The nine schools of the Bujinkan tradition of ninjutsu are as follows:
Kumogakure Ryu (Hiding in the Clouds School)
History of Kumogakure Ryu:
It has been said that this ryu was created by the Toda family, in the 1600's as a Ninjutsu school of thought, centering its techniques on the non-violent side of Ninjutsu. The Togakure Ryu teaches that violence is to be avoided. This would also explain why the school's taijutsu is similar to the Togakure Ryu, as the Toda were also Sokes of the Togakure Ryu.
One of the special weapons of the Ryu is the kamayari (hook spear). Originally designed for climbing up the sides of ships, it was also used when fighting against swordsmen. The Densho mentions a ninja by the name of Sarutubi Sasuke, who came from the Kamogakure Ryu. Sasuke used to jump from one tree to another by using a kamayari to hook onto a branch and the swing from one branch to another, just like a monkey.
Another climbing device is the ippon sugi noburi (single cedar climbing tool). This is a metal tube 25 cm long, with three rows of spikes on the outside and a chain running through the middle, with a metal hook at each end.
Another specialty of this ryu is the Demon mask sometimes worn by members of the ryu. The kikaku ken or "demon horn strike" (head butt) could also give rise to another theory of the demon mask, supposing that the mask, even when not worn, gave the idea to use the head during fighting.
The ninja of the Kumogakure Ryu wore armored sleeves when going into combat to help protect them and also to use in attacking. Outdoor skills such as lighting fires in wet and damp weather and various other aspects of the outdoor survival were included in Kumogakure Ryu training. A Kumogakure Ryu taijutsu skill is to do double blocks and strikes.
Another Kumogakure Ryu taijutsu specialty is to jump while fighting.
In the Bujinkan Dojo a chant/mantra, "Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo" is used to open and close the training sessions. As far as the Bujinkan is concerned it is thought that the this was first used in the Kumogakure Ryu teachings. Although this sanscrit chant has its roots in the Vedic teachings some say it is waka (poetry), and shows both Buddhist and Shinto attitudes.
The Sanshin No Kata is one of the hiden (secret transmissions). Takamatsu taught this only to Hatsumi Sensei.
Togakure Ryu (Hidden Door School Ninpo Taijutsu)
History of Togakure Ryu:
Soke Hatsumi sums up the Togakure Ryu Ninpo in his book Hiden Ninja Submission by saying:
The term 'kajo waraku' is used in the Togakure Ryu meaning, "The enjoyment of peaceful harmony with the same effortless compassion as that of the wildflowers."
The Sanpo Hiden (three secrets) of the Togakure Ryu is as follows:
1. Senban Shuriken
A four-pointed throwing star, the design of which is exclusively unique to the Togakure Ninja.
2. Shuko (hand needles)
Also known as Tekagi. These are metal bands around the palm of the hand with four metal spikes projecting from the palm. Another metal band is around the wrist and a piece of leather joins the two metal bands together. This was a climbing tool, and was also used in defense against sword attacks.
3. Shindake (bamboo grass)
This is a short bamboo tube 4 feet long (1.20 m) used to aid in breathing when hiding under water. It was also used as a blowpipe. Sometimes a broken scabbard was put to use as an underwater breathing apparatus also.
Another Togakure weapon is Tetsubishi with 9 spiked ends, which is sometimes thrown like shuriken.
The Togakure Ryu Ninja were required to master the 18 forms of Bujutsu (martial arts):
1) Taijutsu - Unarmed Combat
2) Kenpo / Ninja ken - Swordsmanship
3) Bojutsu - Staff fighting
4) Shurikenjutsu - Blade throwing
5) Kusarigama - Scythe and chain
6) Yari - Spear
7) Naginata - Halberd
8) Bajutsu - Horsemanship
9) Suiren - Swimming
10) Kayaku-jutsu - Gunpowder
11) Bo Ryaku - Strategy making
12) Cho ho - Espionage
13) Shinibo Iri - Infiltrating
14) Inton jutsu - Lying low
15) Henso jutsu - Disguises
16) Tenmon - Meteorology
17) Chimon - Geography
18) Seishin teki kyoyo - Spiritual refinement
Kyojitsu Tenkan Ho (philosophy) is not one of the 18 forms of Togakure Ryu Bujutsu but it was an important part of the Ninpo training.
