The art we study (Ninjutsu & Budo Taijutsu) is based on Bujinkan Ninjutsu Budo Taijutsu.
Our clan is called BUJIN SHINOBI ZOKU (Divine Warrior Ninja Clan) and we call what we study BUJIN NINPO TAIJUTSU (Divine Warrior Ninja Body Methods).
Our training includes Daken Taijutsu (striking - punches, kicks, elbows, knees, head butt etc.), Jutaijutsu (Grappling), Nage (throws), Katame (ground fighting), Hajutsu Kuho (escapes), Gyaku waza (reversal techniques), Shime waza (strangles), Koppo jutsu (bone attacking), Koshi jutsu (vital point attacking), Kenjutsu (blade/sword methods), Bojutsu (staff methods), Shuriken jutsu (throwing weapon methods), Yari & Naginata jutsu (spear & halberd methods), Kusari jutsu (chain weapon methods), Tenmon (meteorology), Chimon (geography), Bo ryaku (Stratagy), Kyojitsu Tenkan Ho (philosophy), Seishin (Self-awareness) plus much, much more!
All of these different fighting styles are from our art NOT other arts . . . so it works seamlessly.
9 tested styles that came together over 820 years . . . true MMA (mixed martial art)!
Why train in Ninjutsu?
What really is Ninjutsu?
How does it compare to other arts?
What is the lineages of these arts?
How do you train to be a Ninja?
Firstly . . . what we DO NOT do!
We DO NOT get other STUDENTS (no matter how high their rank is) to grade students!
We DO NOT put students up a belt level just for paying a fee and showing up to grade . . . all students MUST earn their ranks!
We DO NOT charge parents, family or friends an entry fee to watch their kids, family or friends grade!
We DO NOT hand out second hand belts or put electrical tape on your belt as a step up in level!
We DO NOT charge for a second attempt at your belt if you fail the first!
We DO NOT give you a mass printed certificate that doesn't even have your name on it like some other arts do!
We DO NOT punish students with push ups . . . fitness should be enjoyable not be used as a penalty!
We DO NOT fill in class time with punching bags, fitness or lots of sparring . . . we do lots of technique drills and practice!
We DO NOT add bits and pieces of other martial arts in an attempt to improve the look of our core art . . . our art is complete!
We DO NOT make you buy a different color uniform as you progress or extra embroidery etc . . . our uniform is long wearing and complete!
If you study a martial art that does any of this . . . they are showing little respect to their original art or your efforts and probably just want your money! Just because they are big, have many students and clubs doesn't mean they offer a quality or a realistically priced service!
We still value EARNING your level the original martial arts way by developing RESPECT, PERSEVERANCE through REPETITION, COMMITMENT, FOCUS and DISCIPLINE!
NOTE: ALL OUR STUDENTS ARE GRADED BY FULL SENSEI INSTRUCTOR AND WE HAVE A PASS OR FAIL GRADING PROCESS!
WE DO NOT DO CASUAL CLASSES OR QUICK SELF DEFENSE COURSES . . . THIS IS STRUCTURED BUDO!
If you have studied another art you will still start at the first level . . . we are not the same as other arts!
If you have studied and ranked in Authentic Ninjutsu with another group you will have to be assessed to see where you fit in to our curriculum, this means you can wear your current Bujinkan, Genbukan or Jinenkan belt but will not progress until you can demonstrate all of our curriculum up to that level equivalent.
Our art is gymnastic in nature, you WILL have to do rolls, break falls, tumbling, falling, leaping and grappling both standing and on the ground . . . if you physically can not do these to our standards then sorry but our art is probably not for you!
Friendly (but serious) Warning:
We are not a sport martial art . . . we do not compete with this art in 'all styles' or MMA style tournaments and do not encourage competition using our art!
Please do not approach us for some 'ninja' stuff to use in competition or to add to other arts. Individuals found to be using this art to compete against others, cause harm to others or boost the popularity of another art are dishonourable and will be barred from membership. Please respect our art!
Be aware of Karate, Freestyle Martial Arts, MMA, Kung fu or Tae kwon do clubs offering the NAPMA 'Little Ninjas' (4-7 year old program), Ninja, Ninjutsu, Samurai jujutsu or 'Bushido' training, this is an American based marketing system cashing in on the 'NINJA' popularity . . . FACT: IT IS NOT AUTHENTIC NINJUTSU or NINPO TAIJUTSU (these classes will teach the art of the style running the classes, NOT authentic Ninjutsu).
