Bujinkan Schools

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Well this will be my first good post, I will put info on the nine ryus that we study in the Bujinkan:

Gyokko-ryū (玉虎流 Gyokkoryū) is a school of kosshijutsu(骨指術) (attacks to muscle and nerve points), ****ojutsu (using the thumb and fingers for striking), kenjutsu, and bojutsu. Gyokko-ryū is sometimes referred to as Gyokko Ryū Ninpo from a ninjutsu component it used to contain.

According to Bujinkan sources, Cho Gyokko 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 ****ojutsu; 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 is roughly divided into three sections: unarmed against unarmed, unarmed against kodachi, and unarmed against sword.

Formal Techniques 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, master one before moving on to the other. The densho is organised according to the following levels:

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)

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Kotō-ryū (虎倒流) is a school of koppojutsu(骨法術) , "shakenjutsu" (車剣術), and "kenjutsu" (剣術). This school specializes in using larger bones to strike weaker ones of your opponent.

The tradition of Koto Ryu koppojutsu began with Toda Sakyo Isshinsai during the Tenmon Era (1532 - 1550) after learning Gyokko Ryu ****ojutsu 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 "Shaken" along with "Kenjutsu".

This school is taught inside the "Bujinkan", "Genbukan", "Jinenkan" , "Kaminaga Shigemi" and under "Tanaka Fumon"

"Bujinkan" Lineage comes through "Takamatsu To****sugu"

"Genbukan" Lineage comes through "Sato Kinbei", since then "Tanemura Shoto" has founded Koto Ryu Tanemura-Ha

"Jinenkan" Lineage comes through "Hatsumi Massaki"

"Kaminaga Shigemi" Lineage comes through "Ueno Takashi" and his considered the Lineage Grandmaster by the governing Ko Ryu boards

"Tanaka Fumon" Lineage comes through "Kaminaga Shigemi" and is the respresentive Grandmaster

Formal 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.

Koppojutsu
Kurai Dori (Postures)
Shoden Gata (Beginning forms)
Chuden Gata (Mid-level forms)
Okuden Gata (Advanced forms)
Hekito Gata (Unarmed defence against sword)
Kaiden Gata (Master forms)

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Shinden Fudo Ryu is a school of dakentaijutsu and jutaijutsu/jujutsu. Shinden Fudo means 'immovable teachings transmitted by the gods'. Shinden Fudo Ryu has many body conditioning methods using items found in nature. Like nature, the forms and movements are natural and relaxed. The school also teaches Ono (a very large axe), Otsuchi (a very large hammer), and Odachi (a huge sword).

According to Bujinkan legends, it was founded by Genpachiro Tameyoshi in the middle of the 12th century.

Formal Techniques of Shinden Fudo Ryu
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.

The Shinden Fudo Ryu is divided into two sub-disciplines, each one is taught separately; not everyone will learn both.

Jutaijutsu/Jujutsu (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 (Heaven forms)
Chi no Kata (Earth forms)
Shizen Chigoku no Kata (Pattern of natural ultimate)

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Takagi Yoshin Ryu is a jujutsu school. 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 founded by Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi, born 1635.

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

Takagi means 'tall tree' while Yoshin translates as 'spirit of the willow tree'. It is so named because of the fact that a willow tree is flexible and bends so therefore is harder to break.


Formal Techniques of Takagi Yoshin Ryu (Bujinkan version)
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.

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)

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Kukishin Ryu is a koryu school of jujutsu, Yoroi Kumiuchi (Grappling in Samurai armour), kenjutsu, bojutsu, sojutsu, naginatajutsu, juttejutsu, Boryaku (Strategy), and Sui Ren in Ka Ren (Use of water and fire), bajutsu. The Kukishin Samurai were naval warriors, the techniques were designed to be used on a slippery, rocking boat. One training method that is sometimes used today, is to practice on frozen surfaces or ball bearings.

Kukishin Ryu was allegedly founded in the 14th century by Kuki Yakushimaru Ryushin.

Formal Techniques of Kukishin Ryu
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.

Kukishin ryu is divided as such :

