Traditional ju-jutsu

Hontai Yoshin Ryu Takagi Ryu

Hontai Yoshin Ryu Takagi Ryu martial art was founded in the 17th century. The peak of the School’s activity is considered to appear during the Edo Period. At that time it was well developed in Himeiji and Ako regions and then, during the Meiji Era and later on, the School began to spread also to other regions. There are different versions regarding its further development. This caused by the following fact: in the 19th century the number of School styles existed. We should point out that some of these versions can not be proved by any documental evidences and have divergences depending on the style itself.

Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi is considered to be the first Master of the School. Regardless of this some School styles insist on another starting point and connect it with Unryu monk, and then it was Ito Ki no Kami Suketada, who taught Takagi. According to one of such versions the School was based on “Amatsu Tatara Rinpo Hiden Sessho” scroll, which was assigned to Unryu. That scroll was lost and did not reach the present time.

The founder of the School, Oriemon Shigetoshi Takagi, was born on 2nd January 1635 (according to another data - 1625). He was called Umon in childhood. His father was a member of samurai clan, which served Katakura Kodziro, the lord of Shiraishi castle in Mitsu-no Kuni. As a child Umon began to learn the Art of short sword Muto Ryu Kodachi and the Art of spear-fighting Koichi Ryu Sojutsu under Muto Danuemon Master lead. He gained outstanding proficiency in both those Martial Arts and was known for his great physical strength. One day his father, Inatobu Sanjaemon, kenjutsu teacher in Shiraishi province, was killed at night fight against several assaulters. One legend says that Umon revenged the killers with putting into practice his father’s words: “yo” - suppleness and “yoboku” - pliant willow can be much stronger, than fast and tall tree, which is vulnerable and easy to break. That very philosophy made Umon give the name of Yoshin Ryu to his School and take Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi name to himself. He used the term “Yoshin” in the name of his Martial Art style to accomplish the principles, which he had comprehended from his father. He also included in the system all his spear “yari” and halberd “naginata” skills, gained from Ito Ki no Kami Master, the teacher of the Kenko Ryu, where he had gained the entire knowledge passing “menkyo kaiden”. It is also known that the founder of Hontai Yoshin Ryu Takagi Ryu had practised Yagyu Ryu kenpo under Yagyu Ichinoshin Master, Uedo Ryu bo-jutsu under Ueda Kichinojo Shigetoki, Kaho-jutsu under Murago Hiobu, Kusarigama jutsu under Djujaemon Shigezaemon, Jutte-jutsu under Kudo Gonparo and Yamada Ryu gunkaku heiho under Yamada Haruka.

Some authorities narrate that during his life time Takagi Master took part in several duels. When he was 23 years old, he fought against Yagyu Munzori, an outstanding Master of Yagyu Ryu, and was defeated. That influenced greatly on his Martial Arts comprehension, and as a legend says on his 37th training day on Kurama Mountain he got a vision of a huge tiger attacking him. Takagi directed his spear to the animal’s eyes and that stopped it. Having reconsidered some aspects, Takagi wished to fight against Yagyu Master again and during the 2nd match, when he lifted his sword to the Yagyu Tadzimanokami eyes, he admitted Takagi’s realization as a Master. Thus the duel ended without victory or defeat and bloodshed. It is worth to point out that this legend lacks dates’ correspondence.

There are known School styles, which say that on 15th August 1695 the Emperor Higashiyama appointed Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi to the position of Shihan in 6 Arts, Imperial bodyguard and Instructor of Imperial castle guarding.

Takagi passed away in 1711. There are some gravures made by a famous engraving Master Utagava Kunijoshi. They belong to Japanese heroes and Sword masters series.

In year 1993 Hontai Yoshin Ryu followers visited his tomb in Shiraishi castle region and held there the training devoted to the founder’s memory.

The second Master of the School, Takagi Umanosuke Shigesada, was born in 1655 (or in 1666) and in year 1672 he gained menkyo kaiden. Travelling along the country he was studying different Martial Arts and is considered to be the founder not only of Takagi Ryu but Miken Ryu and Kakugai Ryu as well.

In youth the founder’s son, Takagi Umanosuke, had been involved in several unsuccessful fights against elderly Master of Takenouchi Ryu. It was Takeuchi Hisayoshi, the grandson of the School founder Takeuchi Hisamori and its 3rd Soke. The fights were quite official and were held in Tsuyama castle (Mimasaka region) in presence of the Lord Mory. These fights are confirmed by the both Schools’ authorities.

At that time Takeuchi Master was travelling along the country holding his “mushya shugo”. He was described to be not tall and brawny. Opposite to him, young Takagi was known for driving the coins into wood with his fist strikes and for being very huge (about 185 cm, which was very unusual for medieval Japan). In spite of significant difference in size and strength Takagi was defeated and controlled twice. The descriptions say that Takagi held Takeuchi with both hands and tried to make some technique, but at the moment he was changing the grab, Takeuchi slipped out striking with fist to groin, then captured and threw him over. It was knockdown, and as Takagi regained consciousness he was already partially bound. However, being very strong he tore the rope and had a try to release. At that moment Takeuchi snatched his short sword out and put it to Takagi’s neck. The next fight was similar.

The fight was stopped by the Lord Mory. Takagi immediately asked Takeuchi to become his teacher, and was officially adopted as “deshi”. He is considered to master the entire School programme, including the highest degrees, and get the instructor’s license. After that, having included a lot of “soft” elements, he changed all his family combat system. On that basis Takagi Ryu tai-jutsu koshi-no-mavari was developed.

However, the Master still was not satisfied with the result and continued to search for the most perfect methods allowing defeating an enemy without significant strength usage. During his 100 days long solitary practice in mountains Takagi had got a mystical experience “tenshin-sho”, which allowed him to realize completely the principles of softness and their usage in a real combat and understand In-Yo Genjutsu Ippo and Hissyo no Yoshin principles (soft heart for sure victory). Umanosuke mastered his Art and gave it the name of Hontai Yoshin Ryu Takagi Ryu jujutsu. He is known now as the teacher, who has developed one of the earliest hand-to-hand fighting systems for samurais. In year 1693 Kineya family officially recognized him as the Martial Art Master and Teacher of the highest grade in 6 Martial Arts assigning him “Shihan-yaku” title - the true Master. According to some authorities in 1693 he was the Instructor of Imperial guarding. It is known that being practised Zen rather seriously (under his teacher Gudo Vasyo), Takagi included some Zen training methods into his School syllabus.