Gikan Ryu (Truth, Loyalty, and Justice School)
History of Gikan Ryu:
Gikan Ryu was founded by Uryu Gikanbo, who was the Daimyo of Kawachi no Kuni (Kawachi province). He lived in the family castle called Uryujo. It is said that Uryu Gikanbo's punch was so powerful that he once broke a sword blade in half. He was also a master of Hichojutsu, and Senban Nage.
Gikan ryu contains many special kicks, punches, and throws, and its dynamic footwork is used widely within the Bujinkan system. Unfortunately little of the actual techniques have been taught in the west and so little is known. People think that many of the Gikan ryu kamae are off balance because they need extensive practice before they start to "feel right".
One of the special techniques of the ryu is Bufu ni sente nashi (from this side there is not the first strike) which tells us that this was a defensive, not offensive art.
Gyokko Ryu (Jeweled Tiger School)
History of the Gyokko Ryu:
During the Chinese Tang dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD), Cho Busho and Yo Gyokko supposedly left warring China and arrived in Japan, bringing with them the foundation upon which the Gyokko Ryu would later be based. Some say that the original techniques from the school were created by a princess in the Chinese Imperial Court who used quick body movements to attack specific targets on the body. Which correlates with the Kosshijutsu striking techniques of this school. History and our research tells us that in the oldest martial art schools from India, Tibet, and China were so-called tiger striking (kosshijutsu), and Gyokko Ryu is the jeweled tiger school.
The Kihon Happo is made from the first two levels of the Gyokko Ryu, Ki Gata, and Torite Kihon Gata, which are also the basic techniques of the school. Typical for the Gyokko Ryu are the powerful blocks and balance taking. The school specializes in techniques that involve Kosshijutsu (attack against muscles), and Shitojutsu (use of thumbs and fingers). Kosshijutsu means "to knock down the enemy with one finger". Koshi could also mean 'backbone', as Koshijutsu is the backbone of martial arts. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is a distant branch of the Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.
The Gyokko Ryu uses "Ten Ryaku Uchu Gassho" (heaven and universe prayer), Chi Ryaku Futen Goshin Gassho (circle of wind prayer), Jin Ryaku Chi Sui Ka Fu Henka Ryaku (circle of earth, water, fire, wind prayer).
Gassho Kuji Kiri is Kongo (cloud), Suiren (water ring), Kaku Gassho (fire and winds). These are called the 'Sanpo Gassho' (three treasures) and they also appear in the Koto Ryu.
The Gyokko Ryu is broken down into five levels:
1. Ki Gata - Five techniques
2. Torite Kihon Gata - 10 techniques
3. Jo Ryaku no Maki - 12 techniques
4. Chu Ryaku no Maki - 8 techniques
5. Ge Ryaku no Maki - 8 techniques
The katas of the Koppo San Ryaku Hiden are also known as Jo Ryaku no Maki (higher level), Chu Ryaku no Maki (intermediate level), and Ge Ryaku no Maki (lower level). Each is written as a separate scroll.
Also in the Gyokko Ryu is Kurai Dori (sizing up the situation), Shin Shingan (God's heart, God's eyes), Tenmon Chimon (heaven, earth tactics).
The Gyokko Ryu has one fundamental rule: destroy the enemy's power, but leave his life. The Gyokko Ryu states that when a fight is about to start, do not let the opponent win, but take him down with a technique that is only as strong as is needed to match the situation. They also have another saying in the Gyokko Ryu, "Bushigokoro wo motte totoshi no nasu" (The warrior's heart is precious and essential).
The Sanshin no Kata is one of the hiden (secret transmissions). Takamatsu taught this only to Hatsumi Sensei.
