Kukishin Ryu

Amatsu Tatara Kukishin Ryu

Many Ryu-Ha are connected with "Kuki", originating from the Nakatomi (Fujiwara) Clan which later became the Kuki Clan. A famous personage from the clan was Fujiwara no Kamatari and in the 37th generation there was Kuki Takamasa. In 645, during one rebellion, Kamatari was the decisive force that brought it to a halt. From the 38th Emperor Tenchi was given the secret "Amatsu Tatara Hibun" scroll, both as reward and to educate him in his new position as Prime Minister. This scroll contained information to run an effective government and keep a peaceful nation.

In 600 BC, a prince from Karudeia shipwrecked in Japan with three attendants. This Aryan Prince Mimaoh was a reputed scholar on seamanship, astronomy, and philosophy. At Mount Miwa in Nara he joined with the God Empress Amaterasu, and won an appointment as a high government official, with duties including the centralization and effective management of the governing system. When he was made a minister he was presented to the God Empress a special necklace of 72 beads, that beyond being a symbol of office was also a special tool for scrying the future. In Nara, the Council of the Higher Echelon Gods met, proclaiming Amaterasu as Empress (Queen) of Gods and men, presenting her with this necklace. The very talented attendent of the Prince named Hiboko no Mikoto was gifted with 10 jeweled symbols of the Gods for his efforts in their service.

In 550, Buddhist Malays invaded the Yamato area fighting against the Imperial Forces. The base camp was situated at Mount Miwa, and after the Malays were defeated the surrender conditions were contracted. The Malays were given pardon and permission to settle the Iki area. After this the God's Council met again to decide on strategy for future protection of the nation.

It was decided to write a great volume including the true history of Japan, great incidents there of, defensive and offensive tactics, systems of martial arts and weaponry, scrying techniques, governing procedures and systems, including both Tenmon and Chimon.

This treasured scroll took until 10 BC to complete. This became known as the "Amatsu Tatara Hibun no Maki". It was in Tenwa Year 9 - 3rd month in the capitol that Kamatari rewrote the scroll into Kanji from Gods capitals. This single scroll was later divided into 5 volumes, later still being subsectioned into 36 texts with 9 subtitles. Now the main scrolls known of are: Hibun Shiron, Shinpi Kansei no Maki, Kanseiron no Maki, Shinrihen no Maki, Kanagihen no Maki, Hokyo Hiden no Maki, Tenmon Chimon no Maki, Chikujo no Maki, Jinei no Maki, Gunryaku no Maki, Juho Kajutsu no Maki, Kishajutsu no Maki, Kenpo Hishohen no Maki, Sojutsu Hibun no Maki, Naginata Hishohen no Maki, Bojutsu Hishohen no Maki, Jutaijutsu Kappohen no Maki and Bekkan.

In Taisho Year 10 (1920), Takamatsu Sensei was allowed to pen copies of all the priceless Kuki Clan scrolls. He was able to copy almost everything they had. But in Showa year 20 (1945), the Kuki Clan scrolls were destroyed in the firebombing of World War II. Four years later on April 3, Takamatsu Sensei represented the Kuki Clan with beautifully written and bound scrolls that he had rewritten from his own notes.

In 1336, Emperor Godaigo was aided by the Takamasa Clan and he awarded them a higher name "Kuki". Especially Kuki Takamasa was a famous Bojutsu specialist, so the clan was renown for its Bojutsu.

Kukishin Ryu branches are: Kuki Shinden Hyoho, Hontai Kishin Chosui Ryu, Nakatomi Hyoho, Kuki Shinden Happo Bikenjutsu, Tenshin Hyoho Kuki Shin Ryu, Tatara Shinden Ryu, ... . All these were saved by the mighty efforts of Takamatsu Sensei, and no one can claim it isn't so. Takamatsu Sensei was the top genius of martial artists in this age!

© Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei (Bu-Fu Magazine)