Tantojutsu

Tantōjutsu (短刀術) is a Japanese term for a variety of traditional Japanese knife fighting systems that used the tantō, a short knife or dagger. Historically, many women used a version of the tantō, called the kaiken, for self-defense, but the onna-bugeisha, or warrior women who were part of the samurai class, learned one of the tantojutsu arts to fight in battle.

Martial arts that practise tantojutsu

Tantō with blunt wooden or plastic blades are used to practice martial arts. Metal blades can be used in more advanced training and in demonstrations. Styles that use tantō:

Budo (Gendai):

• Aikido
• Shorinji Kempo

Bugei:

• Yanagi-ryu Aiki Bugei

Bujutsu (Koryu):

• Kashima Shin-ryū (this ryūha uses term Kaikenjutsu)
• Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu

See also

• Kaiken (dagger)
• Wakizashi