69-523: • Gyokko-ryū Kosshi jutsu • Kotō-ryū Koppō jutsu • Shinden fudō-ryū dakentai jutsu • Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtai jutsu • Kukishinden Ryu • Gikan-ryū Koppō jutsu • Togakure-ryū • Gyokushin-ryū ninpō The Bujinkan ( Japanese : 武神館 ) is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi . The combat system taught by this organization comprises nine separate ryūha , or schools, which are collectively referred to as Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu . The Bujinkan
138-572: A sakki (or godan ) test before the sōke to establish that they are able to sense the presence of danger and evade it, which is considered a fundamental survival skill. After passing this test, a practitioner is considered to be under the protection of the Bujin , or Guiding Spirits, and is entitled to apply for a teaching license ( shidōshi menkyo ). A shidōshi (士道師) is entitled to open their own Bujinkan dōjō and grade students up to fourth dan. A practitioner between first dan and fourth dan may become
207-519: A baby boy, which she named Yakushimaru after the deity. Ryushin learned the martial arts and military sciences (Shinden Fujiwara Musō-ryū) handed down in his family from his grandfather Dōjitsu and Shingu-Bettō Ariie. After learning shugendō (mountaineering asceticism) from his father Dōyu, Ryushin then went to Kyoto where he learned esoteric Buddhism from the Buddhist monk Jōkai at Sanmaku-in temple. He also trained in martial arts at Mt. Kurama and
276-508: A halberd ( naginata ). As the army outnumbered them completely, it was a battle of strategy and evasion; eventually the blade of Ryushin's Naginata was cut off. So Ryushin used the remains of his naginata to knock down enemies near him and put enemies at bay by swinging the staff in the air, drawing out the kuji-kiri as he did. It is said that the Bōjutsu in Kukishin Ryū was later devised on
345-632: A licensed assistant teacher ( shidōshi-ho ) if backed by and acting under the supervision of a shidōshi . In the Bujinkan, a person ranked tenth dan or higher is often referred to as a shihan . The practitioner's level is displayed by the color of the art's emblem, called wappen (ワッペン) inscribed with the kanji "bu"(武) and "jin" (神). There are four kinds of wappen (9 to 1 kyū , 1 to 4 dan , 5 to 9 dan , and 10 'dan’. Following 10 Dan, Chi, Sun, Ka, Fu, and Ku), sometimes augmented with up to four silver, gold or white stars (called hoshi ) above or around
414-498: A method used to defeat/trick wielders of other weapons. It has special striking techniques that allow the Bō to feign quickly and re-direct its aim; a special method of "twirling" (Bofurigata) designed to confuse opponents and keep them at bay; and thrusting techniques that correlate with throwing the staff as a projectile (nagebō). Aspects of the Bōjutsu are gleaned from two other weapons within
483-558: A proper manner while healthy breathing and concentration are practiced. Almost all of the martial arts/ryuha in the Bujinkan are listed with their historical lineages in the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten ( Encyclopedia of Martial Art Schools , researched by Watatani Kiyoshi and Yamada Tadashi and first published in 1963). From 1968 on (4 years before Takamatsu's death), the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten has had entries for Hatsumi below Takamatsu. Several Bujinkan ryūha were mentioned in
552-661: A record of modern ( gendai ) and old lineage ( koryū ) Japanese martial schools. Ryushin Yakushimaru, the founder of Kukishin-ryū, was born to Dōyu Shirōhōgan at Kumano-Hongu in Wakayama prefecture on January 1, 1318. He was born into one of the most influential clans in Kumano , who were the descendants of the Fujiwara clan who served for generations as bettō , or “Shrine Supervisors." The family eventually entered into
621-474: A result, some researchers assert that there is no way to independently verify the oral lineage included in the Togakure Ryu tradition. In the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten the researchers list the full lineage for Togakure-ryū stating the following: "The succession is an oral tradition from Toda Shinryūken . Toda Shinryūken Masamitsu died in 1908 at the age of 90 years. According to the lineage, Ikai originated
690-480: A slight divergence in the way the weapon is used is needed in order to make it effective. This makes it one of the most complicated and complex weapons, depending entirely on distance and timing for the wielder to use it correctly. Today there are older and modern branches of the ryū still active. There some Schools which still train Kukishin Ryu: The Kuki family maintains the family line, which
