“The Theories of Kuroda Tetsuzan” – An Esoteric Perspective –

What did Master Tetsuzan Kuroda, one of the greatest Kobujutsu masters of this generation, accomplish and what did he leave behind?

In the first chapter of this special issue, we look back on Master Tetsuzan’s career in relation to our magazine “Hiden” and other martial arts media, examine his great achievements including his theories and the concept of the martial arts body or “Bujutsuteki Shintai” that led to his supreme technique and so called “super-human” or “divine” speed, as well as how his life demonstrated “living proof” of what is possible in Koryu Bujutsu

The Greatest Master of a Generation and a Treasure to the Koryu Bujutsu World

In early March of this year news of the passing of Tetsuzan Kuroda, the 15th Headmaster of the Shinbukan, first spread overseas and was soon made public in Japan as well shocking the entire Japanese martial arts community. Master Tetsuzan was a treasure to the entire Koryu Bujutsu community and martial arts world; often praised as one of the greatest masters of his time for his outstanding techniques known for their superhuman or “divine” speed called, “Shinsoku.”

His name transcended styles and was the object of much admiration and respect, and the editors of this magazine have received numerous messages of mourning for his untimely death at the age of 73.

To our magazine “Hiden,” Master Tetsuzan was also a true signboard figure. This magazine first featured Master Tetsuzan in its September 1998 issue. The young Master Tetsuzan, who was only in his late 40’s at the time, was already deepening his understanding of the martial arts body or “Bujutsuteki Shintai,” and performing the “vanishing” or “disappearing” movement he would become so famous for.

After that first issue, Master Tetsuzan continued to appear in our magazine, gracing the cover more times than any other writer in its history, and continuing to write the “Ask Master Tetsuzan” series for more than 10 years thus firmly establishing himself as a master among masters representing “Hiden.”
In 1988 he co-authored the book, “Bujutsu Dangi” (published by Soujinsha) with a researcher of rare martial arts, Yoshinori Kono. This book was a major milestone in bringing Master Tetsuzan’s existence to the public’s attention.

In 2021 he appeared as a guest on NHK’s martial arts variety show “Meikyoshisui: Bu no KAMIWAZA” with Junichi Okada, Akira Hino, Tatsuya Naka, and Nakano Tetsushi, among others. The appearance of Master Tetsuzan, who until then had almost never appeared on TV programs, drew a huge response and led to a follow-up collaboration with Naka Sensei the next year for a special article in the February 2022 issue of this magazine.

Master Tetsuzan’s presence grew further on YouTube, which has rapidly taken the martial arts world by storm in recent years, and his reception there has been outstanding- at the time of this writing the video of the “Shinbukan Student’s Joint Training Camp” uploaded to our official channel (BUDO JAPAN CHANNEL) in 2019 has received over 4.93 million views, and this number is expected to continue to grow into the future.

A considerable number of overseas viewers also watched this video, and Master Tetsuzan’s martial arts are highly regarded not only in Japan but also in other countries as well. This can be seen in the fact that the news of Master Tetsuzan’s passing spread quickly overseas first ahead of Japan.

Although Tetsuzan Shihan was active in various media such as magazines, books, TV, YouTube, etc., he devoted himself solely to following the Kata that were handed down in the Kuroda family for generations and to pursuing the ancient techniques contained in them. He had no interest in public recognition or prestige and devoted himself entirely to his own training and the instruction of his students.

He was born into a family of venerable warriors, and his Grandfather and Great-grandfather were both legendary masters of their art. As a modern-day samurai who dedicated his life to the ancient martial arts, Master Tetsuzan’s way of life and conduct possessed a unique charm and attraction for many people.

Furthermore, the techniques that Master Tetsuzan displayed, especially Iai jutsu, had a beauty that could only be described as the ultimate in functional beauty; and his demonstrations were filled with a tension that would take the breath away from those not familiar with the martial arts as well as seasoned practitioners.

The fact that these things were seen by many people through various media beginning with this magazine; and that this rare warrior Tetsuzan Kuroda was shown as the highest example of a living work of art, are one of the factors that contributed to making Master Tetsuzan’s influence so powerful.

This magazine’s first feature on Master Tetsuzan, in the September 1998 issue of “Hiden.” The history of Master Tetsuzan’s life is also the history of our magazine.

