The yamabushi were originally mountain hermits, ascetics and holy people who followed the path of shugendo. The people who followed this path came to be known by a variety of names, some of which include kenja, kenza and shugenja.

The yamabushi came to be known for their magical abilities and occult knowledge and were sought out as healers or mediums. However as well as their affinity with nature and their religious studies they were also well versed in a variety of martial arts – improving their physical, mental and spiritual well being.

The yamabushi therefore became known as great warriors, as well as monks. Just like other warrior monks, the Yamabushi used a variety of weaponry and it’s not uncommon to find references to them fighting with such. Traditionally the yamabushi weapon of choice was the naginata.

The Naginata is a weapon traditionally used in Japan by both the yamabushi and the samurai . Nowadays, the naginata is studied more by women than men, it is a wooden pole with a curved blade on the end and normally it has a guard between the blade and the pole.  Yamabushi Ryu teaches the art of oriental weaponry including Naginata

Today, the Yamabushi continue to serve humanity just as they have done in the past. No longer through dying in battle, but by living in peace and providing help, guidance, and support to anyone seeking or requiring these.

Yamabushi provide training in both historic aspects of the traditional martial arts and philosophies and contemporary aspects such as self-defence, personal safety and the modern combat sport of kick boxing. Yamabushi also maintains strong links with the Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences, an official academic and educational body listed in British Qualifications and accredited by the NCFE.

In addition,Yamabushi Ryu is a very “Pro-Active” association, and there is nearly always something of interest going on such as international seminars, national courses or lively social events.. Education, qualifications, fitness, confidence, its all here waiting for you at one of our nearby clubs.