Koryu (古流, old style) is a Japanese term that is used to describe Japanese martial arts that predate the Meiji restoration (1868).  The term is synonymous with Kobudo (古武道, ancient martial arts) and contrasted with Gendai budo “modern martial arts” (or shinbudo “new martial arts”) which refer to schools developed after the Meiji Restoration

The term Ko-ryū (古流) literally translates as “old school” (ko—old, ryū—school) or “traditional school”.

Koryu is also a general term for Japanese schools of martial arts that predate the Meiji Restoration of (1868) which sparked major socio-political changes and led to the modernization of Japan.

The system of Koryu is considered in following priorities order: 1) combat, 2) discipline 3) morals.

Kobudo (古武道) is a Japanese term for a system that can be translated as 古(old) 武(martial) 道(way) “old martial art”; the term appeared in the first half of the seventeenth century.  Kobudo marks the beginning of the Tokugawa period (1603-1868) also called the Edo period, when the total power was consolidated by the ruling Tokugawa clan.[9]

The system of Kobudo is considered in following priorities order: 1) morals, 2) discipline 3) aesthetic form.