Umanosuke died in 1716 at the age of 61. He left his son Gennoshin Hideshige Takagi the successor of the School. At the same time some authorities state that he had stll lived for 30 years mastering his art and died in 1746. He was also depicted at the engravings of Utagava Kunisada Toyokuni and Utagava Kuniyoshi. It was written about him and Takagi Oriemon in Musya Shugyo Junhiroku work (the information regarding 31 historical figures of Martial Art Masters) and in poems dedicated to warriors (“Bukkei hyakunin isshu”, written by Ryutei Senka).

The 3rd Soke was considered to be a great hand-to-hand fighting Master. He taught samurais of the high rank his family Martial Art style in Himeiji and got 500 koku of rice for that. Along with Ju Jutsu in the School programme were included bo-jutsu, naginata-jutsu, so-jutsu and shuriken-jutsu. Gennoshin Hideshige Takagi died young at the age of 32. He passed the School to his friend and student. That was Okuni Kihei Shigenobu, who became the 4th Soke of the School, the Master of Kukishin Ryu, who was famous for his perfect halberd “naginata” and staff “bo” Art. According to some sources Okuni Master was also the successor of Tendo Ryu naginata jutsu and Chosui Ryu tai-jutsu traditions. Having met Takagi Master in several fights “taryu jiai”, he was defeated in hand-to-hand fighting, but happened to be superior in wooden weapons combat. Having received Gennoshin Hideshige Takagi invitation to visit his dojo, Okuni became his student and finally inherited Soke status. He had been developing the School in Ako (Hyogo prefecture). Since that time these Martial Art styles had united and, as the result, Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu jujutsu and Kukishin Ryu Bo-jutsu were to pracrise as a single whole system.

Some information regarding the relations between Kukishin Ryu and Takagi Ryu lacks correspondence. According to Kuki family authority, Takagi family relative had been studying Kukishin Ryu since 1602 and on 7th March 1617 got the traditional scrolls and entire passing of the School’s knowledge. They consider the relations between the Schools to be established two generations before Takagi and Okuni fighting took place. But official Hontai Yoshin Ryu Takagi Ryu authority says that it were Gennoshin Hideshige Takagi and Kihei Shigenobu Okuni, who had the contacts between the Schools for the first time. It is also known that Okuni had practised the mystical art of “shugendo” - the way of extraordinary power obtaining. During the solitary practice in mountains he first met the 3rd Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu Soke, who was up to askeza as well.

It is worth to point out that Takagi Yoshin Ryu followers consider the School to adjust only the way of weapons usage, though Kukishin Ryu followers are sure that the hand-to-hand fighting techniques are also very similar. Both these Schools were interconnected not only in the beginning of their development but later on. In the 19th century Ishiya (Isitani) Matsutaro Master, having got the knowledge from his father Ishiya (Isitani) Takeo Masatsugu (the head of Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu), had studied Kukishin Ryu under Iba Toyotaro at the same time.

The next successors of Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu were Okuni Hachikuru Nobotoshi, Okuni Daifu Tadenobu, Okuni Kihyo Yoshisada, Okuni Yozaemon Yoshisada, Nakayama Jinai Sadahide, Okuni Buemon Hidenobu, Nakayama Kazaemon Sadayoshi and Okuni Kamadzi Hidetoshi.

Ivanaga Gennosuke Masamitsu (who was one of the students of Okuni Kihei in Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Kukishin Ryu) also got menkyo kaiden in 1753. He separated from the School and formed his own Shingetsu Muso Yanagi Ryu, which exists up to the present time. The present Soke of the School is Ivanaga Genzaburo.

The 13th Soke Yagi Ikigoro Hisayoshi was an outstanding person in the School’s history as it started to exist in various styles. He was the first who gave the highest title to several students simultaneously, and subsequently that had become common for the next successors. According to the authorities, Yagi was involved in a political conflict in 1841 and as a result became ronin.

There is a very interesting story about Yagi (which is proved to be a historical fact): once he was violently attacked by a mad dog, which was terrorizing the whole district. Yagi was proficient enough to kill the dog with a tiny wooden hairpin.

While he had no other job he opened the dojo and had taught a lot of students, who had reached very high master grades. Three of his students developed their own School styles: Ishibashi-den, Fudzita-den and Ishiya-den. Ishiya-den style is also called Isitani-den.

All these School styles began to develop independently, and since the division each style has its own genealogy.

Ishibashi line was probably ended with him as there is nobody known to receive menkyo kaiden - the highest master degree recognition and right for independence and capability to ground one’s own style. It is considered that after his death all scrolls were left to his children. Ishibashi was the owner of “Amazakeya” store, and his business took a lot of time, so we can not be sure that he taught Martial Arts at all.

According to Fujita-den version Fujita Fujigoro Hisayoshi became the 14th Soke of the School. The 15th Soke Mizuto Yoshitaro (Mizuta-den) was his student. Fujita Fujigoro Hisayoshi also taught the next Head of his School style - Takamatsu Tositsugu, who made Sato Kinbai, Kimura Masaharu and Hatsumi Masaaki the inherits of the line. Some Takamatsu style authorities say that the passing of Takagi Ryu knowledge goes also from Ishiya (Isitani) Master. It is possibly caused by his contacts with Ishiya Matsutaro.

The School of Ishiya Master (1845 - 1902) became very famous and authorative. According to its data the 14th Soke of the School, Ishiya Takeo Masaharu, was famous in Japan as “the very best Martial Artist of the Edo period.” The most important principle of his style was the development of “softness inside and hardness outside”. This expression has been maintained, as the main principle of Hontai Yoshin Ryu Takagi Ryu, up to the present days. According to some data Ishiya led several dojos, where his School was practised.

