SCHOOLS/STYLES

The unarmed and armed techniques practiced in the Kyu and Dan syllabi of all our public systems (Ninpo, Ju-Jutsu, Goshinjutsu, Koryu Karate, Chugoku Kenpo and weapons) are adapted versions of original techniques coming from various traditional Kobudo and Koryu Bujutsu schools and styles.

Kobudo and Koryu Bujutsu Ryu-Ha are the truly traditional and classical ancient Samurai schools that originated before the Meiji Restoration (1868). These schools and styles differ from Gendai Budo (modern martial arts) such as Judo, Kendo, and Aikido. Some schools fall under the heading of Sogo Bujutsu, meaning that a single school could encompass several disciplines (e.g., swordsmanship, Ju-Jutsu, and stick fighting) (a complete system) and not just focus on a single skill.

In Koryu, techniques are not limited (sometimes even life-threatening), and students also learn etiquette, philosophy, history, culture, strategy, medicine, secret Kuden (orally transmitted principles), etc. Training was not done as a sport but with the intention of learning to survive a real life-or-death fight. Strict discipline, dedication, the will to constantly improve, and the intention to constantly learn are the most important skills for a true warrior.

The traditional grading system consists of Kirigami, followed by Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo, and Kaiden. Proof of certification may include a licensed diploma (Menkyo), a book of transmission (Densho) and/or a scroll (Makimono), all of which are stamped by the Soke (family head).

The schools within the Genbukan system include:

• Kukishin Ryu (Kukamishin Ryu)
• Hontai Kukishin Ryu
• Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin Ryu
• Kukishinden Happo Biken-Jutsu
• Hontai Kijin Chosui Ryu
• Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu
• Hontai Yoshin Takagi Ryu
• Takagi Yoshin Ryu
• Gikan Ryu
• Shinden Fudo Ryu
• Togakure Ryu
• Gyokko Ryu
• Koto Ryu
• Kumogakure Ryu
• Gyokushin Ryu
• Iga Ryu
• Shinden Tatara Ryu
• Shinden Kito Ryu
• Asayama Ichiden Ryu
• Nihonden Tenshin Koryu
• Daito Ryu
• Mugen Shinto Ryu
• Aizuhan Denkei Onoha Itto Ryu
• Yagyu Shingan Ryu
• Araki Shin Ryu
• Bokuden Ryu
• Itten Ryushin Chukai Ryu

If one wants to train Ryu-Ha one must be a member of Genbukan.