Kenjutsu – The Way of the Sword

Holistic development through Kenjutsu (剣術)

Samurai (侍) – Leaders with the Sword

The samurai of Japan were far more than warriors. As officials, politicians and administrators, they bore responsibility for entire regions. They had to lead teams, develop economic strategies and ensure the wellbeing of their communities. In times of crisis, clear decisions were required — often under enormous pressure.

Sword training for them was not merely preparation for combat. It was a school for leadership, strategic thinking and mental clarity. The ability to remain calm and act decisively in difficult moments could determine the success or failure of an entire region.

From Combat Technique to a Way of Life

Originally, Bujutsu (武術 — the combat arts) was centred on victory in battle. But the masters recognised early on: true strength does not come from physical force alone. Mental capacity is at least equally important. Ultimately, the aim is to overcome one’s own ego. In this sense, even a defeat can become a victory over oneself.

Through sustained practice and engagement with one’s own strengths and weaknesses, Bujutsu (the technique of fighting) becomes Budo (武道 — the way of the warrior). From combat technique emerges a method of personal development.

Kenjutsu Today

Today, the sword has long lost its significance as a weapon. The principles cultivated in training, however, remain as valid as ever.
At the centre is the capacity to stay present and focused even under pressure. Kata practice (型 — fixed movement forms) trains timing, distance and appropriate use of force — not as abstract concepts, but through repeated physical experience. Concentrated movement with the sword demands complete attention; everyday concerns recede into the background.

This is not about quick results. The sword is a slow teaching medium — and that is its value.

Training for Body and Mind

At the heart of our training is an intensive engagement with the possibilities of one’s own body and the handling of the sword. You begin with solo exercises (Suburi 素振り) to develop a feel for the wooden sword. Over time, you gain confidence and ease in working with the Bokken.

Partner exercises follow. The so-called Kata contain the principles and strategies of our school. Kata are fixed sequences of movement practised together with a training partner. Through continuous practice, a feel gradually develops for correct distance, ideal timing and appropriate use of force.

The aim is to be able to apply what is trained intuitively. That takes time, patience and regular practice.

Continuous Engagement with Oneself

Even in the age of the samurai, practising Kata was a method of low-risk training. Rather than proving themselves in real combat, sword students could internalise the principles in a safe environment.

The precisely defined movement sequences of the Kata are anything but dead forms. Mindlessly repeating memorised steps and strikes leads nowhere. The Kata must be discovered anew each time and filled with life. Only in this way can new aspects continue to emerge over the years.

Today, the regulating force of “real” combat is absent. It is therefore all the more important to approach the Kata with full commitment and to keep questioning one’s own ability. The Kata becomes a mirror.

Kashima-no-Tachi (鹿島之太刀) – The Sword Tradition of Kashima

Kenjutsu is a collective term for all Japanese sword-fighting forms. Literally, it means “sword” (Ken 剣) and “technique” (Jutsu 術). In the classical martial arts schools (Ryu 流 or Ryuha 流派), whose traditions often reach back several hundred years, there is no competitive sport.

Unlike modern Kendo (剣道), we train without protective armour. We practise with the Bokken (木剣 — wooden sword), the Fukuro-Shinai (袋竹刀 — bamboo sword) or the Iaito (居合刀 — blunt steel sword).

At Dojo Gleisdreieck, we practise the Kenjutsu of Kashima no Tachi as taught by Master Minoru Inaba of the Shiseikan (至誠館) Dojo in Tokyo. We are members of the ISBA (International Shiseikan Budo Association).

Kihon (基本) – Foundation Training

Our foundation training is suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The focus is on Suburi (solo exercises) and the first series (Kihon Tachi 基本太刀). The aim is to develop handling of the sword.

Only once a basic confidence in working with the wooden sword has been established is it possible to practise the dynamic Kata of the further four series.

Everything you need, you learn step by step in training.

Kumi Tachi (組太刀) – Partner Training

The curriculum of the Kashima No Tachi school consists of five series with a total of 40 Kata. Kata training is suited to those who have already developed a basic confidence in handling the wooden sword and have a secure grasp of the five Kata of the first series.

We train together, support one another and learn from each other. Everyone is welcome to train — regardless of age, gender or prior experience.