The Bushikai Bugei Dojo is a traditional dojo that studies Koryu Bujutsu (classical schools). These schools were all formulated prior to 1868 in Japan.
Schools studied at the Bushikai
Koto Ryu
Gyokko Ryu
Shinden Fudo Ryu
Takagi Yoshin Ryu
Asayama Ichiden Ryu
Kukishinden Ryu
Toda Ryu
Subschools of the above
Happo Taijutsu
Empty Handed Combat Methods –
In the Bushikai Bugei Dojo empty-handed combat is called Happo Taijutsu. One translation of Happo Taijutsu is The 8 Laws of Body Movement. A higher meaning of Happo Taijutsu is Mugen no Houhou, or the Boundless Means. To understand the higher meaning one must realize that the 8 Laws represent a metaphor for Infinity.
Within Happo Taijutsu there are four categories, each with it’s own particular characteristics. These are:
Jujutsu
Dakenjutsu (Karate-jutsu)
Kosshijutsu and
Koppojutsu
Each category is a complete fighting system in its own right, yet each is only a facet in the totality of the Bushi Shinden Ryu system.
The four categories have two sides each, an Ura Gata (Inner Form) and an Omote Gata (Outer Form), which make a total of eight paths or eight spokes of a wheel.
Happo Taijutsu is represented by a great eight spiked wheel know as the Horin (Chakra). The Horin (Chakra) is a ritual symbol of Tantric Buddhism that symbolizes the destruction of all evil that may come our way. We are at the center of the wheel. The Omote Gata are the physical techniques from Mu Kyu (No Rank) to Go Dan (Fifth degree Black Belt). After Go Dan, the Ura Gata; which is the understanding of the inner movements of a technique; are taught and trained.
There are four main precepts that govern the teaching of Happo Taijutsu:
First and foremost is that “Smoothness is fast, not speed”. Speed will only build false waza (technique) and the student will never truly understand what the waza is teaching. Keep in mind, however, that smooth does not equate to slow.
The second precept is “Using strength or force within a waza is not using the waza to its full potential”.
The third precept is “Keep it simple”. Bear in mind that simple is conceptual - all things are simple when one gains understanding.
The fourth precept is “The ultimate aim of our Ryu has nothing to do with combat or fighting”. The waza and kata (forms) of the Ryu train the students’ body, mind, and spirit through physical action.
The byproducts of this training are many; of course including outstanding fighting skills, however, our goal is the experience of life at its fullest. So understand the feeling of the kata and move with the motions of the waza and simply enjoy!
Jujutsu: Within the Bushi Shinden Ryu, jujutsu is much more than just grappling. Every throw or joint lock is to be worked so that the Uke (opponent) is incapable of rolling or escaping. Its characteristics are circular in all directions around the Uke and the movements force the Uke to over reach and be pulled into the techniques. Also includes Shimewaza (chokes) and Jissen Newaza (True Combat Ground Fighting).
Dakenjutsu
Also known as Karate-jutsu, Dakenjutsu movements strike the Uke and cause damage to all areas of the body. This is to render the opponents’ body incapable of functioning or being able offer an effective counter. The movements are very stationary, making techniques short and direct. The throws that are part of Dakenjutsu are made straight down so the Uke has little time to react.
Kosshi jutsu
This method uses precise striking techniques to attack the weak points of the body along with organ/muscle ripping techniques. Its characteristics are circular on a horizontal plain, moving around the Uke so as to make the Uke feel helpless and unable to counter the attacking techniques.
Koppojutsu
The powerful striking techniques of Koppojutsu attack the weak points of the body along with bone breaking techniques to stop the Uke. Its characteristics are aggressive, angular, and forward in motion to overtake the Uke and give no time to react.