Switzerland
Origin
Kashima Shin-ryū stands in the sword tradition of the Kashima shrine, that region east of Edo from which several of the oldest Japanese sword schools emerged. It was handed on over generations in the Kunii family; its spread in the 20th century and its present international presence go back in essence to Seki Humitake.
What is trained
Exclusively Kata in pairs, with the Bokutō. No solo training, no competition. The curriculum is strictly graded, and every level sets a task of its own:
- Kihon Tachi — the basic forms. Posture, cut, connection.
- Ura Tachi — distance and timing. What happens when the basic form does not work out.
- Kassen Tachi — battlefield techniques. Dealing with armour, terrain and several opponents.
In the complete transmission further series are added, as well as unarmed parts (jūjutsu) that work through the same principles without a blade.
Characteristic is the role of Uchidachi, the attacking partner: he does not simply carry out a set part but bears the responsibility for timing and pressure. Without an honest Uchidachi the Kata stays empty.
In Switzerland
Kashima Shin-ryū is taught in the Kenjutsu section of Shung Do Kwan Budo in Geneva — a club founded in 1947 and thus the oldest martial arts institution in the city. Shintō Musō-ryū Jōdō is trained under the same roof.