Talk:Kenjutsu

Kenjutsu Ranks

Do most or all kenjutsu styles have the same ranking system - For Tennen Rishin Ryu it is listed as: Kirikami, Mokuroku, Chugokui, Mokuroku, Shinan Menkyo --Kitsuno 09:34, 31 December 2006 (PST)

Basically each Ryuha has different system.--Shikisoku 06:55, 7 January 2007 (PST)

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Difference between "Do" and "Jutsu"

I removed the following text from the article because I do not believe it belongs in this particular article. The debate is rather long, and I think that it may deserve its own section. Regardless, I'm not sure if it helps in this particular instance:

"Generally a "-do" suffixed art, having only come about within the last century and a half, lends itself toward more of a philosophical/meditative curriculum. Conversely "-jutsu" suffixed arts tend to focus more on the technique and its combative application."

I don't believe this to be a proper stating of the case. This was generally the English-speaking world's understanding through Draegar in the 60s and 70s, but I do not believe it accurately reflects usage.

'Jutsu' means technique. It is often used to describe particular techniques of using a weapon or certain unarmed techniques.

'Do' indicates 'the way'. It is most commonly used in a spiritual/philosophical sense. Lao Tzu and Confucius both talked about the 'Tao' (道). Practice areas were often at Zen temples, or 道場 (place of the Way). However, as early as the Heian period experts were known as the "X no michi no hito" (Friday 1997). Although there were spiritual connotations to the use of '-do' it did not mean to imply that the art in question was any less effective (which is often implied in the way the argument is presented).

This, I think, is the crux of the matter, and I'll bring a few examples:

Judo--When Kano Jigoro named what he was doing 'Judo' I don't believe it had anything to do with it being 'less effective' or 'more sporting'. If you look at early Judo, he was just as concerned with effectiveness as anything else. After his death, you see the sporting element grow, especially in response to the anti-militarism of the post WWII era.

Naginata--When Atarashii Naginata was formed in the 20th century, it was advised not to use -do because of the spiritual elements that might seem to link it too heavily to a nationalist bent. In the Meiji era the literature for naginata in schools call it naginatajutsu no taiso, but many of the techniques are simply exercises.

Jodo--The Nihon Jodokai, headed by Kaminoda Tsunemori, call what they do 'Jodo'. This is Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo (or Jojutsu) and it is most definitely koryu, still focused on the techniques and their combative application.