759-463: A staff of 180 cm, then 90 cm and finally one of 26 cm. This is concurrent with the ideology of Gō, Ri, Hō, Chi, Shin in application. The kanji for this means "sword law" (not "fist law"). It consists of evasion, slashing, stabbing, blocking and countering. It also includes the use of bō shuriken . One of the signature movements of Kukishin Ryū Kempō is the upward slashing. The ninth head of
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#1732771927107828-621: Is The Bujinkan's branch of Kukishin-ryū Taijutsu (body combat art) is the Bujinkan system of unarmed defence using strikes, throws, holds, chokes and joint locks . It encompasses skill such as: koppo jutsu is the "way of attacking and/or using the skeletal structure"; “koshi jutsu” is the way of attacking muscles and weak points on the body; jutai jutsu is the "relaxed body method" teaching throwing, grappling and choking techniques and dakentai jutsu which emphasises strikes, kicks and blocks The first levels of training, such as leaping, tumbling, break fall techniques and body conditioning, form
897-475: Is a Japanese martial art allegedly founded in the 14th century CE by Kuki Yakushimaru Ryūshin (Yakushimaru Kurando). It is a sōgō bujutsu , meaning that it teaches several different weapons/arts such as taijutsu , bōjutsu , naginatajutsu , kenpō , hanbōjutsu , sōjutsu and heiho . Kukishin-ryū and its founder are listed in the Bugei Ryūha Daijiten or " The Encyclopedia of Martial Art Schools ",
966-461: Is a manuscript in Hatsumi's possession that is said to document Togakure-ryū . It is the purported origin of the "18 skills of Ninjutsu." Ninja jūhakkei was often studied along with Bugei jūhappan (the 18 samurai fighting art skills). Though some techniques were used in the same way by both samurai and ninja, others were used differently by the two groups. The 18 disciplines are: The name of
1035-590: Is a misconception is that it does not necessarily involve testing techniques (locks, throws, chokes, strikes, etc.) against a fully resisting opponent. This is purely subjective to the instructor and individual practitioner. Bujinkan is widely practiced and utilized by law enforcement, government agencies, military and military contractors, and those in private security. The Bujinkan largely focuses on “ taijutsu ” (body movement / skills) as well as other skills of ninjutsu ( ninpo tactics and strategies) and happo biken jutsu (various modern and traditional weapons) - this
1104-470: Is a secret technique passed on in my family. It is The secret art of Kuji." The emperor then made an announcement as follows: "God knows your loyalty. You shall change your surname Fujiwara to Kuki." The "Ku" of Kuki stands for "Ku" or “nine” in Japanese. "Ki" can be pronounced "Kami" if the character is pronounced in the Japanese way, meaning "Oni-gami"(holy spirit) as opposed to "Oni" (evil spirits). "Ku-ki"
1173-400: Is a yogic method of stretching and breathing by means of which the Bujinkan practitioner may develop and maintain good physical condition and wellbeing. The exercises promote relaxation, blood circulation, muscle toning and flexibility, and form a core part of all training sessions. Junan taiso is a form of conditioning and preparation for the body. All major joints are rotated and stretched in
1242-537: Is as follows: "Receiving the tradition of Gyokko ryu Shitojutsu from Sakagami Taro Kunishige of the Tenbun era, Toda Sakyo Ishinsai established Gyokko ryu Koshijutsu as well as Koto ryu Koppojutsu, passing them on to Momochi Sandayu, bringing them within the traditions of Iga ryu Ninjutsu of Toda Shinryuken who lived during the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate (ended 1868). It is said that Toda Shinryuken died in
1311-550: Is called "Kukamishin Ryu" (the name before 2016 was "Kukishin-Ryu Tenshin Hyoho"), led by Eichoku Takatsuka under the supervision of the current 28th Soke, Ietaka Kuki. The "Kukishinden Tenshin Hyoho" is a different line and uses just a similar name. Kogenshakai teaches a branch called "Kukushin-ryu Tenshin Hyoho" under Fumio Hirokawa and David Alonso. These branches maintain their own lineages, techniques and histories, usually stemming from
1380-522: Is conducted in a manner in which there are predefined "attackers" ( tori ) and "receivers" ( uke ) similar to drills in judo (gokyo) or traditional Japanese martial arts. However, the Bujinkan differs from many traditional martial arts in that the training progresses through the following stages: Training is done in a manner that entails little risk of permanent injury. The Bujinkan does not adhere to any official guideline or set of rules to limit actions or techniques used during training. The approach used in
