what we study

The art we study (Ninjutsu & Budo Taijutsu) is based on Bujinkan Ninjutsu Budo Taijutsu.

Our clan is called BUJIN SHINOBI ZOKU (Divine Warrior Ninja Clan) and we call what we study
BUJIN SHINOBI BUJUTSU (Divine Warrior Ninja Martial Arts).

Our training includes Daken Taijutsu (striking - punches, kicks, elbows, knees, head butt etc.), Jutaijutsu (Grappling), Nage (throws), Katame (ground fighting), Hajutsu Kuho (escapes), Gyaku waza (reversal techniques), Shime waza (strangles), Koppo jutsu (bone attacking), Koshi jutsu (vital point attacking), Kenjutsu (blade/sword methods), Bojutsu (staff methods), Shuriken jutsu (throwing weapon methods), Yari & Naginata jutsu (spear & halberd methods), Kusari jutsu (chain weapon methods), Tenmon (meteorology), Chimon (geography), Bo ryaku (Stratagy), Kyojitsu Tenkan Ho (philosophy), Seishin (Self-awareness) plus much, much more!

All of these different fighting styles are from our art not other arts . . . so it works seamlessly.
9 tested styles that came together over 820 years . . . true MMA (mixed martial art)!

Why train in Ninjutsu?   | What really is Ninjutsu?   |   How does it compare to other arts?

What is the lineages of these arts?   | How do you train to be a Ninja?

Firstly . . . what we DO NOT do!

We DO NOT get other STUDENTS (no matter how high their rank is) to grade students!
We DO NOT put students up a belt level just for paying a fee and showing up to grade . . . all students MUST earn their ranks!
We DO NOT charge parents, family or friends an entry fee to watch their kids, family or friends grade!
We DO NOT hand out second hand belts or put electrical tape on your belt as a step up in level!
We DO NOT charge for a second attempt at your belt if you fail the first!
We DO NOT give you a mass printed certificate that doesn't even have your name on it like some other arts do!
We DO NOT punish students with push ups . . . fitness should be enjoyable not be used as a penalty!
We DO NOT make you buy a different colour uniform as you progress or extra embroidery etc . . . our uniform is long wearing and complete!
We DO NOT add bits and pieces of other martial arts in an attempt to improve the look of our core art!

If you study a martial art that does any of this . . . they are showing no respect to their art or your efforts and obviously just want your money!

Just because they are big, have many students and clubs doesn't mean they offer a quality or a realistically priced service!

We still value EARNING your belt level the original martial arts way by developing RESPECT,
PERSEVERANCE through REPETITION, COMMITMENT, FOCUS and DISCIPLINE!

NOTE: ALL OUR STUDENTS ARE GRADED BY FULL SENSEI INSTRUCTOR GRADING PANEL ONLY AND WE HAVE A PASS OR FAIL GRADING PROCESS!

Friendly (but serious) Warning:
We are not a sport martial art . . . we do not compete in 'all styles' or MMA style tournaments and do not encourage competition using our art!
Please do not approach us for some 'ninja' stuff to use in competition or to add to other arts. Individuals found to be using this art to compete against others, cause harm to others or boost the popularity of another art are dishonourable and will be barred from membership. Please respect our art!

Beware of Karate, Freestyle MA, MMA, Kung fu or Tae kwon do clubs offering 'Little Ninjas' (4-6 year old program),
Ninja, Ninjutsu, Samurai jujutsu or Bushido training . . . they MAY NOT TEACH AUTHENTIC NINJUTSU or SAMURAI arts!
That's like a soccer coach teaching rugby!       See MARTIAL ARTS 'FALSEHOOD vs TRUTH' (KYO vs JITSU)!

Ask your instructor where their art comes from, who started it, what's the direct lineage to a samurai or authentic ninja clan and is it authentic Japanese Budo or a modern changed version?

There is a big difference between adding a few bits of another's art to your own (freestyle) and truly specialising in an unchanged complete art!

Ever heard the phrase "Jack of all trades and master of none!"
The true martial way is to master a whole art before moving on to another!

If you are looking for a quick & easy black belt please look elsewhere . . . with us you will EARN your belts!

