From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Koryu (古流) is a Japanese word that translates literally as old school or old tradition.
It is used to refer to schools of martial arts that predate the Meiji restoration, a political event that precipitated Japan's modernisation. While arts post dating this event (gendai budo such as judo, kendo, iaido or aikido) are valued either as sports or arts for self-improvement, the koryu are the teachings of a feudal military culture.
