THE NINE SCHOOLS
The 9 Ryuha of the Bujinkan
Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi (1931 - present day) travelled across Japan to train under Takamatsu Sensei. After several years Hatsumi was the last remaining student and Takamatsu passed down all the secret transmissions of the three ninjutsu ryus in which Takamatsu held the Grandmaster license, as well as six Koryu Arts. It must always be remembered that the art of Budo Taijutsu is fundamental to all the schools of the nine ryus. Your feet and hips are the foundation for all your attacks and counter movements. Therefore cultivate a relaxed flexible approach in your techniques and always be aware of space in this way and your technique will be unbeatable. The techniques, methods and philosophy that make up the complete training programme for ninjutsu comes from the nine historical warrior traditions which are as effective and practical as ever before.
1. TOGAKURE RYU NINPO
The oldest of the nine traditions, this ryu forms much of the basis for the Ninjutsu techniques taught in the Bujinkan. Togakure Ryu Ninpo includes various punching, throwing and levering techniques. It is known by low and wide stances and also by very strong punches, which are mostly directed towards opponent’s eyes, ears and diaphragm. This system is famous for its use of such weapons as shuko and shuriken. Daisuke Togakure reportedly founded it in the late 1100’s. The emphasis is on escape and spying. Ninjutsu involves the use of little gadgets, espionage, concealment, sabotage, breaking in and escaping, etc. Togakure ryu uses a lot of techniques that incapacitate, often brutally, and is very deceptive. Along with Taijutsu, this school includes the arts of Ken jutsu (sword), So jutsu (spear), Naginata jutsu (halberd), Bo jutsu (sticks), Jutte jutsu (multiple bladed dagger), Tessen jutsu (fan), Ka jutsu (fire), Sui jutsu (water), Onshin jutsu (invisibility) and three school secrets, named Sanpo Hiden, which are Shuko (hand claws), Senban Shuriken (throwing daggers), and Shinodake (bamboo tube for breathing under water).
QUOTES FROM THE TOGAKURE RYU
“To Hide is the Defence”
”Violence is to be avoided, and Ninpo is Bujutsu”
“The sword is to be used for peace and to protect family, country and nature”
TOGAKURE RYU NINPO TAIJUTSU
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Taijutsu ukemi gata - 6 kata
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Santo Tonko no kata - 14 kata
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Shinobi gaeshi gata - 4 kata
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Hiden gata - 4 kata
TOGAKURE RYU WEAPON KATA
- Kenjutsu Kamae - 8 kamae
- Happo Biken - 17 kata
- Metsubishi - 1 kata
- Shinobi Iai - 4 kata
- Kyoketsu Shoge - 3 kata
- Shuko Ukemi gata - 6 kata
GOTONPO
The Gotonpo or “5 ways of escaping” was the most secret of all the Ninja arts. In the Togakure Ryu there are 12 forms which are known as 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.
Gotonpo’s 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
SOKE OF THE TOGAKURE RYU
- Togakure (Nishina) Daisuke - Oho era - 1161
- Minamoto no Kanesada, Shima Kosanta - 1180
- Togakure, Goro - 1200
- Togakure, Kosanta
- Koga, Kosanta
- Kaneko, Tomoharu
- Togakure, Ryuho
- Togakure, Gakuun
- Kido, Koseki
- Iga, Tenryu
- Ueno, Rihei
- Ueno, Senri
- Ueno, Manjiro
- Iizuka, Saburo
- Sawada, Goro
- Ozaru, Ippei
- Kimata, Hachiro
- Kataoka, Heizaemon
- Mori, Ugenta
- Toda, Gobei
- Kobe, Seiun
- Momochi, Kobei
- Tobari, Tenzen
- Toda, Nobutsuna Seiryu - Kwanyei era 1624 - 1644
- Toda, Nobuchika Fudo - Manji era 1658 - 1681
- Toda, Kangoro Nobuyasu - Tenna era 1681 - 1704
- Toda, Eisaburo Nobumasa - Hoyei era 1704 - 1711
- Toda, Shinbei Masachika - Shotoku era 1711 - 1736
- Toda, Shingoro Masayoshi - Gembun era 1736 - 1764
- Toda, Daigoro Chikahide - Meiwa era 1764 - 1804
- Toda, Daisaburo Chikashige - Bunkwa era 1804 - ?
