Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu
Encyclopedia
, is a koryū
sword art, and one of the most widely practiced schools of iaijutsu
in the world. Often referred to simply as "Eishin-ryū," it claims an unbroken lineage dating back to the sixteenth century.
The school takes its name from its seventh headmaster
, Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Hidenobu (長谷川主税助英信), who had founded Hasegawa Eishin-ryū
. ‘Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū’ means ‘peerless, directly transmitted school of Eishin.’ ‘Eishin’ is an alternative pronunciation of ‘Hidenobu.’
, Ōshū (present-day Yamagata Prefecture
). He lived c.1546－1621 in what is present-day Kanagawa Prefecture
. Many of the historical details of Hayashizaki's life are suspect, since, like most famous martial artists in Japan, his story has been widely fictionalized. It seems, however, that he grew up during a time of constant warfare in Japan and was exposed to various sword-fighting methods from an early age. According to legend, Hayashizaki’s father was killed, and in order to take revenge he began training in earnest. He went to the Hayashizaki Meijin shrine to pray for guidance, and received divine inspiration for a new technique of drawing the sword and attacking in one movement. Legend says that he eventually defeated his father’s killer.
Following this, Hayashizaki continued on his martial arts pilgrimage
, training with renowned swordsmen and attracting students of his own (such as Tamiya Heibei, founder of Tamiya-ryū (Tsumaki)). Hayashizaki established his own style of swordsmanship, calling it Shinmei Musō-ryū (神明夢想流).
Hayashizaki's art has had many names since it was established, such as Hayashizaki-ryū (林崎流) or Jūshin ryu (重信流). It is considered the foundation for many of the major styles of iai practised today, in particular Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū and Musō Shinden-ryū
.
The seventh generation sōke
of Hayashizaki’s school, Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Hidenobu (Eishin), was one of its most important headmasters. He had a major influence on the school. In particular, he adapted techniques originally developed for the tachi
to use the contemporary katana
. He also devised many new techniques, some of which now form the Tachihiza no Bu (Chūden) set. Hasegawa’s influence and adaptation led to the style being named Hasegawa Eishin-ryū. It was also referred to as Hasegawa-ryū or simply Eishin-ryū.
Some regard Hasegawa as the primary founder of Eishin-ryū, which would make him the first generation sōke rather than the seventh, and make Shinmei Musō-ryū a parent school of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū.
The ninth generation sōke was Hayashi Rokudayū Morimasa. Hayashi introduced a set of techniques executed from the formal seated position seiza
. These techniques are thought to have been developed by Hayashi’s kenjutsu
teacher, the Shinkage-ryū
swordsman Ōmori Rokurōzaemon, and are said to be influenced by Ogasawara-ryū etiquette, hence starting from seiza. They were taught alongside Eishin-ryū as Ōmori-ryū
. Hayashi was also responsible for introducing the school to the Tosa Domain
at the behest of the ruling Yamauchi family.
As the school took root in Tosa, it came to be referred to as Tosa Eishin-ryū. Eishin-ryū and Ōmori-ryū were also taught to the Yamauchi family, with a few peculiarities (such as exaggerated leg movement to account for long hakama
).
After the death of the 11th headmaster, Ōguro Motozaemon, the school split into two branches. These branches later became known as the Tanimura-ha and Shimomura-ha (after their respective 15th and 14th headmasters, Tanimura Kamenojō Takakatsu and Shimomura Shigeichi).
One of the most important sōke was the seventeenth, Ōe Masamichi. Born in Tosa in 1852, in his youth Ōe studied Kokuri-ryū and Shinkage-ryū kenjutsu
, along with Shimomura-ha Eishin-ryū. At the age of 15 he took part in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi
, following which he studied Tanimura-ha Eishin-ryū under Gotō Magobei. He also studied Eishin-ryū bōjutsu
under Itagaki Taisuke. Ōe inherited leadership of the Tanimura-ha, becoming its 17th headmaster. He combined the school’s teachings with those of the Shimomura-ha, and restructured its curriculum. Ōe reduced the number of waza
from around 160, and reorganized them into the Seiza (Shoden), Tachihiza (Chūden), Okuiai (Okuden) and kumitachi waza sets practised today. Although he retained the original techniques, he changed the names of some waza to aid understanding. Ōe named the reorganised school Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū. In 1900 he began teaching kendo
and Eishin-ryū at the Kōchi
branch of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
and at various local schools. In 1924 he became the second person (after Nakayama Hakudō
) to be awarded hanshi in iaidō by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. Ōe died in 1927. His many students went on to spread Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū iai beyond Tosa and throughout Japan.
