•Gyokko-ryū Kosshi jutsu (玉虎流骨指術) - (Specialising in the muscular system) Founded in the Hogen-era (1156-1159) by 戸沢白雲斎 Tozawa Hakûnsai. This school has a major influence of the unarmed basics in Bujinkan. Striking with the fingers and toes and muscular destruction is very characteristic of this style of fighting.- Hatsumi sôke is the 28’th generation SOKE The techniques emphasized in the Gyokko school are:

1.Bone breaking and muscle damage - kosshijutsu (骨指術)
2.Using the digits for striking and maiming – shitojutsu
3.Sword and stick fighting - kenjutsu, and bojutsu.

History of Gyokko ryu

Myth describes Cho Gyokko as the teacher who brought the school to Japan from China during the Tang dynasty. It was handed down from generation to generation. Sakagami Taro Kunishige organized Gyokko Ryū shitojutsu; in the Tenmon period (1532 - 1550), he taught it to Toda Sakyo Isshinsai who created Gyokko Ryū kosshijutsu. Its sister school is the Koto Ryū, also created by Toda. Both Gyokko Ryū and the aforementioned Koto Ryū were taught by Toda to Momochi Sandayu, who carried on the traditions within Iga Ryū until the late Tokugawa period (mid (19th Century). Techniques from Gyokko Ryū and Koto Ryū became the foundation for techniques of Togakure Ryū.

The school's expertise is roughly divided into sections:
1.Taijutsu - unarmed against unarmed.
2.Muto dori - unarmed against short sword and knife and unarmed against katana.

Formal stages of Gyokko Ryū

The waza (techniques), kata (forms), etc. are written in the densho (scroll) in a particular order, which is the order that they should be learned.
•Ki Gata (The postures of Gyokko Ryū, includes methods of moving within them)
•Torite Kihon Gata and Moto Gata (These are the fundamental techniques that make up the system)
•Joryaku no Maki (Contains various forms, each form contains principles that the practitioner needs to understand)
•Churyaku no Maki (Contains more forms, these are more advanced than Joryaku no Maki forms)
•Geryaku no Maki (Contains very advanced forms)

Gyokko ryu techniques

► Chu Ryaku no Maki, second level kata - Gyokko ryu - Ninjutsu
► Ge-Ryaku no Maki, Gyokko ryu
► Go-gyo no kata
► Jo Ryaku no Maki, first level kata - Gyokko ryu - Ninjutsu
► Sanshin no kata - Gyokko ryu - Ninjutsu
► Torite Kihon Gata - Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu
Ichimonji no Kamae, Moto gata - Gyokko ryu
Shun soku
Te hodoki, hand release - Ninjutsu

•Kotō-ryū Koppō jutsu (虎倒流骨法術) - (Specialising in the skeletal structure) Founded in the Tenbun-era (1532) by 坂上太郎国重 Sakagami Taro Kunishige. This school’s specialty is the art of manipulating the bone structure. The foot work is also quite unique by cross stepping, shares similarity to hard chinese styles. Also the use of the sword in this school is quite unorthodox e.g using it with the left hand instead of the right. – Hatsumi sôke is the 18th generation SOKE



Koto Ryu (虎倒流 Kotōryū) is a Japanese martial art school from the Takamatzu den of koppojutsu, (骨法術) , shurikenjutsu, and kenjutsu. This school specializes in aggressive, linear attacks using larger bones to strike weaker ones of your opponent.

History and background
The tradition of Koto Ryu koppojutsu began with Toda Sakyo Isshinsai during the Tenmon Era (1532 - 1550) after learning Gyokko Ryu shitojutsu from Sakagami Taro Kunishige. It is a sister art of "Gyokko Ryu" kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術). Toda taught both of these arts to Momochi Sandayu and they were handed down within Iga Ryu until reaching Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu in the late Tokugawa period. The foundation of "Togakure Ryu" ninpo comes from the unarmed combative movements of Koto Ryu and Gyokko Ryu.

It can be translated as "Knocking down the Tiger" School, which is an image shared with its sister school, Gyokko Ryu (also can be translated as "Jeweled Tiger School"). In addition Koto Ryu includes a 4 pointed "Hira Shuriken" or "Shaken" along with blade fighting.

This school is taught inside the "Bujinkan", "Genbukan", "Jinenkan" ,"Tanaka Fumon" and "Akban".

Order of techniques
The densho (scrolls) are arranged in a particular order, and each waza (technique), kata (forms), etc. are supposed to be learned in the same order, mastering one before going on to the next one.

Koto ryu characteristics
The combat characteristics of Koto ryu are shown when Kata analysis is applied to the katas coming from this Japanese Koryu.

In Koto ryu there are about 50 katas divided into four levels: Shoden, Chuden, Okuden and Hekito levels.

The first and most basic level is Shoden, which includes 18 Katas. The second level is Chuden, and includes 12 katas. Third level is the Okuden and it has 12 katas and the fourth and last level is Hekito and it includes 8 Muto dori katas of empty hands versus a sword.

The main characteristic in this koryu is breaking the opponent's movement and posture. This strategy stems from being a Koppo jutsu system. Two advantages are gained by Tori – the first, disabling the opponent's attacking abilities and the second is the creation of an entrance into the opponent's weak points and posture.