OUR CURRICULUM
Yes, we have a structured system of learning, progressing students in a responsible and 'fundamental techniques first' method.
Assessment and a grading process is the only way to ensure students standards.

Overview of our training structure
5 phases (2 lesson weekly) x 3 rotations x 3 terms a year x 3 years = Shodan ho - lower Black Belt
Then 12 months (96 lessons) at Shodan ho - lower Black Belt to achieve Shodan - full Black Belt
Summary: 4 years (plus white belt period) minimum to Black Belt . . . then the real fun begins
Note: students training only 1 day a week will obviously take twice the time to achieve this.

We have far more technique above black belt than below . . . unlike most other arts!

48 weeks training available per year (96 lessons)
3 x 16 week training terms per year made up of,
3 x 5 week rotations of,
2 lessons per week for each of the 5 phases. (30 training lessons per term)
Plus;
1 star belt awarding/new belt orientation lesson (start of each ‘training term’) and,
1 ’in class assessment’ award lesson (end of each ‘training term’).
Summary: 32 lessons per belt level

Each Phase is 2 lesson per week of;

Week 1)     Kihon Happo (8 fundamental ways), including variations, counters and weapons disarm also kamae (postures),

Week 2)     Sanshin (‘Three hearts’ method) also kamae (postures) includes buki o toriageru jutsu disarms (weapons disarms methods),

Week 3)     Taihenjutsu (break falls/rolls) also furoa keiko (mat work/floor training) - nage gata (throws).

Week 4)     Hajutsu Kuho (escape methods) also gyaku waza (reversals), shime waza (strangles),

Week 5)     Dakentaijutsu (striking methods) also taiso, atemi no tanren (body & strike conditioning)
also jutaijutsu (supple body methods) - suwari gata (kneeling methods).

      Buki jutsu (weapons) is studied in the last 1/2 hour of each class for 13 year old and over.

1st 'rotation' (5 week phase) of each term will be learning of new technique for belt level (VERY important not to miss this 1st 5 weeks)
2nd 'rotation' (5 week phase) of each term will be for practice of new (and existing) technique for belt level
3rd ‘rotation’ (5 week phase) of each term will be for practice and an assessment for grading readiness (in class assessment for ‘star belts’).

Break for 4 weeks - 1 week before Christmas, Christmas/new year’s week and 2 weeks after new years.

Training in school holidays - all clubs can attend 2 (or 1 extended) ‘group’ lessons per week out in the field, at other training facilities (e.g. climbing
wall, ice arena, horse riding, beach, weapons, forest etc.) or at one designated dojo. (extra cost may apply – equipment, entry fees, hire etc)

‘Tai Kai’ (gathering - camp) once a year in school holidays held over 4 days, 3 nights.
‘Gasshuku’ - training events (1 day or 2 days/1 night) usually held in school holidays.
Note: ALL attending adults (18+) must get working with children police check at own expense for over night events.

INSTRUCTOR STATUS: There is no requirement to become a sensei (instructor) just because you achieve Black Belt or above, you can train through our belt levels without the pressure of that expectation.
Instructor status requires a separate training course involving time commitment, loyalty and further study in instructing Ninjutsu plus Sport (coaching) Specialising in Martial arts nationally recognised qualifications. You can apply for instructor training from Green Belt on, starting as a Deshi (apprentice), conditions and extra fees apply. Note: There is no guarantee of acceptance upon applying or 'work' upon completion.
We only accept suitable candidates (keen to work with kids) for Instructor training and positions.
Click here to see instructor courses

The following is studied up to Black Belt.
It is the basics or fundamentals of all 9 styles that make up our art then each 'Black Belt Dan' is mastery of one of the nine styles.

1)    RESPECT - SELF AND OTHERS Everything begins and ends here.

Bowing - Sitting and standing          "Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo" explained in class.

1.        BREATH WORK Your breath is spirit. You will learn several types of deep breathing techniques to quiet, still and reflect the mind.

2.        MEDITATION (meditation or quiet thought, inner prayer).

3.        JUNAN TAISO (Muscle flexibility & conditioning skills) Muscle stretching and body conditioning will be done before technique section of
     class commences.