Following Kōno Hyakuren’s death, the lineage of Eishin-ryu became contested again, with several individuals claiming to be the most senior representative. Who people consider sōke generally depends on the organization to which they belong. Some consider Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū to no longer have a sōke.
In addition to various groups claiming to continue the above lineage, there are some branches of Eishin-ryū that trace their lineage back to students of Ōe Masamichi other than Hokiyama Namio, and which regard their leaders as the most senior member of the school.
There are also a number of lines of transmission with direct links to Ōe Masamichi but which do not make claims to hold leadership of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū.
, and by skill level. The majority of the study is focused on these solo waza.
Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū contains a total of 45 solo waza and 45 paired waza, although some of these paired waza are rarely taught. Certain lines also contain additional waza, grouped under Bangai no Bu.
, and is still often referred to as “Ōmori-ryū.” It is the first set of techniques taught. Seiza no Bu waza are performed from seiza
, a formal kneeling position, with the general exception of Oikaze, which often begins standing.
Seiza no Bu (正座之部) contains the following techniques:
Tatehiza no Bu (立膝之部) contains the following techniques:
Okuiai Iwaza no Bu (奥居合居業之部) contains the following techniques:
Okuiai Tachiwaza no Bu (奥居合立業之部) contains the following techniques:
Bangai no bu (番外之部) contains the following waza, performed from a standing position.
In addition to variations of Hayanami and Raiden, some lines contain additional Bangai waza.
Komei-Juku (Yamauchi-ha) practices the following set of five bangai kata in addition to the
aforementioned three:
Some waza begin with swords drawn; others begin with swords sheathed and employ nukitsuke (drawing) techniques. Typically these forms are practiced using bokutō; however, it is also practiced at high levels with shinken
.
There are two versions of this set: the original set of 10 waza (Tachi Uchi no Kurai) and the revised set of 7 waza formulated by Ōe Masamichi (also known as Tachi Uchi no Kata
). These two sets contain similar techniques.
This version of the set contains the following 10 techniques:
This version of the set contains the following 7 techniques:
The following kumitachi sets (Daishō Zume, Daishō Tachi Zume and Daikendori) are very rarely taught, and are often assumed to be no longer practised.
) are worn. The set contains the following techniques, which start from tatehiza.
(shidachi
) vs. ōdachi
(uchidachi
), while the next six are ōdachi vs. ōdachi. These techniques are only very rarely taught.
Eishin-ryū lineages without a connection to Kōno Hyakuren do not generally practise these techniques. Therefore, these waza are only included in some lines of transmission.
, or long staff. It featured 5 kata of bō vs. bō and 8 kata of bō vs. sword. Only remnants of Itabashi-ryū remain.
techniques in a variety of circumstances: standing, kneeling, from behind, etc. The school was divided into 6 sets with a total of 63 kata. Natsubara-ryū seems to be no longer extant.
There are rumors of other arts as well, focusing on such techniques as torinawa (rope tying) and jōjutsu (short staff). There is little remaining evidence to support these claims.
Koryu
is a Japanese word that is used in association with the ancient Japanese martial arts. This word literally translates as "old school" or "traditional school"...
sword art, and one of the most widely practiced schools of iaijutsu
Iaijutsu
, the art of drawing the Japanese sword. One of Japanese martial disciplines in education of the classical warrior .-Etymology:"Iaijutsu" was known before the Tokugawa period but it is unclear exactly when the term "iaijutsu" first came into use, or when exactly drawing the katana from its...
in the world. Often referred to simply as "Eishin-ryū," it claims an unbroken lineage dating back to the sixteenth century.
