History

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Myths & Tales: Kyohachi ryu ~Part 1~

Today’s post is part 1 of a discussion on Kyohachi ryu, a martial system shrouded in mystery. It is said it possesses knowledge of unique yet superior techniques with the Japanese sword, such as the tachi. Many Japanese schools of old that have kenjutsu in their curriculum give credence to Kyohachi ryu. Some even claim hereditary traits to it, placing it on a platform that feels too high to ever reach. Before we get into the beginnings of this legendary martial system, let’s take a look into concept of tall tales found in many koryu bujutsu, and the reasoning behind them.

Japanese artwork
The legitimacy of Kyohachi ryu: Truth or a tale to work up the imagination? Untitled work by Utagawa Toyokuni I, from ukiyo-e.org

Those who are into the history and origin of Asian traditional martial schools (whether through research or through verbal explanations) tend to get a tale or two on a level of fantasy. This is no different with Japanese martial arts. These tales tend to present situations concerning how the founder came about with said martial system that is either surreal or plain out of this world. Examples of these tales are the following: a religious man or warrior from another country makes their way to Japan and teaches secret and amazing techniques. Or, a warrior seeking solitude in the mountains or forest for intense training and meditating for days miraculously becomes enlightened through some form of dream or revelation. Then there are those where a fighter engages with a wild animal, with the encounter helping to understand strategies in combat.

Why the tall tales? Well, one reason could be that, when establishing a martial system, there may have been a need to make it stand out and appear special. Having tales that make the founder and the course in obtaining the knowledge appear supernatural will give the teachings & techniques a more extraordinary quality. This will draw in prospect students, as well as grant employment by warlords looking for someone who is versed in winning strategies that would train his soldiers. This is especially true if the martial system is tied in with a religious practice, such as Buddhism or Shinto; techniques and strategies that have esoteric naming conventions make them feel empowered by the will of the gods.

With that little tidbit out of the way, let’s turn our attention to the beginnings of Kyohachi ryu. The time frame for this legendary martial system dates back around the end of the Heian Period1, an era where the Imperial family resided in Heian Kyo, or Capital city of “Peace and Tranquility”2. In the Northwestern area near Heian Kyo is Mount Kurama, well known for its growing religious and spiritual practices, and famous for tales of it being the home to the Tengu3. Up in Mount Kurama, an old monk versed in the way of both literary and military affairs by the name of Kiichi Hogen is said to have taught 8 priests that made their way up the mountain the mysterious secrets of Touhou, or sword methods. The priests, in return, passed on this knowledge to others by creating their own schools on sword fighting. As a whole, the 8 priests’ systems are collectively labeled as “Kyohachi ryu”, which is translated as “The 8 (Sword) Styles of the Capital”. This Kyohachi ryu, or each of the 8 martial systems, lead to the creation of many other sword schools in Japan.

Kiichi Hogen
A artwork depicting Kiichi Hogen. From kotobank.jp

So, what are the teachings received from Kiichi Hogen that would categorize under Kyohachi ryu? Unfortunately this is unknown. Were the 8 priests taught these secret lessons together? Or were they taught separately, as each one made their own personal journey up Mount Kurama? These questions are also difficult to answer without any detailed written records. It is said by historians that from the Muromachi period onward, many documentations related to Kyohachi ryu were lost, so it is difficult to accurately determine the specifics…let alone prove the existence of Kyohachi ryu at all. Yet, many stories that mention its use in the hands of swordsmen, such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune4 and Yamamoto Kansuke5, paint a picture of this sword style’s techniques surpassing others with ease. Should such high belief be placed on this elusive sword style only through tales of valor?

This here ends part 1 on the legendary sword art of Kyohachi ryu. Stay tuned for part 2, which will focus on particular individuals and martial schools dating back around the same time as Kyohachi ryu. We will look into how their involvement with Mount Kurama gives them direct ties to this legendary martial system.

1) Time frame is from 794 to sometime around 1185~1192.

