bikenjutsu

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

BIKENJUTSU...2 HIKEN NO HO...2 KENJUTSU...4 KAMAE...4 SEIGAN NO KAMAE...4 ...4 ICHI NO KAMAE...5 ...5 ...5 CHÛDAN NO KAMAE...6 GEDAN NO KAMAE...7 TENCHI NO KAMAE...8 KASUMI NO KAMAE...9 DAIJÔDAN NO KAMAE...10 KATA...11 TSUKI KOMI...11 ...11 SAYU GYAKU...12 ...12 KIRI SAGE...16 ...16

KINSHI (KASU DAI SOGE)...18

...18

KINSHI SAYU GYAKU...19

KOCHO GAESHI...20

...20

SHIHO GIRI...22

...22

SHIHO GIRI SAYU GYAKU...23

...23

HAPPO GIRI...24

...24

HAPPO GIRI SAYU GYAKU...25

...25

TSUKI NO WA...26

...26

TSUKI NO WA SAYU GYAKU...27

...27

ENGEKI FUCHI...29

HIMYO KEN...30

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

BIKENJUTSU

HIKEN NO HO

The ‘Secret sword’ methods of the Kukishinden Ryû contain the teachings of Kenjutsu,

kodachijutsu and juttejutsu. The highest of the teachings were said by Takamatsu Sensei to be

that of the jutte which contains the teachings of the offensive and defensive use of the jutte and

tessen.

Toda Sensei, Takamatsu’s teacher, said to Takamutsu that the kenjutsu of the Kukishinden Ryû

was superior to that of the Togakure Ryû.

The sword of the Kukishinden Ryû had a tsuka, or handle, that was longer than the swords used in the other classical Ryû, this allowed a greater amount of maneuverability when wielding the blade.

The sword techniques of the school reflect the history of the school. The Kukishinden Ryû was primarily a battlefield art and so the practitioner of the Ryû would be facing opponents who were wearing armor and therefore the cuts in the techniques are aimed at areas that were unprotected by the armor such as the wrist, elbow and neck. Also the Kuki Suigan, the Japanese Navy, practiced the school at one stage. This is reflected in the low sword kamae, which would have been necessary aboard a moving wet deck of a ship.

The Kukishinden Ryû Hiken contains a teaching called Kasumi No Ho. This is translated as “The principle of the haze.” It is said to be a state of mind for those studying the sword. One should exert force only when necessary, and should relax completely at other times. This has the effect of reducing the effects of fatigue that would be encountered during a drawn out battle, which would leave the opponent tired and open to attack. Takamatsu sensei used a similar tactic to this in a taijutsu contest that he had whilst he was in China when he was 26 years old. The contest was with Choshiryu, a Shaolin Kung Fu master from the Santo province. It is said that he was so strong that he lifted a 248lb barbell 100 times every morning. During the contest Choshiryu threw many kicks and punches which Takamatsu (who at that time had the name of Jutaro) avoided by using the ‘butterfly dance’ technique which had conceived after a dream about a fight with a demon the previous night. After two hours Takamatsu noticed that Choshiryu was out of breath and he new that this was the time to attack. However, Lord Ren, a mutual friend of Takamatsu and Choshiryu stopped the fight as he could see that Choshiryu had no chance of winning. It is said that Takamatsu and Choshiryu became good friends.

It should be recognized that the sword is an extension of the taijutsu and that the whole body and not just the hands and the arms should generate the movement of the sword. The movement of the sword should be kept to a minimum .Not only did this reduce the effort needed to fight but it also reduced the number of ‘suki’ or weak points.

“Finally, I will explain about Kukishinden Hiken no Ho. There is something taught in Kukishinden

Ryû Hiken called Kasumi No Ho (“The Principal of Haze”), which is the state of mind for those

who are studying the sword. In essence, one puts forth strength only when necessary, and relaxes completely at all other times. However, this does not mean being careless. Having mastered this, regardless of how long a fight lasts, even if you tire the opponent out you will not be fatigued yourself. It is crucial to work hard at training while keeping the above in mind. When you are practicing, recognize that the sword is an extension of your taijutsu and use your entire

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

body while keeping the sword’s movement to a minimum, without trying to imitate the movements with just your arms and hands. This is something that is true for the Kenpo (sword methods) of every Ryû-ha.”

Quote from Manaka Unsui

“As I have mentioned previously, in Kukishinden Ryû Biken something called Kasumi no Ho (“The Principle of Haze”) is taught. This is an attitude for those who are learning the sword. Essentially, it is to use one’s strength only when necessary, and at other times to remain completely relaxed. The body should be just like a willow tree blown by the wind, and it is important to tire opponents out by using kyojitsu (deception) to confuse them. In summation if you train to first defeat your opponent’s spirit, next to defeat his technique, then to defeat his body, all three in rapid succession, then however many enemies you face and hours you fight, even if the opponent becomes tired you will not exhaust yourself. It is vital to train hard with the above in mind. The techniques I will list next cannot be explained in writing, so I will only describe the important points of each.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KENJUTSU

KAMAE

SEIGAN NO KAMAE

To freely handle or manipulate an opponent.

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

ICHI NO KAMAE

To change or adjust at will.

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

CHÛDAN NO KAMAE

The feeling of piercing the opponent’s heart with a very powerful will.

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

GEDAN NO KAMAE

To stop the opponent from making his first move.

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

TENCHI NO KAMAE

Against whatever attack, beating it down with one or two attacks.

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KASUMI NO KAMAE

Showing an opening that invites the opponent to attack.

