Katori Shintō-ryū Australia

The tradition

Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū was founded by Iizasa Choisai Ienaō Sensei during the mid Muromachi era (1336-1573) in the Katori region of Shimōsa province (present-day Katori city, Chiba prefecture).

The practice of Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū in Australia is led by Yury Sergeev (Shidōsha, Mokuroku) who is representing the Shinbukan Dōjō (Chiba Prefecture, Japan).

The tradition has been preserved and transmitted through centuries to present day by many generations of master teachers. The Shinbukan Dōjō's practice of Katori Shintō-ryū follows the teachings passed down from Hayashi Sakuichirō Shihan to Hayashi Yazaemon Shihan, who was then succeeded by Ōtake Risuke Shihan (Shinbukan Dōjō founder). Practice is currently led by Ōtake Nobutoshi Shihan.

In 1960, through the efforts of Hayashi Yazaemon Shihan and Ōtake Risuke Shihan, Katori Shintō-ryu was awarded the status of Intangible Cultural Asset of Chiba Prefecture by the Chiba Prefecture Office of Education, Department for the Promotion of Education, Section for Cultural Assets. The tradition was the first martial art in Japan to be designated as such. Both Ōtake Risuke Shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi Shihan were given the official title of Guardian, as designated by the authority of the Chiba Prefecture Office of Education.

If you are not based in Australia and would like to inquire about the tradition, please visit the Shinbukan Dōjō website, using this link: 天真正伝香取神道流