Switzerland
The Japanese martial arts can be divided roughly into two categories: Koryu and Gendai Budo. Koryu, which translated means "old school", refers to martial arts that were developed in Japan before the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Gendai Budo, by contrast, refers to the modern martial arts that have been developed in Japan since the Meiji era. Although Koryu and Gendai Budo have some features in common, there are also significant differences between these two categories of martial art.
The Koryu schools
The Koryu schools were developed in Japan at a time when the samurai class held political and social power. Many Koryu schools were therefore founded by samurai and were intended for use in combat against other samurai. These schools centred on the use of traditional Japanese weapons such as the Katana, the bow, the Naginata and the spear. Even in the unarmed techniques the emphasis often lay on disarming or disabling an opponent who might be carrying a weapon.
One of the characteristic features of Koryu is the emphasis on practical applicability and effectiveness in combat situations. The techniques were often developed and refined through practical experience over many years and are designed to be used in self-defence or in combat situations. Many Koryu schools also place great weight on the development of mental discipline and concentration, which are regarded as indispensable for success in combat situations.
Gendai Budo
The Gendai Budo systems, by contrast, were developed in a period of peace and social change in Japan. These systems frequently draw on the traditional Japanese martial arts, but have been adapted and altered to suit modern society better. Gendai Budo systems may still involve the use of traditional weapons, but they also place greater emphasis on unarmed techniques, sporting competition and self-defence in real situations.
How they are taught and practised
Another essential difference between Koryu and Gendai Budo is the way in which they are taught and practised. Koryu schools often follow a traditional teaching model with a hierarchical structure and a strong emphasis on preserving the tradition. The techniques and teachings are passed on from generation to generation through oral transmission and physical practice.
Gendai Budo systems, on the other hand, often take a more modern approach to instruction, with greater emphasis on standardisation, scientific analysis and competition. Many Gendai Budo systems have standardised curricula and teaching methods, and they frequently use modern teaching techniques.
The training methods
There are also some differences in the specific training methods used in Koryu and Gendai Budo systems. Koryu schools often place great weight on developing strategy and tactics for combat situations. This includes an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons and techniques, as well as learning to adapt to different situations and opponents.
By contrast, Gendai Budo systems often concentrate on developing physical fitness, flexibility and general health and well-being. They may incorporate techniques and training methods from a variety of martial arts and other disciplines, with the emphasis on developing a rounded range of skills. Many Gendai Budo systems also place great weight on sporting competition, in which participants enter tournaments and championships in order to measure their abilities against others.
Koryu today
It is worth noting that although the Koryu schools were developed by samurai for use in combat situations, they are not necessarily confined to that context. Many Koryu practitioners today study these systems for their historical and cultural value as well as for their effectiveness in self-defence situations. Even though weapons play an important part in many Koryu systems, the unarmed techniques are nonetheless an essential component of most Koryu systems. The reason is that in the reality of a fight one does not always have access to a weapon, or may lose one's weapon during a fight. By training both armed and unarmed techniques, Koryu students develop a more complete understanding of self-defence.
The difference at a glance
| Koryu | Gendai Budo | |
|---|---|---|
| Emerged | before 1868, the samurai era | from Meiji onwards, in peacetime |
| Intended for | combat against other samurai | modern society |
| Weapons | Katana, bow, Naginata, spear | largely unarmed |
| Measure | applicability in earnest | competition, health |
| Transmission | oral, generation to generation | standardised curriculum |
| Structure | hierarchical, preserving tradition | standardisation, scientific analysis |
| Training | strategy, tactics, weapons knowledge | fitness, mobility, tournaments |
Three pointers for the search
There is no competition. The measure of a Koryu is the Kata — a set form in which two practitioners play through a situation completely, without armour, with full intent and controlled distance. What is judged is not victory over the partner but accuracy: distance, timing, cutting line, posture. A Koryu is shown in public in the Embu, a demonstration in commemoration of the transmission.
Ask about the line. The authority to pass a Ryuha on is set down in certificates — Mokuroku, Menkyo, in full Menkyo Kaiden. Anyone looking for a Koryu should ask about this line. It is the only reliable information there is.
Koryu is not Kobudo. The term Kobudo is often equated with the Okinawan weapon arts, which grew out of everyday implements — Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku. The Japanese Koryu weapons are different ones: Katana, Yari, Naginata, Kusarigama. Instruments of war, not repurposed tools.
And the related arts?
Iaido, Kendo, Kyudo and Naginata partly practise genuine Koryu lines, but in Switzerland they are organised through modern federations. They appear on this site in a section of their own — not devalued, only placed. For them koryu.ch points to the respective umbrella federation, because its club list is always more current.