Jujutsu or Taijutsu (Unarmed methods)
Kamae Gata (Postures)
Kihon Gata (Fundamentals)
Omote no Kata (Obvious/outer forms)
Sabaki no Kata (Moving forms)
Shime no Kata (Strangulations and hold downs)
Tai no Kata (Body forms)
Muto Dori (Unarmed defence against sword)
Daishosabaki no Kata (Forms with no weapons in hand, but a long and short sword a worn at the side while performing them)
Teppan Kata (Forms using the teppan, a square steel plate)
Sensodori (Forms using the tessen, a metal fan)
Shirabe Moguri Gata (Takedowns, throws; some involve throwing yourself)
Atekomi (Strikes)
Toritsuki and Shinkatsubo (Methods of dealing with multiple opponents, from two attackers up to nine)
Hayanawa (Methods of tying your opponent with rope)
Kenjutsu/Kenpo (Sword methods)
Kamae Gata
Kihon Gata
Omote no Kata
Tyugokui
Tokenjutsu no Kata (Forms that involve throwing the sword)
Gokui no Kata (Secret forms)
Kaiden Gata (These forms are intended for masters)
Bojutsu (Staff methods)
Kamae Gata
Kihon Gata
Omote no Kata
Chugokui (Middle level secrets)
Gokui no Kata (Secret forms)
Kaiden Gata
Sojutsu/Yarijutsu (Spear methods)
Kamae Gata
Omote no Kata
Chugokui
Gokui no Kata
Naginata (Glaive)
Kamae Gata
Kihon Gata
Omote no Kata
Chugokui
Gokui Gata
Kaiden Gata
Hanbo (Half staff)
Kamae Gata
Kihon Gata
Omote no Kata
Chugokui
Gokui no Kata
Sensodori (Methods of using a Tanbo, a very small staff)
Juttejutsu (Iron truncheon)
Kata
Suijutsu (Water methods)
Musui no Ho
Kyuryuzenchi
Suichukatsujizaiho
Kajutsu (Fire methods)
Hibuse no Ho
Hezeme Senpo
Kayaku no Hiho
Bajutsu (Horsemanship)
Katate Nawa no Ho
Basyu Issoku
Araumadome no Hiho
Bo-Ryaku (Strategy)
Kuden (Oral transmission, the densho also contain articles on strategy)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukishin_Ryu"

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Gikan-ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術) is a medieval Japanese school of martial arts allegedly established in the 16th century by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo (瓜生判官義鑑坊). Koppōjutsu means attacks against bones. Koppōjutsu is commonly considered a hard art in comparison to the soft arts such as kosshijutsu (骨指術): attacks against muscles.

Gikan-ryū Koppōjutsu is based on martial arts skills and techniques that Uryu Hangan Gikanbo learned from Sougyoku Kan Ritsushi, Soke of Gyokko-ryū and Kotō-ryū. Uryu Hangan Gikanbo is said of having developed a punching style so strong that he once broke a sword with it. It is thought that this special punch in fact utilized a teppan concealed within the hand to break swords.

It is not clear who the current soke of Gikan Ryu is. At this time, two people claim to be soke of Gikan ryu. One is Tanemura Shoto (Tsunehisa), the other is Hatsumi Masaaki (Yoshiaki).

Hatsumi claims sokeship to the ryu directly from Takamatsu. According to Hatsumi, Takamatsu gave sokeship to Akimoto, who died shortly thereafter. Takamatsu then gave sokeship of the ryu to Hatsumi. There is some confusion as to why Akimoto Fumio is listed in the Bujinkan version of the Gikan Ryu lineage, because the sokeship returned to Takamatsu after Akimoto died. It is not understood why Hatsumi has listed Akimoto as being in the lineage when Akimoto never passed the ryu to anyone.

It is thought that Hatsumi lacks a physical Gikan Ryu sokeship scroll. Instead, his Koto Ryu sokeship scroll was given an addition, possibly by Takamatsu, to include some form of Gikan Ryu license. Further adding to the confusion, prior to the 70's, Hatsumi did not claim to be soke of Gikan Ryu.

Neither story has been verified by a third party. There remains a possibility that Takamatsu To****sugu split the ryu into two similar branches. It is clear however, that both Tanemura Shoto and Hatsumi Masaaki have learned Gikan Ryu. Both have openly displayed techniques of the ryu in instructional videos.

Bujinkan Claimed Lineage
Sonyuhangan Gikanbo (Daimyo of Kawachi Castle)

He was also known as:

Uryu Hangan Gikanbo - Eiroku era, 1558-1570
Uryu Yoshimitsu - Tensho era, 1573-1592
Uryu Yoshimori - Kanei era, 1624-1644
Uryu Yoshichika - Kambun era, 1661-1673
Uryu Yo****aka - Genroku era, 1688-1704
Uryu Yoshihide - Horeki era, 1751-1764
Uryu Yoshimori - Kansei era, 1789-1801
Uryu Yoshiaki - Tenpo era, 1830-1844
Uryu Gikan - Keio era, 1865-1868
I****ani Takeoi Masatsugu - approx d. 1905
I****ani Matsutaro Takekage - approx d. 1911
To****sugu Takamatsu - b.1887-d.1972
Akimoto Fumio - approx d. 1962
Masaaki Hatsumi

[Ninjutsu Panama]

The Togakure ryu is a ninjutsu ryuha that is claimed to have been founded about eight hundred years ago by Daisuke Nishina (Togakure), who learned shugendo practices as well as hakuun ryu ninjutsu from Kagakure Doshi.

The school contained Yon-po Hiden (Four Secrets): Senban Shuriken (Four pointed throwing star), Shuko and Ashiko (Spiked bands worn on hands {Shuko} and sometimes feet {Ashiko}, for climbing), 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.

