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9 Ryu
The Bujinkan organization was formed in the early 1970's as the umbrella organization under which Souke ("Grandmaster") Hatsumi Masaaki transmits the teachings of the martial arts ryu-ha ("traditions / schools") which he in turn received from his teacher. These ryu-ha follow an unbroken lineage back through hundreds of years of Japanese history. The roots of the ryu-ha themselves are said to be 3,000 years old. Although Hatsumi Sensei possesses the densho ("scrolls") which designate him as the grandmaster of many different martial schools, the Bujinkan itself is officially comprised of the following 9 ryu-ha:

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 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 Momochi Sandayu and others studied the ryu and passed it to the Natori 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 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 foot long (1.20m) 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 Ryu weapon is Tetsubishi with 9 spiked ends, which are sometimes thrown like shuriken. The Togakure Ryu Ninja were required to master the 18 forms of Bujutsu (Martial arts): 1) Taijutsu 2) Kenpo / Ninja ken 3) Bojutsu 4) Shurikenjutsu 5) Kusarigama 6) Yari 7) Naginata 8) Bajutsu 9) Suiren 10) Kayaku-jutsu 11) Bo Ryaku 12) Cho ho 13) Shinobi Iri 14) Inton jutsu 15) Henso jutsu 16) Tenmon 17) Chimon 18) Seishin teki kyoyo Unarmed combat Swordsmanship Staff fighting Blade throwing Scythe and chain Spear Halberd Horsemanship Swimming Gunpowder Strategy making Espionage Infiltration Lying low Disquises Meteorology Geography 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. TOGAKURE RYU NINPO Gotonpo (5 ways of escaping) was the most secret of all the Ninja arts. In the Togakure Ryu there are 12 forms (called the Tonko no Jutsu), which have been handed down since the time of the 4th Soke. The philosophy behind the Gotonpo is based in Gogyo and in the densho these secrets are only mentioned, not really gone into in any detail. Gotonpos Tonko no Jutsu is divided into the ura (inside) and the omote (outside). After this there is the Tenton Juppo no Jutsu (10 ways of heavenly escapes) - Sun, Moon, Stars, Clouds, Fog, Thunder,

Lightning, Wind, Rain, and Snow. The list is as follows: Mukuton no jutsu, Katon no jutsu, Doton no jutsu, Kinton no jutsu, Suiton no jutsu, Jinton no jutsu, Kinton no jutsu, Nitton no jutsu, Getton no jutsu, Seiton no jutsu, Unton no jutsu, Muton no jutsu

Jeweled Tiger School HISTORY OF GYOKKO RYU Kosshijutsu 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 the oldest martial art schools from India, Tibet, and China where called tiger striking (kosshijutsu) schools 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 Kosshijutsu 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), Suirin (water ring), Kaku Gassho (fire

and winds). These are also 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 5 techniques 2) Torite Kihon Gata 3) Jo Ryaku no Maki 4) Chu Ryaku no Maki 5) Ge Ryaku no Maki 5 techniques 10 techniques 12 techniques 8 techniques 8 techinques 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

HISTORY OF KOTO RYU It is thought that the Koto Ryu came from China via Korea, brought by Chan Busho, a Chinese warrior. You will notice that the first listed Sokes of Koto Ryu are also the Sokes of Gyokkyo Ryu. There are many similarities between the 2 schools. Some of the differences between Koto Ryu and Gyokko ryu are as follows: The Koto Ryu is based on

