After dropping down from the mountains to the river valley that would lead to my hotel for the night in Hayato City, I spied a big red torii across the rice paddies and headed over to investigate. The torii had a chrysanthemum emblem indicating a connection to the imperial clan.
Togami Shrine was established in the early 8th Century after the Yamato sent a 10,000 strong army to subdue the Hayato people who were resisting the Yamato. Following the war the Yamato removed many Hayato to other parts of Japan and moved non-Yamato settlers into Hayato territory.
While at the shrine some local people were obviously practising some kind of sword-based martial art, though not having much interest in martial arts, nor in swords and samurai and such, I have no idea what the style/art is.
What is obvious is that it was about fighting against multiple opponents. maybe it is a variation on kendo. If anyone knows please let me know,
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It's Yakumaru Jigen-ryu.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YniY8SoNF2c
I just love how they don't have helmets or padding. It takes self responsibility to a new level, plus the bruises would be a good teacher.
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