Vancouver Japanese Language School–Japanese Hall: Japanese Hall 

Katori Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu is a classical Japanese martial art that preserves the traditional sword-fighting techniques of the samurai. Practitioners train with a range of historical weapons, including the long and short sword, fighting staff (bo), spear, and naginata (halberd). Unlike modern forms such as Kendo and Iaido, which evolved from older sword schools, Katori Shinto Ryu maintains its techniques in their original, unmodified forms. The focus is on developing a complete warrior, capable of applying practical combat skills with various weapons at full speed. Demonstrations showcase a range of techniques, including Iaijutsu (sword-drawing with metal blades), Kenjutsu (paired forms with katana vs. katana), two-sword and short sword techniques, bo vs. sword, and naginata vs. sword. This comprehensive martial system offers a rare connection to Japan’s oldest warrior traditions.