- Toda, Shinryuken Masamitsu - ? - 1907 [b.1824 - d.1909]
- Takamatsu, Toshitsugu - 1907 - 1968 [b.1887 - d.1972]
- Hatsumi, Masaaki (Yoshiaki) - 1968 - … [b.1931 - ]
2. GYOKKO RYU KOSSHIJUTSU
The Gyokko Ryu has an emphasis on striking weak or soft and vital areas of the body with the fingers and toes. As in Koto ryu, the system consists mainly of strikes and joint locks, but lacks any real throws. Most of the techniques comprising the “Kihon Happo” are found in this system. Its movement tends to be circular and small, and techniques often flank the opponent. The oldest of the nine traditions, this style is heavily influenced by Chinese kenpo and is known for its kosshijutsu attacks to muscles and soft organs, also using fingers and thumbs for ripping and tearing. Cho Gyokko who was said to have fled China during the Tang Dynasty around 900 AD originally founded Gyokko Ryu. This ryu forms much of the basis for the Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu system.
THE NINE RULES OF THE GYOKKO RYU
1. The character NIN means to guard the nation even with one’s life.
2. Forget self, be patient, fear not dying.
3. In danger say or show nothing.
4. As a strong enemy comes at you, keep indomitable.
5. Serve and protect the master, as you must your parents.
6. Vices dissipate your proficiency.
7. Being drunk affects your judgment.
8. Destroy the enemy’s power but leave his life.
9. To others teach not without the master’s permission.
QUOTE FROM THE GYOKKO RYU
“Bushigokorro wo motte totosho no nasu” - ‘the warriors heart is precious, and essential’
KATA OF THE GYOKKO RYU
SOKE OF THE GYOKKO RYU
Ikai
Hogenbo
Tesshun
Sasabe, Tendo
Hachiryu, Nyudo
Tozawa, Hakuunsai
Tozawa, Shozuke
Suzuki, Saburo Shigeyoshi
Suzuki, Gobei
Suzuki, Kojiro Mitsu
Tozawa, Nyudo Geneai
Yamon, Hyoun
Kato, Ryu Hakuun
Sakagami, Goro Katsushige
Sakagami, Taro Kunishige
Sakagami, Kotaro Masahide
Sougyoko, Kan Ritsushi
Toda, Sakyo Ishinsai
Momochi, Sandayu 1
Momochi, Sandayu 2
Momochi, Tanba Yasumitsu
Momochi, Taro Saemon
Toda, Seiryu Nobutsuna
Toda, Fudo Nobuchika
Toda, Kangoro Nobuyasu
Toda, Eisaburo Nobumasa
Toda, Shinbei Masachika
Toda, Shingoro Masayoshi
Toda, Daigoro Chikashige
Toda, Daisaburo Chikashige
Toda, Shinryuken Masamitsu
Takamatsu, Toshitsugu
Hatsumi, Masaaki
3. KOTO RYU KOPPOJUTSU
The Koto Ryu has an emphasis on using the opponent’s bone structure and skeleton to defeat him. Strikes are generally targeted to areas that disrupt spinal alignment and locks are applied in the same fashion. This system consists of mostly striking and some joint locking, but has no full body throws. Movement tends to be linear, and 45- degree angles are a trademark of this system. It is thought that the Koto Ryu came from China via Korea, by Chan Busho, a Chinese warrior. The school was eventually passed on to Sogyokkan Ritsushi who was also Soke of Gyokko Ryu and with him the two schools were brought completely together. Regardless of this they were taught and passed on to the next generation as separate schools within the same lineage. These two schools complement each other. Koto Ryu uses short distances between opponents - Gyokko Ryu uses long distances. Koto Ryu techniques are quick and straight to the point - Gyokko Ryu techniques are more complex. Koto Ryu concentrates on striking - Gyokko Ryu on locks and throws.
