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It is used to refer to schools of martial arts that predate the Meiji restoration, a political event that precipitated Japan's modernization. While arts post dating this event ( gendai budo such as judo, kendo, iaido or aikido) are valued either as sports or arts for self-improvement, the koryu are the teachings of a feudal military culture. Koryu styles often contain both armed fighting with several different weapons, as well as unarmed techniques.