Kukishin Ryu is a Samurai school of Jujutsu, Yoroi Kumiuchi (Grappling in Samurai armour), Kenjutsu, Bojutsu, Sojutsu, Naginata, Juttejutsu, Bo-ryaku (Strategy), and Sui Ren in Ka Ren (Use of water and fire), Bajutsu. The Kukishin Samurai were naval warriors, the techniques were designed to be used on a slippery, rocking boat. One training method that is sometimes used today, is to practice on frozen surfaces or ball bearings.

The school was founded in the 12th century by Izumo Koshiro Terunobu.

Formal Techniques of Kukishin Ryu

As with most other koryu, the densho (scrolls) are arranged in a particular order, and each Waza (Technique), Kata (Forms), etc are supposed to be learnt in the same order, mastering one before going on to the next one.

Kukishin ryu is divided as such:

  • Jujutsu or Taijutsu (Unarmed methods)
    • Kamae Gata (Postures)
    • Kihon Gata (Fundamentals)
    • Omote no Kata (Obvious/outer forms)
    • Sabaki no Kata (Moving forms)
    • Shime no Kata (Strangulations and hold downs)
    • Tai no Kata (Body forms)
    • Muto Dori (Unarmed defence against sword)
    • Daishosabaki no Kata (Forms with no weapons in hand, but a long and short sword a worn at the side while performing them)
    • Teppan Kata (Forms using the teppan, a square steel plate)
    • Sensodori (Forms using the tessen, a metal fan)
    • Shirabe Moguri Gata (Takedowns, throws; some involve throwing yourself)
    • Atekomi (Strikes)
    • Toritsuki and Shinkatsubo (Methods of dealing with multiple opponents, from two attackers up to nine)
    • Hayanawa (Methods of tying your opponent with rope)
  • Kenjutsu/Kenpo (Sword methods)
    • Kamae Gata
    • Kihon Gata
    • Omote no Kata
    • Tyugokui
    • Tokenjutsu no Kata (Forms that involve throwing the sword)
    • Gokui no Kata (Secret forms)
    • Kaiden Gata (These forms are intended for masters)
  • Bojutsu (Staff methods)
    • Kamae Gata
    • Kihon Gata
    • Omote no Kata
    • Chugokui (Middle level secrets)
    • Gokui no Kata (Secret forms)
    • Kaiden Gata
  • Sojutsu/Yarijutsu (Spear methods)
    • Kamae Gata
    • Omote no Kata
    • Chugokui
    • Gokui no Kata
  • Naginata (Halberd)
    • Kamae Gata
    • Kihon Gata
    • Omote no Kata
    • Chugokui
    • Gokui Gata
    • Kaiden Gata
  • Hanbo (Half staff)
    • Kamae Gata
    • Kihon Gata
    • Omote no Kata
    • Chugokui
    • Gokui no Kata
    • Sensodori (Methods of using a Tanbo, a very small staff)
  • Juttejutsu (Iron truncheon)
    • Kata
  • Suijutsu (Water methods)
    • Musui no Ho
    • Kyuryuzenchi
    • Suichukatsujizaiho
  • Kajutsu (Fire methods)
    • Hibuse no Ho
    • Hezeme Senpo
    • Kayaku no Hiho
  • Bajutsu (Horsemanship)
    • Katate Nawa no Ho
    • Basyu Issoku
    • Araumadome no Hiho
  • Bo-Ryaku (Strategy)
    • Kuden (Oral transmition, the densho also contain articles on strategy)