The emergence of composite martial ryū during the Two Courts and the Warring States periods

This chapter presents the origins and development of composite martial ryū during the two consecutive cycles of violence. During the Two Courts period, the first examples of martial ryū appeared. After a short cycle of stability, comprising the first half of the fifteenth century, the precarious power balance became again instable towards a more pervasive and intense second cycle of violence known as the Warring States period. Warriors on foot would be crucial for the development of sogō (composite) ryū, honing their combat skills during pilgrimages known as musha shugyō.