Ryū (school)

In English, the word is frequently used to refer to schools of Japanese martial art, although it can also be found used in other disciplines (for example Nihon-koryū and Sōgetsu-ryū in ikebana, Kantei-ryū in calligraphy, etc.).

These may be based on the parent style or a combination of sources that form the background of the system.

Sometimes this is merged or confused with the name of the dojo (as is the case with Shōtōkan-ryū karate).

There are many ryūha in Japan that have existed for many hundreds of years, as well as many more that were created in modern times.

The concept of organizing a codified system is obviously not a Japanese or outwardly Asian one, though many international or foreign styles may adopt the nomenclature and systemization of koryū bujutsu ryūha in order to add an air of mystique or legitimacy to their system, or simply as a way to show respect to their roots and background.