There are several legends known about Ishiya Takeo. One of them says that once he defeated a huge sumo wrestler named Otsutsu. Ishiya controlled him with one hand and with another took his hair and was dipping with face into mud. Another detailed story narrates about sudden attack of two sumo wrestlers (Kinoshika and Yatsuka) in Osaka. They pressed the Master to the ground and suggested him to try to wrest. The Master, even without getting up, attacked their legs and threw them both.

Some Budo adherents state that Ishiya Takeo was not only the Master of Kukishin Ryu and Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu but also the 11th Soke of Gikan Ryu. According to this, on 27th August 1863, being the Soke of both Schools, Ishiya met in a temple Uryu Gikan, the 10th Soke of Gikan Ryu (founded by Uryu Hagan, Kavachi no Kuni daimyo). Uryu Gikan was wounded, and Ishiya helped him. They made friends, and Gikan taught him his family hand-to-hand fighting Art and gave him menkyo kaiden.

The Master had brought some changes to Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu techniques and developed several additional units. He passed the title of 15th Soke to his son Ishiya Matsutaro Masayoshi (who according to another version left his home young and became the Soke of Kukishin Ryu). Ishiya, in his turn, passed the title of 16th Soke to his father’s best student Kakuno Happeita Masayoshi (Kakuno-den). According to some data Ishiya Matsutaro during the last days of his life (died in 1909) was working as a guarding chief at the factory, which was owned by Takamatsu family. He is considered to give menkyo kaiden also to Takamatsu Tositsugu.

Kakuno Happeita Master (1875 - 1939) had done a lot for School development holding the demonstrations along the country. He also brought some additions to the School techniques. Soke Kakuno had several students of a high grade. The most prominent of them were Minaki Saburo, Tsutsui Yoshitaro and Kanazava Ichizo.

Besides he taught Vakita Masaishi Yoshinori, who founded Shingetsu Muso Yanagi Ryu. This School also has its roots in Takagi Ryu and Kukishin Ryu and includes the similar hand-to-hand fighting and Bo-jutsu techniques.

Minaki Saburo (born in 1906) was a famous Martial Artist, who was dedicated to classical samurai’s Art maintenance. He was also a seikotsuin Master and an artist. In 1933 he received menkyo kaiden and in 4 years opened his first dojo in Tokyo. His trainings were rather severe and he used to demonstrate the stones destruction with a hand rib. In 1939 his teacher, Kakuno Sensei, passed away, and afterwards Minaki returned to Kobe. But considered himself still not perfect, he decided to continue his practice using the old methods. Since solitary meditative practice and training under Fumon no Taki waterfall, Minaki Sensei had changed his techniques and training methods in accordance with the objections and ideas of his teacher Kakuno. Minaki also taught that Budo, which did not contain the spirit of Buddha, could not be the true Budo as the heart of a true Martial Artist must be kind and merciful. He was sure that the development of a true Martial Art demanded students’ creativity cultivation.

Minaki Saburo, the 17th Soke of Hontai Yoshin Ryu, is considered to be a very authoritative School master and the style, he has been practicing, was very famous at that time. That is why the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai suggested him and his student to make a demonstrational-training movie about Takagi Family Martial Art. The elements of Kukishin Ryu Bo-jutsu were also demonstrated in the movie.

In Minaki absence Tsutsui Tomotaro Yoshitaka (1906 - 1983), who also held menkyo kaiden, became the head of the School. He used to teach at the main dojo and was Honbu chief instructor in Kobe. As soon as Minaki had returned, the School divided. Tsutsui Tomotaro gave the name of Takagi Ryu jujutsu to his style and became its Soke, and Minaki changed the name of his style first into Fumon Yoshin Ryu and then into Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu. The school of Soke Tsutsui kept on cultivating the old techniques almost without being changed, teaching the traditional methods of kneeling combat, knife and sword taking off techniques. He was the 17th Soke of the style after Kakuno Happeita. Tsutsui passed his School to Kusuhara Takano and Kusuhara Takano, in his turn, passed it to Kusuhara Shigeoshi.

Kanazava Ichizo Master was an outstanding Martial Artist and Teacher, one of the best students of Soke Kakuno. Kanazava was offered to become the next Head of the School, when the Master was still alive. He continued to teach his students classical version of Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Kukishin Ryu up to his death, but he did not found his own style, having passed all the knowledge to his son Kanazava Akira and to his friend and colleague Yasumoto Akiyoshi. Inoue Tsuyoshi also was a student of Kanazava Ichizu.

Soke Minaki officially divided Hontai Yoshin Ryu and Kukishin Ryu and passed Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu with the sword of 13th Head of the School - Yagi Hisayoshi - to his student Inoue Tsueshi Munetoshi for having been a good organizer and a person, who had made a great contribution into international development. That happened in 1982 in official ceremony. However, Minaki gave Hontai Yoshin Ryu menkyo kaiden to the following students: Haraga Hiroshi, Kanazava Akira (the son of Kanazava Ichizo), Sato Kumimaro and Yasumoto Akiyoshi.

It goes without saying that after division the Masters of Hontai Yoshin Ryu continued to practise the Kukishin Ryu methods of armed combat, but this unit got the name of Hontai Yoshin Ryu Bo-jutsu.

The 18th Soke of Hontai Yoshin Ryu, Tsuyoshi Munetoshi, in his turn, passed the highest rank to his son and successor Inoue Koichi, who consequently became the 19th Soke. He also passed the highest status to Mitsuashi Yoshihiro and Kurishima Kukio. All these Masters were working together for a long time, spreading Hontai Yoshin Ryu principles and techniques in Japan, USA and Europe. But in 1996 the chief instructors of the School, Yasumoto Akiyoshi and Kanazava Akira, together with their students left the Honbu and began to develop their own style. After that Inoue Koichi, the son of Inoue Tsuyoshi, had become Hontai Yoshin Ryu chief instructor. He had been training for a long time under his father and Yasumoto Akiyoshi lead. Minaki Saburo also was teaching him during the last years of life.