Be aware of Karate, Freestyle Martial Arts, MMA, Kung fu or Tae kwon do clubs offering Ninjutsu, Samurai, 'Budo' or 'Bushido' style of training . . . THEY MAY NOT TEACH AUTHENTIC NINJUTSU OR SAMURAI ARTS WITH A DIRECT LINEAGE.
That's like a soccer coach teaching rugby!
See MARTIAL ARTS 'FALSEHOOD vs TRUTH' (KYO vs JITSU)!
Ask your instructor where their art comes from, who started it, what's the direct lineage to a samurai or authentic ninja clan and is it authentic Japanese Budo or a modern changed version?
There is a big difference between adding a few bits of another's art to your own (freestyle) and truly specialising in an unchanged complete art!
Ever heard the phrase "Jack of all trades and master of none!" The true martial way is to master a whole art before moving on to another!
Finally... if you are looking for a quick & easy black belt, please look elsewhere . . . with us, you will EARN your levels!
REPARTITION - do not complain about having to do lots of repartition - this IS martial arts!
PRACTICE - never stop practicing, even at home between classes.
PATIENCE - understand and accept that you have to master the technique before getting more!
TRUST - there is always a reason why things are done a certain way, don't alter anything to suit yourself!
RESPECT for other students, instructors and the art itself.
OUR LEVEL STRUCTURE
ALL TIMEFRAMES ARE STRICTLY MINIMUM ONLY...IF WE ASSESS YOU NOT READY TO ADVANCE THEN MORE TIME, EFFORT AND ACTUAL PRACTICE WILL BE REQUIRED.
All students from 7 year old start at Shoshinsha, this level is known as 'mukyu' or 'no level' as you don't do anything to earn this, it's like a learner plate (drivers license) that lets the other students know you are new and to treat you with due care and respect.
Minimum time on Shoshinsha is 10 weeks (75% pass required to move from beginners to basic level)
4 levels to Hiden (our Black belt equivalent):
Shoden Basic/lower ‘Yellow’ level), 12 month min training (80% pass required to get Chuden level),
Chuden Intermediate/middle ‘Green’ level), 12 month min training (85% pass required to get Okuden level),
Okuden - Advanced/higher ‘Brown’ level), 12 month min training (90% pass required to get Shodan-Ho level),
Shodan Ho - Lower First Step (probationary Hidan), 12 month min training (95% pass required to get Hiden),
Hiden - Secret level (our equivalent of a full Black belt) entitles training of the next 'style' to commence.
Note: all levels undergo a 5 week assessment requiring a pass to attend a pass or fail grading.
OUR CURRICULUM
Yes, we have a structured system of learning, progressing students in a responsible and 'fundamental techniques first' method.
Assessment and a grading process is the only way to ensure students standards.
OVERVIEW OF OUR TRAINING STRUCTURE
46 weeks training available per year (46 lessons)
2 x 23 week training terms per year made up of,
5 week Phase rotations of 1 lessons per week for each of the 5 phases.
Summary:
7-12 year old do 1 x 1.5 hour class min per week plus must complete online and home study assignments and training
13 year old and over do 1 x 2 hour class min per week plus must complete online and home study assignments and training
46 lessons per year/level (students must attend 90% minimum = 41 lessons to be eligible to assess/grade).
Total to Hiden: Shoshinsha period (2-6 months) plus 4 years MINIMUM training to full Hiden . . . then the real fun begins!
We have far more technique above Hiden than below . . . unlike most other arts!
Each Phase is 1 lesson per week of;
Week 1) Kihon Happo (8 fundamental ways), including variations, counters and weapons disarm also kamae (postures),
Week 2) Sanshin (‘Three hearts’ method) also kamae (postures) includes buki o toriageru jutsu disarms (weapons disarms methods),
Ninpo Taijutsu Santo Ton Ko Gata
Week 3) Taihenjutsu (break falls/rolls) also furoa keiko (mat work/floor training) - nage gata (throws).