2) Present day Kyoto city. Before modern times, Emperor Kammu moved his establishment from Nara to this area around the 8th century. The Imperial family lived here for many generations. As the Capital city, Heian Kyo was an important area where many migrated to live in. It was the center of Japan’s rich culture, as well as the center of many major historical conflicts between warring clans, noblemen, and religious groups.

3) A tengu (天狗) is a spirit/mythical creature that is half man, half crow. Usually depicted in the guise of a yamabushi (a mountain hermit), sometimes with the legs and wings of a crow, a red face with a long nose. There are different grades and types of Tengu throughout the history of Japan. A Daitengu (大天狗, meaning a grand or supreme tengu) by the name of Sojobo (僧正坊) is believed to have resided in Mount Kurama.

4) (1159-1189) A general of the Minamoto clan. Famous for many successful victories against the Taira clan, which ultimately lead to their demise.

5) (1501-1561) One of 24 generals of the warlord Takeda Shingen. Although described as having physical handicaps, it is documented that he was a brilliant strategist.

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A Glance at Satsuma’s Heki ryu Kyujutsu: Part 1

Japan has a long history of the bow and arrow. A prestigious weapon when feudal lords were at conflict for the unification of Japan, many bushi were required to learn the art of shooting an arrow, called kyujutsu in Japanese. Several martial schools became famous for their instruction on kyujutsu, such as Yamato ryu and Ogasawara ryu. One school in particular, called Heki ryu, has strong roots in warfare and was systematically devised to be used in the hands of both the elite warriors and infantry. It is unique in that the traditional methods of battlefield tactics is still preserved today, which is visible in the Satsuma style of Heki ryu.

Japanese bow with arrows
A Japanese bow with arrows, dating back to Edo period. From Wikipedia.

Let’s take a brief look into the history of Heki ryu to understand its roots, and it’s further development as a battlefield-focused archery system under the Satsuma style. The founder of Heki ryu is Heki Danjo Masatsugu  (bet. 1440-1505), an individual famed as the “pioneer who revitalized the archery of Japan”1. A student versed in the archery of Henmi ryu2 coupled with experience using the bow & arrow in war, Danjo established his form of archery later in his life during the the Muromachi Period3. Danjo’s archery style was adaptable to the battlefield, so many soldiers and high-class families sought to learn it. There are many branches of Heki ryu that claim to be derived from Danjo’s teachings due to his reputation.

Heki ryu Kyujutsu spread into Satsuma no Kuni (present day Kagoshima Prefecture) through Hongo Yoshinori.  He and his lord, Ukita Hideie, sought refuge there after being on the losing side in the battle of Sekigahara4 in the year 1600.  Yoshinori would later become a vassel to the Shimazu family, the rulers of the Satsuma Domain5, as well as the archery instructor in the area due to his hardened skills with the bow and arrow. Members of the Shimazu family also became proficient in Heki ryu, took pride in the archery abilities in their area, and were proactive in maintaining the effectiveness of Heki ryu Kyujutsu by helping to have many warriors in the land learn it.

Heki Danjo Masatsugu with disciple
Heki Danjo Masatsugu teaching Yoshida Shigekata kyujutsu. From Wikipedia.

There was another individual, named Togo Chozaemon Shigehisa, who’s exceptional talent in archery contributed to further development of Heki ryu Kyujutsu in Satsuma Domain.  A vassel of Shimazu Yoshihiro, Shigehisa’s talents were quickly recognized by his superiors. Viewed as a  protege, he was directed to receive deeper instructions of Heki ryu under Hongo Yoshinori in the early 17th century. Later, after Yoshinori passed away, Shigehisa was sent to Kyoto under apprenticeship of Yoshida Issuiken Insai Shigeuji6, in order to study all there is to know about Heki ryu Insai Ha7. In time, Shigehisa received his license in the Insai method of archery.

Shigehisa returned years later back to Satsuma Domain. He became the 1st instructor of Heki ryu Insai Ha Kyujutsu, and included what he learned to the Satsuma Heki ryu, vastly improving the archery within the area.

tanegashima
A Tanegashima on display. From Wikipedia.

