Tendo Ryu

Tendo-ryu is a composite martial art school with a history of over 450 years. It incorporates an array of weapons, but it is the techniques of the naginata for which the tradition is most known for now. Scrolls written around the beginning of the Meiji period (1868–1912) contain references to hundreds of techniques, of which the finer details were taught directly from teacher to disciple. The technique known as “ichiomonji-no-midare” has survived throughout Tendo-ryu’s history, and although it is the most basic technique in the tradition, it has no bounds in terms of depth. Based on the combat experience of the school’s founder, Saito Hankan Denkibo, it represents the very essence of Tendo-ryu’s teachings.

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Currently, Tendo-ryu includes the techniques of the naginata, kenjutsu (sword), nito (dual swords), jojutsu (staff), kusarigama (sickle and chain), kodachi (shortsword), and tantojutsu (dagger), among others. It is the naginata, however, that remains central to the school’s teachings. The reason for this is that Tendo-ryu was headed by males until the 15th Headmaster, Mitamura Chiyo. She was somewhat of a prodigy in the techniques of the naginata, and taught at the Butokukai’s martial art instructor school (Busen) and many other dojos, contributing greatly to the dissemination of the art throughout Japan in the pre-war era.

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Classical martial arts, or kobudo, form the roots of the nine modern Japanese disciplines: kendo, judo, kyudo, karatedo, sumo, aikido, shorinji kempo, naginata and jukendo. Kobudo does not typically have competition in the sporting sense as one of its objectives; the classical martial arts were essential training to prevail in duels and battle. The combat application and usefulness of kobudo disappeared after the Meiji Restoration (1868) when Japan modernised, but are now recognised as traditional cultural heritage. Through studying classical traditions, the student learns to value the self and others. Character development is one of the main goals of kobudo. Self-development and fostering an air of dignity and respect through training is an important lesson that the study of traditional naginata imparts. Daily training and study of naginata philosophy provides us with many hints for contributing to the world in which we live, so that we can all come together and live harmoniously.