Hontai Yoshin Ryu (Minaki-den) and Takagi Ryu (Tsutsui-den) were included in the Japanese Traditional Martial Arts Schools’ list, established by Japanese Kobudo Federation. There are hundreds of official Martial Art Styles in Japan. But very few of them have maintained the entire information regarding the successors’ lines up to present days and are recognized as “koryu bujutsu”.

In 1999 the direct student of Soke Minaki, menkyo kaiden holder, Yasumoto Akiyoshi officially grounded his School and gave it the name of Moto-ha Yoshin Ryu (Yasumoto Yoshin Ryu version). The School was grounded on basis of all the knowledge, which he had gained from his Teachers Minaki Saburo and Kanazava Ichizu, including the latest researches made with Kanazava Akira. The School is considered to be influenced by training with Tsutsui Yoshitaka as well.

We should point out that Yasumoto had influenced on Hontai Yoshin Ryu. Created by him “yoshin no kata” had been practicing, even after his leaving, up to the present time by his ex-students from European dojo. Some techniques endings, which were absent in classical kata of Minaki Sensei time, are being practised as well.

For a long period of time Yasumoto Akiyoshi had been assisting Soke Minaki and Soke Tsutsui during their annual jujutsu techniques demonstrations in Tokyo Budokan. At a later stage the School techniques were mainly demonstrating by Yasumoto Akiyoshi. Inoue Koichi, the present chief Master of the School, used to assist him (that is proved by numerous videos and picture of that time). In 1986 during the series of Martial Arts demonstrations in China, which were organized by Japanese and Chinese government assistance, Hontai Yoshin Ryu was the only jujutsu School selected by the Japanese Traditional Martial Arts Federation to demonstrate the classical Japanese hand-to-hand fighting Art. Together with the School delegation the Masters of Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Judo, Kyudo, Kendo and Ken-jutsu held their performances. Being the leading jujutsu Master, Yasumoto Sensei demonstrated unarmed techniques, while his colleagues demonstrated the armed combat Art, which is also included in Hontai Yoshin Ryu syllabus.

It is worth to point out that Soke Inoue inherited only Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu line; while the Kukishin Ryu Bo-jutsu was inherited by Kioda Matsuda, who had been its Soke only for one day and afterwards passed the School to Tanaka Fumon, who called himself the secret student of Minaki Saburo. Thus Tanaka Fumon had become the 19th Soke of Kukishin Ryu Bo-jutsu. He called that style “Nine demon Gods School” and consequently that name’s version was also kept in Ishiya Line. Keeping on his researches, Tanaka had studied also Kukishin Ryu under Iheiya Matsumoto; then he became its successor and Soke. It is quite interesting that in this line Ishiya Matsutaro Tadaaki is considered to be the 16th Soke.

It is stated that in different School styles during different time periods different types of weapons were used. For instance, it is known that in Mizuta-den Kukishin Ryu bo jutsu was absent, as Mizuta Master left his Teacher’s dojo before he had mastered those techniques, having received menkyo no maki (not the last grade in this style). In Soke Minaki line the Schools were divided and Kukishin Ryu and Hontai Yoshin Ryu were passed apart and had different Soke. There is a densho, in which the “kama” unit is included (sickle techniques) but there’s no any data regarding its appearance in the School. In the survived scroll of 1844 it is stated that this School style was passed from mentioned above, well-known in all styles Nakayama Kazaemon to some Yamada Takahiro, then to Akasada Saddamu, then to Minamoto Sadatsugu, who passed it, in his turn, to Kitakava Moritaro. There is almost nothing known rabout this School style.

As Kukishin Ryu and Hontai Takagi Ryu Yoshin Ryu were practised together, it is worth to describe Kukishin Ryu history as well. There are several legends about its founding. One of them says that Kukishin Ryu was grounded by Yakushimaru Ryushin, who was born in Wakayama prefecture on 1st January 1318. His family is considered to have direct relative relations with Fujiwara clan, responsible for Kumano sacred places. The family commanded the Kumano Navy and had a great influence on Tair - Minamoto clans War. The legend says that the School founder was “onmyodo” master and had been studying Buddhism mystical aspects, practising on Kurama Mountain and training at Jokai monk in Sanmakuin temple, Kyoto. There are evidences confirmed that he had also studied family Martial Art Sinden Fujiwara Muso Ryu.

The legend says that Ryushin rescued Emperor Godaigo, who was captured during the War against the Southern court. The blade of his halberd was broken in the combat, so he had to fight with its remnants (staff). That very experience was included in the School. School chronicles mention the usage of special symbols “kuji” during the fight.

Kuki family authorities narrate that Ryushin had assisted “Three treasures of the Imperial House” recapturing and all the questions regarding the techniques, which he had used, Ryushin answered that it was “kuji” – his family School secret methods. The surname Kuki includes the “ku” kanji from “nine” in “kuji” and “ki” from “kami”. That is why the correct spelling is “Ku-kami”, but starting the Edo period the family was mostly called Kuki. Nevertheless, there is a School style called “Ku kami Shin Ryu”

Kukishin Ryu was passed to the founder’s son Umanosuke Takayoshi, then to Soshin Takamono, Umatonokami Takatsugu, Yamashironokami Yasutaka, Ginaishu Sadataka, Ginayatayu Kiotaka and Dzirogo Sumitaka. The 9th Head of the School, Kuki Oosuminokami Yoshitaka, was a famous military leader, Oda Nobunaga and Tiyotomi Hideyosi arms holder, Kumano Suiguni Navy commander. He passed the School to Hagatomi Moritaka, who passed it, in his turn, to Shimanokami Yoshtaka. After that the Heads of the Kuki were: Osuminokami Takatsune, Nabesaburo Takayuki, Buzenokami Takanao, Kavachinokami Takanobu, Mondonsu Takahide, Isenokami Takayori, Benosuke Takayuki, Sikibunosu Takakira, Oosuminokami Takayoshi, Sikibusou Takasato, Izumonokami Takanori, Oosuminokami Takahiro, Kaisyu Takaharu, Kuki Munetaka, and Kuki Ietaka.

