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Iizasa Ienao

Choisai Ienao / Soke

Famous samurai and founder of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu (1447), Japan's oldest extant martial tradition.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth1387
Date of Death1488
Era15th century
Country of OriginJapanJapan
Rank / TitleFounder of Katori Shinto-ryu
Active Years1447–1488

Biography

Iizasa Choisai Ienao established Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu in 1447 at Katori Shrine. Recognised as an Intangible Cultural Property, it preserves medieval samurai weaponry.

Associated Martial Arts

Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryuFounder→

The oldest surviving Japanese combat school with an unbroken line, assembled around 1447. It knows neither sporting contest nor sparring — only paired kata are practised.