Unveiling the Secrets of Ancient Martial Arts

This interplay of firmness and adaptability showcases the shared foundational principles of koppōjutsu and kosshijutsu. In addition, there are specialized techniques such as how to throw senban shuriken in low light conditions.

At the Kobukan, Koto Ryū is studied with a focus on its brutal and combative applications. This ryū-ha provides practitioners with a devastating set of tools, refined for effective self-defense and martial precision.

The Koto Ryū Koppōjutsu curriculum is traditionally divided into distinct levels, each offering a progressively deeper understanding of the ryū’s techniques, strategies, and principles. These levels—Shoden Gata, Hekito Gata, Chuden Gata, Okuden Gata, and Kaiden Gata—provide a structured path to mastery. Beginning with foundational skills that emphasize stability and precision, the curriculum advances to more sophisticated and devastating applications.

Shoden Gata introduces the practitioner to the core principles of Koto Ryū, focusing on precise strikes and efficient movement. Hekito Gata teaches the utilization of each position contained within Kurai Dori. Chuden Gata builds upon previouse fundamentals, integrating advanced timing and tactical positioning, including Go no Sen, Sen no Sen, and Sen Sen no Sen. Okuden Gata pushes practitioners further, emphasizing mastery of executing techniques. 

Before progressing through these levels, practitioners must first develop a strong command of the kihon (fundamentals), which serve as the essential building blocks for all techniques within the ryū.

In Koto Ryū, Kurai Dori (位取り) refers to the art of assuming and controlling the optimal position during combat. This principle is fundamental to the ryu’s koppōjutsu, where precision, dominance, and control are crucial. Kurai Dori emphasizes not only the practitioner’s ability to position themselves advantageously but also their skill in disrupting the opponent’s positioning, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Whether initiating an attack or countering one, proper Kurai Dori ensures that the practitioner can fight effectively while minimizing their own risks. These techniques also embody a psychological aspect. By projecting confidence and controlling the combat space, a practitioner can unsettle their opponent, forcing them into a defensive or reactive mindset.

An interesting note on Hira Ichimonji no Kamae within Kurai Dori is that the densho depicts this stance with one leg off the ground, resembling the foot placement of Hicho no Kamae. However, beside this kamae, Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei wrote in Japanese, English, French, and Kanbun (classical Chinese): “This kamae does not work,” as it limits effective movement. As a result, we teach this position with the foot firmly placed on the ground to ensure stability and mobility. 

Another key component of Koto Ryū’s Kihon is the integration of Ken (拳)—striking techniques, using fists and kicks as a means to control and dominate space.

Kurai Dori (Kamae Gata) (位取り) (構え型)

1. Migi Seigan No Kamae (右正眼の構え)
2. Hidari Seigan No Kamae (左正眼の構え)
3. Hira Ichimonji No Kamae (平一文字の構え)
4. Hoko No Kamae (抱圍の構え)
5. Bobi No Kamae (防備の構え)

Ken (拳)

1. Boshi Ken (拇指拳)
2. Boshi Kansetsu (拇指関節)
3. Goshi Ken (五指拳)
4. Nishi (二指)
5. Sanshi (三指)
6. Shuto (手刀)
7. Kikaku Ken (鬼角拳)
8. Sokki Ken (足起拳)
9. Sokko Ken (足甲拳)

The Shoden Gata of Koto Ryu represents the foundational techniques of the ryu-ha, focusing on precision, timing, and controlling the opponent’s structure. These forms emphasize linear strikes, balance-breaking, and targeting vital points, embodying the solid and direct nature of koppōjutsu.

Shoden Gata (初傳型)

1. Yoku Toh (抒投)
2. Oh Gyaku (押逆)
3. Koh Yoku (抗抒)
4. Shitoh (抎倒)
5. Hosoku (捕捉)
6. Houteki (放擲)
7. Shatoh (斜倒)
8. Ketoh (掛倒)
9. Sakugeki (搾撃)
10. Tangeki (擔撃)
11. Batsugi (拔技)
12. Settoh (折倒)
13. Shihaku (指拍)
14. Kyogi (拒技)
15. Kakkoh (括拷)
16. Uranami (浦波)
17. Tenchi (天地)
18. Katamaki (片巻)

In the study of Koto Ryu, the Hekito Gata (劈刀型) has the meaning of “sword cleaving”. The kanji 劈刀 (へきとう, Hekito) reveals the depth of its meaning: 劈 (へき), meaning “to split” or “to cleave,” often referring to something being cut, split, or broken apart, while 刀 (とう), means “sword” or “blade.”

Hekito Gata (劈刀型)

1. Tsukuboku (蹴朴)
2. Bokuhen (朴返)
3. Damara (打扣)
4. Shuriki (手力)
5. Kibo (跂望)
6. Batsuyo (跋扈)
7. Sekiryoku (跖力)
8. Kahi (跨飛)

The Chuden Gata builds upon previous skills and should be mastered so that each technique can be performed against any attack.

Chuden Gata (中傳型)

1. Hida (飛打)
2. Hisaku (飛搾)
3. Hicho (飛鳥)
4. Hito (飛倒)
5. Kappi (括飛)
6. Monpi (捫飛)
7. Suito (夊倒)
8. Gohi (鼠飛)
9. Hepi (蔽飛)
10. Teki Gaeshi (擲返)
11. Koto (喉倒)
12. Kakuhi (攫飛)

The Okuden Gata delves deeper into the principles of Koto Ryu, focusing on adaptability, precision, and mastery of timing and distance in high-pressure situations.

Okuden Gata (奥傳型)

1. Santo (攅当)
2. Santo (攅倒)
3. Koto (虎倒)
4. Shinsen (神剪)
5. Konpi (梱飛)
6. Josetsu (挐摺)
7. Sosetsu (抓摺)
8. Soto (抓倒)
9. Koki (扣鬼)
10. Kimon (鬼門)
11. Ransetsu (乱雪)
12. Ura Kimon (裏鬼門)

The Kaiden Gata is the final series of techniques in Koto Ryu.

Kaiden Gata (皆伝型)

1. Goshin (悟心)
2. Ichinen (一念)
3. Katsugan (活眼)