The school takes its name from its seventh headmaster
Soke
The word soke has several meanings:* Soke , an early Western jurisdictional concept.* Soke or eke is a Tongan stick dance, originating from Wallis and Futuna., a Japanese title meaning "head of the family," and is usually used to denote the headmaster of a school of Japanese martial arts.* Soke of...
, Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Hidenobu (長谷川主税助英信), who had founded Hasegawa Eishin-ryū
Hasegawa Eishin-ryū
is a iaijutsu koryū founded by Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Eishin as a continuation of the teachings he received in Shinmei Musō-ryū. After the death of the eleventh headmaster, Ōguro Motoemon Kiyokatsu, the school split into two branches or ha...
. ‘Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū’ means ‘peerless, directly transmitted school of Eishin.’ ‘Eishin’ is an alternative pronunciation of ‘Hidenobu.’
History of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū
The founder of the art that was to become Eishin-ryū was Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu (林崎甚助源の重信). Hayashizaki was born in Dewa ProvinceDewa Province
is an old province of Japan, comprising modern-day Yamagata Prefecture and Akita Prefecture, except for the city of Kazuno and the town of Kosaka. It was sometimes called .-Historical record:...
, Ōshū (present-day Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata Prefecture
-Fruit:Yamagata Prefecture is the largest producer of cherries and pears in Japan. A large quantity of other kinds of fruits such as grapes, apples, peaches, melons, persimmons and watermelons are also produced.- Demographics :...
). He lived c.1546－1621 in what is present-day Kanagawa Prefecture
Kanagawa Prefecture
is a prefecture located in the southern Kantō region of Japan. The capital is Yokohama. Kanagawa is part of the Greater Tokyo Area.-History:The prefecture has some archaeological sites going back to the Jōmon period...
. Many of the historical details of Hayashizaki's life are suspect, since, like most famous martial artists in Japan, his story has been widely fictionalized. It seems, however, that he grew up during a time of constant warfare in Japan and was exposed to various sword-fighting methods from an early age. According to legend, Hayashizaki’s father was killed, and in order to take revenge he began training in earnest. He went to the Hayashizaki Meijin shrine to pray for guidance, and received divine inspiration for a new technique of drawing the sword and attacking in one movement. Legend says that he eventually defeated his father’s killer.
Following this, Hayashizaki continued on his martial arts pilgrimage
Musha shugyo
is a samurai warrior's quest or pilgrimage. The concept is similar to Knight Errantry in feudal Europe. A warrior, called a shugyōsha, would wander the land practicing and honing his skills without the protection of his family or school. Possible activities include training with other schools,...
, training with renowned swordsmen and attracting students of his own (such as Tamiya Heibei, founder of Tamiya-ryū (Tsumaki)). Hayashizaki established his own style of swordsmanship, calling it Shinmei Musō-ryū (神明夢想流).
Hayashizaki's art has had many names since it was established, such as Hayashizaki-ryū (林崎流) or Jūshin ryu (重信流). It is considered the foundation for many of the major styles of iai practised today, in particular Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū and Musō Shinden-ryū
Muso Shinden-ryu
is a iaijutsu koryū founded by Nakayama Hakudō , last sōke of the Shimomura branch of Hasegawa Eishin-ryū. The term "iaidō" appeared in 1932 and was popularized by Nakayama Hakudō .-Particularities:...
.
The seventh generation sōke
Soke
The word soke has several meanings:* Soke , an early Western jurisdictional concept.* Soke or eke is a Tongan stick dance, originating from Wallis and Futuna., a Japanese title meaning "head of the family," and is usually used to denote the headmaster of a school of Japanese martial arts.* Soke of...
of Hayashizaki’s school, Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Hidenobu (Eishin), was one of its most important headmasters. He had a major influence on the school. In particular, he adapted techniques originally developed for the tachi
Tachi
The is one type of traditional Japanese sword worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan.-History and description:With a few exceptions katana and tachi can be distinguished from each other if signed, by the location of the signature on the tang...
to use the contemporary katana
Katana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
. He also devised many new techniques, some of which now form the Tachihiza no Bu (Chūden) set. Hasegawa’s influence and adaptation led to the style being named Hasegawa Eishin-ryū. It was also referred to as Hasegawa-ryū or simply Eishin-ryū.
