (for example, Battojutsu emphasizes cutting from the draw). Effectively, Kenjutsu is the umbrella word for swordsmanship, and all other terms are subsets to it.
When not speaking generally, Kenjutsu can also be used to describe a style of swordsmanship. This style, unlike Iaido or Battojutsu, emphasizes the combative aspects of the art. It is said that Kenjutsu is the study of fighting once both swords have been drawn. Essentially, it is the art of dueling. Unlike Kendo, which is a sport, Kenjutsu is true sparring with the intent to kill. It is typically practiced without armor. The goal is to get in close enough to kill without getting killed at the same time. Practitioners study blocks, parries and feints for both defense and creating openings. A skilled swordsman will have a perfect sense of distance (known as 'Maai'). This means knowing the exact moment when an opponent is in striking range, or that the opponent's sword will just barely miss by a hair. When two skilled swordsmen face off it is like a chess game, both positioning to gain an advantage while preventing the other from doing the same.
DISCLAIMER: Seibu Ryu does not teach the sparring aspects of Kenjutsu. It is included here on our website for the sake of completeness and general relevance to our art.
When not speaking generally, Kenjutsu can also be used to describe a style of swordsmanship. This style, unlike Iaido or Battojutsu, emphasizes the combative aspects of the art. It is said that Kenjutsu is the study of fighting once both swords have been drawn. Essentially, it is the art of dueling. Unlike Kendo, which is a sport, Kenjutsu is true sparring with the intent to kill. It is typically practiced without armor. The goal is to get in close enough to kill without getting killed at the same time. Practitioners study blocks, parries and feints for both defense and creating openings. A skilled swordsman will have a perfect sense of distance (known as 'Maai'). This means knowing the exact moment when an opponent is in striking range, or that the opponent's sword will just barely miss by a hair. When two skilled swordsmen face off it is like a chess game, both positioning to gain an advantage while preventing the other from doing the same.
DISCLAIMER: Seibu Ryu does not teach the sparring aspects of Kenjutsu. It is included here on our website for the sake of completeness and general relevance to our art.
Tetsuzan Kuroda Sensei of the Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo. He has inherited (as well as earned) the title of Soke in numerous Koryu styles. He is considered to be one of the best living swordsmen in Japan.
A potential third usage for Kenjutsu is when talking about 'Koyru'. Koryu is the name given to the "old schools" founded prior to the Meiji Restoration (1868) that have stayed true to their historic teachings. Their emphasis is combat, specifically dueling (aka Kenjutsu). Hence, when people talk of Kenjutsu they often can be talking about Koryu styles. While it does not necessarily mean this, it can be implied.
FURTHER DISCLAIMER - Seibu Ryu is not a Koryu style, though it can claim its lineage back to 1890. Again, it does not teach formal sparring techniques typified by Kenjutsu schools, though it does include paired sparring kata and introduces students to sparring basics.
FURTHER DISCLAIMER - Seibu Ryu is not a Koryu style, though it can claim its lineage back to 1890. Again, it does not teach formal sparring techniques typified by Kenjutsu schools, though it does include paired sparring kata and introduces students to sparring basics.