Learning the Legacy of 400 Years​

Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, was founded around 400 years ago during the late Sengoku period (1467~1615). It preserves techniques used on the battlefield, assuming wearing armor.

About the Ryuha Style

Asayama Ichiden Ryu is a comprehensive martial art with Kenjutsu, Iai (katana drawing), sickle, staff, and many other weapons. It teaches so many weapons, that there are more than 300 kata (fixed exercises) that the students must study. There are also many other techniques that have been passed down orally, and even the sensei doesn’t know how many there are in total because there are just too many. Asayama Ichiden Ryu is considered one of the few Kobudo: ancient budo martial arts that exist today because it was born before the Edo period when samurai still existed. Budo ryuha, born after the end of the Edo period (1603~1868), or in other words after Japan’s Westernization, is considered Gendai-budo: modern budo martial arts.

The Types of Weapons and the Number of Kata

In addition to Iai and Kenjutsu techniques using the katana, the Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu also teaches techniques involving the bo stick, jo staff, kama (sickle), tamagusari (ball chain), and tanbō (short stick). There are over 300 Kata (forms) in total.

Interested in Training in Japan?

We currently do not accept one-time trial visits or observation requests at the main dojo. If you would like to join a trial or observe practice, please come to the Kyoto Dojo, operated by Shogo Yamaguchi, who manages “Let’s Ask Seki Sensei” and serves as Seki Sensei’s interpreter.

Kyoto Dojo

Contact Us