The ninth generation sōke was Hayashi Rokudayū Morimasa. Hayashi introduced a set of techniques executed from the formal seated position seiza
Seiza
Seiza is the Japanese term for the traditional formal way of sitting in Japan.- Form :To sit seiza-style, one first kneels on the floor, folding one's legs underneath one's thighs, while resting the buttocks on the heels...
. These techniques are thought to have been developed by Hayashi’s kenjutsu
Kenjutsu
, meaning "the method, or technique, of the sword." This is opposed to kendo, which means the way of the sword. Kenjutsu is the umbrella term for all traditional schools of Japanese swordsmanship, in particular those that predate the Meiji Restoration...
teacher, the Shinkage-ryū
Shinkage-ryu
' meaning "new shadow school", is a traditional school of Japanese martial arts, founded by Kamiizumi Ise-no-Kami Nobutsuna in the mid-sixteenth century...
swordsman Ōmori Rokurōzaemon, and are said to be influenced by Ogasawara-ryū etiquette, hence starting from seiza. They were taught alongside Eishin-ryū as Ōmori-ryū
Omori-ryu
is a iaijutsu koryū founded by Ōmori Rokurōzaemon Masamitsu , probably in the latter half of the seventeenth century. The techniques developed by Masamitsu were later incorporated into Hasegawa Eishin-ryū and continue to be taught to this day as the first series of kata in Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū...
. Hayashi was also responsible for introducing the school to the Tosa Domain
Tosa Domain
The was a feudal domain in Tosa Province of Japan during the Edo period. Its official name is . Some from the domain played important roles in events in the late Tokugawa shogunate...
at the behest of the ruling Yamauchi family.
As the school took root in Tosa, it came to be referred to as Tosa Eishin-ryū. Eishin-ryū and Ōmori-ryū were also taught to the Yamauchi family, with a few peculiarities (such as exaggerated leg movement to account for long hakama
Hakama
are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. They were originally worn only by men, but today they are worn by both sexes. Hakama are tied at the waist and fall approximately to the ankles. Hakama are worn over a kimono ....
).
After the death of the 11th headmaster, Ōguro Motozaemon, the school split into two branches. These branches later became known as the Tanimura-ha and Shimomura-ha (after their respective 15th and 14th headmasters, Tanimura Kamenojō Takakatsu and Shimomura Shigeichi).
One of the most important sōke was the seventeenth, Ōe Masamichi. Born in Tosa in 1852, in his youth Ōe studied Kokuri-ryū and Shinkage-ryū kenjutsu
Kenjutsu
, meaning "the method, or technique, of the sword." This is opposed to kendo, which means the way of the sword. Kenjutsu is the umbrella term for all traditional schools of Japanese swordsmanship, in particular those that predate the Meiji Restoration...
, along with Shimomura-ha Eishin-ryū. At the age of 15 he took part in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi
Battle of Toba-Fushimi
The occurred between pro-Imperial and Tokugawa shogunate forces during the Boshin War in Japan. The battle started on 27 January 1868 , when the forces of the Tokugawa shogunate and the allied forces of Chōshū, Satsuma and Tosa domains clashed near Fushimi...
, following which he studied Tanimura-ha Eishin-ryū under Gotō Magobei. He also studied Eishin-ryū bōjutsu
Bojutsu
, translated from Japanese as "staff technique", is the martial art of using a staff weapon called bō which simply means "staff". Staffs are perhaps one of the earliest weapons used by humankind. They have been in use for thousands of years in Eastern Asia. Some techniques involve slashing,...
under Itagaki Taisuke. Ōe inherited leadership of the Tanimura-ha, becoming its 17th headmaster. He combined the school’s teachings with those of the Shimomura-ha, and restructured its curriculum. Ōe reduced the number of waza
Waza
Waza or WAZA may refer to:* WAZA,China is an emerging artist collective founded by Hu Ge in 2002 in Wuhan, China.* World Association of Zoos and Aquariums * The House of Vasa...