1449-472: Is connected to the shaft with wire, and it has three edges or "blades." It is used to parry, slash, stab, strike and to unbalance opponents. The spear techniques in Kukishin-ryū integrate a myriad of complex variations and nuances and this is perhaps the most difficult weapon in the curricula to learn. It has a number of targets which can be reached from both long and short distances and at each distance,
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#17327719271071518-534: Is considered a style of koshi jutsu . Hatsumi is the 21st sōke . According to Bujinkan members, Ninja Jūhakkei (the eighteen disciplines) were first identified in the scrolls of Togakure-ryū ( 戸隠流 ) , or "School of the Hidden Door", founded during the Oho period (1161–62) by one Daisuke Nishina (Togakure), who learned a life view and techniques ( ninjutsu ) from Kagakure Doshi. Togakure ryu Ninjutsu Hidensho
1587-420: Is difficult for the opponent to resist. The attacker continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (such as an exposed side), while the defender uses position and timing to keep the attacker off balance and vulnerable. In more advanced training, the attacker will sometimes apply reversal techniques ( 返し技 , kaeshi-waza ) to regain balance and disable the defender. Ukemi ( 受身 ) refers to
1656-421: Is most commonly associated with ninjutsu . However, Masaaki Hatsumi uses the term Budo (meaning martial way) as he says the ryūha are descended from historical samurai schools that teach samurai martial tactics and ninjutsu schools that teach ninja tactics. The Bujinkan organization incorporates the teachings of the martial arts lineages (ryūha) that Masaaki Hatsumi learned from Takamatsu Toshitsugu under
1725-421: Is no designated uke . An uke typically partners with a partner or nominal opponent. The latter person may be referred to by any of several terms, again depending on the art or situation. They include nage ( 投げ , "thrower" ) , tori ( 取り , "grabber" ) and shite ( 仕手 , "doer" ) . The action of uke is called "taking ukemi ( 受け身 ) ." Literally translated as "receiving body", it
1794-412: Is the art of knowing how to respond correctly to an attack and often incorporates skills to allow one to do so safely. These skills can include moves similar to tumbling and are often used as a valid exercise in itself. In aikido and judo training for instance, many classes begin with ukemi training as conditioning. Correct ukemi will allow the uke to suffer the least amount of damage possible from
1863-709: Is therefore actually "Ku-kami." However, it has been customarily pronounced Kuki since the Edo period. After the war Ryushin's mother Chigusa Hino, whose family belonged to the Southern Court, lamented over the fact that Ryushin took the side of the Northern Court. She traveled to Musashi (modern day Hino city in Tokyo,) where the Hino family still lived and she died despondently. After his mother's death, Ryushin created
1932-570: Is traditionally taught independently of the other techniques, which are formally contained in what is called 'Sensudori,' the upper echelon of the schools teachings (Kaiden-gata). Additionally the Han-bō is categorized into ' Tessenjutsu ' and taught as part of the Taijutsu as a close-quarters weapon. In Sensudori, the basic Kukishin Ryū strategy of "Gō, Ri, Hō, Chi, Shin" is exemplified. The beginner will use
2001-470: The Kakutogi no Rekishi ( History of Fighting Arts ). Although details are omitted, it states, "there are several schools that are well-known for being 'effective arts' (jitsuryoku ha)". Among the schools listed in this section are Gyokko Ryū, Gikan-ryū Koppō jutsu, Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō , Kukishin-ryū, Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtai jutsu and Asayama Ichiden-ryū (which is not part of the Bujinkan's nine schools but
2070-470: The 14th year of the Meiji Emperor (1881) at the age of 90 years." The entry regarding Koto Ryu is as follows: "The genesis of koppoujutsu is said to have been in ancient China. Koto ryu was brought to our country by a Chan Bushou* of Korea, after this it was brought within the traditions of Iga ryu Ninjutsu, and it’s revitalization in the Tenbun era is said to have been from Momochi Sandayu inheriting
