GYOKKO RYU KOSHIJUTSU
“School of the Jewel Tiger”
Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu is the oldest of the nine martial art traditions that make up the Bujinkan System, and it is safe to say that it is the core style of the majority of our arts. Hatsumi Sensei has stated that the koshijutsu forms the basis of the following systems: Togakure, Koto, Gikan, Shinden Fudo, Gyokushin, and Kumogakure. The name Gyokko means Jeweled Tiger, or Tiger Jewel, and may refer to the eye of the tiger.
The method of movement and basic principles were developed in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It is thought to be developed by either a smaller man or a woman, based on the movement. It is known that there was a woman in the court of Chan an (the capitol of the Tang Dynasty) very well known for her martial arts abilities. When the Tang Dynasty fell in 907, many of the Chinese nobility escaped into Japan. The names Yo Gyokko (Yao Yu Hu) and Cho Gyokko are associated with the art leaving China and arriving in Japan. (They possibly were the same person). General Ikai (or Ibou) is also associated with the origin of Gyokko Ryu. According to Hatsumi Sensei that person could also be somebody (bou) from foreign (I) country.
The first actual Soke of what we would call official Gyokko Ryu was Tozawa Hakuunsai. His name suggests a connection with Hakuun Ryu Ninjutsu, which no longer exists. This was in the Hogen Era (1156-1159), which makes Gyokko Ryu one of the oldest documented martial art systems in Japan. Hatsumi Sensei has said in fact that koshijutsu is the basis of martial arts in Japan, and that it forms the backbone (koshi) of the fighting systems in the Iga Region . The Bugei Ryu-ha Daijiten refers to the Gyokko Ryu as "Kosshijutsu, Shitojutsu, Ninpo".
The school specializes in Kosshijutsu (attacks against muscles) and Shitojutsu (use of thumbs and fingers) using circular and fast movements based on the attack to the opponent's vital points, Koshijutsu Atemi Waza. Although Kosshijutsu means to be able to knock down an enemy with a finger, it is considered that it rather denotes “the backbone” (koshi) of martial arts. It is a complete fighting method that combines techniques of unarmed combat with all kinds of weapons, such as sword, spear and other long weapons. Powerful blocks and balance taking are typical of the school. They preferred to block by striking with the knuckles to the muscle areas. The Muto Dori, or evasion techniques, of the school are the Ge Ryaku no Maki, which involve techniques against swords and spears. These are the most difficult and advanced within the school. Sanshin no Kata, Kihon Happo and Muto Taihenjutsu come from this school.
THE NINE RULES OF THE GYOKKO RYU:
The character NIN means to guard the nation with even your life.
Forget self; be patient and do not fear dying.
In danger, say and show nothing.
As a strong enemy comes, keep an indomitable spirit.
Serve and protect the master, as you must your parents.
Vices dissipate your proficiency.
Being drunk affects your judgement.
Destroy the enemy's power but leave his life.
Do not teach others without the master's permission.
"A warrior considers himself already dead, so there is nothing to lose. The worst has already happened to him, therefore he’s clear and calm; judging him by his acts or by his words, one would never suspect that he has witnessed everything."