Kukishin-ryu Happo Hiken

Kukishin-ryu Happo Hiken is a Japanese martial art which focuses on the use of weapons, both on and off the battlefield. As such, many of the techniques are done wearing armour. From 1968 onwards the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten listed Masaaki Hatsumi as the lineage holder (headmaster or Sōke) of Kukishin-ryu Happo Hiken.

History

Kukishin-ryu Happo Hiken is one of several variants of Kukishinden Ryu still in existence today. Kukishinden Ryu is known for its many weapons techniques which have influenced many martial arts, Fact|date=May 2008 for instance, Kukishinden Ryu is related to the sword school Itto Ryu Kenjutsu and there are writings by the swordsman Itto Ittosai in the Kukishinden Ryu densho signed and dated March 1st, Tenshō (1573).Fact|date=May 2008 Hatsumi's Stickfighting book, with the methods of the Kukishin Ryu (Kukishinden Ryu's parent system) is praised on Koryu.com website for its effectiveness. [ [http://www.koryu.com/library/mskoss7.html Sticks and Stones Will Break Your Bones] : A Look at Jo and Bo by Meik Skoss]

Techniques

The densho (scrolls) of Kukishin-ryu Happo Hiken as held by the head of the Bujinkan, Masaaki Hatsumi are arranged in a particular order, and each waza (technique), kata (forms), etc. are supposed to be learned in that order, mastering one set before moving on to the next.

Kukishin-ryu Happo Hiken is divided into:

*Dakentaijutsu (Unarmed methods)
*Rokushakubojutsu (6 foot staff)
*Hanbojutsu (3 foot staff)
*Sojutsu (Spear methods)
*Naginatajutsu/Bisentojutsu (bladed pole arms)
*Jojutsu (4.5 foot staff)
*Juttejutsu (Half staff)
*Kenjutsu (Sword methods)
*Kodachi dori (short sword)
*Kajutsu (Fire methods)
*Kishajutsu (Horsemanship)
*Gun-Ryaku (Strategy)

References