from around 160, and reorganized them into the Seiza (Shoden), Tachihiza (Chūden), Okuiai (Okuden) and kumitachi waza sets practised today. Although he retained the original techniques, he changed the names of some waza to aid understanding. Ōe named the reorganised school Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū. In 1900 he began teaching kendo
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
and Eishin-ryū at the Kōchi
Kochi Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the south coast of Shikoku. The capital is the city of Kōchi.- History :Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Kōchi was known as Tosa Province and was controlled by the Chosokabe clan in the Sengoku period and the Yamauchi family during the Edo period.- Geography...
branch of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
is a Japanese martial arts organization established in 1895 in Kyoto, Japan, under the authority of the Ministry of Education and sanction of the Emperor Meiji. Its purpose, at that time, was to standardize martial disciplines and systems throughout Japan. This was the first official martial arts...
and at various local schools. In 1924 he became the second person (after Nakayama Hakudō
Nakayama Hakudo
, also known as Nakayama Hiromichi, was a Japanese martial artist and founder of the iaidō style Musō Shinden-ryū. He is the only person to have received both jūdan and hanshi ranks in kendō, iaidō, and jōdō from the All Japan Kendo Federation...
) to be awarded hanshi in iaidō by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. Ōe died in 1927. His many students went on to spread Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū iai beyond Tosa and throughout Japan.
Lineage of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū
Eishin-ryū uses a system of indiscriminate transmission (完全相傳), allowing anyone in possession of full-transmission to award licenses to any number of his students. Therefore it is possible that there were multiple but unlisted holders of menkyo kaiden, known in Eishin-ryū as Kongen no Maki (根元之巻), in any generation. Due also in part to Ōe Masamichi’s more open and inclusive approach to teaching Eishin-ryū, the lineages of groups currently practicing the art are fairly diverse and complex.Seitō (Orthodox) Lineage
- Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu, founder
- Tamiya Heibei Shigemasa, 2nd generation
- Nagano Muraku Nyūdō Kinrosai, 3rd generation
- Todo Gunbei Mitsushige, 4th generation
- Arikawa Seizaemon Munetsugu, 5th generation
- Banno Danemonnojō Nobusada, 6th generation
- Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Hidenobu (Eishin), 7th generation
- Arai Seitetsu Kiyonobu, 8th generation
- Hayashi Rokudayū Morimasa, 9th generation
- Hayashi Yasudayū Masatomo, 10th generation
- Ōguro Motoemon Kiyokatsu, 11th generation
- Hayashi Masunojō Masanori, 12th generation
- Yoda Manzō Norikatsu, 13th generation
- Hayashi Yadayū Masamoto, 14th generation
- Tanimura Kamenojō Takakatsu, 15th generation
- Gotō Magobei Masasuke (?-1897), 16th generation
- Ōe Masamichi (1852–1927), 17th generation
- Ōe Masamichi's students established multiple lines of transmission. See Students of Ōe Masamichi.
- Hokiyama Namio (1891–1935), 18th generation
- Fukui Harumasa (1884–1971), 19th generation
- Kōno Hyakuren (1899–1974), 20th generation
- Fukui Torao (1915–2000), 21st generation
- Ikeda Takashi (1932–), 22nd generation
Following Kōno Hyakuren’s death, the lineage of Eishin-ryu became contested again, with several individuals claiming to be the most senior representative. Who people consider sōke generally depends on the organization to which they belong. Some consider Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū to no longer have a sōke.
In addition to various groups claiming to continue the above lineage, there are some branches of Eishin-ryū that trace their lineage back to students of Ōe Masamichi other than Hokiyama Namio, and which regard their leaders as the most senior member of the school.
There are also a number of lines of transmission with direct links to Ōe Masamichi but which do not make claims to hold leadership of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū.
