9 Schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Gyokko Ryu (Jeweled Tiger School) - Kosshijutsu
Originally founded by Cho Gyokko. Possibly a female Chinese martial artist in about the 600s. Gyokko Ryu is the foundation of the art we study, Bujinkan Ninpo Taijutsu. It embodies: Powerful blocks, circular movements, and balance taking. The preferred way to block is by hitting with the knuckles to the muscle areas. And using the tips of your fingers and toes to strike.
“Forget the self, be patient, and do not fear dying.”
Shinden Fudo Ryu (Immovable Heart School) - Dakentaijutsu
Originally founded by Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru in the 1100s.Shinden Fudo Ryu is a battlefield art that takes on the feeling of nature. It has no physical kamae (posture). It embodies: Striking, throws, ground fighting, sacrifice throws, and weaponry. As you progress in this school you can also learn its Jutaijutsu (jujutsu).
“Do not allow your heart to be controlled by the demands of greed, ease, or pain.”
Takagi Yoshin Ryu (High Tree, Rasied Heart School) - Jutaijutsu
Originally founded by Takagi Oriuemon Shigenobu in the 1600s. Takagi Yoshin Ryu is known as a bodyguard school. Its students and teachers have been a part of the Imperial Guard of Japan. This school is unique since it is the only style that is taught to be used indoors. It embodies: Throws, sacrifice throws, chokes, locks, controlling the momentum, and weaponry.
“A willow is flexible, but a high tree is breakable.”
Koto Ryu (Tiger Knocking Down School) - Koppojutsu
Originally founded by Momochi Sandayu for the art of Gyokko Ryu in the 1500s. Koto Ryu foundation is Koppojutsu. This is the art of breaking the bone structure. It can be done in multiple ways. It embodies: Strikes, short distances, and quick linear attacks. It is the other half to Gyokko Ryu.
“The eyes are everything.”
Kukishinden Ryu (Nine Demons School) - Happo Hikenjutsu
Originally founded by Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru in the 1100s. The foundation of the school is: Hikenjutsu (weaponry) and dakentaijutsu (striking skills). It is a military arts school used for the battlefield. Akin to our modern Army and Navy branches. Our primary weapon waza (forms) come from this school.
“The art is all about control - controlling yourself, controlling others.”
Togakure Ryu (Hidden Door School) - Ninjutsu
Originally founded by Togakure Daisuke in the 1100s. Togakure Ryu is the foundation of our ninjutsu. It incorporates: Gotonpo (5 ways of escaping), happo hikenjutsu (8 categories of weaponry), and the 18 skills of the Samurai / Ninja. Most noted weapons / tools used are: Sword, shuko, shuriken and shindake (bamboo tube). The test for 5th degree (godan) comes from this school.
“Violence is to be avoided, and Ninpo is Bujutsu.”
Gikan Ryu (Truth, Loyalty and Justice School) - Koppojutsu
Originally founded by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo in the 1500s.Gikan Ryu embodies: Dynamic footwork and special kicks, punches, and throws.
“Once it is seen it is not the art. It is what is not detectable.”
Gyokushin Ryu (Jeweled Heart School) - Ninjutsu
Founded by Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi. Associated with Gyokko and Gikan Ryu. Gyokushin Ryu embodies: Espionage, sacrifice throws, and the lasso. It is a very secret art and not much is known.
“True strength is born from the spirit, not the body.”
Kumogakure Ryu (Hiding in the Clouds School) - Ninjutsu
Originally founded by Iga Heinaizaemon Ienaga who adapted the name, Kumogakure Hoshi, in the 1500s. Kumogakure Ryu embodies: Climbing, leaping skills, chainmail, their special climbing tools / weapons, and a demon mask. This school is similar to Togakure Ryu. From this school we use the mantra to open and close training sessions.
“Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo.”
San Francisco Bay Area, California
International Bujinkan Dojo Association