Tennen Rishin Ryu (天然理心流) is a traditional school of Japanese martial arts (koryu) founded in the Edo period, known for its focus on kenjutsu (sabre swordsmanship) and complete physical and mental training. Famous for being the kenjutsu school adopted by the Shinsengumi, the special police force of Kyoto during the Bakumatsu period (late Edo period), Tennen Rishin Ryu is a discipline that trains the body and spirit of the practitioner, focusing on effective combat techniques, philosophical principles and a practical approach to self-defense.

Below we explore the origins, techniques, philosophy and legacy of Tennen Rishin Ryu, a school that symbolizes samurai dedication and the warrior spirit of feudal Japan.

Tennen Rishin Ryu was founded in the XIX century by Kondo Kuranosuke Nagahiro, a samurai who dedicated his life to developing an effective and realistic style of combat. Kondo Kuranosuke sought an approach to swordsmanship that was not only technical, but also allowed practitioners to naturally adapt to combat situations and the circumstances of the enemy. Inspired by the idea of ​​"Rishin" or "natural spirit," Kondo established a style of kenjutsu that was characterized by its adaptability and effectiveness in real-life situations.

Tennen Rishin Ryu is especially famous for having been the school adopted by the members of the Shinsengumi, the special force charged with maintaining order in Kyoto in the turbulent years leading up to the Meiji Restoration. Kondo Isami, one of the most prominent leaders of the Shinsengumi, was an heir to this school, and his skill in the Tennen Rishin Ryu allowed him to consolidate his leadership within this group.

Through the Shinsengumi, Tennen Rishin Ryu's techniques were used in real combat situations, and its reputation as an effective and deadly kenjutsu school was cemented in Japanese history. The combination of technical skill and practical philosophy made Tennen Rishin Ryu ideal for an elite force like the Shinsengumi.

Tennen Rishin Ryu kenjutsu focuses on fast and powerful techniques who seek to finish the fight in the shortest possible time. Unlike more ceremonial fencing styles, the techniques of this school are designed to be lethal and direct, with an emphasis on distance control, speed and the ability to quickly adapt to the opponent's movements.

Students practice a variety of katas (pre-set sequences of movements) that simulate combat situations, developing skills to respond accurately at the right time. Through these practices, students learn to control their breathing, stay calm under pressure, and respond with quick, fluid movements.

One of the key aspects of Tennen Rishin Ryu is the tachiai, or hand-to-hand combat techniques, which allow practitioners to engage an opponent at very short distances, where quick reaction is crucial. These techniques train the student to attack from a relaxed but ready-to-act stance, allowing them to adapt to any unexpected attack.

Tachiai is particularly useful for patrolling situations, such as those faced by the Shinsengumi, where close combat could be common. Tennen Rishin Ryu students develop a deep understanding of how to attack and defend effectively in this situation, taking advantage of the opponent's strength and speed to immediately counterattack.

The hojo waza I'm trestriction and control techniques taught in Tennen Rishin Ryu, which allow practitioners to neutralize an opponent without necessarily inflicting lethal damage. These techniques are useful in situations where the goal is to capture or disarm the enemy without the need for mortal combat, an approach that reflected the work of the Shinsengumi as a controlling force in the city.

Training in hojo waza allows the practitioner to master movements to immobilize the opponent, taking advantage of the opponent's angles and strength. In addition, these techniques require a deep knowledge of pressure points and body balance, teaching the student to maintain control and resolve conflicts effectively.

The term "Rishin" means "natural spirit" and refers to the ability to adapt naturally to combat circumstances. The philosophy of Tennen Rishin Ryu focuses on the ability to be flexible and spontaneous, staying calm and reacting with fluid movements to any attack. For practitioners, this ability is not only developed through technique, but also through the connection between body and mind, achieving a state of flow in combat.

Another important principle of Tennen Rishin Ryu is the importance of a clear and determined mind.In combat, a quick and decisive reaction can make the difference between victory and defeat. The Tennen Rishin Ryu practitioner cultivates a clear mind free of doubt, training to make immediate decisions and act with confidence in every movement. This mental clarity is essential in life-or-death situations and allows the practitioner to maintain control at every moment.

As a school that became a symbol of the Shinsengumi, Tennen Rishin Ryu incorporates the values ​​of customer y respect that characterized samurai warriors. Practitioners of this school are trained not only in combat skills, but in an ethic of respect towards their peers and teachers. Loyalty, so important to Shinsengumi members, is one of the values ​​instilled from the beginning of the practice, fostering a sense of dedication and responsibility towards the art and its teachings.

The legacy of Tennen Rishin Ryu is deeply linked to the Shinsengumi, the group of samurai and warriors who protected Kyoto during the turbulent Bakumatsu period. Members of this group, including Kondo Isami, adopted the teachings of Tennen Rishin Ryu as the basis of their combat skills, applying their techniques in real-life confrontations and in defense of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Through these warriors, the techniques and philosophy of Tennen Rishin Ryu were spread as a symbol of dedication and discipline, becoming an important part of Japan's military and cultural history. The connection with the Shinsengumi has made Tennen Rishin Ryu well-known both inside and outside Japan, and its name is synonymous with bravery and honor in popular culture.

Today, Tennen Rishin Ryu continues to be practiced in Japan and other countries, preserved through generations who continue to study and pass on its techniques. Although its focus is tradition, the school maintains a modern relevance for those seeking to develop martial skills and a mindset of self-control and discipline.

Tennen Rishin Ryu schools organize seminars and trainings to teach both the techniques and the philosophical principles that define it. Modern practitioners find in Tennen Rishin Ryu a martial art that goes beyond technique, offering them a way of personal and spiritual development.

Training in Tennen Rishin Ryu is rigorous and strengthens both the body and the mind. Kenjutsu and tachiai techniques require great coordination, speed and precision, while the development of a clear mind allows the practitioner to make decisions with confidence and security.

The practice of Tennen Rishin Ryu fosters a mindset of self-control and discipline. Students learn to remain calm in pressure situations and to act decisively, developing an attitude of respect and perseverance that they apply both in the dōjō and in their daily lives.

Tennen Rishin Ryu's combat techniques are highly effective for self-defense, as they teach how to neutralize an opponent with direct and fast movements. These skills, developed by members of the Shinsengumi, remain relevant and practical for those looking to learn self-defense.

Tennen Rishin Ryu is much more than a kenjutsu school; it is a discipline that combines the technique, philosophy and values ​​of Japanese bushidō. Through their training in kenjutsu, tachiai and hojo waza, students develop not only martial skills, but also a mindset of respect and dedication. This legacy, passed down by the Shinsengumi and modern practitioners, keeps the spirit of the samurai warrior alive in today's world.

For those seeking a martial art that combines lethal combat techniques with deep mental and spiritual development, Tennen Rishin Ryu offers a complete path of growth, connecting practitioners to the heritage and discipline of feudal Japan.