The 9 Ryu

Schools of the Bujinkan:

GYOKKO RYU - Jewel Tiger School

1st Soke: Tozawa Hakuunsai (circa 1100)
Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (28th Soke)
System: Koshijutsu (Bone Finger Technique) striking system

This is a striking system that focuses on the striking and tearing of soft fleshy areas of the body. This style of striking is based upon Chinese Chuan-Fa (Fist Method) and is said to have been brought to Japan in the 8th century by Yo Gyokko.

How the teachings of Gyokko Ryu were passed from him to Tozawa are unknown, as written records from this era are not available. Gyokko Ryu was incorporated into the collective known as Iga Ryu Ninpo, when it was passed into the Momochi family (circa 16th century) and has been incorrectly referred to as a "ninjutsu" school because of this.


KOTO RYU - Tiger Felling School

1st Soke: Sakagami Taro Kunishige (circa 1300)
Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (18th Soke)
System: Koppojutsu (Bone Breaking Technique) striking system

This is a striking system that focuses on striking the bones and joints of the body with the intention of breaking/destroying them. This style is also said to be based on Chinese Chuan-Fa and is said to have been brought to Japan by Chan Busho. An exact date for this transfer is not given, but it is known that he travelled to Japan by way of Korea.

The teachings of Chan Busho were passed through several generations to Sakagami Taro Kunishige, who redeveloped them and is recognized as the first Soke. However, it was the fourth Soke, Toda Sakyo Ishinsai (circa 1400) who named them "Koto Ryu." Like the Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu was passed on to the Momochi family and became part of the Iga Ryu Ninpo collective.


TAKAGI YOSHIN RYU - High Tree Raise Heart School

1st Soke: Takagi Oriuemon Shigetashi
Taught to Takamatsu by: Ishitani Sensei/Mizuta Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (17th Soke)
System: Jutaijutsu (Grappling Technique) grappling system

This is known as a grappling system, yet it contains a complete repertoire of grappling and striking techniques. An important aspect of its taijutsu (body dynamics) is that techniques are applied in such a way as to limit, and when possible, eliminate, the opponent's chance of applying any ukemi (receiving body) falling/breakfall skills.

The basis for this school is found in the Rinpoden (Shining Method Tradition) of Soun Ryu (circa 1500). Soun Ryu is thought to have been a Taoist sage from China. Two generations later his teachings were redeveloped by Takagi Oriuemon Shigetashi and named Yoshin Ryu. The second Soke, Umanosuke Shigetada, added to the curriculum and renamed the system Hontai (Main Branch) Takagi Yoshin Ryu. Umanosuke travelled all over Japan, duelling and teaching along the way and is responsible for spreading the art.


SHINDEN FUDO RYU - Immovable Diety Tradition School

1st Soke: Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru
Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (26th Soke)
System: Dakentaijutsu (Striking Weapons Body Techniques) striking system

This school is known as a striking system, but also contains a complete repertoire of striking and grappling techniques. This style is based heavily in nature - moving in natural ways, to and from natural positions, flowing/adapting/changing freely like nature.

The first Soke is said to have developed this Ryu from his knowledge of Koshijutsu (see Gyokko Ryu) methods. It was passed on to a member of the Minamoto family (circa 1100) who named it Shinden Fudo Ryu.


GIKAN RYU - Have Regard for Justice School

1st Soke: Usho Bankan Gikanbo
Taught to Takamatsu by: Ishitani Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (15th Soke)
System: Koppojutsu (Bone Breaking Technique) striking system

This is a striking system that traces its roots to the 13th Soke of Gyokko Ryu, Sogyokko Kanritsushi. One of his students taught Usho Bankan Gikanbo who later established Gikan Ryu and is recognized as the first Soke.


KUKISHINDEN RYU - Tradition of 9 Demon Deities School

1st Soke: Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru
Taught to Takamatsu by: Ishitani Sensei/Mizuta Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (28th Soke)
System: consists of 9 sub-sections (see below)

This is a complete system that consists of 9 sub-sections, each specializing in a different aspect of martial culture. It was named "Kukishin Ryu" after Kuki Yakushimaru (circa 1300).

The 9 sections of this school are referred to as Happo Hikenjutsu (Eight Methods Secret Sword Technique). The Happo, first 8 sections, were changed to suit the particular needs of any given time.

· Gunryaku Tenmon Chimon (miltary tactics/strategy)
· Jojutsu/Hanbo (cane/half staff techniques)
· Rokushakubo/Tai no Kuraidori (6ft staff/body management)
· Naginata/Bisentojutsu (small/large halberd techniques)
· Kodachi/Juttejutsu (small sword/truncheon techniques)
· Kisha/Suijutsu (equestrian archery/swimming techniques)
· Sojutsu (spear techniques)
· Taijutsu Kenpo (body technique sword method)


GYOKUSHIN RYU - Jewel Spirit School

1st Soke: Sasaki Goemon Teruyori
Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (21st Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system

This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots back to the 13th Soke of Gyokko Ryu, Sogyokko Kanritsushi. Gyokko Ryu was established by Sasaki Goemon Teruyori, an ancestor of Sasaki Gendayu Sadayasu who was a student of Sogyokko.

This school has never been taught publicly, even to Bujinkan members.


KUMOGAKURE RYU - Hidden (Amongst) Clouds School

1st Soke: Iga Heinaisaemon Ienaga
Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (14th Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system

This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots to Iga Ryu Ninjutsu. It specializes in taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of the Kamayari and Ippon-sugi Nobori. The Kamayari is a spear with a sickle-shaped blade, while the Ippon-sugi Nobori is a tool used for climbing trees. Both were secret tools of this school.

Not much else is known about this school, as it, along with the Gyokushin Ryu, is not taught publicly.


TOGAKURE RYU - Hidden Door School

1st Soke: Togakure Daisuke
Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (34th Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system

This is a system on ninjutsu that specializes in taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of numerous Kakushi Buki (Secret/Hidden Martial Tools/Skills). There were 18 areas in which ninja of this school became proficient, each specializing in a different aspect of Japanese martial culture.

Togakure Daisuke is recognized as the founder of what we now know as Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu (circa 1100). He developed this school from training he had received at Togakushi mountain during his youth, his battlefield experiences and the additional training that he later recieved from Kumogakure Doshi in the Iga province. The Soke lineage of this school includes people from both the Iga and Koga provinces.

Source: http://www.hemelbudo.org.uk/Articles/Bujinkan.pdf