Koto ryu katas are short; they do not include many movements. The source of the Koto ryu Kata is most probably, real combat situation and the solution to the problems in it. Because of this, the katas are very focused and revolve around specific techniques that relay a specific and short tactic. The use gravitates toward very simple punches, basic locks and no complicated transitions between throws and locks.

Kata in Koto ryu look at situations that have maintained their relevance till this day. Most of them are what is called 'street situations' and the scenarios are familiar:

1.Opponent grabbing with one hand
2.Opponent grabs the lapel with one hand and attacks with the other hand: Shato, Hoteki and Shito.
3.Opponent grabs or tries to grab with both hands: Saku geki, Keto, Oh gyaku, Yokuto, Ran Setsu, Kimon, Soto, Shisen and Santo.
4.Opponent attacks with one punch: Kompi, Hida and Koyoku. 5.Opponent attacks with two successive punches: Kata maki, Ura nami, Kyogi, Kako, Shihaku, Tan geki, Hosoku, Suito.
in addition, some of the Kata are very aggressive; Tori initiates the attack in these Kata during or after walking toward the opponent.

The first and basic level of koryu Kata in Koto ryu – Shoden level
In this level the katas deal with simple situations by various solutions and tactics. The main theme is Koto ryu's core; breaking the opponent's balance, posture and movement. To apply this theme the Shoden level Kata uses Tai Sabaki, Kyushu (Attacking vulnerable points), attack to different heights, unexpected punches and deception. These components happen in reply to different situations.

The Kamae of Kurai dori - Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
Kurai Dori, five combat stances - Koto Ryu
Hidarie Seigan No Kamae
Migi Seigan No Kamae
Hira Ichimonji No Kamae
Hoko No Kamae
Bobi No Kamae

List of all the Kata and techniques in the Shoden Gata level of Koto ryu
Batsugi kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Hosoku kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Hoteki kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Kako kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Kata maki kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Keto kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Kouyoku kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Kyogi kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Oh gyaku kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Saku geki kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Setto kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Shato kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Shihaku kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Shito kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Tan geki kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Ten chi kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Ura nami kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu
Yokuto kata, Shoden gata level - Koto ryu

List of all the Kata and techniques in the Hekito Gata level of Koto ryu
Batsu yo, Hekito gata level - Koto ryu
Boku hen, Hekito gata level - Koto ryu
Damara, Hekito gata level - Koto ryu
Kibo, Hekito gata level - Koto ryu

•Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法) - Happo Bikken (Ninjutsu) Founded in the Tenmon-era (1532-1554) by 伊賀平内左衛門家長 Iga Heinaizaemon Ienaga This school has not been taught. –Hatsumi sôke is the 14th generation SOKE
Kumogakure Ryû, 雲隠れ流, “Hidden School” was founded in the mid 1500's by Iga Heinaizaemon No Jo Ienaga who was said to have changed his name to Kumogakure Hoshi. It may have originated as a school of thought based on non-violence. It is said that the phrase "Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo" comes from this ryu and reflects both Buddhist and Shinto attitudes.

Characteristics
This is one of the three ninpo ryuha in the Bujinkan and is known for its Tobi (jumping techniques) and Kamayari (sickled spear). The kamayari and another special weapon, Ippon Sugi Noburi (a 25cm long metal tube with three spikes, and a long chain with hooks at its ends throught it) were used for combat and for climbing - often on ships.

This Ryu is famous for its Demon Masks that were worn to play on the myth surounding ninja and scare the enemy. A technique rarely if ever seen in other systems was Kikaku ken - demon horn strike (head butt).

When going into battle, ninja of this ryu wore armored sleeves to protect themselves Kumogakure Ryu also taught various survival techniques such as making fire in wet weather This school is scarcely seen today and some believe that very little of it has survived to the present day.

History of Kumogakure Ninpo
Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu was founded in the mid 1500's by Iga Heinaizaemon No Jo Ienaga who was said to have changed his name to Kumogakure Hoshi. It may have originated as a school of thought based on non-violence. It is said that the phrase "Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo" comes from this ryu and reflects both Buddhist and Shinto attitudes.

The taijutsu of Kumogakure Ryu is very similar to Togakure Ryu. The Kumogakure Ryu may have been created by the Toda family (also of Togkakure Ryu) in the 1600's, as a ninjutsu school of thought- centering it's techniques on the non-violent side of Ninpo. (The Togakure Ryu teaches that violence is to be avoided). The ninja of Kumogakure Ryu went into combat wearing armored sleeves to protect themselves. Another interesting feature of the ryu was the Demon Mask, sometimes worn by members of the system. Kikaku-ken (Demon Horn Fist, or head butt) gives rise to another theory of the Demon Mask. One of the special weapons of the style is the kamayari, or hooked spear. Used in combat against swordsmen, the hooks were used to parry and trap the incoming blades. It was also used to hook opponents from above. The Kumogakure Ryu densho mentions a ninja named Sarutobi Sasuke, who used the kamayari when leaping from tree to tree, hooking it onto the branches.

Another Kumogakure Ryu speciality involved survival training, and being able to light fires under all conditions.

Iga Heinaizaemon had a son, Kami Hattori Heitaro Koreyuki, who was the ancestor of Hattori Hanzo, the famous ninja.