Week 4) Hajutsu Kuho (escape methods) also gyaku waza (reversals), shime waza (strangles),
Week 5) Dakentaijutsu (striking methods) also taiso, atemi no tanren (body & strike conditioning) also jutaijutsu (supple body methods) - suwari gata (kneeling methods). Ninpo Taijutsu Santo Tonko Gata
Plus - Buki jutsu (weapons) is studied in the last 1/2 hour of each class for 13 year old and over.
1st 'rotation' (5 week phase) of each term will be learning of new technique for belt level (VERY important not to miss this 1st 5 weeks)
2nd 'rotation' (5 week phases) of each term will be for practice of new (and existing) technique for belt level
Remainder of term of the level will be more practice and assessment for grading readiness.
We break for 6 weeks - 1 week before Christmas, Christmas/new year’s week and 4 weeks after new years plus Easter Friday and Monday public holidays.
Buyu Kai (Warrior Friends Society) training in school holidays - all members can attend weekend sessions out in the field, at other training facilities (e.g. climbing wall, ice arena, horse riding, beach, weapons, forest etc.) or at one designated dojo. (extra cost may apply – equipment, entry fees, hire etc)
‘Tai Kai’ (gathering - camp) once a year in school holidays held over 4 days, 3 nights.
‘Gasshuku’ - seasonal training events (1 day or 2 days/1 night) usually held in school holidays.
Note: ALL adults (18+) attending overnight activities with minors present must get working with children police check at own expense.
INSTRUCTOR STATUS: There is no requirement to become a Sensei (instructor) just because you achieve any level, you can train through our levels without the pressure of that expectation.
Instructor status requires a separate training course involving time commitment, loyalty and further study in instructing Ninjutsu plus Sport (coaching) Specialising in Martial arts nationally recognised qualifications. You can apply for instructor training from Green Belt on, starting as a Deshi (apprentice), conditions and extra fees apply. Note: There is no guarantee of acceptance upon applying or 'work' upon completion. We only accept suitable candidates (keen to work with kids) for Instructor training and positions.
Togakure Ryu Ninpo - completed to attain Hiden
The Hidden Door School
Togakure Ryu Ninpo includes various punching, throwing and levering techniques. It is known by low and wide stances and also by very strong punches, which are mostly directed towards opponent's eyes, ears and diaphragms. Along with Taijutsu, this school includes the art of Onshin jutsu (invisibility).
The following is studied up to Hiden.
It is the basics or fundamentals of our 9 styles and the actual technique of 'Togakure Ninjutsu'.
Then each ‘Dan level' is mastery of one of the other styles
RESPECT - SELF AND OTHERS Everything begins and ends here.
Bowing - Sitting and standing "Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo" explained in class.
BREATH WORK Your breath is spirit. You will learn several types of deep breathing techniques to quiet, still and reflect the mind.
MEDITATION (meditation or quiet thought, inner prayer).
SHINOBI JUNAN TAISO (Ninja flexibility & conditioning skills) Muscle stretching and body conditioning will be done before technique section of class commences.
UKEMI GATA TAIHENJUTSU (ground hitting skills, breakfalls, rolling and leaping)
Zenpo Ukemi (forward breakfalls) - Ryote (two hands), Katate (one hand)
Koho Ukemi (backwards breakfalls)
Yoko Nagare Ukemi (sideways breakfall)
Tsuki (punching/kicking from breakfalls)
Zenpo Kaiten (forward rolling) - Ryote (two hands), Katate (one hand)
Naname (diagonal) - Ryote (two hands), Katate (one hand), Mute (no hands)
Koho Kaiten (backwards rolling breakfall without raised leg)
Sokuho Kaiten (side roll keeping eye contact)
Yoko Nagare Kaiten (side roll starting like a breakfall)
Oten (Cartwheels) - Ryote (two hands), Katate (one hand)
Hicho Kaiten (both height and distance rolling breakfalls)
Yokonagashi Zenpo Ukemi (ground drop)