4.        UKEMI GATA TAIHENJUTSU (ground hitting skills, breakfalls, rolling and leaping)

a)        Zenpo Ukemi (forward breakfalls)

i)        Zagata (kneeling)

ii)       Shizen (standing)-Ryote (two hands) Katate (one hand)

iii)      Tsuki (punching/kicking from breakfalls)

b)      Koho Ukemi (backwards breakfalls)

c)      Yoko Nagare Ukemi (sideways breakfall)

d)      Zenpo Kaiten (forward rolling)

i)       Ryote (two hands)

ii)      Katate (one hand)

     Naname (diagonal)

i)       Ryote (two hands)

ii)      Katate (one hand)

iii)     Mute (no hands)

e)       Koho Kaiten (backwards rolling breakfall without raised leg)

i)       Ryote (two hands)

ii)      Katate (one hand)

iii)      Mute (no hands)

f)        Sokuho Kaiten (side roll keeping eye contact)

i)       Yoko Nagare Kaiten (side roll starting like a breakfall)

g)       Oten (Cartwheels)

i)        Ryote (two hands)

ii)       Katate (one hand)

h)       Hicho Kaiten (both height and distance rolling breakfalls)

i)        Yokonagashi Zenpo Ukemi (ground drop)

j)        Sanpo (walking)

k)       Kiten (handsprings) - optional for gradings

l)        Kuten (front and back flips - no hands) - optional for gradings

m)      Shiho Tenchi Tobi (directional Heaven-Earth leaping techniques)

i)       Sokuho Tobi (sideways leap)

ii)       Fudoza Tobi (leap up with legs tucked)

iii)      Zenpo Tobi (front leap)

iv)      Koho Tobi (backwards leap)

n)       Shoten No Jutsu (running up surfaces)

o)       Kuhi (flying techniques)

p)       Shinobi Aruki (silent movement)

q)       Tai Sabaki (body evasion)

r)        Nobori Kata (climbing buildings, trees, poles)

s)       Stealth (ground crawling)

t)        Inton (concealment/escape)

2)       SHINKEN TAIHENJUTSU - Muto Dori Gata (Sword evasion Forms)

a)       Hira

b)       Ichimonji

c)       Jumonji

3)       KAMAE - Basic Taijutsu Postures (there are many more)

a)       Seiza No Kamae

b)       Shizen No Kamae

c)       Kongo Gassho No Kamae

d)       Ichimonji No Kamae

e)       Hira No Kamae

f)        Jumonji No Kamae

g)       Kosei No Kamae

h)       Hicho No Kamae

i)        Hoko No Kamae

j)        Doko No Kamae

k)       Ihen No Kamae

l)        Fudoza No Kamae

4)       SANSHIN NO KATA

a)       Chi No Kata (EARTH)

b)       Sui No Kata (WATER)

c)       Ka No Kata (FIRE)

d)       Fu No Kata (WIND)

e)       Ku No Kata (VOID)

5)       KIHON HAPPO GATA - Eight Fundamental Forms

a)        Koshi Sanpo Methods

i)       Ichimonji No Kamae

ii)      Hicho No Kamae

iii)      Jumonji No Kamae

b)       Torite Goho Methods

i)       Omote Gyaku

ii)      Oni-kudaki or Omote Gyaku Ken Sabaki Gata (against a punch)

iii)      Ura Kote Gyaku

iv)      Musha Dori - Ude Jime Ashi Ori Gata

v)       Ganseki Nage

6)       DAKENTAIJUTSU - Techniques of Striking

a)        Hokenn Juroppo - Sixteen Secret Fists

i)       Kikaku-Ken -- Demon Horns Fist (striking with the head)

ii)      Shuki-Ken -- Hand Start Fist (striking with the elbow)

iii)     Fudo-Ken -- Unmoving Fist (clenched fist/immovable fist)

iv)     Kiten-Ken also called Shuto -- Turn-Causing Fist (half open sword hand, chop)

v)      Shishin-Ken -- Finger Needle Fist (use the little finger)

vi)     Shitan-Ken -- Finger End Fist (Sanshitan - uses three fingers primarily)

vii)    Shako-Ken -- Mantis Crab Fist (thrust with fingers/palm)

viii)   Shito-ken -- Finger Sword Fist (striking with the thumb)

