Ok, so I'm a sword enthusiast. (I'm actually in the middle of writing a paper on nihonto for my pre-modern East Asian history class right now...). As soon as I get out of college, find a permanent job, and earn enough money, I'm going to start collecting nihonto (I'm particularly interested in shinshinto and shinsakuto). Anyway, it wouldn't feel right to me if I owned a ton of beautiful swords and had no clue how to use them. So, board, I ask: what style of Japanese swordsmanship would you recommend? What's legit, and what's not?

well there are alot of different styles out there just have to see what is close by and check out the instructor and see what one you like the best.

Some styles off the top of my head are Kashima Shinto Ryu, Katori Shinto Ryu, Omori Ryu, Eishin Ryu etc.etc.

Also you need to ask yourself what you are wanting to train for..tradition, learning an art or what ...

What's legit, and what's not?Ok in lay terms...

Iaido - the two most popular ryu are: Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Muso Shinden Ryu Both are Koryu (old school) although the latter has under some gone post Meiji Restoration development by Nakayama Hakudo. There are a number of other iai ryu but please be careful of what and with whom you study, there's a lot of shite out there.

Kenjutsu - This is a little harder as there are a number of koryu still existing today; check www.koryu.com as their listing of credible koryu is the best I've seen listed on the net and, you can trust the information on that site.

--Dave

What about classical fencng ? I hear theres some versions around that are revertting it to its pre sport martial applications. "Live" training :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_fencing

.

I think the OP was looking for a Japanese sword art to compliment his interest in Nihonto and the research/study he's undertaking at this time on that subject. - If you care to read the specifics of first post.

Hey Gus, Classical fencing isn't very Japanesey.
I don't think the OP is so much wanting to learn to swordfight as wanting to 'feel' more in tune with the mysteries and beauty of the Japanese sword.

Mmmmmm.

Is there a talking parrot in this forum ?

Yeah I realise that guys. But I just thought it would be a fresh perspective. I mean, people are always looking for the exotic but sometimes what's closer to home can be just as effective and interesting even ................mysterious ;=) But hey I take your point , it is, after all, a Japanese martial arts forum.