WEAPONS

The basic foundations of all weapons (Buki), trained in the Genbukan system, are Bojutsu (staff fighting art) and Bikenjutsu (secret sword fighting art). One must first master Taijutsu properly before one will be able to train correctly with weapons.

A Rokushaku Bo (full staff - approximately 180 cm/6 feet) and Hanbo (Sanshaku Bo or half staff - approximately 90 cm/3 feet) are used to train Bojutsu. Training includes bowing, posture training, striking, thrusting, blocking, rolling, locking, etc. The techniques come from various schools like Hontai Kukishin Ryu, Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin Ryu, Kukishinden Happo Bikenjutsu, Kukishin Ryu Shobukyoku, Shinden Kito Ryu, Shinden Tatara Ryu, Yagyu Shingan Ryu, etc. Related arts are Jojutsu (3/4 staff - approximately 126 cm/4.2 feet), Tanbojutsu (small stick of approximately 30 cm/1 foot), Kasa no Jutsu (umbrella/cane), Hensojutsu (disguise) and Tessenjutsu/Sensu Dori (iron fan). The diameter of all these weapons is between 2.4 and 3 cm.

The Genbukan Bojutsu grading system is Sho-Kyu, Chu-Kyu and Jo-Kyu, hereafter Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo and Kaiden are awarded.

A Fukuro Shinai (straight split bamboo sword with leather cover), a Bokken/Bokuto (wooden sword), a Samurai sword and on a higher level basis, a Ninja sword (Shinobi Gatana) are used to train Bikenjutsu. Bikenjutsu (Kenpo) training includes bowing, posture training, drawing, cutting, thrusting, blocking, rolling, locking, sparring, breath controlling, mind controlling, holding a sword, etc. The techniques come from various schools like Kukishinden Happo Biken-jutsu, Tenshin Hyoho Kukishinden, Togakure Ryu, Ono-Ha Itto Ryu, Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu, Shindo Munen Ryu, etc. Related arts are Tantojutsu (knife/dagger), Kodachijutsu (short sword/Shoto/Wakizashi), Daitojutsu (big sword), Nitojutsu (2 swords - Musashi Ryu), Ninja To-Jutsu (approximately 55 cm long) and Tachijutsu (very big sword, mostly used on horseback).

The Genbukan Bikenjutsu grading system is from 9th Kyu to 1st Kyu, hereafter Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo and Kaiden are awarded.

Other weapon-training such as Yarijutsu (Sojutsu/spear), Shurikenjutsu (throwing blade), Naginatajutsu (halberd), Kyujutsu (bow), Kusarigamajutsu (sickle/chain), etc. are exclusive for higher level students. Their ranking-system is Sho-Kyu, Chu-Kyu and Jo-Kyu, hereafter Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo and Kaiden are awarded.

If you want to train in the Bojutsu or Bikenjutsu-system you must be a member of Genbukan.