Sanpo (walking)
Kiten (handsprings) - optional for gradings
Kuten (front and back flips - no hands) - optional for gradings
Shiho Tenchi Tobi (directional Heaven-Earth leaping techniques)
Sokuho Tobi (sideways leap)
Fudoza Tobi (leap up with legs tucked)
Zenpo Tobi (front leap)
Koho Tobi (backwards leap)
Shoten No Jutsu (running up surfaces)
Kuhi (flying techniques)
Shinobi Aruki (silent movement)
Tai Sabaki (body evasion)
Nobori Kata (climbing buildings, trees, poles)
Stealth (ground crawling)
Inton (concealment/escape)
SHINKEN TAIHENJUTSU - Muto Dori Gata (Sword evasion Forms)
Hira
Ichimonji
Jumonji
KAMAE - Basic Taijutsu Postures (there are many more)
Seiza No Kamae
Shizen No Kamae
Kongo Gassho No Kamae
Ichimonji No Kamae
Hira No Kamae
Jumonji No Kamae
Kosei No Kamae
Hicho No Kamae
Hoko No Kamae
Doko No Kamae
Ihen No Kamae
Fudoza No Kamae
SANSHIN NO KATA
Chi No Kata (EARTH)
Sui No Kata (WATER)
Ka No Kata (FIRE)
Fu No Kata (WIND)
Ku No Kata (VOID)
KIHON HAPPO GATA - Eight Fundamental Forms
Koshi Sanpo Methods
Ichimonji No Kamae
Hicho No Kamae
Jumonji No Kamae
Torite Goho Methods
Omote Gyaku
Oni-kudaki or Omote Gyaku Ken Sabaki Gata (against a punch)
Ura Kote Gyaku
Musha Dori - Ude Jime Ashi Ori Gata
Ganseki Nage
DAKENTAIJUTSU - Techniques of Striking
Hokenn Juroppo - Sixteen Secret Fists
Kikaku-Ken - Demon Horns Fist (striking with the head)
Shuki-Ken - Hand Start Fist (striking with the elbow)
Fudo-Ken - Unmoving Fist (clenched fist/immovable fist)
Kiten-Ken also called Shuto - Turn-Causing Fist (half open sword hand, chop)
Shishin-Ken - Finger Needle Fist (use the little finger)
Shitan-Ken - Finger End Fist (Sanshitan - uses three fingers primarily)
Shako-Ken - Mantis Crab Fist (thrust with fingers/palm)
Shito-ken - Finger Sword Fist (striking with the thumb)
Shikan-ken - Finger Ring Fist (hit using extended knuckles)
Koppo-ken - Bone Method Fist (use of extended thumb knuckle
Happa-ken - Eight Leaf Fist (palms of both hands)
Sokuyaku-ken - Foot Dance Fist (heel/sole kick)
Sokki-ken - Foot Start Fist (striking with the knee)
Sokugyaku - Ken Foot Reverse Fist (striking with extended toes)
Tai-ken - Body Fist (striking/crushing with the body)
Ki-ken - Spirit Fist (striking from afar with mind/spirit/intention)
HAJUTSU KUHO (Breaking Out Art Nine Methods)
Tehodoki – Katate, Ryote, Ura Gyaku, Omote Gyaku
Taihodoki – Isu, Rokka, Hajiku
Oyagoroshi
Kogoroshi
Koshi-kudaki
Happo-geri
Keri-kudaki
Ken-kudaki
Secret
GYAKU WAZA - Reversal Techniques
Takeori - (outside/inside)
Omote-gyaku (outside reversal)
Ura-gyaku (inside reversal)
Hon-gyaku (base reversal)
Omote Oni-kudaki (outside demon crusher)
Ura Oni-kudaki (inside demon crusher)
Musha-dori (warrior take)
Muso-dori (warrior pair take)
Oogyaku (great reversal)
SHIME WAZA GO-KATA - Five Strangulation Techniques
Hon-jime (base strangle)
Gyaku-jime (reverse strangle)
Itami-jime (pain strangle)
Sankaku-jime (triangular strangle)
Do-jime (torso strangle)
NAGE WAZA - Throwing forms
Ganseki nage (rock throw)
Ganseki-otoshi (rock drop)
Ganseki-oshi (rock press)
Ganseki-ori (rock break)
Ryusui-Nage (flowing water movement)
Tomoe-nage (whirl throw)
Tachi-nagare (standing flow)
Yoko-nagare (sideways flowing)
Temakura (hand pillow)
Kuruma-nage (wheel throw)
Togakure Ninpo Taijutsu Gata (formal Ninja partnered kata)
Shoden no Gata (basic)
Migi kata ude
Hidari kata ude
Migi tekubi suzi
Atekomi
Migiuchi
Koteuchi
Sayukumogakure
Metsubushi gata
Chuden no Gata (intermediate)
Kaeshi Tobi
Ken Nagare
Ichi no Kamae
Shinobi Gaeshi Gata
Yoko Geri
Shige Gaeshi
Itto Dori
Sora Tobi
Itto Giri
Shige Dori
Yoko Nagare
Ushiro Nagare
Okuden no Gata (advanced)
Chugaeri
Yokogaeri
Tobichigai
Itto nage
Teppan nage
Kirikaeshi
Sutemi
WEAPONS - Basic usage & disarm (over 13's)
Note: we actually have an authentic technique curriculum including actual kata, postures, strikes etc for each weapon, unlike other 'freestyle' arts we don't 'make it up', 'steal it from another art' or get you to 'invent' your own weapons methods!