koppojutsu (bone attacking blocks) techniques, where Gyokko Ryu is based on koshijutsu (muscle/organ attacks). Directionally speaking the Koto Ryu is straighter in and the Gyokko Ryu revolves more on a circular basis (either in yourself or in your opponent when taking their balance). The Koto Ryu techniques use short distancing between the two opponents, the Gyokko Ryu uses greater distance. The Koto Ryu techniques are shorter, quick, and straight to the point; the Gyokko Ryu has longer more complicated techniques, and the techniques have more movement. The Koto Ryu concentrates more on striking, and the Gyokko Ryu more on locks and throws. If both schools are studied completely, the student will know all forms of fighting, including distance, striking, throws, and locks. Both schools compliment each other and to study only one is to know only half of one of the two schools. The name of the school, Tiger Knocking Down, refers to knocking down the tiger with the tips of the fingers (the Chuden Kata techniques sometimes start this way). Attacks to the face, in addition to metsubushi, are common in the techniques of the school. The Koto Ryu is broken down into five levels wich are as follows: 1. KURAI DORI (Five Kamae) 2. SHODEN NO KATA (Eighteen Techniques) 3. CHUDEN NO KATA (Twelve Techniques) 4. OKUDEN NO KATA (Twelve Techniques) Okuden, and Hekito are the highest levels of training with the school, and contain the secret teachings. The Hekito is unarmed combat against sword, but a skilled member of the school can also do the Hekito with sword against sword. The Bujinkan Dojo video Koto Ryu Koppojutsu by Soke Hatsumi shows three makimono (scrolls). Two of them have the name of the scroll partially clear and listed as such.: 1. Koto Ryu Koppojutsu...... 2. Koppojutsu ...... The rest is unclear. Typical movement within the Koto Ryu is: Yoko Aruki (cross stepping), and Toki (stamping on toes). Short distancing, and striking hard. A saying in the Koto Ryu is, "The eyes are everything". Always making the eyes appear blank, so that no telepathic movement can be detected by the opponent Looking at the eyebrows of the opponent rather than their eyes.

The Koto Ryu has a unique form of Kenjutsu (Swordsmanship). The Koto Ryu also contains kuji prayer forms and they are called Sanpo Gassho (3 treasures). These same kuji also appear in the Gyokko Ryu. They are listed as the Gassho Kuji Kiri (nine symbol slashes prayers).

"Sanpo Gassho" 1. Kongo - Cloud prayer 2. Suirin - Water ring prayer 3. Kaku Gassho - Fire and winds prayer

HISTORY OF SHINDEN FUDO RYU The founder of this school, Izumo, learned Chinese Kempo boxing. Today some of this is still noticeable within the techniques. Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru is also credited as being the founder of the Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu (Chapter 3). Above the door of Toda's dojo, there was a nameplate, which read "Shindenfudo Ryu Jutaijutsu". In the dojo there was a set of rules displayed for all of the students to abide by. These rules are from the Shindenfudo Ryu Densho and are listed as follows: 1. Know wisdom of being patient during times of inactivity. 2. Choose the course of justice as the path of your life. 3. Do not allow your heart to be controlled by the demands of greed, ease, or pain. 4. Sorrow, pain, and resentment should be regarded as natural qualities to be found in life. Therefore, work to cultivate an inmovable spirit (heart).

5. Hold in your heart the importance of family loyalty, and aspire greatly for the ways of the pen and the sword with balanced determination. Observing the 5 rules above is the law of the Dojo. Written at New Year, Meiji 23 (1891). Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu The secret principle of Shindenfudo Ryu is the "Principle of Nature". The Shindenfudo Ryu has two styles of taijutsu: Dakentaijutsu, and Jutaijutsu. In the Dakentaijutsu there are no formal kamae and the use of natural posture is emphasized, while in the Jutaijutsu there are 5 kamae. The training levels in the Dakentaijutsu are: Ten no kata (8 kata) Chi no kata (8 kata) Shizen Shikoku no kata (12 kata) The training levels in the Jutaijutsu are: Kamae (5 kamae) Shoden no kata (16 kata) Chuden no kata (11 kata) Okuden no kata (8 kata) Hojojutsu is also taught in this Ryu-ha. It is used along side the taijutsu, to help restrain the opponent. The school uses several different types of yari, ono (war axe), O-tsuchi (war hammers), and naginata.