A picture from Master Tetsuzan’s appearance on the NHK program, “Meikyoshisui : Bu no KAMIWAZA.” From the left in order are Nakano Tetsuji Sensei, Naka Tatsuya Sensei, Master Tetsuzan, and Hino Akira Sensei.

The “Shinbukan Student’s Joint Training Session” video; uploaded to the BUDO JAPAN CHANNEL in 2019, has been viewed over 4.98 million views on YouTube at this time.

Revealing the true meaning of “Kata” and Making People Recognize their Value Again

Among Master Tetsuzan’s many accomplishments in the martial arts world, the most notable is probably the “restoration of Kata.”

“Kata are the lifeblood of Koryu Bujutsu and the essence of an unparalleled physical culture. The mission and raison d’etre of Koryu is the transmission of the Kata which have been handed down from generation to generation by the founders of the school and other predecessors.

However, in modern martial arts such as Judo and Kendo, the value of Kata was not yet fully recognized, and it wasn’t uncommon for instructors to proudly proclaim that Kata were “useless.” Unfortunately, there was no one from the Koryu side who could make a clear and convincing counterargument to such “Kata-are-unnecessary” statements.

In the midst of all this, Master Tetsuzan offered an answer: Kata are not a model for actual combat.

Although the Kata were born from actual combat, their movements were not woven together with the intention of being used directly in actual combat. Master Tetsuzan explained that the Kata are formulas and theories to guide the development of the martial arts body, or “Bujutsuteki Shintai” which is necessary for actual combat. The numerous theories that Master Tetsuzan proposed would become the ”Gokui” or secret theories of physical movement that would eventually come to symbolize him. The following is a summary of these theories.

“Saidai-Saisho Riron” (Maximum-Minimum Theory)is the theory that states that the maximum use of the body produces the “minimum,” or shortest distance/fastest movement. “Chikara no Zettai Hitei” (Absolute Negation of Force), this theory instructs us to thoroughly eliminate reliance on muscle power. “Hitochoshi” is the theory of moving the body at the same speed (constant velocity) from the beginning to the end of a movement instead of using ordinary acceleration. “Ukimi” (Floating Body) is the theory that states the body should be used as if it were floating rather than remaining in stuck in one place. “Juntai Ho” is the theory of using the entire body together as a whole instead of moving from the extremities of the hands or feet. “Musoku no Ho” is the theory of walking without kicking the ground or using leg strength.

Master Tetsuzan remarked that Kata in Koryu would not be possible without these theories, and that if Kata are practiced using the ordinary everyday way of using the body then they become hollow shells with no substance.

The ability to perform the movements required by the Kata is what leads to the acquisition the “Bujutsuteki Shintai” or “Bujutsu body,” and this is the true purpose of the Kata- not trying to make the sequences and movements themselves practical. His theory regarding Kata has been a source of inspiration for many martial arts practitioners who were lost in the pursuit of the meaning of Kata, and it was a major turning point in the re-evaluation of the value of Kata.

The dilemma that arises from the idea that “Kata = actual fighting movement” is that the more one pursues their practical application in free form offense and defense situations, the more one moves away from the movement of the Kata. However, if the Kata are abandoned the identity of the style will be lost. As a result, unnatural forced interpretations of the Kata are made, and in some cases, the Kata themselves are altered. This phenomenon of straying away from the original Kata is something not limited only to the Koryu, but also often seen in Karate, Chinese martial arts, as well as other traditional martial arts that emphasize Kata.

However, Master Tetsuzan’s words, “Kata is not a model of actual combat,” became a valuable guide for practitioners of other styles of traditional martial arts in reconsidering the essence of their own Kata.

A “Bujutsuteki Shintai” Guided by Theory Produces Divine Speed

Master Tetsuzan’s Iaijutsu is often described as being “divine speed,” however, this of course doesn’t just mean he draws the sword very fast. While it’s true that Master Tetsuzan’s sword drawing is in itself phenomenally fast that is not the essence of the art.

When Master Tetsuzan’s performs Iai it’s impossible to detect the start of the movement even when warns you that he’s about to pull out the sword. By the time you realize it, it’s too late- he has already pulled out the sword, which equals being cut. In fact, it’s impossible to react to the movement even when he draws the sword slowly.

