Gikan Ryu

Gikan Ryu KOPPOJUTSU Truth, Loyalty, and Justice school Gikan-ryu Koppo Taijutsu Happo Biken was founded in the mid 1500 by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo. Most famous in Bujinkan for the difficult and odd Kamae’s in it’s taijutsu. This school is also specialised in Koppojutsu. Gikan Ryu Soke—Grandmasters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Uryu, Hangan Gikanbo; Yeiroku era (1558-1570) Uryu, Yoshimitsu; Tensho era (1573-1592) Uryu, Yoshimori; Kan-ei era (1624-1644) Uryu, Yoshichika; Kambun era (1661-1673) Uryu, Yoshitaka; Genroku era (1688-1704) Uryu, Yoshihide; Horeki era (1751-1764) Uryu, Yoshimori; Kansei era (1789-1801) Uryu, Yoshiaki; Tenpo era (1830-1844) Uryu, Yoshiyasu; Bunkyo era (1861-1864) Uryu, Gikan; Keio era (1865-1868) Ishitani, Takeoi Masatsugu; approx. death 1905 Ishitani, Matsutaro Takekage; approx. death 1911 Takamatsu, Toshitsugu Uoh; Taisho era (1911-1972)/(born 1888.03.01—died 1972.04.02) Akimoto, Fumio; approx. death 1962 Hatsumi, Masaaki (Yoshiaki) Showa era; (1971-)/(born 1931.12.02- )

Notes about the Sokes Akimoto, Kanai Moriyoshi: He was a student of Sougyoko, Kan Ritsushi who was the 12th Soke in Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu and the 3rd Soke in Koto Ryu Koppojutsu. He is the one who founded the teachings that would become Gikan Ryu, he is not considered to be the founder for reasons unknown. 1. Uryu, Hangan Gikanbo: Gikan Ryu was founded by Uryu, Giganbo who was the Daimyo of Kawachi no Kuni (Kawachi castle). This was a family castle known as Uryujo. It is said that his punch was so powerful that he once broke a sword blade in half. He was also a master of Hichojutsu (leaping techniques) and Senban nage (blade throwing). The “bo” in Gikanbo was probably added to his name after his death. It was a custom to add “bo” (dead) to the end of the deceased person’s name on people with higher social status. Still today deceased persons with a high social status, often have “Ingo” or “Koji” added to the end of their names on their tombstones. 2. Uryu, Yoshimitsu: In his later years he became a monk. 10. Uryu, Gikan: On 27th August 1863 he was fighting for the emperor’s army in a battle called “Tenchigumi no ran.” He was shot in his arm by a musket, but he kept fighting with only one arm. When he could, he retired to the safety of a nearby temple. It was here that Ishitani, Takeoi Masatsugu who already was the Soke of Kukishinden Ryu and Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu found him. Ishitani told him that the battle was already over. Ishitani helped him to recover, and together they escaped to Iga. — Paul Richardson’s Book (4th edition) 11. Ishitani, Takeoi Masatsugu: As he had helped Uryu, Gikan to safety in Iga, a friendship began. Ishitani was then taught the Gikan Ryu, and later received the Menkyo Kaiden, a diploma that verifies that he had learned the Gikan Ryu techniques fully. He was also to be the next Soke of Gikan Ryu, and he added to his own two schools — Kukishinden Ryu and Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu. He died sometime around 1905. 12. Ishitani, Matsutaro Takekage: He came to Takamatsu family match factory in the early 1900 looking for a job, he got the job as the security chief on the factory. He was an old man using his bokken as a cane. He died in the lap of Takamatsu in 1911.

13. Takamatsu, Toshitsugu Uoh (1888.03.01-1972.04.02): He learned Gikan Ryu from Ishitani as well as Kukishinden Ryu and Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu (not to be confused with Takagi Yoshin Ryu, which he learned from Mizuta Tadefuza), for approximately two years between 1903-1905 until the death of Ishitani. He was already an expert in Togakure Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, and Kumogakure Ryu which he had learned from his uncle. He was also an expert of Takagi Yoshin Ryu from Mizuta Sensei. He learned the three schools from Ishitani fast and received Menkyo Kaiden. When Ishitani was about to die he called for Takamatsu, he told Takamatsu that he would be the next Soke for the three schools. He also told him that he should also give a copy of the three Denshos from Takagi Yoshin Ryu to his student, and Takamatsu’s friend, Kakuno Hachiheita. 14. Akimoto, Fumio (born?-Approx. Death 1962): Takamatsu gave the Menkyo Kaiden to several people, including his best friend and senior student Akimoto, Fumio. He died an untimely death in 1962 without a successor. So the Gikan Ryu returned to Takamatsu, and then later passed on to Hatsumi with the other eight Bujinkan ryus sometome between 1968-1971. This is the reason he is listed as the 14th Soke. It is believed that his scrolls were destroyed in the fire bombing of Tokyo in World War II, but this has not been confirmed. Akimoto was also Soke of Shoken Ryu Dakentaijutsu which ran through his own family. This Ryu probably died with Akimoto’s death in 1962. Since Shoken Ryu is not one of the Bujinkan schools, not much is known. 15. Hatsumi, Masaaki (Yoshiaki) (1931.12.02-): He trained with Takamatsu for fifteen years between 1957 and until the death of Takamatsu in 1972. A year before Takamatsu’s death he said that Hatsumi had learned all that he could teach and awarded Hatsumi to be the sole inheritor of the nine Bujinkan schools. Hatsumi still lives and teaches his Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and the nine traditions. Connection to other Schools:

Gyokko Ryu and Koto Ryu Akimoto, Kanai Moriyoshi was a student of Sougyoko, Kan Ritsushi the 12th Soke of Gyokko Ryu and the 3rd Soke of Koto Ryu. These two schools were passed down to Toda, Sakyo Ishinsai and the Momochi family in the Tembun era (1532-1555), and later to the Toda family and down to Hatsumi, Masaaki who now is the 28th Soke of Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu and the 18th Soke of Koto Ryu Koppojutsu.

Izumo Ryu Koppojutsu Another Koppojutsu school called Hontai Gyokushin Ryu can be traced to Sougyoko, Kan Ritsushi the 12th Soke of Gyokko Ryu and the 3rd Soke of Koto Ryu. The founder was named Suzuki, Taizen Taro Kanomaza (or Suzuki, Daizentaro Chikamaza) it was later passed down to Fukao, Tsunouma Shigeyoshi (or Fukao, Kadoma Shigeyoshi) who renamed the school to Izumo Ryu Koppojutsu. Whether or not this school still exists is unknown.

Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo This school can also be traced to Sougyoko, Kan Ritsushi the 12th Soke of Gyokko Ryu and the 3rd Soke of Koto Ryu. The founder was named Sasaki, Gendayu Sadayasu, the school is handed down for 8-10 generations until it come back to the Gyokko and Koto Ryu and the Toda family schools. It is now one of the nine Bujinkan schools under the supervision of Hatsumi Sensei who is the 21 st Soke of Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo.

Hontai Yoshin Ryu Takamatsu was given all Ishitani’s Denshos (scrolls), and was also told that he should give a copy of Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu to his friend Kakuno, Hachiheita. Ishitani then died in the lap of Takamatsu. Kakuno’s school was simply called the Hontai Ryu. Kakuno had three students that received Menkyo Kaiden; they were Wakita Sei Ichi, Tsutsui Yoshihisa (Takagi Ryu from Ummanosuke) and Minaki Saburoji Masanori (Hontai Yoshin Ryu). Minaki also had three students that received Menkyo Kaiden. They were Tanaka Fumon (Minaki den Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu), Matsudo, and Inoue Munetoshi Tsuyoshi (Hontai Yoshin Ryu). Inoue is still active and teaches at his dojo in Kobe. His son travels abroad to teach a couple of times per year.

Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu Takamatsu had a student named Sato Kinbei Kiyoaki which is supposed to have received Menkyo Kaiden of Gikan Ryu, Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu, and Kukishinden Ryu in January 1963 shortly after the death of Akimoto. According to him, he was the 13 th Soke. He did not include Akimoto and Ishitani Matsutaro for reasons unknown, see below for a more detailed list. Menkyo Kaiden is only evidence that the people have learnt the techniques and teachings of a particular school. The title as Soke is given to the person that is most suited to be the next successor of a particular school. Sokeship is not necessarily given to the best pupil, but to the person with the best opportunity or who is best suited to carry on the teachings in the best way.. This ceremony is called Densho Shiki. One of Hatsumi’s oldest student’s named Tanemura Tsunehisa (now Shoto) left the Bujinkan in 1986 after a quarrel with Hatsumi after the funeral of Hatsumi’s mother. Hatsumi was ill for a long period, and Tanemura probably thought that he should take leadership. It is said that Tanemura visited Takamatsu’s wife and asked her if he had her permission to be the next Soke and that she said yes. She is dead now so this cannot be verified. Tanemura also looked up Takamatsu’s former students that were still alive. He is supposed to have met Sato Kinbei and received several Menkyo Kaidens or Sokeship from him. Sato is no longer alive to verify this either. Whatever the reason for the split, neither of them likes to talk about it. The split was only between Tanemura and probably some of his students, and Hatsumi and Bujinkan,. All of Hatsumi’s other students remained loyal. Neither Hatsumi or Tanemura speaks of this incident, nor should we. What happened is their business. Tanemura has his own organization called Genbukan. He claims to be Soke of several schools. Kodokan Judo: Akimoto Fumio the 14th Soke, taught Gikan Ryu (and probably also Shoken Ryu) to Mifune of the Kodokan Judo. He taught him ways of striking and kicking. This was later incorporated into the Judo training.