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 Amatasu 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 Taoist monk, living in Rikuzen Funagawa, not far from Sanroku Mountain. Some historians have said that Unryu came from Hieizaenji Yama in Kyoto. 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 Fukushima 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). THE LEVELS OF TRAINING IN TAKAGI YOSHIN RYU: Shoden no Kata Chuden no Sabaki Gata Chuden no Tai no Gata Okuden no Kata Moguri Gata Daisho Sabaki Gata 14 techniques 10 techniques 15 techniques 8 techniques 11 techniques 14 techniques Hon Tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu Ueno Takaschi (Mizuta line). The Takagi Yoshin Ryu takes its techniques further than those of Judo and Aikido. When the techniques are applied it is made as difficult as possible for your assailant to escape by rolling and breakfalling. This style of Jujutsu comes from training within a building, unlike other styles which originated outdoors. Therefore the techniques result with the opponent being thrown, locked, or held close to the body due to being inside in a more confined area, instead of throwing him a distance away from you as you could outdoors. In the Takagi Yoshin Ryu you are taught to look at the eyes, and use speed. You are also trained to use your opponent's own weight and momentum against him. One of the techniques taught uses something called Rensa Sankaku (Three Sticks), a movement used as a defense against someone with a sword.

HISTORY OF KUKISHINDEN RYU Kosshijutsu Before the history of the Kukishinden Ryu can be discussed the history of its parent school, the Kukishin Ryu, must first be examined. The techniques in the Kukishin Ryu are said to come from China, and the lands beyond China. The Kuki (nine demons) in the name Kukishin was given directly to Yasushimaru Kurando by the Emperor after seeing how he fought.

The Kukishinden Ryu has its roots from the Kukishin Ryu and there are many different branches of the Kukishinden Ryu and the Kukishin Ryu. Some the different schools are listed below: Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu* Kukishinden Ryu Happo Bikenjutsu* Kukishinden Hyoho Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu Kukishin Ryu Dakentaijutsu Hon Tai Kukishin Ryu Hon Tai Kukishin Chosui Ryu Tatara Shinden Ryu Shinden Tatara Ryu Nakatomi Hyoho Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin Ryu *The Kukishinden Ryu is known both as Happo Hikenjutsu and Happo Bikenjutsu. Also in the teachings of the Kukishinden Ryu is the ability to overcome an opponent from a distance, called taoke no jutsu.

Bikenjutsu is the heading for a group that is made up of Kenjutsu, Kodachi, and Jutte. The Juttejutsu is the most important part of the Bikenjutsu. The jutte also has the Tessenjutsu(art of using the fan). This school excels especially in its use of the sword. The Kukishin Ryu has a large weapon called a bisento, which is similar to the naginata. The Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu is one of the basic weapon forms that is taught to all students of the Bujinkan. The yari waza (sojutsu) and bo waza (bojutsu) of both Kukishinden Ryu and Kukishin Ryu come from the Amatsu Tatara makimono. Some of the Kukishinden Ryu Densho books appear on the second color page at the front of the book on Bojutsu by Hatsumi Masaaki. These Densho books are titled as such (from left to right): 1. Kukishin Ryu Happo Biken no Jutsu 1. 2. Kukishin Ryu Happo Biken no Jutsu 2. 3. Kukishin Ryu Happo Biken no Jutsu 3. 4. Kukishin Happo Biken no Jutsu 3. 5. Hon Tai Kukishin Chosui Ryu, Kukishin Ryu Dakentaijutsu Gokui no maki 2.

HISTORY OF GYOKUSHIN RYU 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."

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 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. From what we understand there are no densho in the Gikan Ryu. The whole range of kata for the ryu was taught orally.

HISTORY OF KUMOGAKURE RYU It has been said that this ryu was really 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 Sarutobi Sasuke, who came from the Kumogakure Ryu. Sasuke used to jump from one tree to another by using a kamayari to hook onto a branch and then 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 25cm 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 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 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.

These schools were formed during the centuries of civil war which preceded the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. Their teachings have not been watered down for the sake of sporting applications, as is the case with most other Japanese martial practices, but have been faithfully handed down as methods for dealing with real-life conflict-resolution situations. There are therefore no tournaments or other such sporting events in the Bujinkan. Training is mainly done through study and practice of various combat situations against 1 or more opponents, either empty-handed or with an endless variety of tools. Training is done in a safe and controlled manner in most Bujinkan dojo, so injuries are rare.

"Unless you can understand the essence within failure you will not reach the true essence within victory."
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke
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