I recently found the book below and have included a relevant quote from it together with a couple of the illustrations. The book is entitled: 'A History of Shaolin: Buddhism, Kung Fu and Identity'By Lu Zhouxiang (2019) “While Shaolin kung fu gained mainstream popularity in China, it was also introduced to neighbouring countries and contributed […]

Between 1626 - 1627, Ryōi Shintō-ryū (良移心当流) founder Fukuno Shichirouemon Masakatsu (福野七郎右衛門正勝) studied ‘Torite no jutsu’ (捕手の術 – hand taking) & ‘Kenpō’ (拳法 – fist striking method) from the Southern Shaolin Monastery (南少林) Chinese monk Chin Genpin (陳元贇) at the Kokushoji monastery in Azabu 麻布 in Minato, Tokyo) I have just obtain a book (in […]

The first illustration above is entitled as 'Tengu Mata' 天狗胯 (股) - (Long-nosed goblin thigh) from the Yōshin-ryū (楊心流). The second picture is from the Yōshin-ryū showing Tengu performing the throw and is taken from 'Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu' by Serge Mol (2001). The final picture shows a […]

Carl De Crée's (2014) article states the following: “Kitō­-ryū delivered most of Kanō’s inspiration for throws and for his concept of Jū yoku gō o sei suru 柔能く剛を精する (Non‐resistance overcomes force), although the latter can be traced even further towards the roots of historic sumō 相撲 wrestling (De Crée, 2014; Kanō, 2006). More specifically, Kanō […]

I recently came across these certificates from 41 years ago. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to follow teachings Ryōi Shintō-ryū Jūjutsu (良移心当流 柔術) for so many years. The certificates are signed by the late Robert Clark Sensei in his capacity as BJJA (British Jujutsu Association) National Coach and by my teacher James […]

Dr Erwin Bälz (1849 - 1913) was a German internist, anthropologist and personal physician to the Japanese Imperial Family. He taught at the Medical College of Tokyo Imperial University and was the co-founder of modern western medicine in Japan. He provides a first hand account of the Totsuka-ha Yoshin-ryū  (戸塚派揚心流) and during his time, it’s […]

In the "The Kano Chronicles® – Kano Shihan in fact and fiction Part I"Blog article by Lance Gatting (Dec. 2019), he discusses the lack of evidence for subsequent stories of the victories by Kōdōkan Jūdō (講道館 柔道) over the older Jūjutsu (柔術) schools in Meiji era (明治) matches (see below). However, that notwithstanding, it should […]

In basic terms, Ryōi Shintō-ryū Jūjutsu (良移心当流 柔術) is divided into two different components (subject to the needs of the situation) and two types of technique within each, as follows: Kakutō (格闘) - Combat, comprising of: Atemi waza (当身技) – Striking"Using the body as a point of impact against an opponent. Selecting the target for […]