Both Kotsu (essence/feeling) and Kihon Jutsu (fundamental methods) are taught for all weapons up to Hiden.
Note: Kamae = Postures, Daken = strikes/targets, Sanshin = 5 elements kata, Uke = receiving/blocks,
Gata or Waza = kata with a partner (Renshu), Nage = throws, Kiri = cuts, Kotsu = essence/feeling.
Shoshinsha (Beginners level)
Hanbo - 3 ft wooden staff (9 Kamae, 5 Daken, 5 Sanshin, 1 Uke, 1 Gata)
Shoden (Basic level)
Tanbo - 1 - 1.5 ft (approx) baton (2 Kamae, 5 Daken, 3 Gata)
Rokushakubo - 6 ft wooden staff (10 Kamae, 2 Uke, 5 Sanshin, Bofuri gata, 1 Gata)
Kusari Fundo - rope/weighted chain (2 Kamae, 5 Daken, 1 Uke, 1 Gata, 1 Nage)
Shuriken - throwing blades (Mihon, Atsukau)
Senban -flat blades (5 Kiri, Nageru, Kurinuku)
Bo - long pointed spikes (5 Kiri, Nageru, Kurinuku)
Chuden (Intermediate level)
Tanto - dagger/knife O18's & Kunai - 'flat blade' tool or just Kunai - 'flat blade' tool U18's
Kyoketsu Shoge - ring, chord, dagger
Shuko - hand claws (9 Kamae, 4 Uke, 5 Sanshin, Nage)
Metsubushi- blinding technique/substances
Okuden (Advanced level)
Tessen - Fan (3 Gata - Kocho, Shuko Kudaki, Kasumi Jime)
Jutte - (like a Sai but 1 prong), (5 Kamae, 4 gata - Kiri no Hitoha, Rakka, Gorin Kudaki, Mizu Tori)
Kusari Gama - Sickle and chain (5 Kamae, 3 Gata)
Kodachi - Short sword (2 Kamae, 3 Gata), Kenjutsu - Sword fencing (padded, wood or poly)
Shodan Ho (Probationary Hiden)
Shinobi Ken Iaijutsu / Tameshigiri - Ninja sword draws (blunt metal) and cutting (live blade)
Then after Hiden the following are mastered throughout the Dan belt levels . . .
Hanbo - 3 ft wooden staff (8 Kihon, 4 Reiho, 16 Gata)
Rokushakubo - 6 ft wooden staff (6 Kihon, 9 Shoden Gata, 9 Chuden Gata, 9 Okuden Gata, 25 Keiko Sabaki Gata, 2 Nuke)
Jojutsu - 4.5 - 5" staff (6 Kamae, 8 Gata)
Yari - spear or Sojutsu (2 Rei, 6 Kihon Kamae, 2 Keiko Kata, 9 Kaisetsu Gata, 9 Kasumi Gata, 10 Hencho Gata)
Naginata - halberd (7 Kamae, 4 Kihon Kamae, 9 Kihon Waza, 3 Kihon Kiri)
Bisento - Broad blade (3 Kamae, 9 Gata)
Kusari Gama - Sickle and chain (5 Kamae, 10 Gata)
Kyujutsu - Archery (samurai style)
Han Yumijutsu - Archery 'half bow' (ninja style)
Teppo Yumi - crossbow (Makiwara)
Firearms - (disarm and use)
Sorry Nunchaku and Sai are not ninja weapons in spite of what you see in the cartoons or movies!