Master Tetsuzan explains that speed in martial arts is neither ‘slow’ nor ‘fast,’ but rather a different type of speed from what the eye sees as fast or slow- it appears fast because the opponent is unable to sense the start of the movement.

This is the true nature of the divine speed that was feared as “disappearing movement.” Master Tetsuzan demonstrated this divine speed not only in Iajutsu but in all martial arts including Kenjutsu, Jujutsu, Naginatajutsu, and Bojutsu. The only path to mastering divine speed is to develop a Bujutsuteki Shintai, or “martial arts body,” in accordance with the theories of movement required in the Kata.

Master Tetsuzan’s theory is a verbalization and systematization of the principles that originally existed in the Kata handed down in the Shinbukan, and not his own original creation. Rather, it is the result of abandoning any personal interpretation of the style and delving deeply into the Kata with the utmost sincerity. Therefore, Master Tetsuzan’s theory can be viewed as an oral transmission of the essence of Koryu translated into modern times. No one theory is independent of the others; there are always multiple theories working together simultaneously. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the numerous theories are, in a sense, individual descriptions of a single, ideal martial arts body; or “Bujutsuteki Shintai,” viewed from various different angles.

Master Tetsuzan also understood that it was extremely difficult to perform the Kata according to the theories. If an inexperienced person tried to fulfill all the requirements of the Kata at the same time, they would not be able to make a single cut with the sword or even take a single step forward. That’s how difficult real Kata practice is. Because of these circumstances Master Tetsuzan created, “Asobi Geiko;” or “play practice,” a new method where he broke out some of the movements of Kata to concentrate on specific aspects of the theories. Theory paves the way for the creation of a Bujutsuteki Shintai, and when the Bujutsuteki Shintai moves it becomes divine speed. In his later years, Master Tetsuzan’s every move was unmistakably a living example of this divine speed.

Kuroda Tetsuzan’s Theory of the Essence or Secret Teachings of Bujutsu

“Saidai-Saisho Riron” – Maximum-Minimum Theory

Using the body to the maximum creates the minimum time to completion of a movement. In the basic technique, “Kaiken-suburi,” the sword moves in a circular motion to achieve the strongest cutting power, while the sword strikes the opponent in the shortest possible time. The dichotomy of the strongest and the fastest is realized as a single movement.

“Chikara no Zettai Hitei” – Absolute Negation of the Use of Power (or Absolutely

Effortlessly rolling the opponent over by arm-wrestling with a single-finger (1) to (3). This technique is absolutely impossible to perform with muscle power. Thoroughly eliminating any dependence on muscle power fundamentally transforms the quality of the movement.

“Hitochoshi” – One Uniform Movement

If a person can move at the same speed (constant speed) from the beginning to the end of a movement then they can draw the sword instantly without meeting any resistance from the opponent- even if the sword handle is held down. This “Hitochoshi” is (expresses?) the (essence of the ?) unstoppable movement of the samurai (1) to (3).

“Ukimi” – Floating Body

Using the body with a sense of floating; feeling gravity but not being stuck in one place. This ancient way of using the body is essential- especially in the art of Iai jutsu.

“Juntai Ho”

Instead of moving from the extremities of the hands and feet, the entire body is linked together.
Pictures show a form of “play” practice in which ① the opponent grips the wooden sword with both hands, and then, ② the cut is completed while maintaining “Juntai;” breaking the balance of the opponent.

“Musoku no Ho”

Way of using the feet/legs to walk without kicking the ground or using leg strength. When approached in this way the opponent cannot accurately judge one’s footwork and the space between them seems to shrink as he closes the distance.

Theory that Leads to “Divine Speed”

The body will become “divine speed” when it moves as a “Bujutsuteki Shintai” guided by theory.

Tetsuzan Kuroda: Proof of What is Possible

In an interview with this magazine for the December 2017 special edition issue on Martial Arts Manga the shonen manga legend Kazuhiro Fujita, who himself also trained in Koryu Jujutsu and Chinese martial arts, said, “Martial arts show us what is possible and the potential for just how strong we can become.” I believe these words apply directly to Master Tetsuzan.