Soke of Kumogakure Ryu
1.Iga Heinaizaemon no jo Ienaga Tenmon Era (1532-1554)
2.Toda Sagenta Nobufusa
3.Toda Gohei Nobunaga
4.Toda Noriyoshi
5.Toda Seiryu Nobutsuna Kwanyei Era (1624-1644)
6.Toda Fudo Nobuchika Manji Era (1658-1681)
7.Toda Kangoro Nobuyasu Tenna Era (1681-1704)
8.Toda Eisaburo Nobumasa Hoyei Era (1704-1711)
9.Toda Shingoro Masayoshi Gembun Era (1736-1764
10.Toda Daigoro Chikahide Meiwa Era (1764-1804)
11.Toda Daisaburo Chikashige Bunkwa Era (1804-1818)
12.Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu b. 1824 - d. 1909
13.Takamatsu Toshitsugu b. 1887 - d. 1972
14.Hatsumi Masaaki b. 1931 -

•Togakure-ryū (戸隠流) - Ninpo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) – (the hidden door school) This Ryu-ha was founded by Togakure Daisuke, and Hatsumi is the 34th Soke of this Ryu. Togakure Daisuke was originally known as Nishina Daisuke, but changed his name to stop being captured in the 1180’s. there is a school of thought that say most of the Iga Ninjutsu is in some way connected to Togakure Ryu. Due to the ninja boom last century, the other eight bujinkan schools have all been placed under it’s name, for general use. This is no longer the case. This school comes from Iga prefecture. Founded about nine hundred years ago by Daisuke Nishina (Togakure), who learned Shugendo practices as well as Hakuun ryu Ninjutsu from Kagakure Doshi. Daisuke Nishina existence has been verified by Koyama Ryutaro in a period work. The school contained Yon-po Hiden (Four Secrets):
Senban Shuriken (Four pointed throwing star),
Shuko and Ashiko .
Shinodake (A tube used as a snorkel or blowgun) and
Kyoketsu Shoge (A peculiar blade attached to cord which is in turn attached to a heavy ring) and Taijutsu. The Togakure Ryu school contains a unique syllabus of Karuwaza

In 1182, during the Japanese Genpei War, at the end of the Heian Period, Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a general from the mountainous Nagano region of Japan, captured the capital city of Kyoto. After this victory, he found himself under attack by his cousin Yoshitsune. When Yoshitsune's troops successfully crossed the Uji river, a key strategic defense for the capital, Yoshinaka withdrew, only to be killed as his horse fell through the ice of a frozen rice paddy.

After Yoshinaka's defeat, one of his samurai retainers, Daisuke Nishina of Togakure Village escaped to the mountains of Iga in south central Japan. Nishina's native village of Togakure is now known as Togakushi, Nagano, and was an early center of Shugendo training. It may be that Nishina engaged in such training, but the records of the Togakure ryu do not mention it. The mountains provided an easy place to hide from the enemy troops, who still searched for Yoshinaka's forces. Daisuke Nishina, who subsequently changed his name to Daisuke Togakure, later became known as the first Sōke (family head) of Togakure-ryu ninjutsu.

Ironically, Yoshitsune was later overthrown by his brother Yoritomo. After escaping capture by Yoritomo's forces, he founded the Yoshitsune-ryu of ninjutsu. The Yoshitsune-ryu later died out, along with many other famous ninjutsu ryu.

The ninja families of Iga grew to become a great part of Japan's military history. Lending their support to Tokugawa Ieyasu, they were able to aid in the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate and were recruited to many government posts, including police, bodyguards, and intelligence agents.


Formal Techniques of Togakure ryu - Ninpo •Kurai Dori (The postures of Togakure ryu, unarmed or with shuko)
oExample, Hachimonji no kamae: A posture that has the Ninja prepared to throw blinding powder. ** Ukemi Gata (Falling Techniques)example, Zempo Kaiten: Forward Roll.
•Shinobi Gaeshi (Includes methods of moving undetected, and methods of escaping in the case of discovery)
oExample, Shige gaeshi: While lying on top of a van (Could be any horizontal surface that is raised above the ground) the Ninja is spotted, he throws blinding powder and maybe shuriken, then rolls (in a particular way) to the side opposite the enemy and runs off or finds a better hiding place.
•Santo Tonko no Kata (Vanishing forms, makes use of blinding powder, shuriken etc; these are also used in the case of discovery but this time the opponent attacks)
oExample, 'Happo kiri gakure gata': The Ninja is surrounded by swordsmen, the Ninja throws shuriken at the front attackers and blinding powder to the rear.
•Ninja Bikenjutsu (Methods of using the Ninja sword, which was shorter and straighter than the Katana)
•Kurai Dori (Sword 'postures', there are also five methods of attaching the sword to the body.)
oExample, Totoku hyoshi: A posture for deflecting projectiles
•Iaijutsu (Sword drawing)
oExample, Katate nuki: Drawing the sword with one hand in a particular way.
•Biken Kata (Sword forms, the Ninja method of using the sword is unusual.)
oExample, Itto ryu dan: The sword is thrown at the enemy/enemies, the Ninja would either retrieve the sword or just run off.
•Sakkijutsu.
•The Kyoketsu Shoge had no formal techniques.

Togakure-ryu is taught only in Bujinkan, Genbukan, Jinenkan and AKBAN, but those schools also contain other samurai arts that they tend to focus on.