Kukishin Ryu Masters often used to accept the challenges. One legend, for instance, describes the fight between Hosoya Shinpachiro School Master and kenjutsu Tachiban Genta Kiosada Master, which took place near Kukimitama relic in Ayabe on 15th January 1649. Though they fought using wooden swords, the legend says that Hosoya cut his opponent from head to breast. As the opponent was rather famous and close to high rank elite, the School had serious problems and was closed. The School was hidden up to the Edo period. Hosoya together with his student Kimura had to leave their native city and move to Edo.

Kimura is known to be unarmed combat Master and became famous for his disarming techniques. He called himself “Muto Djyosuiken”.

The School was probably spreading also in Edo regions but it wasn’t promoted. Though the line (including Hosoya and Kimura Masters with their successors) does exist, its main Masters and practitioners were not Kuki family relatives.

Hosoya and Kimura Masters are also considered to be the Soke of Kukamishin Ryu. Ittosay Kimura passed this line to Getsui Kimura (probably, his son or relative) and Getsui Kimura, in his turn, passed it to Shima Osumi, who had taught Toitaro Ibo. Afterwards the School was passed to Ishiya Matsutaro, the son of Ishiya Takeo, and then to Ivami Nangaku.

Kukishin Ryu became famous for its chobo and hanbo techniques (staffs 180 and 90 cm correspondently). Hanbo techniques are considered to be developed by Keriyama Ukon in 1575. The legend says that hanbo came up when during one of the fights the staff was cut and its remnant was successfully used.

Kukishin Ryu officially returned when Kuki Ryubi, the 25th Head of the Family, began to study Okuni Kichea family Art. In the 19th century Kuki Takahiro started to raise the family authority. Besides he invited Yamada Sosui Master and had studied Yamada Kansuke Ryu. Kuki Takahiro was famous for his Shintoism, spear art researches and horse riding, which were introduced to the Emperor on 7th March 1844. The head of the family was Kuki Takatomo, who had seconded Meiji Revolution, being at the Emperor side. He developed “tai-jutsu kihon kata”, which consisted of 9 hand-to-hand fighting techniques, and introduced it to the Emperor in 1864, when he worked as Emperor Palace guardian in Kyoto. Ten years before he had mastered Kukishin Ryu at Oguchi Izumi no Kami Master (Nakayama family vassal).

At the beginning of the 20th century the School began to develop fast and several dojos were opened in Osaka. The main dojo, Robukan, was at the head of Ivami Nangaku (Ishitani Matsutaro student, who, as it was mentioned above, left his family young and mastered Kukishin Ryu at Toyotaro Iba).

In 1919 the organization cultivating Kukishin Ryu was opened. “Shin” kanji in the name of the School stands for “Shinto”, a very important Kuki family heritage. This organization began to license the students and instructors and develop the School itself. In 1936 its 4th Soke, Kiba Kosiro, standardized bo-jutsu and tai-jutsu forms and published the book devoted to bo-jutsu. That made the School famous again. He also published separate brochure, which illustrated 16 Shobukioku tai-jutsu kata methods. Meanwhile Kukishin Ryu was enriched with tanbo jutsu unit, presented by Tatsuta Yasushiro Master (who grounded his own “Tatsuta ryu bojutsu” School) in 1979. Takamazu Chosui (Tositsugu) version was keeping aside. At first he cooperated with Ivami Nangaku, but then separated and together with two students grounded his own Organization and had been practising his own School style.

According to another version the founder of Kukishin Ryu was Okuni Kichei. He had seen “oni” (nine demons) during a mystical askeza in mountains. Using the handle of a broken halberd, he defeated his enemies and grounded the School with Kukishin Ryu name (derived from Ku-ki – nine demons). From Kukishin Ryu point of view, Okuni Kichei was the 7th Soke of the School, which he inherited from his father Okuni Yoshie (who was the 6th Head). Then the School was passed to another Masters, including Hosoya (11th Soke) and Kimura (12th tradition holder). According to this version, Isitani Matsutaro Tadaaki became the 16th Soke of the School (inherited from Toyotaro Iba). Afterwards the School was passed to his several students. Kukishin Ryu data state that he had also inherited from his father another School style, which was passed together with Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu.

Kukamishin Ryu line considers Ouchi Minbu Yoshikane (Minamoto family) to inherit the School after its founder. Then it was passed to his son, Ouchi Goramaru Katsushige, then to Hatayama Saburobei Matsashige, then to Okuni Kavachinokami Yoshie, who had taught mentioned above Okuni Kihei Hisayoshi. It is considered that from Okuni Kihei goes also the other line, besides the one united with Takagi Ryu. This line was passed to Arima Daisuke Tadaaki, then to Arima Kavachinosuke Masasige, then to Kuriyama Ukon Nagafusa, Hosya Shinpachiro Yukihisa, Kimura Ittosai Josui, Kimura Gassui Yoshinaru, Oosumi Shimanokami Masashige, Iba Toyotaru, Ishitani (Ishiya) Matsutaro Tadaaki…

It is also known that in the 19th century Takagi Ryu and Kukishin Ryu Soke, Yagi Ikigoro, passed the School to two another students (besides Ishia), who had got menkyo kaiden - Fudzita and Ishibashi. Ishibashi did not leave any famous students, and Fujita passed the School to Mizuta Yoshitaru (Mizuta-den).

Ishiya (Ishitani) passed the School to his student Kakuno Happeita, who, in his turn, prepared two menkyo kaiden holders - Minaki Saburo and Tsutsui Yoshitaro. Soke Tsutsui maintained Kukishin Ryu inside of Takagi Ryu, while Minaki Saburo divided it into two Schools, distinguished Kukishin Ryu as an individual style.