SOKE LINEAGE: Sonyuhangan Gikanbo (Daimyo of Kawachi) also known as: Unryu Hangan Gikanbo — 1558-1570, Yeirouku era Uryu Yoshimitsu — 1573-1592, Tensho era Uryu Yoshimori — 1624-1644, Kan-ei era Uryu Yoshichika — 1661-1673, Kambun era Uryu Yoshitaka — 1688-1704, Genroku era Uryu Yoshihide — 1751-1764, Horeki era Uryu Yoshimori — 1789-1801, Kansei era Uryu Yoshiaki — 1830-1844, Tenpo era Uryu Yoshiyasu — 1861-1864, Bunkyu era Uryu Gikan — 1865-1868, Keoi era Ishitani Takeoi Masatsugu — approx death 1905 Ishitani Matsutaro Takekage — approx death 1911 Takamatsu Toshitsugu — b. 1887-d.1972 Akimoto Fumio — approx death 1962 Hatsumi Masaaki

It is reported that Gikan ryu came into the Ishitani family during the battle of Tenchigumi (August 17, 1863), which Uryu Gikan participated in. He supposedly was shot in the arm, and retreated to a temple where he was found by Ishitani, who took care of him. They became friends, and Ishitani helped him to escape back to Iga. The punch of Uryu Hangan Gikanbo was said to be so powerful that he once broke a sword with it. One of the teachings from Gikan Ryu is said to be “Bufu ni sente nashi,” which could possibly be translated as “From this side there is not the first strike,” in other words, not to attack first.

Gikan Ryu was developed by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo from knowledge that he received from Sougyoku Kan Ritsushi of the Gyokko Ryu. Fumio Akimoto was a student of Takamatsu Sensei’s prior to Dr. Hatsumi’s time. (If you notice, Fumio died before Takamatsu Sensei). Hatsumi Soke will only demonstrate Gikan Ryu when asked. Generally this school is not taught much. This school is also related to the Izumo ryu Koppojutsu.

SPECIALITIES: Koppojutsu, jutaijutsu. Specializes in Koppojutsu, Originally founded by Sonyu Hangan Gikanbo, lord of Kawachi. The Ryu contains many special kicks, punches, and throws. One of the special teachings of the Ryu in "Bufu ni sente nashi" (from this side there is not the first strike). The dynamic footwork of the Gikan Ryu is used widely within the Bujinkan system. It is said that many of the Gikan Ryu Kamae are "off balance", until they have been extensively practiced. The levels of training in the Gikan Ryu are..

Shoden no Kurai - consisted of 24 techniques Chuden Gata Okuden Gata Kaiden Gata Menkyo Kaiden

Kamae (is this real? it is from a different source than the other stuff.) 1.Shiten no kamae 2.Hachiku no kamae 3.Ichimonji no kamae 4.Sanposhin no kamae 5.Hira Ichimonji no kamae.

KOTSU The main point of the Gikan Ryu is in the way the feet point. The footwork for this Ryu is that the feet point to the shoulders(Right foot to right shoulder etc). Yoko Aruki sideways (Koto Ryu is Diagonal)

KAMAE 1. ICHIMONJI NO KAMAE (Seigan no kamae) The body is side on. The left leg leads, and is almost straight. The right foot, faces the opposite direction behind. The right hand is near the left shoulder.

NOTE This is very off balance, but it is also a very small target for the opponent 2. HIRA ICHIMONJI NO KAMAE The feet are shoulder width apart, the left foot faces to the left and the right to the right. The arms are at shoulder height and stick out to the side. They are straight. It is not known just yet if these are totally correct.

KATA 1. Start in Shizen. Uke strikes with a Right Tsuki. Tori then moves into Migi Seigan. As the hands pass over the punch the fingers point towards the eyes (do not move out of the way, place your right foot on his right foot). Uke applies pressure to your arm. Tori moves 90 degrees to the left, and strikes with a Ura Shuto to Shichibatsu. Ryote Fudo ken, with the left hitting Shichibatsu, and the right hitting just below the shoulder.

HENKA Start from Shizen. uke does a right Tsuki. Tori moves to Seigan, and as the hands pass over pointing to the eyes, press his arm up, and move in with a right kick to his left Satani. If you Jodan Uke is too far to the left kick with your right leg to Omote Sai, on his right thigh. 2. Start from Shizen. Uke does a right Tsuki, do the normal Jodan Uke. He does a left Tsuki. Move to the outside, and strike down, and forwards with the right hand as it aims towards the face.

NOTE The right strike should be open or in Fudo ken. 3. Start in Shizen. Uke does a right Tsuki. Step with the left foot to the outside of his right arm (he aims for the face). Tori as he steps strikes with a left strike to Butsumetsu. Toris right hand grabs the right wrist, and the back of the left Fudo ken strikes down on top of Uke right thigh. Tori drops to his left knee on top of Ukes right foot, and pulls the right hand down and forward. Tori then does a right kick to Men or Suigetsu. Tori then spreads Uke out using both of his hands (Toris knee can stay on the foot). Tori pulls the right arm back ,and kneels on it. Tori reaches under the left leg (above the knee) from Ebi Dori, and the right hand controls the lower back.