Jinenkan Honbu Blog

自然流居合術　霞返し

2012-01-28T04:29:00.001-08:00

鯉口が切り、袈裟斬りの角度で抜き上段の時、右足を右斜め前に踏み込み、左足の相手の唐竹割りの外に踏み込んで相手の攻撃線を外すこと。

左右の袈裟斬り、天回血振りの後の納刀を素早くやり、納刀後は鞘を引かず、鯉口を切る。
刀の角度を決め、相手の唐竹割りに対し、小手を斬り上げる。

高木楊心流柔体術　軆之型　両手掛

2012-01-28T04:15:00.001-08:00

受けが両胸を掴んでくるのに対し、両手で受けの両肘を上から掴んで左足を引きながら星を拇指で押し下げ、相手を下に崩す。
左足を受けの両足の間に踏み込むと同時に中指を主に四指で星を掴んで押し上げ、右足を受けの左の声に掛けて巴投げ　残心

☆巴投げの時、両手で自分の胸に引き付ける。

変化　受けが両腕を伸ばして突っ張ってきて星がきまらない時、両手で弱筋を掴んで押し上げて巴投げ。

☆弱筋を掴んで押し上げる時、自分の両脇を空けないように注意。

Hatsu Geiko 2012 初稽古　平成二十四

2012-01-24T03:16:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was the first training of the year with Unsui Sensei at the Honbu.
"I would like each of you to make a mokuhyo 目標 (objective) for this year. If you dont make a specific goal for your training for the year you will proceed through it da-ra da-ra　だらだら like (flopping around idly/aimlessly)."
Sensei had some specific goals for some members and left it up the rest to come up with their own.

As for the topic, Sensei would like to wrap up the section of Takagi Ryu we are working on and then start back at the beginning with Koto Ryu and Gyokko Ryu.
"This time we will do the Kihon and then the Henka."

Gonna be a good year.

Kanji:千載一遇【せんざいいちぐう】Sen sai ichi gu (n) once in a lifetime (opportunity); (a golden opportunity that may) happen only once in a thousand years

Kasumi: Related words

2012-01-24T02:47:00.000-08:00

霞 also can be written 翳 - haze (esp. in spring); mist; (2) (esp. with the character翳) dimness (of sight)

雲霞【うんか; くもかすみ】 Unka/kumokasumi(n) clouds and haze (fog); disappearing; fleeing

煙霞【えんか】Enka (n) smoke and mist; view

紅霞【こうか】Kouka (n) crimson mist; crimson-tinted clouds (e.g. at sunset)

朝霞【ちょうか】Choka (n) (arch) morning glow; morning mist (haze)

雲霞の如く【うんかのごとく】Un no gotoku (n) in swarms

遠くに霞む【とおくにかすむ】 Tooku ni kasumu. To loom in the distance

Kasumi Gaeshi: Notes

2012-01-24T02:37:00.000-08:00

For some reason I neglected to get the kanji characters for this technique, though I suspect that they are 霞返し. Kasumi means mist or vague and kaesu is to return. The overall concept involves fighting two opponents.

"The middle section emphasizes a rapid sheathing and redrawing which is not in any of the other iai kata."
　　　　　As you can see in the video the opening draw, which is like a Jodan uke　上段受け from Bo Jutsu 棒術　moves the opponents blade away from the body. The left hand sort of cups the tsuba 鍔　and the thumb is around the right wrist.
A left and right kesa giri 袈裟切りfollow, the last being deeper than usual.
Stepping back into kamae a rapid six count notoh 納刀.　(It basically is just a sped up version of the original with one exception being the saya 鞘　is rotated at the same time the sword is brought up to meet it.)
The koiguchi 鯉口　is then re-opened and the saya rotated.
As the second opponent comes in do a one handed kote kiri age　小手切り上げ.
Go to Dai Jyo Dan and do a Kara take wari.
Sink back into kamae.
Notoh.

Jinen Ryu Iai: Kasumi Gaeshi Points

2012-01-21T17:02:00.001-08:00

Jinen Ryu Iai: Kasumi Gaeshi

2012-01-21T15:36:00.001-08:00

Sumo:　Digest from the first day.

