Form Meets Function, Katana-Style

Some swords are forged to endure, others to impress – Ryūgan is made to do both. As the newest member of the Stronghold Master Collection, this LARP katana was built for fast, aggressive combat without the aesthetics of a traditional Japanese-style sword being compromised. It's lightweight, perfectly balanced, and incredibly durable – a sword for those who demand more out of every strike.

Inspired by the refined artistry of Sengoku-period blades and the legacy of smiths like Masamune, Ryūgan channels centuries of sword design into a modern LARP-safe form. The curved core foam blade is paired with a weighted handle, providing exceptional balance that allows for control and speed in equal measure. From the diamond-pattern menuki to the detailed tsuba and color-matched grip, every part of the hilt evokes the spirit of the katana.

Crafted using hybrid materials, injection-moulded EVA for the blade and resilient PU for the hilt – this katana feels solid without weighing you down. Whether you wield it as a samurai of old, a wandering warrior, or a fantasy fighter from a world of your own, Ryūgan delivers performance, presence, and purpose with every strike.

A next generation of Stronghold

The Stronghold Master Collection is Epic Armoury's premium low maintenance line of foam weapons, intended for heavy-contact LARP combat without compromising on looks. Every weapon in the range boasts a hard-wearing construction paired with artistic flair, designed to withstand pressure while still maintaining its presentable appearance.

Ryūgan follows suit, but steps it up a notch. Like every Stronghold Master sword, it boasts a hybrid build: an injection-moulded EVA foam blade and exquisitely detailed polyurethane (PU) hilt. The result is a smoother finish, increased durability, and no latex coating or periodic maintenance. Inside the sword’s tip, an armored or reinforced tube surrounds the end of the core. This protects the foam blade from wear caused by the glass-fibre core, extends the weapon’s longevity, and offers a bit more comfort during thrusts compared to many other LARP swords.

What is distinctive about Ryūgan is that it is accurate. The handle features an internal balance positioned ahead of the grip, providing a smoother and more responsive draw. It reduces fatigue after prolonged combat and enables battlemasters to gain more control with rapid one-on-one combat, ideally suited for dueling or single combat. Combined with its lightweight design, Ryūgan offers superior handling quality compared to previous Stronghold models. And because it doesn't require latex to protect it, Ryūgan is less weather-conditioned, which means it's a better choice regardless of the weather – rain or shine.

It's not just another foam katana. It's a technical step forward for the fighters who demand more from every cut, block, and draw.

From Grip to Tip, Intentional Built for Every World

At first glance, Ryūgan possesses the unmistakable lines of a historic katana – a curved blade, a prominent tsuba, and a long wrapped handle. But every aspect is practical. From the materials to the balance, this sword is built for function, not form.

With eight distinct variations — Ruby, Citrine, Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst, Gold, Noble, and Shadow — we offer a whole visual palette created for characters of every environment. If you're more interested in realistic historical-looking designs or a high fantasy aesthetic, there's a version of Ryūgan for you.

Curious how the paint holds up in action? Watch the video and see for yourself!

Coming soon: Tsuba options

Ryūgan, the Katana, already has a unique look—but you've got room to make it yours. The tsuba that comes with the katana has been made removable for those who wish to wield a sleek sword. Of course, they can also be exchanged between the different colors for some extra flair. Other customizable tsuba options are being developped and will be available in the future.

With eight colors to choose from, there's tons of ways to get it to match up with your gear, your character, or just the look you're going for. If you're doing it for LARP, or cosplay, or something entirely new, Ryūgan gives you the freedom to make it your own.

Character inspiration

The Swordsman of Silent Vows

Three swords. One road. No movement wasted.

He moves with purpose sharpened by training—quiet, quick, and always forward. Each sword he carries has a mission: one for duty, one for survival, one for the oath he has yet to break. No masters, no flags. Only the weight of his own code and the battles he chooses.

Some refer to him as a pirate hunter. Others tell him he is chasing something that only he remembers.

He's not looking for glory. He's looking for balance—between reason and instinct, control and chaos.

Pictures taken and edited by Marquard Photography

The Kind Blade

She could have gone away. Taken an easier road. But when the world became cruel, she stayed kind—and learned to fight.

There is beauty to her position and fire in her strikes. Every movement thought through, every blow with purpose. Her strength is not fury but determination. Firm hand. Clear mind. Vow to protect.

Others say kindness is weakness. She denies them. Again and again. She fights not to destroy, but to save. Not to wound, but to stand between wounding and the innocent she will not let fall.

Pictures taken and edited by Marquard Photography

The Bound Blade

He wasn’t born to the code, but he chose it anyway. Not for glory. Not for praise. But because something in it felt right.

The steel, the silence, the structure. It gave him meaning when nothing else could. Now, he stands with a sword that's won, not taken, wielded with the strength of someone who bled to belong.

This is the look of someone who found discipline not through legacy but through decision. A warrior who became what he wasn’t born to be because he believed in something bigger than himself.

Pictures taken and edited by Marquard Photography

Pick up the Ryūgan Katana, and claim a blade made for the spotlight - balanced, battle-ready, and undeniably stylish!

Whether you’re fighting in the mud, walking the path of honour, or standing alone before the rising sun, this is a blade that feels right from the first draw. It’s built to keep up with your story – however you choose to tell it.

8 color variations