Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryu Kenjutsu
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: Restricted to Honorable Alignments. Minimum I.Q. of 9, P.P. of 11, and Spd of 8.
Skill Cost: 12 Years (6 years as a Secondary Martial Art Style).

Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-Ryu is a Japanese Kenjutsu art founded by Matsumoto Bizen-no-Kami Naokatsu(1467-1524 ) circa 1570 (during the late Muromachi period). The main focus and techniques deal with using the short and long sword. These techniques go beyond manipulation of steel. It is believed by practitioners of this style that swords are living things. Typically the swords used by this school are created by master sword smiths, though occasionally a lesser sword is used. In the latter case, it is the responsibility of the practitioner to 'bring the sword to life.' Swords in this school are not drawn unless they are to be used. Practice is done with sheathed swords. In addition, there is a whole host of additional sword handling requirements and rituals that are performed by students of this style. Some unarmed techniques are also taught, as using the sword for tasks lesser than life or death is frowned upon.

While there is no single recognized headmaster; the current representative is Iwasa Masaru. Training is conducted in Chiba Prefecture Japan.

Costume: Keikogi (quilted, navy-blue jacket) and Hakama.
Stance: Hasso no Kamae: Also known as In no Kamae. This is a posture in which you face the enemy squarely and suppress him with your spirit. You overpower his mind and control his movement so that he has no opportunity to attack you. The first gap in his mental awareness and physical defense is seized upon. The essence of this posture is to cut down with your whole mind, spirit and body. Hasso may be used when the helmet makes it difficult to hold the sword over the head.
Migi ( Right Hand) Hasso no Kamae: The left foot is advanced half a step forward with the body turned to face the right front and the head facing directly forward. The sword is held in front of the right shoulder with the sword guard at the level of the eyes or nose and the edge of the sword facing forward. Shoulders are relaxed and elbows held naturally with weight evenly distributed over both feet. The left hand is held about four inches from the center of the body.
Hidari (Left Hand) Hasso no Kamae: This is the same as Migi Hasso except the right foot is advanced and the sword held in front of the left shoulder.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +5 to Chi
Add +1 to M.E.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +2 to Spd.
Add +10 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 4
Escape Moves: Back Flip, Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Somersault.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Multiple Dodge, Power Block/Parry.
Hand Attacks: Backhand, Punch.
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Snap Kick.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Death Strike (New!).
Holds/Locks: Arm Hold, Hand Hold.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Daito (Large Sword), W.P. Shoto (Short Sword).
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Behind, Pull Punch.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Automatically receives an advanced version of Chi Sword Technique (see Mystic China pages 182-183). Select a total of ONE (1) Martial Art Power from among Martial Art Techniques or Special Kata. Except for Chi Sword Technique, any number of Martial Art Powers can be traded, on a one-for-one basis, for Basic Skill Programs (excluding Physical).
Languages: Japanese
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Daito (Large Sword), W.P. Shoto (Short Sword), W.P. Daisho (Paired).
Philosophical Training: Zen Buddhism/Bushido
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Itto Ryu (3 Years), Kasumi Shinto Ryu (2 Years), Kendo (3 Years), Kurama Ryu (5 Years), Muso Jukiden Eishin Ryu (5 Years), Muso Shinden Ryu (5 Years), Shinmuso Hayashizaki Ryu (5 Years), Suio Ryu (4 Years), Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu (4 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Initiative, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
2nd: +1 additional die of damage to any sword type.
3rd: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Chi Mastery, or Martial Art Techniques, or Special Kata.
4th: +1 Attack per Melee, Critical Strike from Behind.
5th: +2 to Maintain Balance/Somersault/Back Flip.
6th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
7th: +1 Attack per Melee, Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20.
8th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Chi Mastery, or Martial Art Techniques, or Special Kata.
9th: +1 to Strike, +2 to Damage.
10th: Double Existing Chi.
11th: +1 Attack per Melee.
12th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Chi Mastery, or Martial Art Techniques, or Special Kata.
13th: Death Strike on a Natural 19 or 20.
14th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Initiative.
15th: +2 to Damage, Critical Strike on a Natural 18, 19, or 20.
Why Study Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryu Kenjutsu?
For those who believe the sword is the soul of the samurai, this is the ideal martial art style.