Explanations on the “Mokuroku” and “Kogusoku” sections of the school’s curriculum, thick with jujutsu elements and the “Chugokui Mokuroku” and “Menkyo” sections with their emphasis on partner practice and the “Muto Irimi no Kurai” unarmed vs sword techniques

What was the fighting method of Tennen Rishin-ryu, the swordsmanship school whose members spread terror among the imperial loyalist samurai who wanted to overthrow the shogunate?

Having organized its study on rational thinking stemming from actual fighting, the school’s basic theory and practice revolves around the “Gekiken practice” (partner practice in protective equipment) of the Bakumatsu (ca. 1853-1867) period. During that time its swordsmen demonstrated amazing prowess in skirmishes in Kyoto.

The “logic behind the sword” of a tradition said to have 3,000 students in its heyday is presented in detail by Kato Kyoji, representative Shihan of Tennen Rishin-ryu Bujutsu Hozonkai.

In this second volume, Kato Shihan explains the jujutsu-type techniques from the “Mokuroku” and “Kogusoku” sections of Tennen Rishin-ryu’s curriculum, culminating in the “Muto Irimi no Kurai” from the “Menkyo” section where exponents learn how to face a swordsman while themselves unarmed.”

Translation: Grigoris Miliaresis

Instruction, editorial supervision: Kato Kyoji
Tennen Rishin-ryu Bujutsu Hozonkai representative Shihan, Menkyo license holder and 10th generation successor. He is a student of Tennen Rishin-ryu’s 9th head, Hirai Taisuke from whom, before his passing, received a Menkyo license. He has demonstrated in many major classical martial arts demonstrations including at the Nippon Budokan and the Kashima Shrine. In 2016, he founded the Tennen Rishin-ryu Bujutsu Hozonkai with a mission to preserve the techniques of “Hatsuunkan” the Kondo lineage dojo and revive the pre-WWII practice of Gekiken. The organization is based at Tokyo’s Sumida Ward and has three branches outside Japan.

Assisting instructor: Sandro Furzi, Shihandai, Chugokui Mokuroku holder