What Is Kenjutsu?
Kenjutsu (literally “sword techniques”) is a term which refers to the classical styles of Japanese sword-fighting which blossomed in Japan during the Warring States Period (c. 1300-1600). Since battlefield fighting was a regular occurrence at that time, warlords needed a way to train their warriors in the use of the sword. Schools of swordsmanship (kenjutsu) were created to meet this need. At the height of the Warring States Period, schools of kenjutsu numbered in the hundreds.
Battlefield fighting
About the Practice of Kenjutsu
Study in kenjutsu is predominantly done through the practice of kata (pre-arranged forms and patterns of movement). The curriculum of most classical styles of swordsmanship consist solely of kata, both solitary and with a partner (in the form of two-person kata). Many of the old styles continue to use the “bokken” or “bokuto” (wooden sword) to simulate the weight and characteristics of a real sword and some styles also include drawing and cutting practice with real blades (i.e., iaijutsu, battojutsu, tameshigiri, etc…).
Iaijutsu - the art of drawing and cutting
Kata was viewed in olden times to be an excellent educational tool through which to allow the students to learn the techniques and method of combat of the style in a safe, controlled manner. The focus in the traditional study of kenjutsu has always been on learning and perfecting, not competing. It has been said that serious budo (martial way) training is done in the spirit of polishing a gemstone.