History of the Art

The art of Shinkage Ryu began around the year 1559 when swordsmen contemporary to that era began to examine the roots of thought and how it related to the unique and intense combative experience that fighting with a sword afforded. This "Way" of thinking and training the mind prepared the swordsman with a different approach to conflict than the conventional thought did at the time.
Shinkage Ryu has, in one way or another, influenced most martial arts that we have today even though its first iteration happened nearly 450 years ago. Still, today serious martial artists all over the world turn to the ancient writings of Takuan and Munenori and others to help hone their martial skills. Historically, the time of the Samurai came to an end in the late 1800's when the Meji restoration wrenched power from the last Shogun.
There have been many tumultuous changes that have impacted all Japanese Sword Arts, as a result the study and enjoyment of training in this and other styles of Japanese Sword Arts should be couched in as good an understanding of the Samurai as we here in the west can obtain.
The history of the samurai is one that is fascinating and there are a number of good resources available for the academic study of feudal Japan as well as the development of its post modern society and how that has impacted and changed what we know and how we practice now. On this page are a number of links to some of Sensei Kilgore's favorite books on the subject, these resources will offer you a clearer look at the history that surrounds all Japanese Sword Arts