Four New Groups
These are excerpts from the 2025 Enbukai. Four groups were presented that had not participated in the previous two years. This means that a total of 70 ryu were presented in 2023, 2024, and 2025. There are currently approximately 80 ryu organized in the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai.
The five original videos of the 48th Nihon Kobudo Enbukai, each just over 45 minutes long, can be found on YouTube.
The video clips from the previous two years:
2023 Part 1
無雙直傳英信流居合術
Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū
The school was originally called Shinmei Muso-ryu. Today, it has three branches and is one of the most widespread iai-jutsu schools in the world.
The first kata series (Shoden level) taught comes from Omori-ryu and is performed in seiza (formal kneeling).
The second level (Chuden) consists of techniques beginning with the tatehiza (half-seated). These are considered original techniques developed by Hasegawa Hidenobu (Eishin).
The school also offers advanced levels (Okuden) as well as many pair techniques (Kumitachi), which, however, are known only to advanced students.
関口流抜刀術
Sekiguchi Ryū Battōjutsu
Sekiguchi-ryu was founded by Sekiguchi Yarokuemon Ujimune (1598–1670), also known as Jushin.
The school offers sword-versus-sword kata (Tachi no Kata) and kodachi-versus-longsword kata (Kodachi no Kata). These katas can be performed with a partner at a safe distance from the opponent. This allows for the practice of timing while simultaneously executing complete cutting movements.
A characteristic of the school is "Tobichigae," in which one jumps and changes sides while performing Kesa Giri.
水鷗流居合剣法・正木流鎖鎌術
Suiō Ryū Iai Kenpō & Masaki Ryū Kusarigama Jutsu
Suiō Ryū Iai Kenpō was founded by Mima Yoichizaemon Kagenobu in the early 17th century.
The school practices iaijutsu, jojutsu, naginatajutsu, and kusarigamajutsu.
Masaki Ryū Kusarigama Jutsu was founded by Toshimitsu Masaki in the 1750s. His clan was tasked with guarding the Ote-mon Gate at Edo Castle. Masaki anticipated the need to fend off rebellious individuals. He is said to have developed the kusarigama techniques to prevent blood spatter from sword fights on the outside of the gate.
陽流砲術
Yō Ryū Hōjutsu
The school was founded by Takano Ysunaga and passed on to the Onoe family.
It practices the use of ancient firearms.
In the two previous years (2023 and 2024), a different firearms school concluded the demonstrations.
The end of the video shows the official conclusion of the 48th Nihon Kobudo Enbukai in 2025.