Shinden Fudō-ryū Dakentai jutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術) - Dakentaijutsu (Specialising in natural movements) Founded in the Yeikyu-era (1113 a.d.) by 出雲冠者義照 Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru. The school is characterized as a style that emphasizes natural movements, and the study of nature is important.- Hatsumi sôke is the 26’th generation SOKE



Shinden Fudo Ryu is literaly "Tradition of the immovable god school". This Jiu Jitsu school Was the first ever martial art Takamatsu-Sensei, the collector of the martial arts learned in Bujinkan studied. This martial school is prominent in the syllabus of Genbukan, Jinenkan, Bujinkan and Akban. The Shinden Fudo Ryu is divided into two sub-disciplines (Daken and Jutaijutsu). Each one was taught separately and not all practitioners learned both.

Fudo ryu Techniques
► Shinden Fudō Ryū Dakentaijutsu - Divine Transmission of Immovability School – Striking Body Skills
► Shinden Fudō Ryū Jūtaijutsu - Divine Transmission of Immovability School – Grappling Body Skills
Arashi
Gaken
Gedan gake
Gokuraku otoshi
Hon gyaku jime, wrist torsion break - Ninjutsu
Jinchu nage
Katate otoshi
Kimon dori
Koromo gaeshi
Kyu in
Matsu kaze
Ryu ko
Sakao otoshi
Satani nage
Shizen tai no kamae, natural body stance - Ninjutsu
Take ori
Ude ori
Udi ori
Unnamed kata
Ura gosha dori
•Jutaijutsu (the old name for jujutsu, or grappling methods)
•Goho no Kamae (Five postures)
•Shoden Gata (Basic forms)
•Chuden Gata (Intermediate forms)
•Okuden Gata (Advanced forms)
•Dakentaijutsu (Striking methods)
•Ten no Kata (Basic forms)
•Chi no Kata (Intermediate forms)
•Shizen Chigoku no Kata (Natural 'Hell' forms)
Characteristics

This is a school of Dakentaijutsu and Jutaijutsu. Dakentaijutsu has throws, strikes, locks, and kicks done in a fairly straightforward manner. It uses the body as a striking weapon and often appears "hard" in application. The shinden fudo ryu was known for its use of nature as an ally, and techniques are often very casual looking. It has many body conditioning methods using items found in nature. There are no formal postures in the school, the Kamae are held in your heart. However most of the techniques start from the natural postures: shizen and fudoza. The school teaches Ono (great-axe), O-tsuchi (great-hammer), and O-dachi (great-sword). Literally translated: "divine transmission of immovability", "hard weapon body art".

History
The founder of this Ryu was Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru, who was also it's first Soke. He studied Chinese Kempo Boxing in the beginning. Some of those techniques can still be seen in this Ryu. The same person was also Soke of Kukishinden Ryu. The founder, Izumo, learned Chinese Kempo boxing. Today, some of this is still noticeable within the techniques.

The second soke, Minamoto Hachiman Tamenari, is credited as being the official founder. At some point in his life he fled to Iga. This was possibly a result of being on the losing side at the end of a battle. One of the secret attributes of the Shinden Fudo Ryu is the "Principle of Nature". The school has two styles of taijutsu: Dakentaijutsu and Jutaijutsu, each with its own sets of techniques. In the Dakentaijutsu, there are no stances- Shizen no kamae represents the 'natural posture' and holds no fixed form. Hojojutsu, the art of tying someone with a length of rope, is also taught in this Ryu-ha. Also taught are several different types of yari (spear), Ono (war axe), O-Tsuchi (war hammer), and naginata. Kuki Takei from the Kuki family of Kukishin Ryu was also from the Shinden Fudo Ryu. Takenaka Tetsunoke, senior student of Jigano Kano, the founder of Judo, was at one time a student at the Shinden Fudo Ryu dojo. The Bugei Ryuha Daijiten lists the soke slightly differently from below, which is the list provided by Hatsumi Sensei, and is missing the 17th and 18th soke. Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu, the 24th soke, was a samurai, and a master in the Bikenshin Ryu. He was also a sword instructor to the Tokugawa Shogunate. He was Takamatsu Sensei's grandfather, and operated a dojo that had a plaque above the door which read: "Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu". This was the first style that Takamatsu Sensei learned from Toda Sensei. "The practitioner must work to cultivate an immovable spirit."