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

DAIJÔDAN NO KAMAE

To pound an opponent down to the ground in the space of one breath, with a very strong intent.

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KATA

TSUKI KOMI

(U) right Jodan No Kamae to right Seigan No Kamae, jodan kiri

• Before (U) completes cut, you kiai.

• Slide right foot forward (moguri gata), drop to left knee, tsuki to (U) Suigetsu. “Opponent from Daijôdan. From Seigan no Kamae, staring into the opponent’s eyes intently with the feeling of piercing his breast.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

SAYU GYAKU

(U) Right Jodan No Kamae to right Seigan No Kamae, jodan kiri

• Either step inside or outside, parry sword, and kaeshi giri to (U) uko.

“Opponent from Daijôdan. From Ichi no Kamae, knocking back the enemy’s attacking cut to either the right or the left.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

TSUKI KAKE

(U) Jodan No Kamae to Seigan No Kamae, jodan kiri

• Before (U) completes cut, fake tsuki. (U) steps back

• Step out to the left, yoko aruki, cutting as you walk by.

“Opponent from Daijôdan. From Seigan no Kamae against the opponent’s attacking cut, as in

Tsuke Komi stepping in with the right foot then sitting onto the left while thrusting in.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KIRI AGE

(U) Jodan No Kamae to Chudan No Kamae, jodan kiri

• Step across left to outside and cut (U) kote.

• Tsuki forward.

“Opponent from Daijôdan. From Chûdan no Kamae, cutting upward from under the right arm toward the left shoulder.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KIRI AGE SAYU GYAKU

(U) Jodan No Kamae to left Hasso No Kamae, jodan kiri

• Step across right, cut under (U) cut, switch step kiri to (U) daimon.

“Opponent from Daijôdan. From Tenchi no Kamae, cutting upward through the left side of the abdomen.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KIRI SAGE

• Step right to the inside, avoid ken.

• Hit (U) kote with tsuba, trap kiri with tip to (U) uko.

• Press with tsuba to throw (U).

“Opponent from Daijôdan. As before from Tenchi no Kamae, from a position of vying tsuba to

tsuba, pushing back and bringing the kissaki (sword tip) down to the left, shifting the body to the

right and cutting down into the enemy’s left shoulder.” Quote from Manaka Unsui

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KIRI SAGE SAYU GYAKU

• Step right to inside, avoid ken.

• Hit (U) kote with tsuba.

• Trap, push up, step left into (U).

• Drop your ken, kiri as you step by. HENKA

Kick to (U) koe, then tsuki over (U) hands.

“Opponent as before. As above, this time shifting the body to the left and cutting upward from under the right arm.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KINSHI (KASU DAI SOGE)

(U) Chudan No Kamae to left Gedan No Kamae

• Make (U) think you're going to tsuki to his toki.

• Move in small steps around, migi tobi, cut down to (U) kote.

“Opponent from Daijôdan. From Gedan No Kamae, shifting to the right side and cutting down into the kote from above and to the left of the enemy.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KINSHI SAYU GYAKU

“Responding as before and at the end cutting (U) kote upward or changing to tsuki.” Quote from Manaka Unsui

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KOCHO GAESHI

(U) Seigan No Kamae to Jodan No Kamae

• Make (U) try to cut you.

• Move in small steps around, tobi.

• Kiri kata.

• Tsuki.

“Opponent from Seigan No Kamae. From Daijôdan, staying in Daijôdan shifting to the right lightly just like a butterfly, at the same time cutting into the kote.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

KOSHO GAESHI SAYU GYAKU

“As before shifting to the right, then cutting to (U) left shoulder, or changing to a tsuki.” Quote from Manaka Unsui

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

SHIHO GIRI

• Left Hasso No Kamae.

• Step 45 degrees up.

• Switch step, left kiri 45 degrees up.

“Opponent moves freely. From Tenchi Hasso No Kamae, cutting the enemy’s left do (abdomen) with a reverse cut, turning the hands over and reverse-cutting to the right abdomen and

immediately thrusting inward.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

SHIHO GIRI SAYU GYAKU

• Seigan No Kamae to Hasso No Kamae.

• Step right kiri 45 degrees up.

• Switch step, left kiri 45 degrees up.

• Step right, tsuki.

• Step left, jodan kiri.

“As before, the last thrust comes as karatake wari (a straight-down cut to the head) from the front, or gyaku susobarai (a reverse cut to the lower leg).”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

HAPPO GIRI

• Step right, kesa giri.

• Switch step, left kesa giri.

• Repeat four times.

“Opponent moves freely. From Tenchi No Kamae, cutting downward under the left arm, then shifting to the right and cutting downward the same way.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

HAPPO GIRI SAYU GYAKU

• Step right, kesa giri.

• Switch step, left kesa giri.

• Step right, jodan kiri.

“As before, but cutting with karatake wari from directly in front.” Quote from Manaka Unsui

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

TSUKI NO WA

• Seigan No Kamae.

• Step right, tsuki to murasame.

“Opponent moves freely. From Seigan No Kamae, thrusting into the enemy’s throat.” Quote from Manaka Unsui

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

TSUKI NO WA SAYU GYAKU

• Seigan No Kamae.

• Step right, tsuki to floating ribs (blade points out and you step in to push it through target). “As before, but thrusting into the opponent’s side.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

FUDO NO KEN

Kuden (oral transmission).

“I shall omit the last three techniques since they have long been designated as kuden and are not to be taught to everyone.”

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

ENGEKI FUCHI

Kuden

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Kukishinden Ryu Biken Jutsu

HIMYO KEN

Kuden.