He passed Kukishin Ryu bo jutsu to Matsuda Kyodo (18th Soke), who passed it to Tanaka Fumon (was born in 1943, the present 19th Soke of the School) on the next day. Soke Tanaka received menkyo kaiden in Kukishin Ryu from Minaki Saburo in 1985. Tanaka Fumon also received Tenshin Hioho Shoden Kukamishin Ryu from Iheya Matsumoto, where he became 19th Soke as well, united in his School both lines. It is interesting that hanbo, which is often used by Soke Tanaka performing the techniques, has irregular form and is narrower in midpoint. The School also has standard hanbo, chobo and Ju Jutsu elements.

A famous Japanese Master Tanaka Fumon was born on December 13th in 1943. He started his Martial Art training at the age of 13 and had achieved 4th dan in Kendo when he was 25 years old. In 1988 together with the Japanese Budo Masters delegation chosen by Education Ministry of Japan for Nohon Budo demonstration, he visited France, what became his first international teaching experience.

In 1963 Tanaka became the student of Kobayashi Nichikan, the 10th Soke of Anshin Ryu. It is the School of combat using the long 2 meter sword, which, in Japanese Experts opinion, is the compromise between standard sword and halberd. In 1973 Tanaka got menkyo kaiden and in two years was appointed on the School head position. The same 1975 year he achieved “gokui kaiden” - complete knowledge passing, including iai, Ju Jutsu, ken-jutsu, kumiuchi hiogo, bo-jutsu, so-jutsu, naginata and honmon suemonogiri kenpo. All these disciplines make the ground of his School complex Sogo Budo teaching.

In 1973 Tanaka became a “secret student” of Soke Minaki, the Master of Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Kukishin Ryu. In 1985 he achieved menkyo kaiden in Kukishin Ryu bo-jutsu and Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu. As soon as Minaki passed Kukishin Ryu to Mr. Kyodo Matsuda, almost on the next day, the School was passed to Tanaka Fumon, who thus became the 19th Soke of Kukishin Ryu.

Today Tanaka Sensei is the official Soke for the following disciplines: Kukishin Ryu bu jutsu (19th Soke), Tenshin hioho shoden kukamishin Ryu (19th Soke), Koden enshin Ryu (11th Soke), Honmon enshin Ryu suemono giri (4th Soke).

He also holds the title of Soke-Dairi in Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Bokuden Ryu, Shinto tenshin Ryu, Shinden fudo Ryu and Asayama Ichiden Ryu.

His another disciplines titles are also impressive: Tanaka Fumon hols 4th dan in Kendo, 5th dan in modern bo-jutsu, 7th dan and “Kiyoshi” title in batto-jutsu, “Hanshi” grade in Kobudo and 9th dan from World Ju Jusu Federation. He also has official licenses in Koga Ryu nin-jutsu and Iga Ryu ninpo.

In 1974 Tanaka Fumon, at the age of 31, got 7th dan in sword art of the Kumiuchi hioho shoden yavara-no jutsu. That grade was conferred by Japanese Zen Kobudo Sogo Renmei, and at the age of 46 Tanaka gained “Hanshi” title and 8th dan, what made him the youngest holder of such grade, conferred by official Japanese organization.

Soke Tanaka is a famous author of the books on Martial Arts. He has participated BBC shots for “Mind, Body & Kick Ass Moves” series.

Today Soke Tanaka teaches in his dojo in Osaka and regularly carries on numerous seminars all over the world. His School includes all the disciplines, where Tanaka Sensei has the official Soke status.

Moto-ha Yoshin Ryu

In 1996 the leading Master of Hontai Yoshin Ryu, menkyo kaiden holder, Yasumoto Akiyoshi left Hontai Yoshin Ryu and grounded his own style, which in 1999 got the name of Moto-ha Yoshin Ryu bu-jutsu (Yasumoto Yoshin Ryu version). The name Moto-ha Yoshin Ryu was officially announced at Ju-jutsu Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark on 18th October 1999. School offices are situated in several Europe countries, CIS, USA, Cyprus and Israel. The headquarters is located in Japan, Tottori province.

Teaching the students Soke Yasumoto uses the old methods of knowledge passing (shoden, chuden and okuden) and “kuden” – oral transmission to the closest students. The basic principles of Moto-ha Yoshin Ryu techniques are ‘kuzushi’ (breaking one’s balance), “tai-sabaki” (passing through the attacker’s force line) and “te-no uchi” (the specific hand moving techniques).

In Yasumoto Sensei School the students study classical ju jutsu techniques, binding techniques and half-staff combat techniques – hanbo jutsu. Classical staff “Bo” and short sword combat Arts are included in the syllabus as well. Iai-jutsu (sword techniques) of Moto-ha Mugai Ryu iai heiho or Moto-ha Fudoshin iai are also included in the School. In this unit classical kata and kumitachi (paired techniques) of Mugai Ryu are presented. Iai section is supervised by Nakai Norisato Sensei, 6th dan men no maki, Soke Yasumoto uchideshi and Soke Nakagava student.

The School is based on basic kata training and their realization techniques (“bunkai”.) The kata themselves differ from grade to grade and from Black belt holders (“yudansha”) demand more complicated basic techniques performance. The Master techniques include variety of throttling, carotid arteries strangulation techniques and “kyusho waza” - vital points techniques.

Moto-ha Yoshin Ryu trainings include a lot of “henka waza” (varieties of basic techniques performance depending upon the situation), “kaeshi” (contra-techniques) and “renjoku” (combinations) techniques. “Tanto dori”, disarmament of a knife armed opponent, is a very important unit of the School programme. In addition to basic techniques they also study opponent holds, binding, “kappo” - reanimating techniques and “okui-ho” - bones correction techniques. The trainings also include several types of “randori” training fights.

Having obtained “okuden” degree, the student gets the methods of inner perfection “shugendo”, which include “ketsu-in” (mokuso meditation and kokju-ho breathing practices) and “jumon” (energy meridians functioning methods), “zanshin” (the methods of space control), group fighting techniques and also tactics recommendations for night and limited space fighting.

Yasumoto Akiyoshi was born on 20th December 1933 in Yonago city, Tottori province; then he moved to Nishinomiya. His family, first holding the name Yasuda, in 1649 was officially awarded with Yasumoto surname and “moh” samurai’s family emblem for a great contribution into the province development. The proving documents are maintained by the family.

