Kotō-ryū
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kotō-ryū (虎倒流) ("Knocking down the Tiger School") is a school of koppojutsu (骨法術) , shakenjutsu (車剣術), and kenjutsu (剣術). Masaaki Hatsumi is the current Sōke (head master) of the ryu which was passed on to him by his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu. [1]
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[edit] History
Koto-ryu is based on techniques brought from China by way of Korea by one Chan Busho in the 16th century. The system was codified in 1542 by Sakagami Taro Kunishige, who was also then-Sōke of Gyokko-ryu, which is considered the sister style Koto-ryu. [2]
[edit] Techniques
The densho (scrolls) are arranged in a particular order, and each waza (technique), kata (forms), etc. are supposed to be learned in the same order, mastering one before going on to the next.
Koto-ryu stresses close-range fighting, including powerful strikes designed to break the enemy's bones (koppojutsu), and also pressure point strikes (kyusho-jitsu). [3] Also, the sword-fighting (kenjutsu) style of Koto-ryu is a unique one designed to confuse the enemy and convince him that the Koto-ryu swordsman was a mere amateur. [4]
[edit] Lineages
This school is taught inside the Bujinkan, Genbukan, Jinenkan, Kaminaga Shigemi and under Tanaka Fumon.
The Bujinkan lineage comes through Takamatsu Toshitsugu, then to Masaaki Hatsumi.
The Genbukan lineage comes through Takamatsu Toshitsugu, then to Sato Kinbei; since then Shoto Tanemura has founded Koto Ryu Tanemura-Ha.
The Jinenkan lineage comes through Takamatsu Toshitsugu, then to Masaaki Hatsumi.
The Kaminaga Shigemi lineage comes through Ueno Takashi who is considered the lineage grandmaster by the governing Ko Ryu boards.
The Tanaka Fumon lineage comes through Kaminaga Shigemi who is the respresentive grandmaster.
- Koppojutsu
- Kurai Dori (Postures)
- Shoden Gata (Beginning forms)
- Chuden Gata (Mid-level forms)
- Okuden Gata (Advanced forms)
- Hekito Gata (Unarmed defence against sword)
- Kaiden Gata (Master forms)
[edit] Notes
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