Koryu 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 a
judo,
iaido or
aikido) are valued either as sports or for self improvement, the koryu are the teachings of a feudal military culture.
For more information see this external link (http://www.koryu.com).