The final stage of Satsuma Domain’s development of Heki ryu Kyujutsu happened around the 19th century, a time where the advancement of guns was well recognized. Looking at the history of guns in Japan,  their value rose steadily over time as they became more accurate in hitting their mark. With the increase in availability and overall simplicity in usage, guns such as the tanegashima8 saw more use in the years of skirmishes, utilized in group tactics to send volleys of shots to mow down soldiers. Commanders willingly included this weapon in their own units, which changed the way battles were engaged in. The high status of the bow & arrow started to wane over time; an age-old weapon that took years to master was losing its taste, for common tactics such as releasing a rain of arrows at the same time couldn’t compare to the direct and consistent damage guns were capable of.

Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th head of Satsuma Domain, didn’t sway to the reputation of guns so easily, nor was he ready to give up on archery. He rallied to his countrymen to not drop their bows, quoted stating9:

“弓術は我が邦武術の根本にして、由来久しく最重要のものなり、･･･敵合の射術の如き、徒らに、書伝のみに秘し置かず、広く門弟中に師事せざるべからず”

With a translation done by myself below:

“The roots of our country’s warrior arts is in kyujutsu. It has played an important role in our history for a very long time, …we have to teach and spread kyujutsu to many students. If not then it will become useless, for its effectiveness cannot be preserved just on paper. Archery is the way to battle against the enemy. “

Togo Shigemochi
A picture of Togo Shigemochi. From the webpage Satsuma Heki ryu on the website Heki To ryu

To ensure the future of Japanese archery, Nariakira assigned the task of remaking archery essential on the battlefield to Togo Chozaemon Sanetaka, the 14th successor of Satsuma Heki ryu. Sanetaka, accompanied by Togo Genjiro Shigemochi, traveled to Edo10 for a year to observe military-related drills and procedures. Returning to their hometown, Sanetaka added to Satsuma Heki ryu a new core component called Kumiyumi. New unit formations help with the concept of Kumiyumi, including those that have archers working side by side with spearmen to ensure successful advancement towards the enemyline. With this restructuring came the birth of Satsuma Heki ryu Koshiya Kumiyumi.

This here ends the brief look into Heki ryu Kyujutsu’s history and its settling in the Satsuma Domain. Stay tuned for part 2, which will cover detailed explanation and examples about Satsuma Heki ryu Koshiya Kumiyumi.

1) A translation done by me, of the original phrase “吾国弓術中興始祖也”. The phrase comes from the Honcho Bugei Shoden (本朝武藝小傳) written by Hinatsu Yasuke Shigetaka (日夏弥助繁高). Further information can be found here.

2) The first kyujutsu system in Japan developed by Henmi Kiyomitsu (6/27/1110 – 8/12/1168) in the 12th century.

3) (approx. 1336 – 1573) The period in which the Ashikaga (Muromachi) shogunate had control over Japan.

4) A major battle on 10/21/1600 between the Eastern Army (Feudal lords from Eastern parts of Japan led by Tokugawa Ieyasu) and the Western Army (Feudal lords from Western parts of Japan, loyal to the Toyotomi clan). Outcome marks the beginning of Ieyasu to claiming power over Japan in 1603.

5) Present day western part of Kagoshima Prefecture

6) (1562-1638) Creator of Heki ryu Insai Ha

7) A branch derived from Heki Danjo Masatsugu’s teachings of Heki ryu Kyujutsu

8) A matchlock type of arquebus firearm introduced to Japan by the Portuguese in 1543.

9) Quote is from the webpage “Heki ryu Koshiya Sashiya”, on the website “Furusato Izumi”, which is managed by Uchinoura Akira. Website can be visted  here.

10) Present day Tokyo, Japan

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A Different Path of Koppojutsu

In Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, one of the hand-to-hand martial systems taught is called koppojutsu1. Koppojutsu that we study comes from certain ryuha inherited by Masaaki Hatsumi, such as Koto ryu, and has a history of originating from China and being brought over to Japan by a group of soldiers and monks. While many practitioners are familiar with that which is taught in the Bujinkan, there are others in Japan that claim to teach a form of koppojutsu with a completely different history.