Yasumoto Akiyoshi is a Japan regions historian and underwater archeologist. He has written several scientific articles devoted to Shimano-ken province, which are based on his underwater archeological finds. He also organized several archeological exhibitions, where collected by him historical values were exhibited. Yasumoto is a Japanese art expert. He owns one of the most significant collections of Japanese “ukiyoe” engravings, “kyokujiku” pictures and “sho” calligraphy. There are “sho” painted by one of the most prominent Martial Arts Master Yamaoka Tesshu and outstanding calligrapher and Zen monk Takuan Soho in his collection.

Yasumoto was a state employee in City hall, teaching disarmament techniques the Japanese police Special Forces in Hyogo. Being invited by jinja monks from his province, he also used to hold jujutsu trainings in temple complexes.

In youth Yasumoto has been rather serious training in boxing for 7 or 8 years and took part in regional tournaments. At the same time he trained (and took part in competitions) judo under his uncle, 8th dan holder and Regional Judo Federation President.

Having achieved 3rd dan in judo and several times become silver medalist in boxing regional competitions, Yasumoto realized that those hand-to-hand fighting techniques were not effective enough. That was caused by his several knife injuries in conflicts with Japanese criminals during the post war period. For some time he was training by himself, trying to find the Teacher and finally met Minaki Saburo, who moved from Tokyo and opened his dojo. As soon as Minako Saburo had opened his dojo, Yasumoto became his student and the leading style Master. His influence on School is quite obvious, as created by him “yoshin no kata” even after his leaving the vorganisation is practiced in lots of foreign Hontai Yoshin Ryu dojos, and some techniques endings, offered by him, has become common. During his studying, both Hontai Yoshin Ryu and Kukishin Ryu were passing as the whole system to all Minaki Saburo students, and only in his last years Soke Minaki officially divided those Schools. After his Teacher, Soke Nakagava, death Yasumoto Sensei received an invitation from Toyama Ryu Soke Yamaguchi Master to study batto jutsu; Yasumoto accepted it and soon had reached 5th dan and Instructor title. At the same time he obtained 6th dan in Seitei Iai from Japanese Iaido Federation.

Yasumoto Akiyoshi received from Mianaki Saburo all his Martial Art style techniques, including stance and kneeling techniques, some ground wrestling techniques, fight methods against group of attackers; knife, stick, sword disarmament techniques; binding; short sword, stick and staff fighting techniques; reanimating techniques; techniques applicable for night and quarters fight and other similar methods (also inner aspects “ketsu-in” and “jumon”). Being trained for years, Yasumoto has gained the entire Hontai Yoshin Ryu knowledge passing and the highest grade menkyo kaiden.

Have made friends with another Minaki’s student Kanazava Akira, Yasumoto started to train also disarming Takagi Ryu old School techniques under his father, Kanazava Ichizu, lead. Besides he practiced Takagi Yoshin Ryu classical techniques and assisted its School Soke, Tsutsui Yoshitaka, during annual demonstrations in Tokyo Budokan.

All this had its influence on his inner “Yoshin Ryu” comprehension, which he had learned in all aspects. At the same time Yasumoto Akiyoshi trained Mugai Ryu Yai jutsu under its Soke Nakagava. He had gained the 6th dan and the title of expert “Renshi” with entire School techniques passing “men no-maki”. Yasumoto Sensei had been also studying “seikotsuin” manual therapy in a special School. Some techniques were included in his Martial Art School.

Since 1981 Yasumoto Sensei is well-known in Europe and USA as one of the most popular teacher for jujutsu International Congresses and Seminars. To his first traditional jujutsu training in Italy he was invited by World Jujutsu Federation, afterwards he visited USA, Great Britain, Northern, Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Due to Soke Minaki decision, Yasumoto demonstrated two of three basic Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu kata in movie, which was shot by Japanese Kobudo Federation. The present Hontai Yoshin Ryu Soke, Inoue Koichi, was assisting him.

In 2006 Soke Yasumoto together with his student, “okuden menkyo” holder, Evgeny Radishevsky wrote his first book about “Moto-ha Yoshin Ryu Ju Jutsu”, which was published in the Russian and the English languages. The book describes the main forms and principles of the School.

In 2009 Soke was one of the creators of hand-to-hand fighting syllabus for Ukraine first persons guarding, and on 12th May was officially awarded with State Security Management departmental honorable award “For outstanding merits”. The same year he was also awarded with Andrey’s medal of Ukraine Military Forces “Honor, Courage, Law”.

The same year the branches of his School operate in Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Byelorussia, Lithuania, Moldova, Israel, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden and USA.

Takenouchi Ryu (or Takeuchi Ryu) is considered to be the oldest Ju Jutsu School survived up to the present time. Takenouti Nakatsukasadayu Hisamori Master (direct descendant of Minamoto line) is considered to be its founder. The School was grounded on 24th June 1532. The family castle was lost during the Ukita Ienao military campaign under the lead of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. According to the legend Takenouti formed his School having left for mountains and studying Martial Art under some “illusive warrior”, who used to appear at nights in the shrine, where he was training. It is stated in Takenouchi Keisho Den that the Master was training not far from Shinto Sannomia sanctuary (probably, dedicated to Hatiman Okami - the Minamoto patron). He had been training without any rest for 6 days and nights with 72 cm wooden sword (rather big for a low height Master); afterwards, being extremely tired, he fell asleep putting his head at bokken. The Master was awaken by someone white haired and with a big beard, looking so terribly that he decided that it was the vision of Atego God. The future founder of the School tried to come into fight but was defeated very fast. A stranger, who happened to be a mountain priest, said – “At the very moment you meet an enemy – your life and death are predetermined. That what is called military strategy”. Then he informed that the long weapon not always must be preferable and broke the bokken into two parts, making two dagger models. Taking into consideration the recommendation of a new Teacher, Hisamori put them over his belt and began to study the usage of short weapon, called them “kogusoku” or “koshi no mavari”. The Teacher also taught him tying methods using the vine. Shinden Torite Gokkajo – five methods to defeat an enemy fast – was the basis of studying under that yamabushi. These methods do exist in the School even today. As a legend says, after the studying session the priest disappeared in a light spark.