Students of Ōe Masamichi, Further Lineage
Ōe Masamichi had many students who went on to spread Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū throughout Japan. Some established their own branches (派, ha). Seventeen of Ōe's most influential students, some with the branches they established, are listed below. This list is not inclusive. Some of these students were also presented with menkyo kaiden although the exact number Ōe awarded is unknown. Most Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū taught today traces its lineage back to one or more of these men.- Masaoka Katsutane (Κazumi, “Ikkan”) (1896–1973) (18th generation soke, Masaoka-ha)
- Narise Sakahiro (19th generation)
- Miura Takeyuki Hirefusa (20th generation)
- Nishikawa Baisui
- Kōda Morio
- Matsuda Eima
- Yamasaki Yasukichi
- Nakanishi Iwaki
- Taoka Den
- Hokiyama Namio (1891–1935), 18th generation sōke
- Fukui Harumasa (1894–1971), 19th generation sōke
- Suzuki Yoshishige (Suzue Yoshishige)
- Mori Shigeki (1890–1988)
- Yamamoto Takuji (1886–1977)
- Takemura Shizuo
- Yamamoto Harusuke (1892–1978)
- Sakamoto Tosakai
- Yamauchi Toyotake (1905–1946) (18th generation soke, Yamauchi-ha)
- Kanemitsu Kono (19th generation)
- Masamitsu Onoe (20th generation)
- Sekiguchi Takaaki (Komei) (21st generation)
- Ueda Heitarō
Techniques
The techniques of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū are broken up into sets based on the principal starting position of the wazaWaza
Waza or WAZA may refer to:* WAZA,China is an emerging artist collective founded by Hu Ge in 2002 in Wuhan, China.* World Association of Zoos and Aquariums * The House of Vasa...
, and by skill level. The majority of the study is focused on these solo waza.
Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū contains a total of 45 solo waza and 45 paired waza, although some of these paired waza are rarely taught. Certain lines also contain additional waza, grouped under Bangai no Bu.
Seiza no Bu (Shoden)
The word Shoden (初伝) can be translated as ‘entry-transmission.’ This set of techniques was derived from Ōmori-ryūOmori-ryu
is a iaijutsu koryū founded by Ōmori Rokurōzaemon Masamitsu , probably in the latter half of the seventeenth century. The techniques developed by Masamitsu were later incorporated into Hasegawa Eishin-ryū and continue to be taught to this day as the first series of kata in Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū...
, and is still often referred to as “Ōmori-ryū.” It is the first set of techniques taught. Seiza no Bu waza are performed from seiza
Seiza
Seiza is the Japanese term for the traditional formal way of sitting in Japan.- Form :To sit seiza-style, one first kneels on the floor, folding one's legs underneath one's thighs, while resting the buttocks on the heels...
, a formal kneeling position, with the general exception of Oikaze, which often begins standing.
Seiza no Bu (正座之部) contains the following techniques:
- 前 Mae
- 右 Migi
- 左 Hidari
- 後 Ushiro
- 八重垣 Yaegaki
- 受流 Ukenagashi
- 介錯 Kaishaku
- 附込 Tsukekomi
- 月影 Tsukikage
- 追風 Oikaze
- 抜打 Nukiuchi
Tatehiza no Bu (Chūden)
The word Chūden (中伝) can be translated as ‘middle-transmission.’ This set was derived from techniques created by Hasegawa Eishin, and is still commonly referred to as "Eishin-ryū." It is the second set of techniques taught. Tatehiza no Bu waza are performed from tatehiza, a half-seated position, with the exception of Makkō.Tatehiza no Bu (立膝之部) contains the following techniques:
- 横雲 Yokogumo
- 虎一足 Tora no issoku
- 稲妻 Inazuma
- 浮雲 Ukigumo
- 颪 Oroshi
- 岩波 Iwanami
- 鱗返 Urokogaeshi
- 波返 Namigaeshi
- 瀧落 Takiotoshi
- 真向 Makkō
Okuiai Iwaza no Bu (Okuden)
The word Okuden (奥伝) can be translated as ‘inner transmission,’ or ‘secret transmission.’ The Okuden sets contain advanced-level techniques. Okuiai Iwaza are performed from tatehiza.Okuiai Iwaza no Bu (奥居合居業之部) contains the following techniques:
- 霞 Kasumi
- 脛囲 Sunegakoi
- 戸詰 Tozume
- 戸脇 Towaki
- 四方切 Shihōgiri
- 棚下 Tanashita
- 両詰 Ryōzume
- 虎走 Torabashiri
Okuiai Tachiwaza no Bu (Okuden)
Okuiai Tachiwaza are performed from a standing position, with the exception of the three Itamagoi waza, which start from seiza.Okuiai Tachiwaza no Bu (奥居合立業之部) contains the following techniques:
- 行連 Yukizure
- 連達 Tsuredachi
- 惣捲 Sō Makuri
- 惣留 Sō Dome
- 信夫 Shinobu
- 行違 Yukichigai
- 袖摺返 Sode Surigaeshi
- 門入 Mon'iri
- 壁添 Kabezoe
- 受流 Ukenagashi
- 暇乞其の一 Itomagoi Sono Ichi
- 暇乞其の二 Itomagoi Sono Ni
- 暇乞其の三 Itomagoi Sono San
Bangai no Bu (Okuden)
Bangai (番外, lit. ‘extra’) are extended tachiwaza. These waza are not koryū, but were created by Ōe Masamichi, along with the Katate Hayanuki exercise.Bangai no bu (番外之部) contains the following waza, performed from a standing position.