The following are nine rules of the Gyokko Ryu:
1) The character 'nin' means to guard the nation with one's life
2) Forget the self, be patient, and do not fear dying
3) When in danger say or show nothing
4) As a strong enemy comes, keep an indomitable spirit
5) Serve and protect the master as you must your own parents
6) Vices dissipate your proficiency
7) Being drunk effects your judgment
8) Destroy your enemy's power but not his life
9) Don't teach to others without the master's permission
Hon Tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu (High Tree, Raised Heart School)
JUTAIJUTSU
History of Takagi Yoshin Ryu
In 1569 during the Yeiroku era (1568-1579) in the Funagata Yama (mountain area) of Miyagi, there was a Chinese mountain priest from the Abe family called Unryu (Cloud Dragon), who was an expert in the shuriken, bojutsu, yari, naginata, and taijutsu from the Amatsu Tatara Rinpo Hiden Makimono. The Amatsu Tatara scroll was kept by the Abe, Nakatomi, Otomo, and Monobe families (Takamatsu Sensei's family and the Kuki family also possessed a copy). The Dai Nippon Bugei Ryu-Ha gives Unryu's name as Sounryu. He was a wandering Taoish monk, living in Rikuzen Funagawa, not far from Sanroku Mountain. Some historians have said that Unryu came from Hieizaenji Yama in Jyoto. He studied Sessho hiden no jutsu, a system that uses the yari. The Sessho hiden no jutsu is also known as the Juppo sessho no jutsu.
Unryu taught this system with the yari to a samurai from Katakura Kojuro (in Fukishima province) named Ito Ki-i Morisatada (also called Ito Sukesada). Ito was a famous martial artist of that time (1570's) and the founder of the Itto Ryu Kenko Ryu.
The transmission of the Takagi Yoshin Ryu scrolls from Takamatsu Toshitsugu, to Hatsumi Masaaki, took place on a lucky day in the 5th Month Showa 33 (May 1959).
- Kumogakure Ryu
- Togakure Ryu
- Gikan Ryu
- Gyokko Ryu
- Takagiyoshin Ryu
- Kukishinden Ryu
- Gyokushin Ryu
- Koto Ryu
- Shindenfudo Ryu
Kumogakure Ryu (Hiding in the Clouds School)
History of Kumogakure Ryu:
It has been said that this ryu was created by the Toda family, in the 1600's as a Ninjutsu school of thought, centering its techniques on the non-violent side of Ninjutsu. The Togakure Ryu teaches that violence is to be avoided. This would also explain why the school's taijutsu is similar to the Togakure Ryu, as the Toda were also Sokes of the Togakure Ryu.
One of the special weapons of the Ryu is the kamayari (hook spear). Originally designed for climbing up the sides of ships, it was also used when fighting against swordsmen. The Densho mentions a ninja by the name of Sarutubi Sasuke, who came from the Kamogakure Ryu. Sasuke used to jump from one tree to another by using a kamayari to hook onto a branch and the swing from one branch to another, just like a monkey.
Another climbing device is the ippon sugi noburi (single cedar climbing tool). This is a metal tube 25 cm long, with three rows of spikes on the outside and a chain running through the middle, with a metal hook at each end.
Another specialty of this ryu is the Demon mask sometimes worn by members of the ryu. The kikaku ken or "demon horn strike" (head butt) could also give rise to another theory of the demon mask, supposing that the mask, even when not worn, gave the idea to use the head during fighting.
The ninja of the Kumogakure Ryu wore armored sleeves when going into combat to help protect them and also to use in attacking. Outdoor skills such as lighting fires in wet and damp weather and various other aspects of the outdoor survival were included in Kumogakure Ryu training. A Kumogakure Ryu taijutsu skill is to do double blocks and strikes.
Another Kumogakure Ryu taijutsu specialty is to jump while fighting.
In the Bujinkan Dojo a chant/mantra, "Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo" is used to open and close the training sessions. As far as the Bujinkan is concerned it is thought that the this was first used in the Kumogakure Ryu teachings. Although this sanscrit chant has its roots in the Vedic teachings some say it is waka (poetry), and shows both Buddhist and Shinto attitudes.
The Sanshin No Kata is one of the hiden (secret transmissions). Takamatsu taught this only to Hatsumi Sensei.