ix)    Shikan-ken -- Finger Ring Fist (hit using extended knuckles)

x)     Koppo-ken -- Bone Method Fist (use of extended thumb knuckle

xi)    Happa-ken -- Eight Leaf Fist (palms of both hands)

xii)    Sokuyaku-ken -- Foot Dance Fist (heel/sole kick)

xiii)   Sokki-ken -- Foot Start Fist (striking with the knee)

xiv)   Sokugyaku -- Ken Foot Reverse Fist (striking with extended toes)

xv)    Tai-ken -- Body Fist (striking/crushing with the body)

xvi)   Ki-ken -- Spirit Fist (striking from afar with mind/spirit/intention)

7)       HAJUTSU KUHO (Breaking Out Art Nine Methods)

a)       Tehodoki

b)       Taihodoki

c)       Oyagoroshi

d)       Kogoroshi

e)       Koshi-kudaki

f)        Happo-geri

g)       Keri-kudaki

h)       Ken-kudaki

i)        Secret

8)       GYAKU WAZA - Reversal Techniques

a)       Takeori - (outside/inside)

b)       Omote-gyaku (outside reversal)

c)       Ura-gyaku (inside reversal)

d)       Hon-gyaku (base reversal)

e)       Omote Oni-kudaki (outside demon crusher)

f)        Ura Oni-kudaki (inside demon crusher)

g)       Musha-dori (warrior take)

h)       Muso-dori (warrior pair take)

i)        Oogyaku (great reversal)

9)       SHIME WAZA GO-KATA - Five Strangulation Techniques

a)       Hon-jime (base strangle)

b)       Gyaku-jime (reverse strangle)

c)       Itami-jime (pain strangle)

d)       Sankaku-jime (triangular strangle)

e)       Do-jime (torso strangle)

10)    NAGE WAZA - Throwing forms

a)        Ganseki nage (rock throw)

i)        Ganseki-otoshi (rock drop)

ii)       Ganseki-oshi (rock press)

iii)      Ganseki-ori (rock break)

b)       Hari goshi (sweeping hip throw)

c)        Gyaku Nage (reversal throw)

d)       Taki-Otoshi (cataract drop) waterfall straight down

i)      Seoi-nage (back throw)

ii)     Koshi-nage (hip throw)

e)        Oosoto nage (great outside hook throw)

f)        Uchi-Mata Uchi-Gake (inner thigh inside hook throw)

g)       Hane-Koshi Nage (snapping hips throw)

h)       Itami-Nage (pain throw)

Shodan Ho throws

i)         Ryusui-Nage (flowing water movement)

i)        Tomoe-nage (whirl throw)

ii)       Tachi-nagare (standing flow)

iii)      Yoko-nagare (sideways flowing)

iv)      Temakura (hand pillow)

v)       Kuruma-nage (wheel throw)

11)    WEAPONS - Basic usage & disarm (we actually have a technique curriculum including actual kata, postures, strikes etc for each weapon,
                                                            unlike other 'freestyle' arts we don't 'make up' or get you to 'invent' your own weapons methods!)

                  Both Kotsu (essence/feeling) and Kihon Jutsu (fundamental methods) is taught for all weapons up to Black Belt.

                  Note: Kamae = Postures, Daken = strikes/targets, Sanshin = 5 elements kata, Uke = receiving/blocks,
                     Gata or Waza = kata with a partner (Renshu), Nage = throws, Kiri = cuts, Kotsu = essence/feeling.

                  Shoden (Basic belts - 3 Yellows)

1.      Hanbo - 3 ft wooden staff (9 Kamae, 5 Daken, 5 Sanshin, 1 Uke, 1 Gata)

2.      Tanbo - 1 - 1.5 ft (approx) baton (2 Kamae, 5 Daken, 3 Gata)

3.      Rokushakubo - 6 ft wooden staff (10 Kamae, 2 Uke, 5 Sanshin, Bofuri gata, 1 Gata)

Chuden (Intermediate belts - 3 Greens)

