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Curriculum
Yagyu Shingan-ryu is one of the great schools
of sogo-bujutsu. Developed around 400 years ago -- during the Sengoku-jidai (waring states period), it is renowned for its practical
and fierce battlefield combat techniques. Yagyu Shingan-ryu Taijutsu consists of:
Jujutsu [unarmed combat]
Jujutsu literally translates as the "supple art".
It employs a wide range of grappling, joint-locking,
sweeping and throwing techniques. Pressure-point striking and some degree of ground-fighting is also included. The Edo line
of Yagyu Shingan-ryu, known as Taijutsu (body art), is often referred to as the hard or muscular style of YSR. While
this may appear to be the case, emphasis is placed on body physics, as opposed to the use of brute strength. There
are over 50 jujutsu kata in the Edo line of Yagyu Shingan-ryu (double that of the Sendai line).
Kenjutsu [sword fighting]
Kenjutsu, as opposed to Kendo, is
a system of sword-fighting techniques designed for use on the battlefields of old Japan. In Yagyu Shingan-ryu Taijutsu, we
use two types of wooden sword for training. The Oodachi is a thick, heavy, wooden sword with a donut-like tsuba
(guard) made of cloth. The second wooden sword is similar to a standard bokuto, but is less-curved (somewhat straight
in appearance). The heavier sword is used to develop strength and control. Traditional breathing techniques are
also a key focus. These methods were developed to enhance the flow of ki (vital energy). Sword kata number around
50.
Yagyu Shingan-ryu uses a 6ft staff (180cm), known as rokushakubo in Japanese.
The staff fighting system appears technically simple to the untrained-eye. The key however,
is the ability to muster huge amounts of power, without relying on brute strength. As with all of our techniques, it is a
matter of skill, not strength. There are 20 kata, in total.
Iaijutsu [sword drawing techniques]
Iaijutsu is the art of safely and effectively drawing and sheathing the sword during combat.
Hojojutsu [rope arresting techniques]
Hojojutsu is the samurai art of arresting an opponent by use of rope or cord.
Legend
Legend has it, Yagyu Shingan-ryu was founded in Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture), in the early
1600's, by one of Japan's most revered samurai, Araki Mataemon [1594-1634].
Araki was a practitioner of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu [under Yagyu Munenori], among
others. Originally, the style was known
as Araki-do. The name
Yagyu Shingan-ryu was conceived after Yagyu Jubei offered to append the Yagyu family name. The word "Shingan"
was chosen to describe a fundamental concept of the style (Zen origin). Shingan, literally
translates as "Heart's Eye" (Soul's Eye), and refers to the faculty of inner-perception or intuition.
When the mind is calmed and the emotions are tamed, a sense of peace and attunement takes place.
Lineage
Traditional scrolls, handed-down over centuries, identify
Araki Mataemon as the originator of our tradition. The Edo-line of Yagyu Shingan-ryu stems from headmaster Koyama Samon [1718-1800],
who carried the art from Sendai to Edo. Koyama established his dojo in Asakusa, Tokyo for 18 years. Later in life, he retired to
his hometown of Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture). Today, both the Sendai and Edo lines are still active. Passed down over the
centuries, from headmaster to headmaster in an unbroken link, the two schools have evolved in slightly different directions,
but still share many common traits.
Current headmaster Kajitsuka Yasushi, began training under
the late, Mutoh Masao in 1965. Mutoh was a collector and historian, specializing in the classical martial arts of
Japan. Throughout his lifetime, he assembled one of the largest collections of rare books, densho and other related materials
in private hands today.
Unlike modern schools of budo, Yagyu Shingan-ryu is an art of war. It was developed for use
on the battlefield. Some of the fathers of modern budo, such as Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of Aikido, and Kanoh Jigoro, the founder of Judo, were
both students of Yagyu Shingan-ryu Taijutsu.
Characteristics
Unlike
its counterpart, the Edo-line of Yagyu Shingan-ryu does not employ the use of armor. Traditionally, we dress in dogi
and hakama. Traditional sandals known as zori are worn on the feet, and a white head-cloth, lined with an iron
plate (insert) is worn to protect the head.
Although the wearing of armor is not a formal part of our repertoire, this does not suggest
that the techniques are not rooted in armored combat -- they are. Students are taught the traditional armored applications,
as well as practical modern applications.
Grading System
The traditional grading system is still in effect today. An additional kyu system has also been implemented to mark a student's progress through the lower grades. There
are a total of 10 kyu-grades.
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David Kawazu-Barber
Kamakura, Japan
© copyright 2006
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