There are actually a good number of schools in Japan that claim to have their own version of koppojutsu. Some are of a modern invention, usually by an individual who either presented this new style after studying for years in a similar style (i.e. Bufu ryu Koppojutsu, developed from Koto ryu Koppojutsu by Nobuyoshi Takenouchi), or claims a legitimate inheritence, but proven to be otherwise (i.e. Kenkagei Koppo by Seishi Horibe). Few have been discontinued and are no longer in practice (i.e. Shinto Sakkatsu ryu Koppo Taijutsu of the Nanjo family). Then there are those that claim a historical background, but with very little concrete info to go by. Here is one such case I will talk in depth about, a system called “Koden Koppo Taijutsu Genryu Tenshin ryu2″.

Let’s start off with current information and how it still exists today. Koden Koppo Taijutsu Genryu Tenshin Ryu seems to be part of a bigger system, like a sogo bujutsu3 type of format under the organization “Nihon Koshiki Budo Kyokai – Kentokai”, where other arts such as karate, jujutsu, kenjutsu, many weapon arts, etc. are taught. It is a fairly big organization involved with an even bigger organization called “Dai Nippon Butoku Kai4″, where many martial arts schools and systems join forces to preserve and represent the true budo spirit of Japanese martial arts. I won’t touch on this too much, as it is not the focus of this post. I will say this, while the structuring of these organizations is very business-centric, and is completely fine, I am personally interested in the different martial arts systems, such as how this Koden Koppo Taijutsu is sustained and transmitted.

The honbu dojo (or main branch) of this organization is called “Kensei Kai Karatedo Renmei”, which is located in Osaka, Japan. It was created by the late 17th soke, Tanaka Tenshin. The history of Koden Koppo Taijutsu Genryu Tenshin ryu that this organization claims goes according to the following below5:

“江戸時代末期の中興の祖14世宗家・巴天心が自流のルーツを調査研究し、その時流儀名を古伝骨法体術源流孤流天心流と名付けたとされる。その後、現在の流儀名”古伝骨法体術源流天心流”になったとされている。”

Here’s my translation of the text:

“In the late Edo period, Tenshin Hamon6 (14th successor of a martial arts system he was trying to revive7) investigated and researched the roots of his family style. At the time, it went by the name of “Koden Koppo Taijutsu Koryu Tenshin ryu8″. The name was then changed to “Koden Koppo Taijutsu Genryu Tenshin ryu”, as it is known by today.”

There are no known scrolls or manuscripts for Koden Koppo Taijutsu Genryu Tenshin ryu. It is possible that, being a family style of martial arts, it was taught through Isshi Soden9. However, as Japan moved into peaceful times in Edo period, a generation or two may have been missed as the need to fight and carry on the tradition was on a decline. Thus Tenshin Hamon’s attempts to revive this system. As this is a hypothetical guess on my part, it could very well be wrong. One thing that stands out similar to the koppojutsu of the Bujinkan is that Koden Koppo Taijutsu’s “koppo” originates from the martial teachings of India and China.

Now, you may notice that the system in discussion uses the word “Koppo Taijutsu” instead of “Koppojutsu”. An explanation of this follows below10:

“骨法体術とは、古伝骨法術・古流唐手（尚手）・柔術・武器術などその他様々な武術が融合しており”

And here’s my translation:

“Koppo Taijutsu is the combination of many different fighting arts, such as Classical Koppojutsu, Koryu Karate11 (shoushu), jujutsu, and weapons”

In essense, Koden Koppo Taijutsu isn’t solely koppojutsu, but a fusion between koppojutsu and other older systems. Possibly it retains the principles of “koppo”, but merged with other methodologies.

Let’s look again at how Koden Koppo Taijutsu is presented at  Kensei Kai Karatedo Renmei. It is not the main art, but taught in conjunction with others. One of the influences on Koden Koppo Taijutsu included in a sogo bujutsu-type of format today is based on a decision made by the 16th successor, Tenshin Koga. It is written that after inheriting Koden Koppo Taijutsu, he traveled around Japan and took part in many cultural exchanges between him and many different martial arts experts around Japan. Thus, Koden Koppo Taijutsu being an option of study alongside with other martial systems.