Gyokushin ryu Ninpo - is incorporated in the Hiden level
The Jewelled (or pearl) Heart School
Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo was founded in the mid 1500 by Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi. This school is partially directed towards Cho Ho (spying). The head characteristics of this school are said to be Sutemi Nage (sacrificing throwing). This school preferred spying rather then combat, but it is known that many forms of Nage Waza (throws) were used.
Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo - is incorporated in the Hiden level
The Hiding in the Clouds School
Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo was founded in the 16th century by Heinaisaemon Ienaga Iga, who was said to have learned his arts from Sarutobi Sasuke.
The taijutsu of this school is very similar to the taijutsu of Togakure ryu. The main differences are, that in Kumogakure ryu jumps as well as multiple blocks are used. The speciality of this school was Kamayari (sickle spear), which was also used on ships. The special weapon, used by warriors of this school was also Ippon Sugi Noburi, which was made of a 25cm long metal tube with three spikes, and through which a long chain with hooks at its ends was laid. This weapon was considered for combat as well as for climbing.
Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu - completed for Second Dan
The Jewelled (or pearl) Tiger School of "bone finger art"
Gyokko ryu is roughly divided into three sections: unarmed vs unarmed, unarmed vs knife, unarmed vs sword.
The basic movements are that of a spinning top. If a lock is placed on a joint, the joint is held still by the body, while the feet move one's body around the joint. Because footwork takes time, nerve strikes are applied before and during the motion.
The movement in Gyokko ryu is also around an opponent's fixed point of balance.
Muto Waza are unarmed against either sword or spear and are the most advanced and difficult techniques of the Ryu.
Other specialties of this school are Koshi jutsu (attack on muscle, pressure point and nerve points), Shito jutsu (use of thumb and other fingers), Ken jutsu (sword), Ko Dachi (short sword), So jutsu or Yari (spear), and Bo jutsu (various sticks).
Note: Waza, Gata and Kata all refer to technique as in a series of moves to deal with a given situation, Gata & Waza are performed with a
partner as a drill, Kata is like a Karate 'Kata' or Tae kwon do 'Form' done on ones own to teach technique, flow and repetitive conditioning.
Kihon Happo Gata
Koshi Sanpo - 3 Waza
Torite Kihon Goho Gata - 5 Waza
Shizen No Kata - 5 Waza
Taihen Jutsu/Koshi Jutsu
Muto Dori Gata - 3 Waza
Joryaku - 12 Waza
Churyaku - 8 Waza
Geryaku - 8 Waza
Summary: 28 new empty hand Waza (partner kata or drills) for this Dan level alone!
Plus
Weapons - KUKISHINDEN RYU Hanbo & Tanbo Jutsu (half staff & hand staff/baton methods)
Kamae - 9 Waza
Kihon Taihenjutsu - 8 Waza
Ken tsuki - 11 Waza
Ashi tsuki - 5 Waza
Te dori - 15 Waza
Sode dori - 12 Waza
Tai hodoki - 4 Waza
and KUKISHINDEN RYU Kodachi (short sword) - 3 Gata
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu - completed for Third Dan
The Tiger Knocking Down School of Bone Structure Art
Sakagami Taro Kunishige was considered as the first Soke in Koto Ryu, but Bando Kotaro Minamoto Masahide, the one that was to be the 2nd Soke died in battle 1542. Instead the Ryu went to Sougyoku Kan Ritsushi who also was the Soke of Gyokko Ryu. There after the Koto Ryu was following the same family line as Gyokko Ryu. The difference as apposed to Gyokko Ryu was that Koto Ryu was only taught to the person that would become the next Soke. Koppojutsu means to destroy the bone structure on the attacker. What specializes the Koto Ryu techniques is that distance is created by moving along with the attack, then moving forward with a strike and then move quickly out to a safe distance again. This is done to come in with a strike at exactly 90 degrees against the bone structure of the attacker to do the most damage. To do this demands good timing and rhythm in the defensive attack, often done with Yoko Aruki (moving with the legs crossing each other). Another important part of the footwork is to hit the attackers toki (the top of the foot), by kicking or stepping on it to control his balance. It should also be noted that the starting distance should be really big from the start, the attacker must take one big step or several steps to reach the defender. This states clearly that Koto Ryu