Headmasters of Shinden Fudo Ryu
•Ikai
•Hogenbo, Tesshin
•Sakabe, Tendo
1.Izumo, Kanja Yoshiteru (Kumano) -Yeikyu era (1113)
2.Minamoto, Hachiman Tamenari -Genyei era (1118)
3.Minamoto, Hachiro Tameyoshi - Hogen era (1156)
4.Mizuhara, Kuro Yoshinari -Genkyu era (1204)
5.Mugaibo, Shinnen -Tempuku era (1233)
6.Ohkuni, Zenhachiro Yoshinobu -Bunyie era (1264)
7.Hata, Saburo Sasukeyasu
8.Kotani, Yuhachiro Nobuchika -Geboko era (1321 or 1331)
9.Kaneko, Jinsuke Yoshikiyo -Shohei era (1346)
10.Tajima, Genkoro Nariyoshi -Genchu era (1384)
11.Kammon, Kokanja Yoshikane -Shocho era (1428)
12.Kimura, Hozen -Kwancho era (1460)
13.Ibuki, Yoshihaha -Bummei era (1469)
14.Otsuka, Hakushi Nyudo Tadamori -Yeisho era (1504)
15.Otsuka, Daikuro Tadahide -Taiyei era (1522)
16.Abe, Muga -Tensho era (1573)
17.Koga, Taro Kyokokaku -Tensho era (1573)
18.Katayama, Hokinokami Mori Hisayasu -Bunroku era (1592)
19.Shindo, Unsai - Kwanyei era (1624-1644)
20.Odagiri, Tohyoe Yoshihiso - Kwanyei era (1624-1644)
21.Iida, Jubee Tameyoshi -Meiwa era (1764)
22.Mori, Genroku Masahide -Bunkwa era (1804)
23.Toyota, Jubei Mitsuyoshi -Keiyo era (1865)
24.Toda, Shinryuken Masamitsu (Kobe) -Meiji era (1824 - 1909)
25.Takamatsu, Toshitsugu (Nara) -Taisho era (1909) (b.1888 - d.1972)
26.Hatsumi, Masaaki (Noda) - Showa era (1968) b.1931 - )

A list of rules that was written into the Densho:
1.Know that endurance is simply a puff of smoke.
2.Know that the way of men is justice.
3.Forget the heart of greed, comfort and be self sufficient.
4.One should regard both sadness and malice as natural laws, and just gain the enlightenment of the immovable heart.
5.In your heart, never leave the ways of loyalty and respect for parents. Aspire to learn both the pen and the sword.

Observing the 5 rules above is the Fudo ryu Dojokun. Written at New Year, Meiji 23 (1891) Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu

Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtai jutsu (高木揚心流柔体術) - (Samurai style jujutsu) Foundend in the Yeiroku-era (1625-1711) by 高木折右衛門重俊 Takagi Oriemon Shigenobu. The school is another very popular traditional Japanese Buso school specializing in self defence, both Jûjutsu and mûtô-dori unarmed against sword attacks. – Hatsumi sôke is the 26’th generation SOKE
The techniques are designed to be applied in a very fast manner so the opponent cannot roll or escape. It is believed that it was a school for bodyguards. The school was organized by Takagi Oriemon Shigenobu, born 1635.

Takagi Yoshin Ryu jujutsu is also known as Takagi Yoshin Ryu jutaijutsu. (Bujinkan)

In the Genbukan, the line is called Hon Tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu, which is a different line, though through the Takamatsuden line.

As with most other koryu, the densho (scrolls) are arranged in a particular order, and each waza (technique), kata (forms), etc are supposed to be learnt in the same order, mastering one before going on to the next one.

List of Takagi Yoshin Ryu techniques
Chin to
I teki jime
Ken nagare - Takagi
Mawashi dori
Oni kudaki - takagi
Ryo mona dori
Ura ude
Jujutsu/Jutaijutsu

•Shoden no Maki (Contains the beginner's forms)
•Shoden no Maki Ura Gata (Counters to the shoden no maki forms)
•Eri Jime Gata (Strangulations)
•Chuden no Maki (Contains the intermediate's forms)
•Tai no Kata (Body forms)
•Okuden no Kata (Advanced forms)
•Moguri Gata (Diving under forms)
•Daisho Sabaki (Unarmed forms, a long sword and short sword are worn at the sides while performing)
•Muto Dori (Unarmed defences against sword)

•Kuki Shinden Happō Biken jutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術) - Dakentaijutsu Happo Bikken (Samurai school) Founded at the end of the Kamakura-era (1336) by 出雲冠者義照 Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru. The school is one of the most famous in traditional Japanese budo and in the Bujinkan. The school has many weapons techniques such as sword, spear, halberd and staffs of various lengths. – Hatsumi sôke is the 28’th generation SOKE
Characteristics Of Kukishin Ryu

The Kukishin Ryu school technical syllabus includes battlefield weapons with the sword, the long figting stick (Bo), the lance (Yari) and the Japanese halbred (Naginata). Also practiced are techniques for throwing projectiles (Shuriken), armor wearing techniques, and the basis for this work, Taijutsu (体術), empty handed martial techniques. History of Kukishin Ryu

The Kuki family line started from Ryushin Yakushimaru, a member of the Fujiwara clan. Ryushin Yakushimaru studied Shugendo and the martial arts of Shinden Fujiwara Musō ryū, Kuji-hihō and Onmyo-do. After the battle at Kuragari-Tōge, where he saved the Emperor Godaigo, the emperor changed his family name from Fujiwara to Ku-ki or literaly Ku-Kami, the nine demons. The school's lineage is well documented in the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten, the Japanese compendium of martial systems written in the 1963. It has different branches out side of the Takamatsu den schools.

