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Kenjutsu is a classical Japanese martial art, a koryu budo. There
are many different schools, with the objective to teach efficient use of the
Japanese sword in combat.
The practice is largely done in the form of kata, and also by actual
cutting and thrusting of the blade against water-soaked rolled mats and
bamboo poles. The practice tool is either bokken (wooden sword) or real
sword (katana, tachi, etc.).
Some ancient sword schools still exist, such as Katori Shinto Ryu,
Kashima Shinto Ryu, Kashima Shin ryu. As in other koryu arts, belt color is
not used to show the practitioners ability. Instead of grades, licenses such
as menkyo kaiden are given.
Modern budo arts derived from traditional sword work are kendo and iaido.
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