QUOTE FROM THE KOTO RYU
“Becoming free from power”
KATA OF THE KOTO RYU
- Kurai Dori - 5 kamae
- Shoden No Kata - 18 kata
- Chuden No Kata - 12 kata
- Okuden No Kata - 12 kata
- Hekuto No Kata - 8 kata
SOKE OF THE KOTO RYU
1. Sakagami, Taro Kunishige -Tembun era (1532)
2. Sakagami, (Bando) Minamoto Masahide -Tembun era (1532)
3. Sogyokkan, Ritsushi -Tembun era (1532)
4. Toda, Sakyo Ishinsai -Tembun era (1532)
5. Momochi, Sandayu I -Tembun era (1532) (died 1581)
6. Momochi, Sandayu II -Tensho era (1573)
7. Momochi, Tanba Yasumitsu -Bunroku era (1595)
8. Momochi, Taro Saemon -Genna era (1615)
9. Toda, Seiryu Nobutsuna -Kwanyei era (1624)
10. Toda, Fudo Nobuchika -Manji era (1658)
11. Toda, Kangoro Nobuyasu -Tenna era (1681)
12. Toda, Eisaburo Nobumasa -Hoyei era (1704)
13. Toda, Shingoro Masayoshi -Shotoku era (1711)
14. Toda, Daigoro Masayoshi -Gembun era(1736)
15. Toda, Daisaburo Chikashige -Bunkwa era (1804)
16. Toda, Shinryuken Masamitsu (Kobe) 1824-1908
17. Takamatsu, Toshitsugu Uoh (Nara) Taisho (1909) 1887-1972
18. Hatsumi, Masaaki (Noda) Showa (1968) 1931
4. KUKISHINDEN RYU HAPPO HIKEN
This is a battlefield art. The weapons can be quite large, including spear and halberd. Techniques are done assuming the combatants are wearing armor, and the movements reflect this The techniques in Kukishinden ryu are said to have come from China and the land beyond China and is also said to be founded in the 12th century. This system was used as a naval art, and consequently the movements are designed for use on a ship that is slippery and rocking. Sensei Ueshiba the founder of modern Aikido, in his youth studied the art of Kukishinden ryu Happo Hiken jutsu from the Kuki family.
QUOTE FROM THE KUKISHINDEN RYU
“A Grasp of Space Transcending Time”
TAIJUTSU KATA OF THE KUKISHINDEN RYU
WEAPONS KATA OF THE KUKISHINDEN RYU
- Bikenjutsu (sword arts) - 20 kata
- kodachi (short sword) - 3 kata
- Jutte (sword catcher) - 5 kata
- Jo kata (short bo) - 16 kata
- Bo kata (6ft staff) - 66 kata
- Hanbo Kata (~1 meter stick) - 22 kata
- Yari Kata (spear) - 28 kata
- Naginata (sword on a stick) - 13 kata
- Bi Naginata Jutsu Gata (sword on a stick)- 9 kata
- Bisento Jutsu Gata (big sword on a stick) - 9 kata
SOKE OF THE KUKISHINDEN RYU
Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru
Izumo Koshiro Terunobu
Izumo Matsushiro Teruhide
Izumo Bungo Yoshiteru
Izumo Kanja Yoshitaka
Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru
Ohkuni Kisanata Kiyosumi
Tsutsumi Hakushi Mori Ritsuzan
Kuriyama Ukongen Nagafusa
Arima Koshinosuke Masayoshi
Ohkuni Kogenta Yukihisa
Kazama Shinkuro Hidechika
Ohkuni Kihei Shigenobu Genroku Era (1688)
Otone Sakon Yasumasa
Otone Genpachi Yoshihide
Otone Gengoro Yasuhira
Awaji Nyudo Chikayasu
Kurama Kotaro Genshin
Ohkuni Izumo Mori Shigehiro Kokwa Era (1844)
Sugino Juheita Kanemitsu
Hisahara Genjuro Yoshitane
Hisahara Kotaro Nobuyoshi