2139-443: The Bujinkan includes gaining compliance through pain and utilising potentially damaging techniques in order to survive dangerous situations rather than focusing on winning a competition or evenly matched duel. As a result, many of the staple responses of a Bujinkan student would be inappropriate in most competitions, but in ring environment the principles of the training can be employed. One mainstay criticism of Bujinkan training, which
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2208-706: The Bujinkan organization. Criticism regarding the historical accuracy of the Bujinkan's claims of lineage have arisen from several issues of the Bugei Ryūha Daijiten : Watatani questioned whether there was enough evidence that Togakure ryū was an unbroken tradition since the 12th C, but he did not doubt that Togakure ryū was an art that pre-dated the Meiji period. Kukishinden Ryu Kukishin-ryū ( 九鬼神流 ) , originally "Nine Gods Divine (from heaven) School" (also translated as "Nine Demon Divine (from heaven) School" by many modern groups having different lineages)
2277-443: The Bujinkan, with the final JuDan level having additional five levels of rank. With the exception of fifth dan (see below) there are no fixed criteria for attaining each grade. Different dojos have their own approaches based on the cultural environment and the instructor's preference. Typically the study of tenchijin ryaku no maki (scrolls of heaven, earth and man) guides progression from 9-kyu to shodan (1st dan) and comprises all
2346-455: The Bōjutsu owes its origin to the Naginata. It stands as another signature weapon of Kukishin Ryū and it is perhaps the base of the ryu's creation. The hanbō of Kukishin-ryū is used to parry, strike, crush and stab. It integrates with taijutsu as well. The hanbō is most directly related to the spear and staff, however these influences are superficial. It is safe to say that although the spear
2415-469: The Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō to Hatsumi in the middle of the 20th century, making Hatsumi its lineage holder. Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō is taught today in the Bujinkan organization. According to the Bujinkan martial arts organization, Gyokushin-ryū was founded in the mid-16th century by Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi, who was also sōke of Gyokko-ryū, which explains the similarities between the two styles. Gyokushin-ryū
2484-522: The Imperial Court and demonstrated his new methods to the emperor. Kukishin-ryū and Takagi-Yōshin-ryū Taijutsu There is a strong relationship between the taijutsu of Kukishin-ryū and Takagi-Yoshin-ryū. According to Takamatsu Chōsui , the story of blending of Takagi-ryū Taijutsu into Kukishin-ryū (and Kukishin-ryū bōjutsu into Takagi-ryū) is as follows: The untimely death of inheritor Sadataka Kuki left Kukishin-ryū without an heir. Therefore,
2553-520: The Kihongata that consisted of eight techniques used for teaching the basics of the Ryu arts to beginners- however, this review did little to quell its brutality in learning and teaching. In an effort to make safer to learn and teach, Takatomo altered the techniques so that beginners could practice without suffering injuries. Takatomo served at Nijō Castle in Kyoto , where on February 28, 1864 he visited
2622-743: The Kukishin Bojutsu in honor of his mother which he called "Juji-Roppou-Kujidome" devoted and himself to protecting the Emperor Go-Daigo The records of the Kuki family are kept in scrolls and transcriptions which have been rarely shown, but which have been seen and accounted for by scholars. These ancient documents came to be known to the public when Miura Ichiro published A Study of the Kuki Archives in 1941. The scrolls are known for containing supplementary records concerning
2691-670: The Taira-Minamoto War and commanded the Kumano Navy. Ryushin's mother was Chigusa-hime, whose brother was Suketomo Dainagon Hino, a member of the Southern Imperial court. Because Chigusa-hime had difficulty in conceiving she made a pilgrimage to Enryaku-ji temple at Mt. Hiei where she prayed to the Yakushi Buddha (Bhaisajyaguru-Vaiduryaprabha) for help. Soon after, she became pregnant and gave birth to
2760-432: The act of receiving a technique. Good ukemi involves a roll or breakfall to avoid pain or injury such as dislocation of a joint. Thus, learning to roll and breakfall effectively is key to safe training in taijutsu . Before receiving the 9th kyu (the lowest rank), a student must demonstrate the ability to roll smoothly in a variety of directions without exposing the neck to injury. Junan taiso ( junan meaning flexible)