I think that probably the reason Master Tetsuzan was able to transcend both country borders and martial arts styles to become highly regarded by so many martial arts practitioners was not only because of his overwhelming skill, but rather because his very existence was proof of what is possible.

If a person devoted his entire life to the Koryu martial arts in today’s day and age just how good could they really become? Master Tetsuzan has provided us with an answer to this eternal question that every martial artist considers at least once during their martial arts training. He showed us that by mastering the Koryu martial arts it’s possible a person can move this well and become this fast. Even in this modern day and age, where there are probably no more true samurai left, it’s still possible to become this close to being a samurai.

Without a doubt Master Tetsuzan, who devoted his entire life to the practice of the martial arts from the day he was born into this world, reached the highest level that modern people can attain in the martial arts. This magazine shares its history with Master Tetsuzan’s journey, and it is an honor to have been able to share his appearance, words, techniques, and theories with our readers for nearly 30 years.

Kuroda Tetsuzan is the penultimate proof of how far it is possible to go in mastering the martial arts. His existence, along with his nickname “Shinsoku” or “divine speed,” will never fade away and he will continue to shine as a beacon for all those who aspire to mastery of the martial arts.

The Path of Kuroda Tetsuzan’s Life
1950　Born as the eldest son of Shigeki Kuroda. Named “Tetsuzan” from his Grandfather Yasuji’s name, “Teshinsai,” and his Great-Grandfather Masakuni’s childhood name, “Tetsunosuke.”
1968　Entered Law School at Hosei University. This period provided him with an opportunity to fully pursue training of his family’s martial arts.
1969　At the age of only 19, received the rank of “Kyoshi” (Instructor) from the Dai Nihon Butokukai on the recommendation of Master Yasuji.
1970　At the age of 20, received the rank of 8th dan, Kobudo Hanshi from the Dai Nippon Butokukai. He is said to be the youngest person ever to receive this award.
1976　Grandfather and mentor Yasuji passed away.
1982　Eldest son, Yasumasa, was born in August.
1983　Became the Director of the Saitama Branch of the Dai Nippon Butokukai. Later, also served as a director at the headquarters for a brief time.
1988　Published the book “Bujutsu Dangi” (Discussions on Martial Arts); co-authored with Master Yoshinori Kono.
1998　The first feature article on Master Tetsuzan appeared in the September issue of the “Gekkan Hiden” (Monthly Secrets) magazine.
2002　Closed the osteopathic clinic started by his father, Shigeki, which he had been managing. After this time dedicated his life solely to the martial arts.
2019　Book signing event commemorating the publication of the serial column, “Ask Master Tetsuzan” published in the magazine “Gekkan Hiden” (Monthly Secrets) was held at Shosen Grande.
2021　Appeared on NHK’s program “Meikyo Shisui: Bu no KAMIWAZA”. Performed with Master Hino Akira, Master Naka Tatsuya, and others. 2022 Experienced sudden illness resulting in long-term medical treatment.
2023　Entrusts Master Yasumasa Kuroda as his successor and 16th “Soke” or head of the Shinbukan.
2024　Passed away at 21:09 on Sunday, March 3rd at the age of 73.

Kuroda Tetsuzan

15th Headmaster of the Shinbukan

Born in 1950; the first son of Shigeki Kuroda and Shihan of the “Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo.” Named “Tetsuzan” from the names of his Grandfather Yasuji, “Tesshinsai,” and the childhood name of his Great-grandfather Masakuni, “Tetsunosuke.” Became Headmaster of five Koryu martial arts: Komagawa Kaishin Ryu Kenjutsu, Shishin Takuma Yondaikenichi Ryu Jujutsu, Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu, Tsubaki Kotengu Ryu Boujutsu, and Oguri Ryu Sakkatsujutsu.

At the age of 19 received the rank of Kyoshi (Instructor) from the Dai Nippon Butokukai, and at age 20 was awarded the rank of 8^th dan, Kobudo Hanshi. Since the late 1980s onward, continued his lifelong pursuit of Kata practice with its fundamental purpose being the acquisition of the “Bujutsuteki Shintai” or martial arts body. Was a regular contributor to the “Ask Master Tetsuzan” serial column in the “Gekkan Hidden” (Monthly Secrets) magazine. Passed away at the age of 73 on March 3^rd, 2024.