Shinto Ryu was formally founded in Meiji 23 (1890) by Hibino Raifu. Hibino Raifu was born Hibino Masayoshi in 1864, in Kagoshima, Kyushu.

At 5 years old he moved to Saitama ken and began his study of Iai and Kenjutsu. At 16 years old he began to accept students.

After its founding, Shinto Ryu began to spread throughout Japan with support from both the military and cultural communities.

In Meiji 44 (1911) the Shinto Ryu dojo opened.

In Taisho 15 (1926) the founder died.