History
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 Yo****sune. When Yo****sune'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, Yo****sune was later overthrown by his brother Yoritomo. After escaping capture by Yoritomo's forces, he founded the Yo****sune-ryu of ninjutsu. The Yo****sune-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.

The current Sōke of the Togakure-ryu is Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda, Japan.

The Togakure Ryu is yet to be verified as a legitimate koryu by either the Nihon Kobudo Shinkokai (Society for the Promotion of the Japanese Classical Martial Arts) or the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai (Japanese Classical Martial Arts Association).[citation needed]

Formal Techniques of Togakure ryu
Ninpo Taijutsu
Kurai Dori (The postures of Togakure ryu, unarmed or with shuko)
example, Hachimonji no kamae: A posture that has the Ninja prepared to throw blinding powder.
Ukemi Gata (Falling Techniques)
example, Zenpo Kaiten: Forward Roll.
Shinobi Gaeshi (Includes methods of moving undetected, and methods of escaping in the case of discovery)
example, 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)
example, 'Happo kiri gakure gata': The Ninja is surrounded by swordsmen, the Ninja throws shuriken at the front attackers and blinding powder to the rear, then when surrounded by "fog" he/she runs off.
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.)
example, Totoku hyoshi: A posture for deflecting projectiles
Iaijutsu (Sword drawing)
example, 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.)
example, Itto ryu dan: The sword is thrown at the enemy/enemies, the Ninja would either retrieve the sword or just run off.
Sakkijutsu (Training to develop the ability to sense intentions; this isn't an entire sub-discipline however, it was developed by training in the other disciplines.)
The Kyoketsu shoge had no formal techniques.

Togakure-ryu is taught only in the syllabuses of the Bujinkan, Genbukan, To-Shin Do, and Jinenkan.

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō Happo Hiken translated in English as "The Jeweled Heart School" is one of the nine schools of martial arts within the Bujinkan sphere of training.

The founder of this Ryu, and its first sōke was Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi, who was also one of the sōkes in Gyokko Ryu.Gyokushin Ryu has many sutemi waza techniques, and it's more focused on the art and techniques of espionage, rather than the fighting. This school was taught secretly, and it mixed with other ninjutsu schools. Masaaki Hatsumi is the 21st sōke.

This art is not currently being publicly taught by Hatsumi Soke. However, top Japanese Shihan in the Bujinkan have reportedly received some instruction.

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō Happo Hiken translated into English as "The Hiding in the Clouds School". It is one of the nine schools of martial arts within the Bujinkan sphere of training. The first Soke and the founder was Heinaizaemon Ienaga Iga. Fighting techniques are similar to those in Togakure Ryu, and it's considered that these two schools mixed during a certain period.

Kumogakure Ryu uses techniques with spear, sword and also yoroi (armor). There are special weapons for this school including Ippon Sugi Noburi. Masaaki Hatsumi is the 14th Sōke.

This art is not currently being publicly taught by Hatsumi Soke. However, top shihan in the Bujinkan have received instruction.

[Shinobi_Kokujin]

Originally Posted by Ninjutsu Panama

Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō Happo Hiken translated into English as "The Hiding in the Clouds School". It is one of the nine schools of martial arts within the Bujinkan sphere of training. The first Soke and the founder was Heinaizaemon Ienaga Iga. Fighting techniques are similar to those in Togakure Ryu, and it's considered that these two schools mixed during a certain period.

Kumogakure Ryu uses techniques with spear, sword and also yoroi (armor). There are special weapons for this school including Ippon Sugi Noburi. Masaaki Hatsumi is the 14th Sōke.

This art is not currently being publicly taught by Hatsumi Soke. However, top shihan in the Bujinkan have received instruction.

i saw a video of that on youttube couple weeks ago. it was pretty cool.

ive seen Hatsumi move. but i never seen him move the way he was moving in that video especially at his current age lol. dude was doing dives an rolls

while disabling his shihan that came at him with swords an naginatas.

but they took the video off. sometimes they post vids of hatsumi, they'll be around for like a week or so...then they mysteriously disappear an get taken off

[Chapel]

That's a LOT of information. Good job.

[Ninjutsu Panama]

Thanks! I have more if u guys want

[sirdarksol]

This is amazing. The amount of organization to your style is beyond my comprehension. My take on the martial arts tends to sway more towards Musashi's idea of keeping it fairly simple and straightforward. I'm not saying that I am necessarily correct, just that it is my take.
Still, this is a wonderful wealth of information. Rep+ for you.

[Ninjutsu Panama]

hehe thanks man! very happy u like the info

[Zaraki Kenpachi]

That was amazing. I've seen pics of Hatsumi soke but I've never seen videos, I'll be on the lookout.

PS- I hope you didnt have to type all of that, copy and paste baby!!