Martial Arts
Katori Shinto Ryu
The Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū school (天真正伝香取神道流) is one of the oldest schools of Japanese martial arts or Koryū (古流). Bujutsu (武術). It was founded by Iizasa Ienao in the 13th century CE, during his retreat at the Katori-jingū temple in Katori, dedicated to Futsunushi no Mikoto (経津主之命), a tutelary deity of the martial arts.
Katori Shinto Ryu teaching involves the practice of weapons in the form of katas or Kajos (forms, sequences).
Kenjutsu: sword techniques (4 basic katas Omote no Tachi, 5 advanced Gōgyo no Tachi and three katas improperly called secrets, Gokui Shichijo)
Bojutsu: long stick techniques (6 basic katas Omote no Bō and 6 advanced katas Gōgyo no Bō)
Naginatajutsu: halberd techniques (4 basic Omote no Naginata katas)
Iaijutsu: cutting techniques by drawing the sword from the scabbard (6 kneeling katas Suwari iaï or Iaï goshi, 5 standing katas Tachi iaï Battōjutsu and 5 advanced katas, Gokui no iaï)
Ryōtōjutsu: two-sword techniques (4 katas)
Kodachijutsu: small-sword techniques (3 katas Gokui no Kodachi)
Sojutsu: spear techniques (6 Omote no Yari katas)
Shurikenjutsu: dagger-throwing techniques (7 basic Omote no Shuriken katas)
Senjutsu: strategy techniques
Shikujojutsu: fortification building techniques
Ninjutsu: espionage techniques
Jujutsu: empty-hand techniques (36 katas)


These techniques are sometimes exaggeratedly called “secret” because of the demand for mastery and personal investment in the discipline, but also because they are known and mastered by a very small number of practitioners. They enable us to work on notions such as nebari (translated as “perseverance”, “adherence”), which consists in maintaining contact with the partner’s weapon at all times, or maai (間合い) “distance”, “interval”, which refers to the space between the two practitioners, sufficient space to attack without being hit.
Other notions, inherent to traditional martial arts (Bujutsu, Budō) are transmitted within the Katori school. These include Shoshin “beginner’s mind” or humility, Shisei (史成) “attitude”, Reïshiki (礼式) “etiquette”, Kime (決め) “determination”, Zanshin (残心) “vigilance”, Kiai (気合) “concentration of energy”.
Réjane
I think it's very rare to have martial arts teaching of this quality in a village, just a stone's throw from home, and it's invaluable.
Léland
We're extremely lucky to have access to such high-quality teaching.
Julien
Philippe is a brilliant teacher, a super pedagogue, and has impressive knowledge and know-how. A huge thank you!
Guillaume
The transmission of Martial Arts is free from competition, and everything is put at the service of art and being. The experience transforms you on every level!