Ishitani Takeoi Matsatsugu (approx. death 1905)
Ishitani Matsutaro Takekage (approx. death 1911)
Takamatsu Toshitsugu b. 1887 - d. 1972
Hatsumi Masaaki b.1931
5. KUMOGAKURE RYU NINJUTSU
The third of the ninja ryus, it uses similar taijutsu as Togakure Ryu, and is also known for double blocks and strikes. The taijutsu of this school is very similar to the taijutsu of Togakure ryu. The main differences are that in Kumogakure ryu jumps as well as multiple blockings are used. The specialty of this school was Kamayari (sickled spear), which was also used for climbing on the ships, it was thought that this art was used by pirates in the Japanese inland sea. Another special weapon, used by warriors of this school was also Ippon Sugi Noburi, which was made of a 25cm long metal tube with three spikes, and through which a long chain with hooks at its ends was laid. This weapon was used for combat as well as for climbing. Also used was the Demon Mask, sometimes worn by the members of the Ryu, for masking their faces and for shocking the enemy. It may from here that the Kikaku Ken strike (”Demon Horn strike”) has originated.
SOKE OF THE KUMOGAKURE RYU
Iga Heinaizaemon no jo Ienaga Tenmon Era (1532-1554)
Toda Sagenta Nobufusa
Toda Gohei Nobunaga
Toda Noriyoshi
Toda Seiryu Nobutsuna Kwanyei Era (1624-1644)
Toda Fudo Nobuchika Manji Era (1658-1681)
Toda Kangoro Nobuyasu Tenna Era (1681-1704)
Toda Eisaburo Nobumasa Hoyei Era (1704-1711)
Toda Shingoro Masayoshi Gembun Era (1736-1764)
Toda Daigoro Chikahide Meiwa Era (1764-1804)
Toda Daisaburo Chikashige Bunkwa Era (1804-1818)
Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu b. 1824 - d. 1909
Takamatsu Toshitsugu b. 1887 - d. 1972
Hatsumi Masaaki b. 1931 -
6. GIKAN RYU KOPPOJUTSU
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’
SOKE OF THE GIKAN RYU
Uryu Hangan Gikanbo Yeiroku Era (1558-1570)
Uryu Yoshimitsu Tensho 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 Yoshiyasu Bunkyu Era (1861-1864)
Uryu Gikan Keiko Era (1865-1868)
Ishitani Takeoi Masatsugu (approx. death 1905)
Ishitani Matsutaro Takekage (approx. death 1911)
Takamatsu Toshitsugu Uoh b. 1887 - d. 1972
Akimoto Fumio (approx. death 1962)
Hatsumi Masakki b. 1931 -
7. SHINDEN FUDO RYU DAKENTAIJUTSU
As the grandmaster of this ryu Shinryuken Masamitsu Toda taught the arts of striking and kicking to his grandson Toshitsugu Takamatsu. This ryu teaches the art of defeating a strong person by feigning weakness.Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu has throws, strikes, locks, and kicks done in a fairly straightforward manner. It uses the body as a striking weapon and often seems “hard” in application. The shinden fudo ryu was known for its use of nature as an ally, and techniques are often very casual looking. The founder of this school, “Izumo”, learnt Chinese Kempo boxing. Today some of this is still noticeable within the techniques.