4.      Kusari Fundo - rope/weighted chain (2 Kamae, 5 Daken, 1 Uke, 1 Gata, 1 Nage)

5.      Shuriken - throwing blades (Mihon, Atsukau)

   a. Senban -flat blades (5 Kiri, Nageru, Kurinuku)

   b. Bo - long pointed spikes (5 Kiri, Nageru, Kurinuku)

6.      Shuko - hand claws (9 Kamae, 4 Uke, 5 Sanshin, Nage)

Okuden (Advanced Belts - 3 Browns)

7.      Kyoketsu Shoge - ring, chord, dagger

8.      Metsubushi- blinding substances

9.      Tanto - dagger/knife

10.     Katana kamae - Sword postures bokken (wood)

11.     Iaijutsu & Shinobi Ken Iaijutsu - Samurai & Ninja sword draws (blunt metal)

12.     Tameshigiri - sword cutting (live blade)

Then after Black Belt the following are studied throughout the Dan belt levels . . .

13.     Hanbo - 3 ft wooden staff (8 Kihon, 4 Reiho, 16 Gata)

14.     Tessen - Fan (3 Gata - Kocho, Shuko Kudaki, Kasumi Jime)

15.     Rokushakubo - 6 ft wooden staff (6 Kihon, 9 Shoden Gata, 9 Chuden Gata, 9 Okuden Gata, 25 Keiko Sabaki Gata, 2 Nuke)

16.     Kenjutsu - Sword fencing (padded)

17.     Kodachi - Short sword (2 Kamae, 3 Gata)

18.     Yari - spear or Sojutsu (2 Rei, 6 Kihon Kamae, 2 Keiko Kata, 9 Kaisetsu Gata, 9 Kasumi Gata, 10 Hencho Gata)

19.     Naginata - halberd (7 Kamae, 4 Kihon Kamae, 9 Kihon Waza, 3 Kihon Kiri)

20.     Bisento - Broad blade (3 Kamae, 9 Gata)

21.     Jojutsu - 4.5 - 5" staff (6 (Kamae, 8 Gata)

22.     Jutte - like a Sai (1 prong) (5 Kamae, 4 gata - Kiri no Hitoha, Rakka, Gorin Kudaki, Mizu Tori)

23.     Kusari Gama - Sickle and chain (5 Kamae, 10 Gata)

24.     Kyujutsu - Archery (samurai style)

25.     Teppo Yumi - crossbow (Makiwara)

26.     Firearms - (disarm and use)

27.     Han Yumijutsu - Archery 'half bow' (ninja style)

Sorry Nunchaku and Sai are not ninja weapons in spite of what you see in the cartoons or movies!

Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu - completed for Second Dan Black Belt
The Jewelled (or pearl) Tiger School of "bone finger art"

Gyokko ryu is roughly divided into three sections: unarmed vs unarmed, unarmed vs knife, unarmed vs sword.
The basic movements are that of a spinning top. If a lock is placed on a joint, the joint is held still by the body, while the feet move one's body around the joint. Because footwork takes time, nerve strikes are applied before and during the motion.
The movement in Gyokko ryu is also around an opponent's fixed point of balance.
Muto Waza are unarmed against either sword or spear and are the most advanced and difficult techniques of the Ryu.
Other specialties of this school are Koshi jutsu (attack on muscle, pressure point and nerve points), Shito jutsu (use of thumb and other fingers), Ken jutsu (sword), Ko Dachi (short sword), So jutsu or Yari (spear), and Bo jutsu (various sticks).

Note: Waza, Gata and Kata all refer to technique as in a series of moves to deal with a given situation, Gata & Waza are performed with a
partner, Kata is like a Karate Kata or Tae kwon do form done on ones own

Kihon Happo Gata
Koshi Sanpo - 3 Waza
Torite Kihon Goho Gata - 5 Waza

Shizen No Kata - 5 Waza

Taihen Jutsu/Koshi Jutsu
Muto Dori Gata - 3 Waza
Joryaku - 12 Waza
Churyaku - 8 Waza
Geryaku - 8 Waza

Weapons - KUKISHINDEN RYU Hanbo & Tanbo Jutsu (half staff & hand staff/baton methods)
Kamae - 9 Waza
Kihon Taihenjutsu - 8 Waza
Ken tsuki - 11 Waza
Ashi tsuki - 5 Waza
Te dori - 15 Waza
Sode dori - 12 Waza
Tai hodoki - 4 Waza

