Our Kobudō

Your rare opportunity to practice the ancient ways of martial arts in Calgary.

Kobudō (古武道) - “the ancient martial way.”

Kobudō, a broader term than koryū, refers both to the classical martial arts codified before the modern era and to later systems that faithfully inherit their spirit, methods, and pedagogy. These include weapon arts such as kenjutsu (sword), iaidō (sword-drawing), sōjutsu (spear), as well as striking and grappling arts rooted in the contexts of earlier times.

While not immediately practical today — we are unlikely to face swordsmen or wrestle in armor — these arts remain a fascinating and valuable practice. They allow us to preserve tradition, refine skill, and deepen martial knowledge.

At Calgary Rakushinkan, kobudō training connects us to centuries of martial wisdom while enriching our modern practice.