Yagyū Shingan-ryū

Yagyū Shingan-ryū (柳生心眼流), is a traditional Samurai warrior tradition of ancient Japan (Kobudō). There are two distinct lineages of Yagyū Shingan-ryū known as Sendai-Heihojutsu and Edo-Taijutsu.

The term shingan (心眼) has its roots in Japanese Zen Buddhism, and refers to an ability to see and sense via the mind's eye. It was originally known as Shingan-ryū, but the honorary Yagyu surname was later attached with the permission of the founder's mentor. The Sendai branch states that Yagyū Munenori granted this approval to Takenaga Hayato, whereas the Edo lineage states it was Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi who gave permission to Araki Mataemon.

Yagyū Shingan-ryū was originally created as a comprehensive battlefield art, covering an array of skills and weapons. Grappling techniques focused on wrestling in full-armor and prepared foot soldiers for engagements on the battlefield. The techniques of Yagyū Shingan-ryū were designed to eliminate an enemy quickly and efficiently, employing sound body mechanics to off-balance and takedown an adversary. As a military art, the techniques were unforgiving and lethal. The system consisted of classical jujutsu, quarterstaff fighting (bōjutsu), glaive fighting (naginatajutsu), sword drawing and cutting (iaijutsu) and sword fighting (kenjutsu).