Our Keikojo

Kobukai Berlin e.V. is a club dedicated to the practice of ancient Japanese martial arts. The club‘s name, Kobukai [古武会], translates to “Association for Ancient Martial Arts.” We practice the Japanese sword art of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu. Rooted in this samurai tradition, you can learn Kenjutsu (Japanese sword fighting) and Iaijutsu (the art of drawing the sword) with us. We are affiliated with the Sugino Dojo Doitsu Shibu led by Ulf Rott, the German branch of the Sugino Dojo in Kawasaki, Japan.

Kenjutsu Training in Our Keikojo

Katori Shinto-ryu is an approximately 550-year-old martial art of the Japanese warriors the samurai and offers a rich variety of ancient weapon techniques. This makes it one of the oldest traditions in Japanese Kobudo, or Koryu Bujutsu. Unlike other weapon arts such as Kendo, Iaido, and Naginatado, it does not specialize in just one type of weapon. You learn to handle the sword, staff, and swordlance. In the realm of more advanced techniques, there are also exercises for the short sword, wielding the long and short sword simultaneously, the spear, throwing darts, as well as unarmed close combat techniques.

Nevertheless, the sword always remains at the center of our practice, as it was the weapon a samurai always carried and which represented their status in society.

Our training takes place in a pleasantly relaxed, yet quite demanding and focused atmosphere. This might sound like a contradiction at first, but it is made possible by the roles of Senpai and Kohai (seniors and juniors) and the example set by the instructors. This is an important aspect of Japanese Budo training: learning by observing and imitating, known as Me-keiko. We have very few written rules. It is much more important to develop a sense of what is appropriate and when through your own perception.

Teaching Methods

Training in Katori Shinto-ryu is done through the practice of set forms, known as Kata. However, these are not solo exercises like in Karate. In Katori Shinto-ryu, Kata are partnered exercises consisting of attack and defense scenarios. The goal is not merely to perform the sequence technically correctly like a choreographed dance (that is the easiest part); instead, the core of the exercise is to execute the sequence while factoring in proper breathing, distance, mental attitude, intuition, and intention. This is entirely a dynamic process that you must dedicate yourself to with focus in every single training session in order to make long-term progress. Body and mind are honed by the sword.

Wearing protective gear like in Kendo is not customary during training. Sporting competitions where you compete against other athletes also do not exist in our tradition. Katori Shinto-ryu is therefore a martial art in which you can train entirely for your own personal growth. There is no performance pressure; training can be taken up and enjoyed by men and women of all ages and fitness levels. Much more important is the willingness to learn new things and to continuously work on and improve yourself and your techniques. Beginners are welcome at any time throughout the year!

On special dates, our Keikojo also holds outdoor training sessions in all seasons, as well as armor training wearing traditional Japanese samurai armor, so as not to lose touch with the roots and origins of our art.

To ensure the continuous progress of our members, the instructors and other members of the Keikojo regularly attend seminars to expand their skills and knowledge. Furthermore, Kobukai Berlin e.V. hosts its own seminars several times a year featuring high-ranking teachers from all over Europe and Japan.