Plus KUKISHINDEN RYU Kodachi (short sword) - 3 Gata

Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu - completed for Third Dan Black Belt
The Immovable Heart School of "hard weapon body art"

One of the secret attributes of Shinden Fudo ryu is the "Principle of nature". The ryu originated by Genpachiro Temeyoshi in the mid 12th century. It is traced back to Kosshijutsu which was introduced by Izumo Kanja Yoshitero. Kuki Takei from the Kuki family of Kukishin ryu was also from the Shinden Fudo ryu. Takenaka Tetsunoke, senior student of Jigoro Kano (the founder of Judo) was at one time a student at the Shinden Fudo ryu Dojo. Kuden says that Yari was taught to Izumo (the founder) by Tengu (demons) and these techniques still remain a secret today. The school uses several different types of Yari (spear), Ono (war axes), O-tsuchi (war hammers) and Naginata (halberd). Hojojutsu (the art of tying someone with a rope) is used along side the Taijutsu, to help restrain the opponent. The school is specialized on Jujutsu and Iainuki (fast sword drawing). The Taijutsu of this school bases on Jutai jutsu (levers, controls and throws) and on Daken Taijutsu (punching techniques).

Daken Taijutsu (striking body methods)
Ten no Maki - 8 Waza
Chi no Maki - 8 Waza
Shizen Shikoku no Kata - 12 Waza

Jutaijutsu (supple body methods)
Kamae (5 postures)
Shoden Gata/Juroku Gata - 16 Waza
Chuden - 11 Waza
Okuden - 8 Waza

Weapons - KUKISHINDEN RYU Bo Jutsu (staff methods) & Tessen (War fan)
Rokushaku Bo Kihon Gata - 6 Waza (6 foot staff basics)
Keiko Sabaki Gata - 25 Waza
Shoden Gata - 8 Waza
Chuden Gata - 11 Waza
Okuden Gata - 6 Waza

Tessen - 3 Gata

Takagi Yoshin ryu Jutaijutsu - completed for Fourth Dan Black Belt
The High Tree and Awakened Heart School

This school was organized by Takagi Oriemon Shigenobu in the beginning of 1600. He learned this art from a monk named Unryu, who was a master of Amatsu Tatara Rinpo Hiden ryu. Oriemon added to his master's teachings some techniques of Jujutsu from Takanchi ryu and he thereby created a ‘perfect’ combat system. Along with Jujutsu, this school also uses Dakentai jutsu (punching techniques), which are applied without any strength. Techniques are fast and directed to short combat distance, and they are based on such methods that they do not allow the opponent to escape with rolls. Weapons used in this school are Bo (stick), Yari (spear), Kodachi (short sword), Shuriken (throwing blades), and Tanto (knife).

Jutaijutsu
Shoden no Kata - 13 Waza
Chuden no Sabakigata - 10 Waza
Chuden no Tai no Gata - 15 Waza
Okuden no Gata - 15 Waza
Eri Shimegata - 8 Waza
Moguri - 11 Waza
Daiso Sabakigata - 14 Waza
Muto Dori - 7 Waza

Weapons - KUKISHINDEN RYU So Jutsu (spear methods) & Naginata Jutsu (Halberd)
Sojutsu - Yari
Kai Setsu Gata - 9 Waza
Gokai Gata - 9 Waza
Menkyo Kaiden Hencho Gata - 10 Waza

Naginata Jutsu
Kamae - 7
Kihon Kamae - 4
Kihon Waza - 9
Kihon Kiri - 3

'Technique for following belts available upon successful Sakki/godan test currently only performed in Japan'

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu - completed for Fifth Dan Black Belt
The Tiger Knocking Down School of Bone Structure Art