2829-507: The actual color of the belt varies from place to place. In Japan it was once customary for kyu-level men to wear green belts over a black ninjutsugi and women to wear red belts over a purple ninjutsugi, but this practice has largely been abandoned. Currently, both male and female Bujinkan practitioners now wear green belts over a black ninjutsugi and on the feet they wear tabi (soft-sole tabi for indoor training and jika-tabi for outdoor training) at most dojos. There are Ten dan grades in
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2898-532: The banner of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. These are: At around the time of Hatsumi's 88th birthday (Beiju: ja:米寿 ) on 2 December 2019, he announced his successors for most of the above schools: Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu training does not include participation in competitions or contests, as the school's training aims to develop the ability to protect oneself and others using techniques that focus on disabling an attacker (and/or removing their desire/ability to continue) as quickly and efficiently as possible. This training
2967-472: The basis for taijutsu . They are needed to progress into other techniques such as unarmed combat and the use of tools and weapons. Once learned, Taijutsu techniques can be applied to any situation, armed or unarmed. Training begins with two partners practicing pre-arranged forms ( waza or kata ) and then advancing to unlimited variations of those forms ( henka ). The basic pattern is for the Tori ( Tori , or
3036-521: The discipline of taijutsu ( 体術 ) , literally means "body skill". Historically in Japan, the word is often used interchangeably with jujutsu and many others to refer to a range of grappling skills. It is also used in the martial art of aikido to distinguish unarmed fighting techniques from others, such as those of stick fighting. In ninjutsu , especially since the emergence of the Ninja movie genre , it
3105-522: The eldest son of Yoshitaka Kuki, named Kihei, became the successor. During the time of his inheritance, Kihei's health was very poor and he was bedridden. Eventually he grew stronger and was able to head the ryū properly, even becoming a mountaineering ascetic and traveling far across Japan. During one of his journeys Kihei happened to meet the son of Gennoshin Takagi in Akou (present day Hyōgo Prefecture ), who
3174-617: The emblem, representing the individual ranks. In addition to the kyu/dan system, a few practitioners have earned menkyo kaiden "licenses of complete transmission" in individual schools. These establish that the master practitioner has learned all that there is to learn about the particular lineage. Whereas the kyu/dan ranks are often made public, those who have earned menkyo kaiden rarely divulge their status, sometimes even being reluctant to recognize their actual dan ranking to outsiders. Modern Togakure-ryu and various historical claims are taught by Masaaki Hatsumi (Takamatsu's successor) and
3243-442: The family, Yoshitaka Kuki , participated in the war against Korea under Hideyoshi Toyotomi . In the marine battle off the shore of Ulusan, the belly-shot Yoshitaka jumped aboard the enemy's ship and slashed upward into the crotch of the admiral with his sword. After this, the technique became well-renowned. The Kenpō also includes the use of 'Token-jutsu', or the method of throwing blades and swords ( shurikenjutsu ). While it teaches
3312-400: The fundamental techniques required for advanced study thereafter. Until 4th dan the student is expected to focus on developing strong foundations and to perfect their form. At 5th dan the training focus changes to becoming more responsive and responding naturally in dynamic & increasingly challenging situations. In order to attain fifth dan ( godan ), fourth dan practitioners must submit to
3381-500: The main family line. Ukemi Uke ( 受け ) ( IPA: [ɯke] ) is in Japanese martial arts the person who "receives" a technique. The exact role of uke varies between the different arts and often within the art itself depending on the situation. For instance, in aikido , judo kata , and bujinkan ninjutsu , uke initiates an attack against their partner, who then defends, whereas in competition judo, there
3450-572: The mythological age, complementing the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki , the two major ancient documents in Japan. Volumes on Ko-shinto , martial arts and Kumano Honzan Shugendō were accounted. Until Miura's publication, the only mention of the scrolls was in volume two of Sontoku Okina Yawa that detailed Kuki Takahiro, the 24th head of the Kukis, giving "ten volumes of books concerning Shintoism" to
