Isshin-ryu Kusarigamajutsu #2

Hiroi Tsunenji (right) and Yoneno Kotaro (left with sword) of Shinto Muso-ryu demonstrating the sub-art Isshin-ryu Kusarigamajutsu.
Shinto Muso-ryu was founded roughly 400 years ago by Muso Gonnosuke. History states that Gonnosuke was defeated in a duel with Miyamoto Musashi. After his defeat he had an insight and created techniques for use with the quarterstaff (128 cm. staff called Jo). Legend states he returned and defeated Musashi in a rematch.

Besides the main Jodo-techniques there are also five "sub-arts" within the Shinto Muso-ryu system. Ikkaku-ryu, Ittatsu-ryu, Shinto-ryu, Isshin-ryu (kusarigama) and Uchida-ryu.

The weapon used is a "Kusarigama", a double-edged chain-and-sickle weapon with an attached metal handguard. The metal chain has a iron-weight at the end of it. For training purposes the metal parts (except the handguard) is replaced by softer materials.

Before any karateka objects, this is the Isshin-ryu tradition founded in the 1400's by Nen Ami Jion. It has no relation whatsoever (besides the name) to the modern karate-system created in 1956.

This clip is from the "Nihon Kobudo" series, "Isshin Ryu Kusarigamajutsu & Jutte" episode. It is available for purchase from various online retailers. (google it)

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Shinto
• Muso
• Ryu
• Isshin
• kusarigama
• kusarigamajutsu
• koryu
• samurai
• martial
• arts

[AshokaAnandaeSaha]

So what exactly is the relationship between Isshin-Ryu and Shinto Muso-Ryu?

if Isshin is older, does that mean it got incorporated later on?

[FredDude27]

@AshokaAnandaeSaha

Isshin is indeed older but there was never a historical relationship.

In the late 1800's one of the headmasters of Shinto Muso-ryu, Shirashi Hanjiro, recieved a full license in Isshin-ryu. As far as we know this was the first time any headmaster of SMR recieved such a license in Isshin-ryu. Shiraishi taught Isshin-ryu alongside SMR-jodo in his dojo in Fukuoka to his students, including Shimizu Takaji and Otofuji Ichizo.



[FredDude27]

@AshokaAnandaeSaha

However, it should be noted that SMR-Jodo and Isshin still are two seperate traditions. Isshin-ryu wasnt incorporated into SMR but simply associated with it. We call Isshin-ryu, ikkaku ryu, ittatsu ryu, Uchida Ryu "Fuzoku Ryuha" or "assimilated arts" and they are all seperate arts that has "tagged along" SMR-ryu during the years. Today of course, as far as I know, the various group-masters of SMR do not teach those arts seperately like Shirashi did with Isshin-ryu.

[FredDude27]

@AshokaAnandaeSaha

And for more historical trivia: Unlike Isshin-ryu, Ittatsu-ryu, Ikkaku-ryu and Uchida-ryu was actually created by two senior members of SMR. The first two ryu was created sometime in the late 1600's early 1700's, and Uchida-ryu in the late 1800's. Again these traditions were taught alongside SMR rather than being a part of SMR.

Hope that helps.

[AerialDreamz]

and you sir do not have a face now..

[zensarcasm]

That was awesome.

[BobMarleyfan200]

its kusarigama

[piloerecter]

cool a boken fora kasuri kama. NICE!!