Is this tale of Koden Koppo Taijutsu Genryu Tenshin ryu true? Difficult to say. History-wise, it is quite possible, as there are many family-style martial systems that died out over time, and it is said that this system was revived. Furthurmore, its koppojutsu is mixed with other martial systems, thus it isn’t truly a koppojutsu-centric system…it just retains its koppo. In ending, I share a video demonstrating koppo taijutsu by two students of Kenshin Kai. Kenshin Kai is run by the 18th successor of Koden Koppo Taijutsu Genryu Tenshin ryu, whose name is Kenshin Mori. The demonstration starts from the beginning up until the 2:20 mark.

1) Generic translation, “Techniques of the Bone Method”

2) Loosely translates to “Tenshin Style of the Original Method of Classical Koppo Taijutsu”

3) “Combination of Different Martial Systems”. Or, in a sense, can be defined as mixed martial arts.

4) http://www.dnbk.org/

5) From Wikipedia here

6) Not 100% sure on the pronunciation of the kanji “巴” to be “Hamon”. This is an old name that is no longer in use. “Hamon” is but several possible naming conventions.

7) It is not an unusual scenario where a family-style martial system may became lost or forgotten a few generations when a suitable successor cannot be found or the system is of no use anymore

8) “Transmission of knowledge between parent and child”

9) Loosely translates to “Tenshin Style of the Traditional Methods of Classical Koppo Taijutsu”

10) See #5

11) “Traditional Method of The Chinese Fist”. This karate (Chinese Fist) is not the same as modern karate (Way of the Empty Hand).

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Kaikoku Shugyo

A topic I wish to touch upon deals with a Japanese word “kaikoku shugyo1”. It is not a common word heard about in English. What does this word mean, and what does it pertain to? Here’s an explanation about it, followed by a few examples of it utilized in Japan’s history.

Woodblock print depicting Kaikoku Shugyo by Kunisada Utagawa
Woodblock print depicting different individuals on a Kaikoku Shugyo. By Kunisada Utagawa. Property of Museum of Fine Arts

Kaikoku shugyo (廻国修業) translates as “going on a warrior’s expedition throughout the land for the sake of refining one’s skills”. Or, can simply be stated as a “training journey”. A practice during the Sengoku Period2 that became more common during the peaceful times of early Edo Period3, many warriors would pick up and leave their homes and families for long periods of time traveling throughout the different areas in Japan engaging in duels, military-driven services, and small-scale conflicts. Some were out for fame, either by dominating others as a means to demonstrate the strength of their skills, or by expanding their system through gathering new students and opening up more dojos around the lands under their name. Others did this to test their own system, and refining it by learning from masters stronger than them, creating the process of adding new techniques to replace ineffective ones. Then there are those who searched for work to raise their status, whether it be an in house kenjutsu teacher or a military advisor.

Those committing themselves on a kaikoku shugyo sacrifice the comfort and ease of a normal lifestyle in their hometown where things are safe and familiar, for a very harsh one on unfamiliar roads filled with fatigue, lack of nutrition, malnutrition, illness, and the constant danger of being robbed or attacked. More than just a test of skills, warriors condition themselves mentally and physically on these journeys, testing their willpower to survive the extreme elements, rugged lands,  and the fate of being cut down in mortal combat. Those who do return back to their homes are said to be different: tempered in body, sharpened in skills, and enlightened.

Statue of Tsukahara Bokuden
Statue of Tsukahara Bokuden, within Kashima City. From Wikipedia

A famous warrior renown for his adventures through kaikoku shugyo goes by the name of Bokuden Tsukahara. Bokuden was born in 1489 as the second son of the Yoshikawa family, who resided in the Hitachi Province of mainland Japan. His father, Akikata Yoshikawa, was a Shinkan (Shinto Priest) of the Kashima Shrine, as well as one of the four Karo (Chief Retainers) to the powerful Kashima family of the Kashima Castle. After his 5th birthday, Bokuden was adopted by Yasutomo Tsukahara, and resided in the Tsukahara residence from there on.

