Tsukahara Bokuden (Takatomo)

Sword Saint (Kensei) / Soke

Legendary Japanese samurai sword saint (Kensei) and founder of Kashima Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth1489

Date of Death3/6/1571

Era16th century

Country of OriginJapan (Hitachi)

Rank / TitleFounder of Kashima Shinto-ryu (Kensei)

Active Years1505–1571

Biography

Tsukahara Bokuden is one of Japan's most revered Kensei (Sword Saints). Undefeated in 37 duels and 19 battles, he formulated Kashima Shinto-ryu and the "Mutekatsu-ryu" (winning without fighting) philosophy.

Associated Martial Arts

Kashima Shinto-ryuFounder→

A Japanese school of the sword associated with Tsukahara Bokuden. His best-known victory came without a weapon: he left his opponent on an islet and rowed off.