FAQ

What is koryu?  

The category koryu (literally “old school”) refers to arts that were created prior to the Meiji restoration in 1868.  This is in contrast to gendai budo which includes arts such as Aikido or Judo.

How are koryu different from modern Japanese martial arts such as Aikido or Kendo?

It’s a bit risky to make generalizations. Each ryu is very much its own institution and there are significant differences among them.  That said, koryu tend to be taught in much smaller groups, structured around personal connections rather than formal organizations.  Koryu were created during a time where practical efficacy - in technique and training - was a paramount concern.  Maintaining and passing on the tradition is a goal of those studying koryu, at least as much if not more than personal goals. 

What does training in SMR entail?

Virtually all training in SMR is kata based.  Kata are pre-arranged forms that consist of stimulus-response pairs designed to build habitual reactions to different scenarios.  The focus of study in SMR is on how to use the jo (a medium length staff) to defeat an opponent armed with a sword.  Advance study includes additional weapons.

Are there competitions?

No.  The nature of the SMR techniques and the weapons used make any sort of free sparring impossible.  Furthermore, the original intention of the art was the practical objective of learning combat with the jo.  While we don’t have that practical need today, we do maintain that spirit as part of maintaining the tradition.

Do I need to have studied another martial art to train in SMR?

No. While it is quite common for students of SMR to have a background in other martial arts because that is how they discovered SMR, there is no requirement.

Do I need to be athletic?

Not necessarily.  Training in a weapons art is very much about learning how to move your body in order to move the weapon.  Training is also very much about personal development.  So while some students may start with more pre-existing affinity for body movement, improving is a goal for everyone.

What equipment do I need?

At first, nothing.  Students starting off should wear loose fitting clothes that they feel comfortable moving in, including long pants.  Unless there is a medical need, students will train barefoot.  (And if there is a medical need, footwear should be distinct from street shoes.)  The standard training clothes for SMR is an indigo keiko-gi, obi and hakama.  We can assist on ordering these.  Weapons will be provided initially.  If you decide to commit, we can help with buying a set.  Please do not purchase new weapons on your own as it is very easy to buy the wrong items.  

What are the benefits of studying SMR?

People can and do differ on exactly what they hope to get out of studying SMR.  That said, there are a few common motivations:

• The goal of learning combat with feudal era weapons is a stimulating physical, mental and intellectual challenge.

• Training in a 400 year old tradition is a novel means of learning about Japanese culture.

• Weapons can be an appealing focus of study due to their being an equalizer over strength and size.

How does Shinto Muso Ryu Jo differ from jo taught in Aikido?

Technically there is no relationship whatsoever.  There is no evidence that SMR was an influential art on the development of Aikido.  In fact, the weapon itself is different - an SMR jo is slightly smaller.   That said, since Japanese swordsmanship is such an influential foundation to Aikido, there are certainly many principles in common.  A basic example is the use of hanmi.

How does Shinto Muso Ryu Jo differ from Seitei-gata taught in Kendo?

The seitei-gata set is a sampling of 12 kata selected from the Shinto Muso Ryu curriculum by Shimizu Takaji Sensei to be taught as a supplement to kendo training.  When taught in this context, the kata often take on a more kendo-ish character.

Some SMR groups do use parts of the seitei-gata order as a way of introducing new students, since they form a more pedagogically appealing sequence.