Way of the warrior: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, is dedicated to Hachiman, enshrined as the guardian deity of Japan. In 1191, Minamoto no Yoritomo commanded that the shrine be built in its current form, and from then on it became a center of faith for the samurai. The first yabusame (mounted archery) ritual at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine was conducted by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1187; the tradition is carried on by Ogasawara-ryu at this location, which is considered extremely special for the ceremony. | MASATOMO MORIYAMA
Ogasawara Nagakiyo founded Ogasawara-ryu more than 830 years ago as a school of archery, mounted archery and etiquette. The Ogasawara family served as instructors in these disciplines for generations of shogun. Ogasawara-ryu etiquette was taught to warriors across Japan as appropriate behavior for those of samurai breeding, and became the foundation for martial arts etiquette.
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