List of the 5 Kamae of Kukishin

Hicho
Hira ichimonji
Kosei
Seigan
Hira

List of all the joint locks in the Tewaza-gata

Musha dori, underarm shoulder lock - Ninjutsu
Muso dori, elbow break, Ninjutsu
Omote Gyaku Ken Sabaki, twisting wrist lock from a punch - Ninjutsu
Omote gyaku, outer wrist lock - Ninjutsu
Oni kudaki, shoulder lock - Ninjutsu
Take ori
Ura gyaku, inner wrist lock - Ninjutsu
Ura oni kudaki



List of all the kata in the Shoden gata, kukishin ryu Dakentaijutsu level

Fubuki no kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Hosetsu kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Iso arashi no kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kataho no kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kubiwa no kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Seion kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Suisha kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Suiyoku kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Tatsumaki no kata, Shoden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu

List of all the kata in the Chuden level

Jugan no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kasumigake no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kata Nami no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Ryufu no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Shiho dori no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Shio kaze no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Tatsu no se no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Tenchi no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Tetsunami no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Tora-o no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Uranami no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Yama arashi no kata, Chuden Gata level, Kukishin Ryu


List of all the kata in the Sabaki-gata level

Arakoma no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Chikusei no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Iso gaeshi no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kasoku no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kaze harai no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kimon no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Kuruma dori no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Ranfu no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Suso sabaki no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Ukimo no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Ura kimon no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Yume makura no kata, Sabaki Gata level, Kukishin Ryu

List of all the documented kata in the Okuden-gata level

Dofu no kata, Okuden gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Fu setsu no kata, Okuden gata level, Kukishin Ryu
Gongi no kata (Sagi), Okuden gata level, Kukishin Ryu

•Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法) - Happo Biken (Ninjutsu) Founded in the Tenbun-era (1532) by 佐々木 Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi. This school has not been taught much. – Hatsumi sôke is the 21’st generation SOKE


It is believed that Gyokushin Ryu’s founder Sasaki Goemon was originally from the Gyokko Ryu or that the techniques of the Gyokushin Ryu were based on the Gyokko Ryu.

It is not known in the west as to what the fighting techniques of the Gyokushin Ryu are. All that is really known is that it uses sutemi throws. What is known is that this school concentrated more on the espionage side of ninjutsu, rather than the fighting side. It has been said that the specialties of this ryu were the kusari fundo, ninjutsu, koppojutsu, jutaijutsu, kenjutsu and iaijutsu, although we have no confirmation on this.

Hatsumi says this about the Gyokushin Ryu in his book Hiden Ninja Submission:

GYOKUSHIN RYU NINPO

“It is a faction of kosshijutsu and was founded by Sasaki Orouemon Akiyari. A characteristic of the ryu is found in the kind of weapons it uses. Gyokushin Ryu is known for its superior use of nagenawa, a lasso.”

This school, which is one of the 3 ‘ninja’ schools (as opposed to the 6 ‘samurai’ schools of the Bujinkan), is not officially taught in the Bujinkan curriculum, and so it raises the question why is it part of the Bujinkan at all? Well there are a number of answers to that, many of which include Soke Masaaki Hatsumi choosing to not devulge all his teaching to joe public; to only a select few. Although this maybe true, the essence of the Gyokushin Ryu has been taught in both seminars, lessons and on video. Hatsumi has officially said that Gyokushin has no named techniques, but strategies and free movement so it is likely that he doesn’t formally teach them because there are no kata to actually teach.

It is believed that Gyokushin Ryu’s founder, Sasaki Goemon Teruyoshi, who founded the school in the 16th century, was originally from the Gyokko Ryu lineage, or that at least the techniques of the Gyokushin Ryu were based on the Gyokko Ryu techniques. Gyokushin Ryu focuses mainly on stratagem and espionage, rather than combat, which is typical of most ninjutsu schools, since their techniques were mixed with other combat schools early on already. Sasaki Goemon’s son Sasaki Gendayu, was employed by the Daimyo of Kishu, and was paid 200 Koku per year (one Koku was enough to feed one man for a year), this was later raised to 400 Koku per year. It is highly possible that he, like his father was highly skilled in the Gyokko Ryu as well as Gyokushin Ryu. Gyokushin Ryu practitioners also came into contact with the Togakure Ryu, but in time the Gyokushin Ryu split into 3 different directions: Kosshijutsu (Ninpo Taijutsu), Koppojutsu and Jujutsu. However, since they split, all 3 Gyokushin schools have had no connection with eact other in the meantime.

The Gyokushin Ryu was taught in the Kishu and Takeda Fiefs. This possibly happened in the 1600’s, and it was then that it came into contact with the Togakure Ryu. It is not known in the west as to what the fighting techniques of the Gyokushin Ryu are. All that is really known is that it uses sutemi throws. What is known is that this school concentrated more on the espionage side of ninjutsu, rather than placing as much emphasis on the fighting side. It has been said that the specialties of this ryu were the kusari fundo, ninjutsu, koppojutsu, jutaijutsu, kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, although we have no confirmation on this. Hatsumi says this about the Gyokushin Ryu in his book “Hiden Ninja Submission”…”It is a faction of kosshijutsu and was founded by Sasaki Orouemon Akiyari. A characteristic of the ryu is found in the kind of weapons it uses. Gyokushin Ryu is known for its superior use of nagenawa; a lasso.”