was developed for the battlefield or out doors in general, and not inside a house or narrowed places. The Koto Ryu stylist should be looking right between the attackers eyebrows, so that the attacker cannot read the intentions through his eyes. The attacker will also believe that he has eye contact, which will be confusing for him. Other typical methods of Koto Ryu are the use of Metsubushi, different ways of blinding the attacker or attacking the eyes directly. Metsubushi could be powder thrown at the attackers eyes, but also reflections at the eyes from the sword or other metal blades. For example when it rains the Koto Ryu stylist will stand in Mangetsu No Kamae (similar to Hoko No Kamae with the blade in the left hand) and collect water in the hi (blood groove) of the blade and then throw the water at the enemies eyes before the sword slashes down. Because of the hard character of the Koto Ryu techniques it demands hard discipline training to harden the body. Takamatsu Toshitsugu started his training in Koto Ryu when he was nine years old, and was considered a Koto Ryu master when he was 13 years old. In his self biography he has written that he got hard fingers and toes by hitting stone and gravel until the blood came through the finger and toenails. Shako Ken (claw hand) is one of the strikes that is used in Koto Ryu. There are story's about Takamatsu Sensei in the 1960's when he convinced Koizume Shizuo, a journalist from the Tokyo Sport Newspaper, by literally drilling five holes through the bark of a tree with his Shako Ken finger strike (‘Claw’ hand). Koto Ryu also has an unusual way of using the katana. Koto Ryu is one of the very few Ryu that sometimes changes the grip of the sword by holding it with the left hand near the tsuka. This gives multiple ways of holding the sword with crossed arms that would totally confuse the attacker, and sometimes convince him that the stylist was an amateur and an easy opponent.
Taijutsu
Kurai Dori - 5 kamae
Shoden no Kata - 18 Waza
Chuden no Kata - 12 Waza
Okuden no Kata - 12 Waza
Hekito - secret teachings
Jojutsu
Kamae - 6
Gata - 8
Jutte
Kamae - 5
Gata - 4
Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu - completed for Forth Dan
The Immovable Heart School of "hard weapon body art"
One of the secret attributes of Shinden Fudo ryu is the "Principle of nature". The ryu originated by Genpachiro Temeyoshi in the mid 12th century. It is traced back to Kosshijutsu which was introduced by Izumo Kanja Yoshitero. Kuki Takei from the Kuki family of Kukishin ryu was also from the Shinden Fudo ryu. Takenaka Tetsunoke, senior student of Jigoro Kano (the founder of Judo) was at one time a student at the Shinden Fudo ryu Dojo. Kuden says that Yari was taught to Izumo (the founder) by Tengu (demons) and these techniques still remain a secret today. The school uses several different types of Yari (spear), Ono (war axes), O-tsuchi (war hammers) and Naginata (halberd). Hojojutsu (the art of tying someone with a rope) is used along side the Taijutsu, to help restrain the opponent. The school is specialized on Jujutsu and Iainuki (fast sword drawing). The Taijutsu of this school bases on Jutai jutsu (levers, controls and throws) and on Daken Taijutsu (punching techniques).
Daken Taijutsu (striking body methods)
Ten no Maki - 8 Waza
Chi no Maki - 8 Waza
Shizen Shikoku no Kata - 12 Waza
Jutaijutsu (supple body methods)
Kamae (5 postures)
Shoden Gata/Juroku Gata - 16 Waza
Chuden - 11 Waza
Okuden - 8 Waza
Weapons - KUKISHINDEN RYU Bo Jutsu (staff methods) & Tessen (War fan)
Rokushaku Bo Kihon Gata - 6 Waza (6 foot staff basics)
Keiko Sabaki Gata - 25 Waza
Shoden Gata - 8 Waza
Chuden Gata - 11 Waza
Okuden Gata - 6 Waza
Tessen - 3 Gata
Takagi Yoshin ryu Jutaijutsu - completed for Fifth Dan
The High Tree and Awakened Heart School
This school was organized by Takagi Oriemon Shigenobu in the beginning of 1600. He learned this art from a monk named Unryu, who was a master of Amatsu Tatara Rinpo Hiden ryu. Oriemon added to his master's teachings some techniques of Jujutsu from Takanchi ryu and he thereby created a ‘perfect’ combat system. Along with Jujutsu, this school also uses Dakentai jutsu (punching techniques), which are applied without any strength. Techniques are fast and directed to short combat distance, and they are based on such methods that they do not allow the opponent to escape with rolls. Weapons used in this school are Bo (stick), Yari (spear), Kodachi (short sword), Shuriken (throwing blades), and Tanto (knife).