KATA OF THE SHINDENFUDO RYU
- 5 Kamae
- Shoden Gata - 16 kata
- Chuden Gata - 11 kata
- Okuden Gata - 8 kata
- Ten No Kata - 8 kata
- Chi No Kata - 8 kata
- Shizen Chigoku No Kata - 12 kata
SOKE OF THE SHINDENFUDO 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 - )
8. GYOKUSHIN RYU NINPO
The second ninjutsu ryu in the Bujinkan system. Not much is known of this ryu except that it is an Iga ninja school and concentrated more on the espionage side of ninjutsu, rather than the fighting side. It is also known for its use of sutemi (sacrifice) throws. It is believed that, the founder, Sasaki Goemon, was originally from the Gyokko Ryu or that the techniques of Gyokushin Ryu are based on the Gyokko Ryu. Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo was founded in the mid 1500’s. This school is partially directed towards Cho Ho (spying). The main characteristics of this school are said to be Sutemi Nage (sacrificing throwing). This school preferred spying rather then combat, but it is known that many forms of Nage Waza (throws) were used. This ryu teaches many of the secret philosophies of our art.
SOKE OF THE GYOKUSHIN RYU
1. Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi
2. Sasaki Gendayu Sadayasu
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. Toda Seiryu Nobutsuna Kwanyei Era (1624-1644)
12. Toda Fudo Nobuchika Manji Era (1658-1681)
13. Toda Kangoro Nobuyasu Tenna Era (1681-1704)
14. Toda Eisaburo Nobumasa Hoyei Era (1704-1711)
15. Toda Shinbei Masachika Shotoku Era (1711-1736)
16. Toda Shingoro Masayoshi Gembun Era (1736-1764)
16. Toda Daigoro Chikahide Meiwa Era (1764-1804)
17. Toda Daisaburo Chikashige Bunkwa Era (1804-1818)
18. Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu b. 1824 - d. 1909
19. Takamatsu Toshitsugu b. 1887 - d. 1972
20. Hatsumi Masaaki b. 1931 -
9. TAKAGI YOSHIN RYU JUTAIJUTSU
Said to have been founded by a monk named Un-Ryu (Cloud Dragon) this ryu has close links with Kuki Shinden ryu after a contest between the two schools took place in 1672. It was realised that the Kukishinden Ryu was superior in the stick fighting arts, but that the unarmed combat techniques of the Takagi Toshin Ryu was in its own turn superior. So the schools adopted techniques from each other to improve the quality for future generations. Takakage Matsutaro Ishitani was also a soke of this ryu and it is through Takamatsu Sensei and Hatsumi Sensei that many of the throwing and locking tactics are handed down.
Most of the other remaining ninjutsu schools were wiped out by Oda Nobunaaga in 1591 when the men, women and children of the Iga mountains were slaughtered by a force out numbering them 10 to one. Of those few families to survive all forgot or put aside their training in the many years of peace that followed. Leaving Masaaki Hatsumi as the only surviving grandmaster. The only person acknowledged as an authentic soke in ninjutsu by the Japanese authorities.
“A willow is flexible, but a high tree is breakable”.
Ito Kii Sukesada
Takagi, Oriuemon Shigenobu - b. 1625 - d. 1711
Takagi, Umannosuke Shigesada - b. 1655 - d. 1746
Takagi, Gennoshin Hideshige - d. 1702
Ohkuni, Kihei Shigenobu - Genroku era (1688)
Ohkuni, Yakuburo Nobutoshi
Ohkuni, Tarodayu Tadanobu
Ohkuni, Kihei Yoshisada
Ohkuni, Yozaemon Yoshisada
Nakayama, Jinnai Sadahide
Ohkuni, Takezaemon Hidenobu
Nakayama, Kaemon Sadasaka
Ohkuni, Kamahura Hidetoshi
Yagi, Ikugoro Hisayashi - Tempo era (1830-1844)
Fujita, Fujigoro Hisayoshi
Mizuta, Yoshitaro Tadefusa
Takamatsu, Toshitsugu Uoh - b. 1887 - d. 1972
Hatsumi, Masaaki - b. 1931 -