From what little has been taught on Gyokushin Ryu, the style appears to be about expansion and inserting yourself into the opponents movement as well as the use of the rope, or lasso. The unarmed techniques would appear to be based on the Gyokko Ryu, and are very similar. The kamae for example, such as Ichimonji no Kamae, is exactly the same. It uses bent arms and (iron) fingernails for striking, and like the Gyokko Ryu, there are only a few steps per technique; the majority of the body movement comes through the shifting of weight by bending the knees.
The Sasaki family kept the teachings of the Gyokushin Ryu secret, and it was not until it passed to Toda Nobutsuna and was taught along side, and mixed with other schools, that it came more out into the open. Because of this secrecy there are two people laying claim to being the Soke of this school. One is Hatsumi Masaaki, and the other, Ueno Takashi, is also an ex-student like Hatsumi of Takamatsu Toshitsugu (some people believe him to be a relative of Takamatsu). Both give different lineage. The Dai Nipon Bugei Ryu-ha book lists Ueno lineage and has no mention of the Toda-Takamatsu-Hatsumi line so somewhere in the eight missing generations someone either split a school or gave it to two people. Ueno Takashi is reputed to have been covered with tattoos, and was very friendly with the local Yakuza. It is possible that Ueno Takashi is dead, and that the new inheritor to this version of the Gyokushin Ryu is Kaminage Shigemi, although I cannot seem to find Kaminage actually openly claiming that anywhere, but that does not mean that he does not have the sokeship, just, as in typical ninja fashion, he chooses not to tell the public about it!

As well as these two soke claims, the founder of another school, Yoseikan, called Minoru Mochizuki is said to have based his school’s teachings on Gyokushin Ryu Jujutsu. Kano Jigero, the founder of Kodokan Judo, was a friend of Takamatsu Sensei. It is possible that Takamatsu taught at the Kodokan as a guest instructor and that what he taught there was the Gyokushin Ryu. This also makes the claim by Mochizuki believable. He was born in 1907, and started Budo at the age of 5 years old. He studied many things such as Gyokushin Ryu Jujutsu. At the age of 26 he joined the Kodokan, and in 1928 was promoted to Sandan. At this time he was living in Tsurumi. Mochizuki says that the suitemi techniques taught in the new martial art he has created, the Yoseikan (also based on Judo, Aikido, Karate, and Katori Shinto Ryu), come from the Gyokushin Ryu. Mochizuki was a student of Kano at the Kodokan, and holds the rank of 8th Dan in Judo, he therefore probably met Takamatsu at some point, but there is no guarantee that he was taught Gyokushin by him or not!

•Gikan-ryū Koppō jutsu (義鑑流骨法術) - Specialising in the skeletal structure – 18th Generation) Founded in the Yeiroku-era (1558-1570) by 瓜生判官義鑑房 Uryu Hangan Gikanbo. This school has not been taught other than some henkas – Hatsumi sôke is the 15’th generation SOKE


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 teachings 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.

The 5 Levels of Training in the GIKAN RYU are:
1.Shoden Gata
2.Chuden Gata
3.Okuden Gata
4.Kaiden Gata
5.Menkyo Kaiden

The Makimono scrolls of Gikan Ryu have sections on the kata names, history, secret striking points (kyusho), and strategies used by the ryu, but research revealed that the makimono, when referring to techniques, only mention the names, and do not contain the step by step instructions as do some makimono. This was done in order to keep the teachings of the school secret in case the scrolls were stolen. As far as proof there are no densho in the Gikan Ryu. The whole range of kata for the ryu was taught orally.

Gikan-ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術) (“School of Truth, Loyalty, and Justice”) is a medieval Japanese school of martial arts established in the 16th century by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo (瓜生判官義鑑坊). Koppōjutsu means “attacks against bones.” It is commonly considered a hard art in comparison to softer arts such as kosshijutsu (骨指術).

Gikan Ryu is said to contain many special skills unique to the ryu. These techniques have not been written down, but are passed on orally from sensei to student.

Gikan Ryu Koppo Taijutsu Happo Biken (Truth, Loyalty and Justice School).
Founded in 1558 Uryu Hangan Gikanbo, this school specialises in Koppojutsu. It has many special kicks, punches and throws, and a dynamic footwork.

Uryu Gikanbo was famus for his powerful punch. He is said to once have punched a sword blade in half.

This ryu was based on the Chinese style of Cho Gyokko. It contains many special kicks, punches and throws. One of the original teachings is “Ni Sente Nashi” (From this side there is not the first strike). During the battle of Tenchi Gumi No Ran August 17th 1863, the tenth grandmaster who was also named Yryu Gikanbo was shot and although he continued to fight with only one arm had eventually to retire after been cut many times. He was found by Matsutaro Ishitani, who was himself on the way to the battle. Ishitani helped Gikanbo recover in the mountains of Iga. In return for this act he was trained in the secrets of Gikan Ryu. This ryu is scarcely seen by members of the Bujinkan, but its techniques tend to be very direct and hard. This style is known for its low stances, with much of the footwork within the Bujinkan system coming from this ryu. This ryu was originally founded by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo in the mid 1500 and specializes in koppojutsu or bone-breaking techniques. This Ryu contains many special kicks, punches and throws.