Jutaijutsu
Shoden no Kata - 13 Waza
Chuden no Sabakigata - 10 Waza
Chuden no Tai no Gata - 15 Waza
Okuden no Gata - 15 Waza
Eri Shimegata - 8 Waza
Moguri - 11 Waza
Daiso Sabakigata - 14 Waza
Muto Dori - 7 Waza
Weapons - KUKISHINDEN RYU So Jutsu (spear methods) & Naginata Jutsu (Halberd)
Sojutsu - Yari
Kai Setsu Gata - 9 Waza
Gokai Gata - 9 Waza
Menkyo Kaiden Hencho Gata - 10 Waza
Naginata Jutsu
Kamae - 7
Kihon Kamae - 4
Kihon Waza - 9
Kihon Kiri - 3
'Technique for following belts available upon successful Sakki/godan test'
Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu - completed for Sixth Dan
The Nine Demon School of "eight secret weapons arts"
This school is believed to have roots in China and is also said to be founded in the 12th century. Its founder is Izumo Koshiro Terunobu, who learned from Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru, who is written as the first Soke. The word Kuki in the name of the school was obtained after the event, when the master of the school saved the tsar Go-Daigo, who told him, that he was fighting like Kuki - nine demons. Kukishinden ryu warriors used to wear Yoroi battle armour, therefore strong and direct attacks in certain unarmed points are used. This school also uses Bo Ryaku (special kind of strategy), Sui Ren and Ka Ren (use of water and fire), Onshin jutsu (disguise) and weapons as Hanbo (90 cm stick), Rokushaku Bo (180 cm stick), Kodachi, Shoto, Katana, Dai katana (swords), Kaginawa (rope with a hook), Kusari Gama (sickle with chain), Bisento (heavy weapon similar to helbard) and Daisharin (axle with two wheels). It is also written, that Kukishinden warriors used mast tops for fighting. This system was used as a naval art, and consequently the movements are designed to be used on a ship that is slippery and rocking.
Taijutsu/kenpo - unarmed combat
Hichojutsu - leaping techniques
Nawajutsu - throwing techniques
Koppojutsu - bone braking techniques
Jutaijutsu - grappling/locks
Bukijutsu - weapons (as mentioned above)
Yoroi jutsu - armour techniques
Bajutsu - horsemanship
Suijutsu - water techniques
Kajutsu - fire techniques
Gunryaku Heiho - battle strategies
Tenmon - weather studies
Chimon - geography studies
Onshinjutsu - art of invisibility
Bisento - Broad blade
Kamae - 3
Gata - 9
Kusari Gama
Kamae - 5
Gata - 10
Kyujutsu - Archery (samurai style)
Plus familiarization with other Kikishinden weapons (as listed above)
Gikan ryu Koppojutsu - completed for Seventh Dan
The Truth, Loyalty, and Justice School of Bone Structure Art
The Gikan school is almost unknown, as it was never publicly taught. The founder of this martial art system was Uryu Hangan Gikanbo, who lived in Erioku period. He learned his skills from the master named Akimoto Kanai Moriyoshi. Gikanbo was a Koppojutsu (bone breaking), Hichojutsu (jumping) and Senban Nage (blade throwing) specialist. Those are also known characteristics of Gikan ryu. The school is supposed to consist of five traditional levels, which are: Shoden Gata, Chuden Gata, Okuden Gata, Kaiden Gata and Menkyo Kaiden.
Taijutsu
Shoden Gata
Chuden Gata
Okuden Gata
Kaiden Gata
Menkyo Gata
Teppo Yumi - crossbow (Makiwara)
Firearms - (disarm and use)
Eight to Tenth Dan is ongoing practice to master the melding of the nine traditions (arts). This is usually where 'Shihan' or 'Master' Title is awarded.