The roots of Shobukan Inyo-Ryu Battojutsu
Shobukan Inyo-Ryu Battojutsu is a modern style of Japanese sword fighting that was developed in Germany - and at the same time is deeply rooted in the classical weapons traditions. The style combines technical precision with pragmatic applicability and focuses on a lively examination of history, etiquette and responsibility in handling the weapon.
Origin and lines of influence
Shobukan Inyo-Ryu was founded in the 1970s/80s by Hans-Jürgen Eul in Herne (NRW). The style originally emerged as part of a comprehensive system that combined Ju-Jutsu-Do with elements of karate and traditional weapon fighting (Kobu-Jutsu). Battojutsu - the art of sword drawing and cutting - developed into an independent training focus in the following years.
Significant influences came from training with Toshishiro Obata, the founder of Shinkendo, as well as from the Toyama Ryu tradition. The latter was originally developed for officers at the Japanese military academy in Toyama and is characterized by practical, direct techniques. The style is complemented by influences from Eishin-Ryu, in particular the work "Flashing Steel" by Shimabukuro and Pellman.
Meaning of "Shobukan" and "Inyo"
"Shōbukan" ( Japanese 尚武館 ) literally means "house of martial arts". The term "Inyo" ( jap. 陰陽 ) - often also known as yin and yang - stands for opposites such as give and take, hard and soft, attack and retreat. This dichotomy not only characterizes the techniques, but also the inner attitude: a mutual learning between teachers and students that requires respect, adaptability and vigilance.
The way today
Today, Shobukan Inyo-Ryu Battojutsu is taught at various locations in Germany, including Bayerisch-Eisenstein, Braunfels, Bochum and Siegen. The schools share common examination regulations, training philosophy and etiquette - at the same time, there is room for individual focus and further development.
The basic idea remains the same: Preserving tradition, living responsibility, combining technique with spirit.
The philosophy of Shobukan Inyo-Ryu Battojutsu
Shobukan Inyo-Ryu Battojutsu is about more than just technique. The style sees itself as a holistic approach - a martial art in the classic sense that combines body, mind and attitude. The focus is on mindfulness, responsibility and the constant pursuit of inner and outer balance.
Give and take - the "Inyo" principle
The term "Inyo" stands for the interplay of opposites - similar to yin and yang. In training, this means that it is not just the trainer who gives and the student who takes. But rather: The trainer passes on and learns, the student absorbs and shares their experiences. This attitude characterizes the interaction in the dojo - regardless of graduation or experience.
Etiquette as an attitude, not a show
Bowing, greeting rituals and discipline are not empty gestures. They create clarity, respect and safety when handling weapons - and when dealing with each other. Those who bow do so not only to a teacher or a counterpart, but also to their own claim to train with presence and responsibility.
Discipline does not mean obedience, but mindfulness. And respect begins with the way you listen, the way you correct - and the way you deal with mistakes.
Martial arts without the pathos of war
Shobukan Inyo-Ryu does not see the katana as a symbol of violence or superiority, but as a tool for training the mind and body. Sword fighting is not intended to glorify violence, but to make people aware of the seriousness of their own actions. Each technique is practiced with a clear head, with concentration and with the question: "What am I doing here - and why?"
The modern way: tradition as a foundation, not a shackle
Despite its deep roots in Japanese styles, Shobukan Inyo-Ryu is not about blindly preserving the old. Tradition is understood here as a framework in which new things can grow - adapted to today's realities of life, legal framework conditions and individual abilities. This keeps the art alive, accessible and open to new ideas.
A path for body and mind
The training promotes posture, coordination, responsiveness and concentration. But also the ability to focus on the moment, make clear decisions - and deal constructively with setbacks. Anyone who trains for a long time knows that you are never "finished". You can refine every technique and rediscover every movement. And that is precisely the core of martial arts - constant development.