QUOTE FROM THE GIKAN RYU
“Bufu ni sente nashi” – ‘from this side there is not the first strike’

Sōke dispute
It is disputed who the current sōke of Gikan Ryu. At this time, two people claim to be soke of Gikan Ryu. One is Shoto Tanemura, and the other is Masaaki Hatsumi

Shoto Tanemura received sokeship to the ryu through Sato Kinbei. Sato Kinbei received sokeship to the Ryu directly from Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who was the previous soke. Takamatsu gave sokeship to Fumio Akimoto. Akimoto died soon thereafter and the sokeship was secretly given to Sato. Tanemura’s lineage shows no record of this link to the late Akimoto. However, Akimoto’s son Akimoto Koki is good friends with Shoto Tanemura and has shown him all of Akimoto’s scrolls. Yet, there exists records of Tanemura teaching classes in Gikan Ryu while still a student of Hatsumi, as well as claims by Tanemura of Akimoto having another lineage of Gikan Ryu received through Shoken Ryu. Thus exists the dispute.

This lineage was proven in a Japanese court. The rumour that the case was over a claim of questionable ownership of family martial art heirlooms against a close family relation is an entirely different case altogether. Hatsumi did in fact challenge Tanemura’s Gikan-ryu sokeship and Tanemura provided his scrolls in Gikan Ryu as proof of his being a martial art student of Sato verifying that his claim was legitimate. The case was about the legitimacy in lineage. The Japanese courts ruled that Shoto Tanemura is in fact the Grandmaster of Gikan-Ryu and this ruling still holds today.

Hatsumi claims sokeship to the ryu, including the late Akimoto, who he also directly trained with. Takamatsu gave sokeship to Akimoto, who died shortly thereafter. Takamatsu then gave sokeship of the ryu to Hatsumi.

There is no question that Hatsumi was a direct student of Takamatsu and also trained with Akimoto.

Confusion arises as to why Akimoto Fumio is listed in the Bujinkan version of the Gikan Ryu lineage yet not in the Genbukan version. Both versions are completely different from the early listings, yet questions arise only from the ending listings.

Opponent’s of Hatsumi state that he lacks a physical Gikan Ryu sokeship scroll, yet it is stated by witnesses that scrolls and Densho do exist although no one can actually verify this.

It has been said that the Koto Ryu Koppojutsu scrolls in Hatsumi’s possession contain anotated notes on Gikan Ryu as dictated by Takamatsu since (it has been stated) he never received his scrolls back from Akimoto upon his death. However, Akimoto’s son is good friends with Shoto Tanemura and has shown them to him. In Tanemura’s book “Ninpo Secrets” there are pictures of Akimoto Koki (Akimoto Fumio’s son) alongside Tanemura. Koki is listed as one of Tanemura’s teachers in the lineage section in the back of his book, so it is possible that the scrolls given to Akimoto by Takamatsu are now in Tanemura’s possession.

It has been said that these notes are the link to Hatsumi’s claim from Takamatsu of Gikan Ryu. Tanemura has said that the 2011 World Tai Kai for his GWNBF/KJJR will focus on Gikan Ryu. The Bujinkan claim that Hatsumi has taught the school only to a select few, mainly his senior shihan in Japan, adding that the school is taught orally and not through written materials, but again, no one can verify this. Many of his top students have from time to time demonstrated techniques from the school using the “feeling” of Gikan Ryu, most notably Noguchi, a bujinkan shihan.

According to the Bujinkan, before his death Takamatsu made Hatsumi the inheritor of the nine schools in his possession which includes the Gikan Ryu. This is disputed in the Genbukan as it is believed that Hatsumi never had the sokeship of Gikan ryu. There is also a story that Sato Kinbei summoned Hatsumi once and scolded him severely for claiming that he was the Gikan Ryu soke, to which Hatsumi apologized profusely. There is no actual proof that this meeting took place, but the story is being circulated nonetheless. It is interesting to note that Hatsumi never claimed to be soke of Gikan ryu until after the death of Sato Kinbei, which may lead credence to the above anecdote. But yet again, no one can verify or refute this.

Tanemura’s Gikan-Ryu sokeship scrolls can be seen on the Genbukan homepage, whereas Hatsumi has never shown nor displayed his Gikan-Ryu scrolls (see above.) According to Japanese law, the correct soke for Gikan-Ryu is Shoto Tanemura. Although Masaaki Hatsumi claims to have the annotated densho in his possession, that has not been verified.

Bujinkan claimed lineage :
Uryu Hangan Gikanbo – Eiroku era, 1558-1570
Uryu Yoshimitsu – Tenshō era, 1573-1592
Uryu Yoshimori – Kan’ei era, 1624-1644
Uryu Yoshichika – Kambun era, 1661-1673
Uryu Yoshitaka – Genroku era, 1688-1704
Uryu Yoshihide – Horeki era, 1751-1764
Uryu Yoshimori – Kansei era, 1789-1801
Uryu Yoshiaki – Tenpo era, 1830-1844
Uryu Gikan – Keiō era, 1865-1868
Ishitani Takeoi Masatsugu – approx d. 1905
Ishitani Matsutaro Takekage – approx d. 1911
Toshitsugu Takamatsu – b.1887-d.1972
Akimoto Fumio – approx d. 1962
Masaaki Hatsumi

Genbukan Claimed lineage
Uryu Hangan Gikanbo
Uryu Hangan Yoshichika
Uryu Kanzui
Uryu Nobuyoshi
Uryu Tenkaibo
Uryu Hidechika
Uryu Sokaibo
Uryu Shinkaibo
Uryu Gikaibo
Uryu Gikanbo
Ishitani Matsutaro
Takamatsu Toshitsugu
Sato Kinbei
Shoto Tanemura