During the Toh Era in ancient China, there lived a remarkable woman named En-no-Gyoja. also known as “Cho” referred to the ancient kingdom of Chine. En-no-Gyoja became renowned as an expert martial artist in Koppo-jutsu, Chinese Kenpo and Hicho Jutsu. According to legend, En-no-Gyoja was fierce stood her ground and faught a large number of warriors that threatned her village.
It is said that this Ryu originated based on the principles En No passed down. In the Eikyū Era (1113–1118), these martial teachings were brought to Japan and transmitted to Izumo Kajya Yoshiteru (Minamoto Hachiman Shichiro Tamenari).
Two generations later, during the Kenkyū Era (1190–1199), the art was passed to Mizuhara Kurou Yoshinari, the lord of Mizuhara Castle in Mutsu province and reputedly a son of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Yoshinari mastered Daken-taijutsu, Bajutsu (horse riding), Sojutsu, and Batto (quick-draw sword). His iai was so swift it was compared to a lightning strike.
In the Meiji Era (1868–1912), Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu operated a dojo in Kobe to preserve and promote Shinden Fudo Ryu. Toda Shinryuken was the maternal grandfather of Takamatsu Toshitsugu, who began training under him at the age of nine and later inherited this Ryu. Hatsumi Sensei became a student of Takamatsu in 1957 and inherited this Ryu Ha as his next successor. I learned this Ryuha over my many trips in Japan from 1997 – 2018.
The Shinden Fudo Ryu Daken-taijutsu system is structured around:
- Ten no Kata (Ikken Hasso)
- Chi no Kata (Biken Isshun)
- Shizen Shigoku no Kata
It includes 28 Omote-gata patterns, 56 Ura-gata patterns, Gokui and Kuden on how to use Yoroi, Tachi etc.
Dojo Rules set by Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu (January 1892, Meiji 25):
- Learn patience within the time it takes a cigarette to burn.
- Understand that the true way of man is righteousness.
- Abandon desire, avoid seeking ease, and release stubbornness.
- Accept sadness and grudges as destiny; realize the value of Fudoshin (immovable heart).
- Keep loyalty close to parents and rulers; devote yourself deeply to both culture and martial arts.