Togakure Ryu (Hidden Door School Ninpo Taijutsu)
History of Togakure Ryu:
Soke Hatsumi sums up the Togakure Ryu Ninpo in his book Hiden Ninja Submission by saying:
"It was founded by Togakure Daisuke who was a vassal of Kiso Yoshinaka at the time that he lost a war, and, after learning various military arts such as Kosshijutsu and Kenjutsu from his uncle Kagakure Doshi, was in hiding in Iga in the early 12th century. It was initially called Togakure Ryu Happo Hiken but has been called by various names since that time. Iga ninja such as Momoici Sandayu and others studied this ryu and passed it to the Nagori family of Kishu and later in the 17th century to the Toda family. Togakure Ryu is known for its use of the Shuko, Senban Nage, Shuriken, and the 4-foot Shinodake used in Suiren. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is a branch of Kosshijutsu."
The main teachings of Togakure Ryu are:
"Violence is to be avoided, and Ninpo is Bujutsu."
"Use the sword to be peaceful, and protect country, family, and nature."
The main teachings of Togakure Ryu are:
"Violence is to be avoided, and Ninpo is Bujutsu."
"Use the sword to be peaceful, and protect country, family, and nature."
The term 'kajo waraku' is used in the Togakure Ryu meaning, "The enjoyment of peaceful harmony with the same effortless compassion as that of the wildflowers."
The Sanpo Hiden (three secrets) of the Togakure Ryu is as follows:
1. Senban Shuriken
A four-pointed throwing star, the design of which is exclusively unique to the Togakure Ninja.
2. Shuko (hand needles)
Also known as Tekagi. These are metal bands around the palm of the hand with four metal spikes projecting from the palm. Another metal band is around the wrist and a piece of leather joins the two metal bands together. This was a climbing tool, and was also used in defense against sword attacks.
3. Shindake (bamboo grass)
This is a short bamboo tube 4 feet long (1.20 m) used to aid in breathing when hiding under water. It was also used as a blowpipe. Sometimes a broken scabbard was put to use as an underwater breathing apparatus also.
Another Togakure weapon is Tetsubishi with 9 spiked ends, which is sometimes thrown like shuriken.
The Togakure Ryu Ninja were required to master the 18 forms of Bujutsu (martial arts):
1) Taijutsu - Unarmed Combat
2) Kenpo / Ninja ken - Swordsmanship
3) Bojutsu - Staff fighting
4) Shurikenjutsu - Blade throwing
5) Kusarigama - Scythe and chain
6) Yari - Spear
7) Naginata - Halberd
8) Bajutsu - Horsemanship
9) Suiren - Swimming
10) Kayaku-jutsu - Gunpowder
11) Bo Ryaku - Strategy making
12) Cho ho - Espionage
13) Shinibo Iri - Infiltrating
14) Inton jutsu - Lying low
15) Henso jutsu - Disguises
16) Tenmon - Meteorology
17) Chimon - Geography
18) Seishin teki kyoyo - Spiritual refinement
Kyojitsu Tenkan Ho (philosophy) is not one of the 18 forms of Togakure Ryu Bujutsu but it was an important part of the Ninpo training.
Gikan Ryu (Truth, Loyalty, and Justice School)
History of Gikan Ryu:
Gikan Ryu was founded by Uryu Gikanbo, who was the Daimyo of Kawachi no Kuni (Kawachi province). He lived in the family castle called Uryujo. It is said that Uryu Gikanbo's punch was so powerful that he once broke a sword blade in half. He was also a master of Hichojutsu, and Senban Nage.
Gikan ryu contains many special kicks, punches, and throws, and its dynamic footwork is used widely within the Bujinkan system. Unfortunately little of the actual techniques have been taught in the west and so little is known. People think that many of the Gikan ryu kamae are off balance because they need extensive practice before they start to "feel right".
One of the special techniques of the ryu is Bufu ni sente nashi (from this side there is not the first strike) which tells us that this was a defensive, not offensive art.
Gyokko Ryu (Jeweled Tiger School)
History of the Gyokko Ryu:
During the Chinese Tang dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD), Cho Busho and Yo Gyokko supposedly left warring China and arrived in Japan, bringing with them the foundation upon which the Gyokko Ryu would later be based. Some say that the original techniques from the school were created by a princess in the Chinese Imperial Court who used quick body movements to attack specific targets on the body. Which correlates with the Kosshijutsu striking techniques of this school. History and our research tells us that in the oldest martial art schools from India, Tibet, and China were so-called tiger striking (kosshijutsu), and Gyokko Ryu is the jeweled tiger school.