At a young age, Bokuden was exposed to the divine swordplay of the Kashima Koryu4 through his father, and later, the famous Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto ryu5 from his adopted father. Although he grew up in a wealthy environment, Bokuden left it behind after his 16th birthday and embarked on his 1st kaikoku shugyo. The purpose of this was to increase his abilities through challenging other martial systems, as well as to make known the sword style of Kashima throughout Japan. In his lifetime, he left on three kaikoku shugyo, each one lasting over 10 years. When he returned home, he brought back with him new students, as well as strategies & knowledge to expand the sword skills of Kashima no Tachi.

Bokuden Tsukahara pitted his might against other swordsmen in arranged matches with bokuto6 , as well as dueling with shinken (live swords) to either maim or kill. Not all of his opponents wielded swords; in written records of his feats during one of his kaikoku shugyo is one where he defeats Nagato Kajiwara, a warrior famous for winning duels using a naginata7 against swordsmen with ease. At the start of their duel, Bokuden cuts off the blade below the tsuba8 of his opponent’s konaginata9 in one sweep of his tachi10, and claimed victory. Through understanding the strategies of warfare, Bokuden dispelled the belief to those present that the longer the reach of the weapon the most advantageous.

Another incident demonstrating Bokuden’s ability to adapt and survive took place at the estate of Takayori Rokkaku11, where he attended a banquet. After a night of drinking, Bokuden was making his way to the entrance of the estate to head home carrying his two swords in his belt (a tachi and a wakizashi12), when suddenly a swordsman who, previously losing to Bokuden in a match where bokuto were the weapons of choice, jumped out from behind a folding screen close by and rushed towards him brandishing a drawn sword. Leaping back to avoid the sudden assault, he drew his wakizashi and cut his assailant down. When questioned by a witness why he chose his wakizashi to protect himself instead of his tachi, Bokuden answered with the following, quoted in Japanese:

“敵があまりに間近におったるゆえ、とっさに脇差を用いました”13

Which translates to “It was faster to utilize the wakizashi since my enemy was very close upon me”. His situational awareness, along with clear judgment on what is required to handle life & death situations is what earned him the title “Kensei”14.

Events like the ones Bokuden Tsukahara, along with many other warriors, faced were commonplace in the past. Eventually, this practice of kaikoku shugyo took a severe decline when the ruling Tokugawa Bakufu banned all forms of mortal combat through live weapons. Since staking their lives for the sake of martial superiority was forbidden, there was a gradual shift towards more formally established dojos, the development of safer ways of competition through items such as shinai15 and padded body armor, and the development of new martial systems to fit in more with the increasing peaceful times in Japan.

There are many written books and documents on the feats of warriors who made their name and fame in Japan history through kaikoku shugyo in Japanese, as well as in English.

1) An equivalent to this word that is more commonly found in English is Musha Shugyo (武者修行)

2) (1467 – 1603) The period where Japan was under constant military conflicts as different various feudal lords fought for unification of and complete control over the lands

3) (1603 – 1868) The period where the Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan and ushered in peace through strict laws

4) “The Classical Martial Arts of Kashima”

5) Considered to be one of the oldest martial systems in Japan. Regarded highly for exemplifying the true spirit of classical bujutsu (martial arts).

6) “Wooden sword”. Another name is bokken, with the same translation.

7) “Halberd”, or “Glaive”

8) “Sword Guard”

9) Type of naginata with a smaller blade and shorter shaft

10) A long battlefield sword predating the katana

11) A feudal lord residing in Oumi Province (present day Shiga Prefecture), who is famous for participating in the Onin war

12) A shorter sword that usually is paired with a longer sword

13) From the book “Nihon Kenkaku Retsuden” written by You Tsumoto

14) “Sword Saint”, in reference to a swordsman whose skills are above the rest

15) “Bamboo sword”