- 速波 Hayanami
- 雷電 Raiden
- 迅雷 Jinrai
In addition to variations of Hayanami and Raiden, some lines contain additional Bangai waza.
Komei-Juku (Yamauchi-ha) practices the following set of five bangai kata in addition to the
aforementioned three:
- Mae
- Aranami
- Kesaguruma
- Takiguruma
- Tatsumaki
Paired Waza (Kumitachi)
Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū’s paired waza (kumitachi, 組太刀) are often taught only to advanced students after years of study. Some of these sets are rarely seen outside of Japan. There is a high incidence of grappling, striking, and disarms in these paired sets. Some waza use both long (ōdachi) and short (kodachi) swords.Some waza begin with swords drawn; others begin with swords sheathed and employ nukitsuke (drawing) techniques. Typically these forms are practiced using bokutō; however, it is also practiced at high levels with shinken
Shinken
is a Japanese term used to describe a Japanese sword that is sharp and used for real cutting or combat, as opposed to those that are blunted for other types of practice. Today, they are primarily used for high level iaido and/or tameshigiri practice. Unlike an iaito or mogito , a shinken has a...
.
Tachi Uchi no Kurai
Tachi Uchi no Kurai (太刀打之位) is first kumitachi waza set in Eishin-ryū. Both practitioners use a single long sword. The techniques are performed from a standing position.There are two versions of this set: the original set of 10 waza (Tachi Uchi no Kurai) and the revised set of 7 waza formulated by Ōe Masamichi (also known as Tachi Uchi no Kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
). These two sets contain similar techniques.
Tachi Uchi no Kurai (Koryū)
This version of the set contains the following 10 techniques:
- 出合 Deai
- 附込 Tsukekomi
- 請流 Ukenagashi
- 請込 Ukekomi
- 月影 Tsukikage
- 水月刀 Suigetsutō
- 絶妙剣 Zetsumyōken
- 独妙剣 Dokumyōken
- 心明剣 Shinmyōken
- 打込 Uchikomi
Tachi Uchi no Kurai (Kata devised by Ōe Masamichi)
This version of the set contains the following 7 techniques:
- 出合 Deai
- 拳取 Kobushitori
- 絶妙剣 Zetsumyōken
- 独妙剣 Dokumyōken
- 鍔留 Tsubadome
- 請流 Ukenagashi
- 真方 Mappō
Tsume Ai no Kurai
Tsume Ai no Kurai (詰合之位) is the second kumitachi waza set in Eishin-ryū. Both practitioners use a single long sword. The set includes the following techniques, performed from tatehiza and standing positions:- 発早 Hassō
- 拳取 Kobushitori
- 波返 Namigaeshi
- 八重垣 Yaegaki
- 鱗返 Urokogaeshi
- 位弛 Kurai Yurumi
- 燕返 Tsubame Gaeshi
- 眼関落 Ganseki Otoshi
- 水月刀 Suigetsutō
- 霞剣 Kasumi Ken
The following kumitachi sets (Daishō Zume, Daishō Tachi Zume and Daikendori) are very rarely taught, and are often assumed to be no longer practised.
Daishō Zume
Daishō Zume (大小詰) is the third of the kumitachi sets. Long and short swords (daishōDaisho
The is a Japanese term for a matched pair of traditionally made Japanese swords worn by the samurai class in feudal Japan.-Description:...