The Kihon Happo is made from the first two levels of the Gyokko Ryu, Ki Gata, and Torite Kihon Gata, which are also the basic techniques of the school. Typical for the Gyokko Ryu are the powerful blocks and balance taking. The school specializes in techniques that involve Kosshijutsu (attack against muscles), and Shitojutsu (use of thumbs and fingers). Kosshijutsu means "to knock down the enemy with one finger". Koshi could also mean 'backbone', as Koshijutsu is the backbone of martial arts. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is a distant branch of the Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.
The Gyokko Ryu uses "Ten Ryaku Uchu Gassho" (heaven and universe prayer), Chi Ryaku Futen Goshin Gassho (circle of wind prayer), Jin Ryaku Chi Sui Ka Fu Henka Ryaku (circle of earth, water, fire, wind prayer).
Gassho Kuji Kiri is Kongo (cloud), Suiren (water ring), Kaku Gassho (fire and winds). These are called the 'Sanpo Gassho' (three treasures) and they also appear in the Koto Ryu.
The Gyokko Ryu is broken down into five levels:
1. Ki Gata - Five techniques
2. Torite Kihon Gata - 10 techniques
3. Jo Ryaku no Maki - 12 techniques
4. Chu Ryaku no Maki - 8 techniques
5. Ge Ryaku no Maki - 8 techniques
The katas of the Koppo San Ryaku Hiden are also known as Jo Ryaku no Maki (higher level), Chu Ryaku no Maki (intermediate level), and Ge Ryaku no Maki (lower level). Each is written as a separate scroll.
Also in the Gyokko Ryu is Kurai Dori (sizing up the situation), Shin Shingan (God's heart, God's eyes), Tenmon Chimon (heaven, earth tactics).
The Gyokko Ryu has one fundamental rule: destroy the enemy's power, but leave his life. The Gyokko Ryu states that when a fight is about to start, do not let the opponent win, but take him down with a technique that is only as strong as is needed to match the situation. They also have another saying in the Gyokko Ryu, "Bushigokoro wo motte totoshi no nasu" (The warrior's heart is precious and essential).
The Sanshin no Kata is one of the hiden (secret transmissions). Takamatsu taught this only to Hatsumi Sensei.
The following are nine rules of the Gyokko Ryu:
1) The character 'nin' means to guard the nation with one's life
2) Forget the self, be patient, and do not fear dying
3) When in danger say or show nothing
4) As a strong enemy comes, keep an indomitable spirit
5) Serve and protect the master as you must your own parents
6) Vices dissipate your proficiency
7) Being drunk effects your judgment
8) Destroy your enemy's power but not his life
9) Don't teach to others without the master's permission
Hon Tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu (High Tree, Raised Heart School)
JUTAIJUTSU
History of Takagi Yoshin Ryu
In 1569 during the Yeiroku era (1568-1579) in the Funagata Yama (mountain area) of Miyagi, there was a Chinese mountain priest from the Abe family called Unryu (Cloud Dragon), who was an expert in the shuriken, bojutsu, yari, naginata, and taijutsu from the Amatsu Tatara Rinpo Hiden Makimono. The Amatsu Tatara scroll was kept by the Abe, Nakatomi, Otomo, and Monobe families (Takamatsu Sensei's family and the Kuki family also possessed a copy). The Dai Nippon Bugei Ryu-Ha gives Unryu's name as Sounryu. He was a wandering Taoish monk, living in Rikuzen Funagawa, not far from Sanroku Mountain. Some historians have said that Unryu came from Hieizaenji Yama in Jyoto. He studied Sessho hiden no jutsu, a system that uses the yari. The Sessho hiden no jutsu is also known as the Juppo sessho no jutsu.
Unryu taught this system with the yari to a samurai from Katakura Kojuro (in Fukishima province) named Ito Ki-i Morisatada (also called Ito Sukesada). Ito was a famous martial artist of that time (1570's) and the founder of the Itto Ryu Kenko Ryu.
The transmission of the Takagi Yoshin Ryu scrolls from Takamatsu Toshitsugu, to Hatsumi Masaaki, took place on a lucky day in the 5th Month Showa 33 (May 1959).
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