[1] Many modern schools of kenbu derive from other traditions, but Sakakibara's Gekken Kaisha was the first to explore the form.
Following the end of World War II, swords were outlawed in Japan for a period of about seven years.
[1] Over time shibu has evolved into a style distinct from kenbu, with its dances set to poetry of a less martial character.
剣武) is performed in hakama and kimono, wearing tabi, a type of divided-toe socks.
Various other items may be used in the costume, including hachimaki (a headband used to keep the dancer's hair pulled back) and tasuki (a white cloth strip which ties the kimono sleeves out of the way).