Araki-ryū

Araki-ryū is a system of traditional Japanese martial arts. Its curriculum includes empty-handed striking and grappling, and the use of a number of weapons.

Araki-ryū was founded by a samurai named Minamoto Hidetsuna, a student of Fujiwara Katsume, who served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the invasion of Korea. Toyotomi personally noted Minamoto's combat ability, and he received commendations for valour. After the war, Minamoto went into a meditative retreat for several months, after which he adopted the name Araki Muninsai and began teaching the Araki system in the region near modern Nagoya.[1]

Much of the style's curriculum, in particular its empty-handed work, is derived from Takenouchi-ryū.[2] As well as jujutsu, Araki-ryū makes use of a number of different medieval Japanese weapons, many of which derive from farming equipment and/or involve weighted chains. These include the inken (thunderbolt club), kusari-fundo (weighted chain), kusaribō (chain staff) and shikomi kusaribō (chain staff with hidden blade), and the kusarigama (chain sickle).[3] More conventional weapons, such as the naginata, are also studied.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Lloyd Williamson (December 1969). Black Belt. Active Interest Media, Inc. p. 18. ISSN 02773066.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Thomas A. Green; Joseph R. Svinth (11 June 2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation. ABC-CLIO. pp. 121, 159. ISBN 978-1-59884-244-9.
  3. ↑ Serge Mol (2003). Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts. Kodansha International. pp. 53,131,153,200. ISBN 978-4-7700-2941-6.

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