Kenjutsu – The Discipline of the Sword By Sensei Liam Musiak

Within the Bugei Jūhappan — the 18 recognised skills of the ninja — few hold as much mystique and tradition as Kenjutsu (Swordsmanship). Out of these 18, I have studied and developed 11, and Kenjutsu is one that speaks to both history and practicality. It is the discipline of Japanese sword combat, built on precision, timing, and the ability to wield the katana with both live blades and traditional training methods.

What is Kenjutsu?

Kenjutsu is not just swinging a sword. It is the refined art of:

• Posture and grip – holding and controlling the katana with balance.

• Striking precision – delivering cuts with accuracy, intention, and efficiency.

• Defensive movement – using angles, distance, and the blade to intercept or redirect.

• Mental focus – treating the sword not as a weapon of brutality, but as an extension of discipline.

At its highest level, Kenjutsu is as much about the mind as the blade.

Why It Matters Today

We don’t walk the streets with swords, but the principles of Kenjutsu apply beyond the weapon itself:

• Timing and Distance – These skills overlap with unarmed combat. The ability to judge when and how to strike transfers directly to Karate, boxing, or self-defence.

• Focus and Discipline – Training with the sword demands total presence of mind.

• Respect for Weapons – In a world where blades still exist in violence, understanding how they move and how they can be used builds better awareness and defences.

  
  

Kenjutsu and Karate – Overlap in Training

For me, the parallels are obvious. Karate teaches precise strikes with hands and feet; Kenjutsu refines this same principle into bladed combat. Footwork, angles, and timing are identical. When I train Kenjutsu, I am sharpening my Karate as well.

Even my kata training carries Kenjutsu influence. The flow, control, and application of bunkai often mirrors the principles of sword combat — decisive, efficient, and aware of distance.

Conclusion – The Sword of Discipline

Kenjutsu is more than an ancient relic. It is the discipline of controlling power, refining focus, and understanding combat at its sharpest edge.

As one of my 11 studied skills within the Bugei Jūhappan, Kenjutsu reminds me that martial arts are not about the weapon itself, but about the discipline behind it. Whether it is the katana, the fist, or the mind, the principle is the same: control, precision, and respect.