Shinsen-gumi, was comprised of men with strong kenjutsu (fencing) abilities, and in addition to KONDO's Shiei-kan, Tennen Rishin-ryu, which was the main line, there were men of various kenjutsu schools, including Shindo Munen Ryu, Hokushin Itto Ryu, etc., and also members who learned sojutsu (spearmanship), jujutsu (judo), etc., and they used group fighting tactics, with emphasis on actual fighting.
剣術集団である新選組は、中心となる近藤ら試衛館の天然理心流に加えて神道無念流剣術、北辰一刀流剣術などさまざまな剣術流派に加え、槍術や柔術などを学んだ隊士もおり、実戦本意の集団戦法の集団であった。