Sakagami Taro Kunishige was considered as the first Soke in Koto Ryu, but Bando Kotaro Minamoto Masahide, the one that was to be the 2nd Soke died in battle 1542. Instead the Ryu went to Sougyoku Kan Ritsushi who also was the Soke of Gyokko Ryu. There after the Koto Ryu was following the same family line as Gyokko Ryu. The difference as apposed to Gyokko Ryu was that Koto Ryu was only taught to the person that would become the next Soke. Koppojutsu means to destroy the bone structure on the attacker. What specializes the Koto Ryu techniques is that distance is created by moving along with the attack, then moving forward with a strike and then move quickly out to a safe distance again. This is done to come in with a strike at exactly 90 degrees against the bone structure of the attacker to do the most damage. To do this demands good timing and rhythm in the defensive attack, often done with Yoko Aruki (moving with the legs crossing each other). Another important part of the footwork is to hit the attackers toki (the top of the foot), by kicking or stepping on it to control his balance. It should also be noted that the starting distance should be really big from the start, the attacker must take one big step or several steps to reach the defender. This states clearly that Koto Ryu was developed for the battlefield or out doors in general, and not inside a house or narrowed places. The Koto Ryu stylist should be looking right between the attackers eyebrows, so that the attacker cannot read the intentions through his eyes. The attacker will also believe that he has eye contact, which will be confusing for him. Other typical methods of Koto Ryu are the use of Metsubushi, different ways of blinding the attacker or attacking the eyes directly. Metsubushi could be powder thrown at the attackers eyes, but also reflections at the eyes from the sword or other metal blades. For example when it rains the Koto Ryu stylist will stand in Mangetsu No Kamae (similar to Hoko No Kamae with the blade in the left hand) and collect water in the hi (blood groove) of the blade and then throw the water at the enemies eyes before the sword slashes down. Because of the hard character of the Koto Ryu techniques it demands hard discipline training to harden the body. Takamatsu Toshitsugu started his training in Koto Ryu when he was nine years old, and was considered a Koto Ryu master when he was 13 years old. In his self biography he has written that he got hard fingers and toes by hitting stone and gravel until the blood came through the finger and toenails. Shako Ken (claw hand) is one of the strikes that is used in Koto Ryu. There are story's about Takamatsu Sensei in the 1960's when he convinced Koizume Shizuo, a journalist from the Tokyo Sport Newspaper, by literally drilling five holes through the bark of a tree with his Shako Ken finger strike (‘Claw’ hand). Koto Ryu also has an unusual way of using the katana. Koto Ryu is one of the very few Ryu that sometimes changes the grip of the sword by holding it with the left hand near the tsuka. This gives multiple ways of holding the sword with crossed arms that would totally confuse the attacker, and sometimes convince him that the stylist was an amateur and an easy opponent.

Taijutsu
Kurai Dori - 5 kamae
Shoden no Kata - 18 Waza
Chuden no Kata - 12 Waza
Okuden no Kata - 12 Waza
Hekito - secret teachings

Jojutsu
Kamae - 6
Gata - 8

Jutte
Kamae - 5
Gata - 4

Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu - completed for Sixth Dan Black Belt
The Nine Demon School of "eight secret weapons arts"

This school is believed to have roots in China and is also said to be founded in the 12th century. Its founder is Izumo Koshiro Terunobu, who learned from Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru, who is written as the first Soke. The word Kuki in the name of the school was obtained after the event, when the master of the school saved the tsar Go-Daigo, who told him, that he was fighting like Kuki - nine demons. Kukishinden ryu warriors used to wear Yoroi battle armour, therefore strong and direct attacks in certain unarmed points are used. This school also uses Bo Ryaku (special kind of strategy), Sui Ren and Ka Ren (use of water and fire), Onshin jutsu (disguise) and weapons as Hanbo (90 cm stick), Rokushaku Bo (180 cm stick), Kodachi, Shoto, Katana, Dai katana (swords), Kaginawa (rope with a hook), Kusari Gama (sickle with chain), Bisento (heavy weapon similar to helbard) and Daisharin (axle with two wheels). It is also written, that Kukishinden warriors used mast tops for fighting. This system was used as a naval art, and consequently the movements are designed to be used on a ship that is slippery and rocking.

