Koryu

Koryu (古流) is a Japanese word that translates literally as "old school" or "old tradition". It refers to schools of martial arts that predate the Meiji restoration, a political event that precipitated Japan's modernization. While arts post dating this event (gendai budo such as judo, kendo, iaido and aikido) are valued either as sports or arts for self-improvement, the koryu are the teachings of a feudal military culture. Koryu styles often contain both armed fighting with several different weapons and unarmed techniques.

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Japanese: When used as an adjective, Japanese refers to anything that originates from Japan. It may refer to more than one article:...

Martial arts: Martial arts or fighting arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. Martial arts all have a very similar objective: defend oneself or others from physical threat. In addition, some martial arts are linked to beliefs such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism...

Meiji restoration: The Meiji Restoration (Japanese: ????, Meiji-ishin), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to a change in Japan's political and social structure. It occurred from 1866 to 1869, a period of 4 years that transverses both the late Edo (often called Late To...