3519-539: The old palace of former Emperor Kazanin. Takauji's treatment of the prisoners was so abhorrent that Ryushin was quoted as saying "It is possible to loose the emperor from the harsh treatment he receives. I will plot his rescue." With other conspirators Ooe Gyōbu Daiyu Kageshige, Bessho Saburō Takanori (Kojima Takanori), Hiyoshi Iga Nyudō and Kisshuin Sōshin Hōgen, Ryushin broke into the palace of Kazanin and escaped to Yoshino with Emperor Go-daigo. Tadayoshi Kuragari-Tōge,
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#17327719271073588-451: The person applying the technique) to initiate a technique against the person who receives the technique ( Uke ). Bujinkan taijutsu seeks to use body movement and positioning rather than strength to defeat the opponent. All techniques in Bujinkan taijutsu involve unbalancing the opponent while maintaining one's own balance. This is achieved by moving the opponent into inferior positions and manipulating their body along weak lines where it
3657-846: The scholar Ninomiya Sontoku. After Miura's publication came Kuki-shinden-zensho by Ago Kiyotaka, a leading figure in the study of ancient history, detailing some of the contents of the scrolls, including the origins and history of Kukishin-ryū. The teachings of the Ryū are detailed in the Kukishin Densho (scrolls). Kukishin Ryu transmits its traditions and knowledge in six main martial disciplines: Taijutsu , Bōjutsu , Kenpō , Naginatajutsu , Hanbōjutsu and Sōjutsu . Heiho (military strategy) , complements this training. Besides these major disciplines, practitioners may also learn secret weapons, hidden teachings and Onakatomi shinto (Ko-shinto) practices. This art (jutsu) consists of locks, entanglements, strangling, striking and kicking, as well as
3726-714: The school, and in the Yōwa period (1181–1182), it separated from Hakuun Dōshi of Hakuun-ryū and became the Kōga and Iga schools of ninjutsu. The lineage passed through Momochi Sandayū and entered into the Natori-ryū of Kishū domain. From the time of Toda Nobutsuna, the tradition was passed on to the Toda family. This genealogy refers to dates and kuden (orally transmitted stories/lessons) about people implying that these people were older than written records would suggest" The entry regarding Gyokko Ryu
3795-653: The school: naginata and the spear. Bōjutsu, Sensudori and the Kaiden-Gata There are actually three sizes of bō that could be categorized as bōjutsu within Kukishin Ryū: Rokushaku-bō (long), Han-bō (medium) and the Tan-bō (small). However, what is called 'Bōjutsu' in Kukishin Ryū involves the use of the Rokushaku-bō; nevertheless, this is really only the start of the Bōjutsu practice. The Han-bō
3864-457: The soul is permanent and unchanging and therefore "essential to the person". Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō ("The Jeweled Heart School") is taught by the Bujinkan martial arts organization. According to the Bujinkan, Gyokushin Ryu has sutemi waza techniques and is focused more on the art and techniques of espionage than on fighting. Its most prominent weapon is the lasso ( nagenawa ). The Bugei Ryuha Daijiten states that Takamatsu Toshitsugu transferred
3933-639: The techniques Ryushin used on this occasion. Reinforcements from Yoshino eventually arrived and they could safely take the Emperor Godaigo to a small temple-like hut located at Mt. Kinpusen. Ryushin also succeeded in re-capturing the “Three Treasures of the Imperial House” which he had concealed in a scripture-warehouse at Yokawa in Mt. Hiei. The Emperor Go-Daigo praised Ryushin's dedication and inquired about his secret techniques. Ryushin answered, "It
4002-528: The themes or schools taught during their time. This is one reason why there are often noticeable differences in the techniques of different teachers in the Bujinkan. Although Ninpo Taijutsu is an overall theme of the Bujinkan, 2008 marked the first time that a Ninpo Taijutsu Ryū was the focus of the year. Prior to founding the Bujinkan organization and teaching the nine Ryū collectively (with particular yearly focus), Hatsumi awarded his students rank certificates in individual Ryū. The themes so far have been: No focus
4071-500: The tradition from Toda Sakyo Ishinsai (oral tradition from Toda Shinryuken)." Since 1988, Hatsumi's teaching has focused on a particular theme, or focus, each year. This typically means that a specific ryū , or a certain set of techniques from specific ryū, will be taught. Hatsumi announces the year's theme each year at the Daikomyosai. Depending on what years a student has studied in Japan, they may find that their focus reflects