) are worn. The set contains the following techniques, which start from tatehiza.
- 抱詰 Dakizume
- 骨防 Koppō
- 柄留 Tsukadome
- 小手留 Kotedome
- 胸捕 Munatori
- 右伏 Migifuse
- 左伏 Hidarifuse
- 山形詰 Yamagatazume
Daishō Tachi Zume
Daishō Tachi Zume (大小立詰) is the fourth of the kumitachi sets. Long and short swords (daishō) are worn. The set contains the following techniques, which start from a standing position.- 〆捕 Shimetori
- 袖摺返 Sode Surigaeshi
- 鍔打返 Tsuba Uchikaeshi
- 骨防返 Koppōgaeshi
- 蜻蛉返 Tonbōgaeshi
- 乱曲 Rankyoku
- 移り Utsuri
Daikendori
Daikendori (大検取) is the fifth kumitachi set and contains ten waza. The first four waza are kodachiKodachi
A , literally translating into "small or short tachi ", is a Japanese sword that is too long to be considered a dagger but too short to be a long sword...
(shidachi
Shidachi
means "doing/receiving sword" and is one of the two roles in kata of budō and bujutsu, the other being uchidachi . In modern Kendo this is normally written ....
) vs. ōdachi
Katana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
(uchidachi
Uchidachi
means "striking/attacking sword" and is one of the two roles in kata of budō and bujutsu, the other being shidachi .The senior party is normally uchidachi...
), while the next six are ōdachi vs. ōdachi. These techniques are only very rarely taught.
- 無剣 Muken
- 水石 Suiseki
- 外石 Gaiseki
- 鉄石 Tesseki
- 榮眼 Eigan
- 榮月 Eigetsu
- 山風 Yamakaze
- 橇橋 Sorihashi
- 雷電 Raiden
- 水月 Suigetsu
Techniques Added By Kōno Hyakuren
Kōno Hyakuren, the 20th sōke of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū, added two sets of additional waza, called Dai Nippon Battō Hō (大日本抜刀法). The Battō Hō are based on techniques from throughout the system, but are performed starting in a standing position. As these waza were added in the 20th century, they are not considered to be koryū.Eishin-ryū lineages without a connection to Kōno Hyakuren do not generally practise these techniques. Therefore, these waza are only included in some lines of transmission.
Dai Nippon Battō Hō, Kihon
- 順刀其の一 Juntō Sono Ichi
- 順刀其の二 Juntō Sono Ni
- 追撃刀 Tsuigekitō
- 斜刀 Shatō
- 四方刀其の一 Shihōtō Sono Ichi
- 四方刀其の二 Shihōtō Sono Ni
- 斬突刀 Zantotsutō
Dai Nippon Battō Hō, Oku
These waza begin using the Okuiai walking pattern.- 前敵逆刀 Zenteki Gyakutō
- 多敵刀 Tatekitō
- 後敵逆刀 Kōteki Gyakutō
- 後敵抜打 Kōteki Nukiuchi
Auxiliary Arts
In his book Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū Iai Heihō Chi no Maki, Masaoka Katsutane states that there were once two auxiliary arts practised alongside Tosa Eishin-ryū.Itabashi-ryū Bojutsu
This subsumed art focused on the bōBo
-People:*Bo , name origin, plus people with the name*Bo , name origin, plus people with the surname**Bo , Chinese family names*Bo people , extinct minority population in Southern China famous for hanging coffins...
, or long staff. It featured 5 kata of bō vs. bō and 8 kata of bō vs. sword. Only remnants of Itabashi-ryū remain.
Natsubara-ryū Yawara
This subsumed art focused on grapplingJujutsu
Jujutsu , also known as jujitsu, ju-jitsu, or Japanese jiu-jitsu, is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon....
techniques in a variety of circumstances: standing, kneeling, from behind, etc. The school was divided into 6 sets with a total of 63 kata. Natsubara-ryū seems to be no longer extant.
There are rumors of other arts as well, focusing on such techniques as torinawa (rope tying) and jōjutsu (short staff). There is little remaining evidence to support these claims.