Kenjutsu is the traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, focused on the techniques and strategies used in combat with a katana (Japanese sword). Unlike modern sports like Kendo, which emphasise sparring with protective armour, Kenjutsu is primarily concerned with the practical application of sword techniques for real-world combat. The art includes a variety of techniques such as cutting (battōjutsu), thrusting, parrying, and defensive movements, as well as strategies for battlefield scenarios. What sets Kenjutsu apart from other martial arts is its direct connection to historical sword fighting, often involving techniques that were once used by samurai in actual warfare. While many martial arts today focus on sport or self-defence, Kenjutsu is rooted in ancient warrior traditions.

Kenjutsu has its origins in the samurai culture of feudal Japan, evolving over centuries as the primary method of sword fighting used in battle. Its techniques were passed down from master to student, often within specific schools (ryū) that specialised in various aspects of swordsmanship. Kenjutsu played a vital role in the samurai’s training, as combat with the katana was an essential skill on the battlefield. After the end of the samurai era in the late 19th century, following Japan's Meiji Restoration, Kenjutsu began to evolve into more formalised, non-combatant styles like Kendo for educational and sporting purposes. However, Kenjutsu still exists today as a traditional martial art, with practitioners studying ancient techniques that are preserved in kata (pre-arranged forms). These kata help retain the essence of Kenjutsu for those seeking to connect with the martial art’s historical and spiritual significance.

Kenjutsu focuses on kata (forms) and tameshigiri (cutting practice), where practitioners demonstrate their skills through predetermined sequences that simulate combat scenarios. In kata competitions, practitioners perform a set of movements with a partner, executing strikes, parries, and defensive techniques in a precise manner. The focus is on the accuracy of the cuts, the flow of the movements, and the correct application of technique. Tameshigiri involves cutting targets, usually rolled mats or bamboo, to demonstrate the practitioner’s skill in delivering clean, precise cuts with a katana. Competitions in Kenjutsu are less common than in other martial arts, but in traditional settings, demonstrations of technique and ability are highly valued, often showcasing mastery in the art’s historical forms.