4140-470: The use of bōshuriken , it is also considered an alternative method of using a dagger and long sword. The Kukishin Ryū Naginata is 225 cm in overall length. It has a double edged blade that is 21 cm long and is attached to the shaft by wires. It is used to slash, parry, strike, stab and deflect; the blade is also used to hook and arrest. Naginata is a weapon of primary importance in Kukishin Ryū as
4209-430: The use of small weapons such as shuriken . The Taijutsu techniques of Kukishin-ryū were altered by the seventh head of the school Kiyotaka Kuki, and organized by his son Sumitaka. This was because the techniques of Atekomi (striking) originated at times when armor was worn and became outdated. These techniques were modified to fit in with the early edo jidai. In the late Edo era, the twenty-fifth Soke, Takatomo Kuki, devised
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#17327719271074278-423: The younger brother of Takauji, was alerted of the escape and sent an army of about ten thousand men in pursuit. The army caught up with Ryushin and the conspirators at Kuragari-Tōge, a mountain pass situated on the borders of Osaka and Nara prefectures. It was here that they made a stand against the army, each choosing a weapon they were proficient with. Kageshige took a sword, Takatoku a bow and arrow, and Ryushin
4347-424: Was announced for 2009, though Hatsumi talked about three things that are important for a martial artist, which may be loosely considered to be the yearly theme. He said that these things would become a bit of a theme for next year. Soon after this theme as was announced, Hatsumi proposed that the second aspect, Kokoro (Heart), be replaced by Tamashii (Soul), reasoning that the heart is constantly changing, whereas
4416-423: Was cut in half. Kuriyama kept on fighting with the cleft spear and eventually defeated Suzuki. Then it is said that he continued into battle, overwhelming the enemies' swords and thoroughly beating them down. From this legend, it is believed that the hanbō was officially included in Kukishin-ryū during the early Edō era. The Kukishin Ryū spear has a total length of 270 cm. The 36 cm to 45 cm spearhead
4485-583: Was in fact the origin of the hanbō itself, it truly plied its techniques from the sword. Ukon Kuriyama is thought to have created and introduced the hanbō techniques to Kukishin-ryū during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Legend has it that he was well known for his skill with the short spear. Kuriyama participated in the Battle of Nagashino on May 4, 1575, on the side of Nobunaga Oda. While fighting against general Katsuhisa Tangonokami Suzuki, Kuriyama's spear
4554-418: Was named Umanosuke. During their visit together, they compared the acumen of their two ryu. Whereas Takagi exceeded in Taijutsu, Kihei's Bōjutsu was superior. So in agreement, they altered the basic format of the two ryū. Since this time the basic Taijutsu of Kukishin-ryū is Takagi-ryū while the Bōjutsu, Spear and Naginata techniques have remained Kukishin-ryū. r The bōjutsu of Kukishin Ryū is best described as
4623-485: Was said to be master of Kuji-hihō and Onmyo-do . In 1335, when Ryushin celebrated his coming of age, he joined the Northern Court under Takauji Ashikaga in a war against the Southern Court. In June, 1336 Ryushin and his vanguard led an attack on the Southern Court's fort on Mt. Hiei. The fort eventually fell and the Southern Court Emperor, Go-Daigo , and his loyal vassals were captured and kept at
4692-526: Was studied by Hatsumi via Takashi Ueno). Several of the samurai systems taught by Hatsumi such as Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu and Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu have well documented lineages with different branches of these arts surviving under their own Sōke . However, whilst the ninja's activities are well documented, the nature of ninjutsu & the historical context means that there are no surviving written records of ninjutsu teachings prior to 1676. As
4761-589: Was used to avoid referring explicitly to " ninja " combat techniques. The Bujinkan Dōjō has a series of kyū (grades) below the level of shodan . The new student starts at mukyu ("without grade") and progresses from kukyu (9-kyu), the lowest rank, to ikkyu (1-kyu), the highest. Unranked ( mukyū ) practitioners wear white belts, kyu grade practitioners wear green belts (men) or red belts (women), and those with ranks of shōdan and above wear black belts . In some dojos kyu-level practitioners – especially in children's classes – wear colored belts, though
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