Are there any japanese styles using the tanto as a weapon as opposed to lunge strikes and defense? I can't think of any off the top of my head and I don't particullarly remember any of the koryu styles I have heard about teaching them. Mostly sword/ short sword stuff.

I doubt you'll find a singular system which concentrated on just tanto. [not a legitimate koryu anyway]

This had as much to do with the class structure of feudal Japan, and obviously those who were permitted to study martial systems thus carry bladed weapons. Those that were, wouldn't merely study tanto, those that were not - obviously didn't.

You also have to bear in mind that a tanto was for the most part, a last resort weapon for those people authorised to carry it or, it was used offensively in very close quarters. An average length of tanto was 6-7 inches which means when thrust into the torso would mean almost certain death, there doesn't need to be a 'life-times' worth of study for such usage because the same targets (if used against an armour clad opponent) still applied from the sword.

I believe the tanto can be see as a short sword, and the Takenouchi ryu I believe does have a large curriculum of fighting in armor with short sword. But I'm not 100% sure.

Most modern Japanese Tantojutsu is based on "updated" and "modernized" kodachi techniques. Or techniques developed from Taijutsu/Jujutsu with a small blade added on.

However, a few ryu-ha have specific Tantojutsu techniques. But tend to be passed down through Kuden.

I don't know who this guy is but you may find this interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FFgK_35m2o

Also, Yoshinkan Aikido has some Tanto Kata.

YouTube - aiki tanto (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk-2XCfuvEM)

I must shoot that taliban/mujahadeen terrorist supporting twat when I see him.

Oh and the bit when he avoids nukitsuke - Bollocks.

I must shoot that taliban/mujahadeen terrorist supporting twat when I see him.

Oh and the bit when he avoids nukitsuke - Bollocks.

I saw that video a long time ago and remembered it being not retarded. After having watched it again, I would like to retract my "interesting" comment and replace it with "mostly retarded".

All right lads,

Well I guess that is a 'no' then. I just figured that with some of the esoteric weaponry/side weapons taught in some of the koryu that you find, at least one would have some coverage on the tanto

Martial artists should be able to use a knife effectively with not a huge effort put forth, but without proper grounding in things like distancing, timing, balance, and use of energy, to mention a few, any tanto defense or attack will fall short of perfect.

Jujutsu covers small weapon use. Tanto, yawara etc.

The shorter the weapons range, the less dramatically differnt it's applications are going to be. Check out some of the articals over at koryu.com.