Taijutsu/kenpo - unarmed combat
Hichojutsu - leaping techniques
Nawajutsu - throwing techniques
Koppojutsu - bone braking techniques
Jutaijutsu - grappling/locks
Bukijutsu - weapons (as mentioned above)
Yoroi jutsu - armour techniques
Bajutsu - horsemanship
Suijutsu - water techniques
Kajutsu - fire techniques
Gunryaku Heiho - battle strategies
Tenmon - weather studies
Chimon - geography studies
Onshinjutsu - art of invisibility

Bisento - Broad blade
Kamae - 3
Gata - 9

Kusari Gama
Kamae - 5
Gata - 10

Kyujutsu - Archery (samurai style)

Plus familiarization with other Kikishinden weapons (as listed above)

Gikan ryu Koppojutsu - completed for Seventh Dan Black Belt
The Truth, Loyalty, and Justice School of Bone Structure Art

The Gikan school is almost unknown, as it was never publicly taught. The founder of this martial art system was Uryu Hangan Gikanbo, who lived in Erioku period. He learned his skills from the master named Akimoto Kanai Moriyoshi. Gikanbo was a Koppojutsu (bone breaking), Hichojutsu (jumping) and Senban Nage (blade throwing) specialist. Those are also known characteristics of Gikan ryu. The school is supposed to consist of five traditional levels, which are: Shoden Gata, Chuden Gata, Okuden Gata, Kaiden Gata and Menkyo Kaiden.

Taijutsu
Shoden Gata
Chuden Gata
Okuden Gata
Kaiden Gata
Menkyo Gata

Teppo Yumi - crossbow (Makiwara)

Firearms - (disarm and use)

Togakure Ryu Ninpo - completed over Eighth to Tenth Dan Black Belt
The Hidden Door School

Togakure Ryu Ninpo includes various punching, throwing and levering techniques. It is known by low and wide stances and also by very strong punches, which are mostly directed towards opponent's eyes, ears and diaphragms. Along with Taijutsu, this school includes the art of Onshin jutsu (invisibility).

Weapons:

Ken jutsu (sword - ninja sword)
So jutsu (spear)
Naginata jutsu (helberd)
Bo jutsu (sticks)
Jutte jutsu (multiple bladed dagger)
Tessen jutsu (fan)
Ka jutsu (fire)
Sui jutsu (water)
and three school secrets, named Sanpo Hiden, which are Shuko (hand claws), Senban Shuriken (throwing daggers), and Shinodake (bamboo tube for breathing under water).

Taijutsu technique include:

Santo ton ko
     Migikataude tonso gata
     Hidarikataude tonso gata
     Migitekubisuzi tonso gata
     Atekomi tonso gata
     Koteuchi tonso gata
     Migiuchi tonso gata
     Sayukumogakure no kata
     Metsubushi (blinding technique)

Mukoton no jutsu

Taijutsu ukemi Gata
     Kaeshi Tobi
     Ken Nagare
     Ichi no Kamae
     Itto Dori
     Yoko Geri
     Itto Giri
     Shuko
     Shinobi Gaeshi Gata
     Shige Gaeshi
     Shige Dori
     Sora Tobi
     Yoko Nagare
     Ushiro Nagare
     Sakki Jutsu
Hiden Gata
     Chugaeri
     Yokogaeri
     Tobichigai
     Itto nage
     Teppan nage
     Kirikaeshi
     Sutemi

Han Yumijutsu - Archery 'half bow' (ninja style)

Gyokushin ryu Ninpo - completed over Eighth to Tenth Dan Black Belt
The Jewelled (or pearl) Heart School

Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo was founded in the mid 1500 by Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi. This school is partially directed towards Cho Ho (spying). The head characteristics of this school are said to be Sutemi Nage (sacrificing throwing). This school preferred spying rather then combat, but it is known that many forms of Nage Waza (throws) were used.

Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo - completed over Eighth to Tenth Dan Black Belt
The Hiding in the Clouds School

Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo was founded in the 16th century by Heinaisaemon Ienaga Iga, who was said to have learned his arts from Sarutobi Sasuke.
The taijutsu of this school is very similar to the taijutsu of Togakure ryu. The main differences are, that in Kumogakure ryu jumps as well as multiple blocks are used. The speciality of this school was Kamayari (sickle spear), which was also used on ships. The special weapon, used by warriors of this school was also Ippon Sugi Noburi, which was made of a 25cm long metal tube with three spikes, and through which a long chain with hooks at its ends was laid. This weapon was considered for combat as well as for climbing.