Being 64 years old, the founder passed his School to his son – Takenouchi Hitachinosuke Hisakatsu, who, in his turn, enriched it with the new combat methods. Lots consider Takenouchi Ryu to be the basis of Bu Jutsu of all Western part of the country.

Takenouchi Ryu succession line did not interrupt and could be still entirely tracked. The School was divided into three styles, existing nowadays: Soke, Soden-ke and Bichu-den (or Bichu Shihan kyo). The division into Soke and Soden-kyo took place after 8th Tradition holder, Takenouchi Toichiro Hisayoshi Master. The School was inherited by Takenouchi family relatives. It is known that the first Soke line successor, Gemonta Ikeuchi, was not the family relative, but before he inherited the School, had been taken into the Family with the name Takenouchi. Soden-kyo line goes from Takenouchi family relative named Tojuro Hisatane.

The second School leader passed it to Takenouchi Kaganosuke Hisayoshi, who became famous for his duels with superior strength opponents. He was the founder of Bichu-den (or Buchu Shihan kyo) line, which was passed to Takenouchi Seidayu Masatsugu, who received menkyo kaiden and left for Bichu region (Okayama). According to the province dialect, Takenouchi was pronounced as Takeuchi. The syllabus of the line includes the syllabus of Soke and Soden-kyo lines, including additional techniques units, borrowed from the Martial Arts, practicing in Okayama. Not long ago, at all School styles Masters meeting, it was admitted that the syllabus of all styles was almost unchanged and similar. The 16th main Master of the Bichu-den line became Ono Yotaro Sensei - a great Martial Artist, “syakuhachi” tradition flute playing, “mahito” earl title holder and famous Japanese garden designer, who teaches this art in Kiyoto Zokei Geijutsu University.

The main School line was passed to Takenouchi Toichiro Hisatsugu, then to Takenouchi Toichiro Hisamasa, then to Takenouchi Toichiro Hisashige, Takenouchi Toichiro Hisataka and at last to 8th Head of the School - Takenouchi Touchiro Hisayoshi, who divided it into two lines. One line was passed to Gamonta Hisayori (who took the Takenouchi family name), and, as it was mentioned above, Takenouchi Tojiro Hisatane became the head of another line. After Gamonta Hisayeri the School was led by Takenouchi relatives: Toichiro Hisao, Toichiro Hisanori, Toichiro Hisatsugu, Toichiro Hisanori and 14th Master Toichiro Hisamune. Soden-kyo line was inherited by Tojyuro Hisatane, Tojyuro Hisamitsu, Tojyuro Hisahiro and 13th head of the line - Tojyuro Hisatake.

Takenouchi Ryu is a complex martial art system, which includes lots of units: armed combat “yoroi kumiuchi” and unarmed combat “ju jutsu” methods, “bo jutsu” staff and halberd “naginata jutsu” fighting methods, “ken-jutsu” fencing art, “iai-jutsu”, knife “tanto-jutsu”, binding “hojyo-jutsu” techniques and “tessen-jutsu” fan usage methods. Some School styles also include “tanbo-jutsu” short stick techniques. The Ju Jutsu of this School varies and has a wide techniques arsenal. It is interconnected with holds and binding methods and with short weapons usage. There are also the objects not characteristic but used in the School as a weapon - for instance, umbrella or pot cap. Shuriken throwing, kusari (chain), jitte (rod), kusari-gama (chain sickle) usage are also taught. Documentary it is the oldest School, which uses in teaching syllabus rokusyakibo - 180 cm staff. Bichu-den also uses methods called “torite”, “hade” and “komidare”.

This School is considered to have the widest techniques arsenal in Japanese bu jutsu. Today it includes 500 fighting methods. The School’s basic training begins with 11 kogusoku methods and bo jutsu or kempo. Bo jutsu is considered to have a great influence on the further mastering the School techniques and strengthen the student. Iai-jutsu unit is introduced into the teaching syllabus rather fast. Then gradually introduced the methods of other weapons usage and 8 Toshi Hade techniques - “kyusyo” vital points hits, intended to defeat an armoured opponent. Then torite (holds methods, detention and arresting, usually on walk), zaai, kumiuchi and komidare units are studied afterwards. Takeuchi Ryu is developed in accordance with Shu-Ha-Ri tradition and has three main ways of techniques performance, starting with formal to smoother and smoother ones. A great accent is made on distance breaking and entering, which is very important in case of armed opponent.

It is known that at the end of the 19th century some School Shihans succeeded in fights against Kodokan Judo representatives. Kata methods from kumiuchi unit, characterized for Bichu-den, are considered to bring the victory. It is ground grappling techniques with throttling and painfull elements, which would not be allowed in sport Judo today because of its rules.

Takenouchi Ryu influenced very much a great number of traditional Japanese Martial Art Schools, particularly Takagi Ryu ju jutsu (its second Head was defeated by elderly Takenouchi Master and became his student, consequently he had got entire passing of the School knowledge). The official duels were carried out in Tsuyama castle in Mimasake region in the presence of the Lord Mory, which is proved by both Schools authorities.

At that time Takeuchi Master was travelling along the country holding his “musha shugo”. He was described to be not tall and brawny. Opposite to him young Takagi was known for driving the coins into wood with his fist strikes and for being very huge (about 185 cm, which was very unusual for medieval Japan). In spite of significant size and strength difference, Takagi was defeated and controlled twice. The descriptions say that Takagi held Takeuchi with both hands and tried to make some technique, but at the moment he was changing the grab, Takeuchi slipped out striking with fist to groin, then captured and threw him over. It was knockdown, and as Takagi regained consciousness, he was already partially bound. However, being very strong, he tore the rope and had a try to release. At that moment Takeuchi snatched his short sword out and put it to Takagi’s neck. The next fight was similar. The fight was stopped by the Lord Mory. Takagi immediately asked Takeuchi to become his teacher.