2012-01-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

My man from Czech, Taka no Yama (98kilos in a world where everyone is like 150kilos) is against another one of my favorites Sagatsugasa, who at 166cm (5foot 5) is a bit on the short side. Also he is way balding and its a bit of a struggle for him to keep up his Chon mage. Anyway they are at the 47 second mark.

Sumo: 83ks vs 273ks= 190kilo difference

2012-01-14T22:18:00.001-08:00

2012-01-14T17:22:00.001-08:00

shinobazu =no shinobi-ing

Tateshi: 殺陣師

2012-01-12T02:30:00.000-08:00

So if you ever catch a Jidai geki (period drama) here in Japan you will note that while the middle of the episodes are a bit dry, the beginning and the end are symphonies of swordplay. One guy in particular, named Seizou Hashimoto, has been in so many Jidai Geki (almost always as the bad guy) that he's known as "the man that has been cut 50, 000 times". Dude gets killed twice in the same episode sometimes. His skills are evident in the video compilation here. (Skip forward a bit on it.)

Tateshi is the word for the guy who teaches or does stage combat.

Dojo Improvements=道場改善

2012-01-08T17:20:00.001-08:00

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Macedonia Seminar Info

2012-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

http://bujinkan.org.mk/index.php?page=announcements&lang=eng#ac2cf2a34bd426ab6b21aa83ed5cb572

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Sweden Seminar

2012-01-03T17:57:00.001-08:00

Goings on in the Jinenkan

2011-12-31T18:23:00.000-08:00

The Kousei Kougi Dojo is doing its 8th annual Hatsu Geiko. If you can, do.

"We will be training the Muto Dori of the Kotō Ryū Hekitō Gata. This topic is very different than our regular Hatsu Keiko training and for a reason. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please bring fukuroshinai and dress warmly. Of course there is no charge."

Dec 11th Enbu: Togakure Ryu Kenjutsu 師走十一日演武

2011-12-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

Dec 11th Enbu: Kyoketusu Shoge 師走十一日演武：

2011-12-23T06:07:00.000-08:00

Goings on in the Jinenkan: New York Seminar

2011-12-21T06:58:00.001-08:00

Dec 11th Enbu: Jo 師走十一日演武：杖

2011-12-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

Edo Japan Crime and Punishment: Arson

2011-12-20T02:21:00.000-08:00

放火Arson

　現代と異なり防火と消火の設備が未発達の江戸時代では火事による被害は現代とは比べ物にならないほど甚大になることもあった。

In the Edo Era,unlike today, firefighting and fire prevention measures were few, therefore thedamage accrued by a fire was substantially greater.

　例えば、江戸時代最大の大火である明暦三年（1657）の明暦の大火は約十万人の死者を出し、江戸城や多数の武家屋敷、民家が焼失するなど江戸の広範囲が被災した。そのため、放火は重罪である。

For example thelargest fire in the Edo Era occurred in the third year of (1867). The fire killed approximately 100,000 people, damaging the castle, numeroushomes of Bushi as well as average peoples homes. The extensive damage caused by fire is thereason for the strict punishments.

罪名Crime	刑罰 Punishment
放火Arson	馬で市中引廻しの上火罪Parade through the streets on horseback, burned to death
依頼放火 Arson at the request of someone	市中引廻しの上死罪 Parade around the city and death penalty
平日失火 Losing control of fire (ie kitchen fire)	十間以上焼けば火災の軽度により十から二十日の押込。If over ten Kan (one tatami mat length1.8m) are burned, from ten to twenty days in prison.
将軍外出日失火 Setting fire when the Shogun is away	火元は手鎖五十日。家主・地主は三十日間押込、五人組二十日間押込。The one who lost control of a fire gets fifty days in hand-chains. Owner of the house or property gets thirty days in jail, the Go-nin Gumi (see post from last month) get twenty days in jail.

Dec 11th Enbu: Ken 師走十一日演武：剣

2011-12-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Dec 11th Enbu: Taijutsu 師走十一日演武：體術

2011-12-19T07:18:00.001-08:00

Enbu: Dec 11th Jo　演武：師走十一日　杖

2011-12-04T01:52:00.001-08:00

Torei:　刀礼

2011-12-03T22:06:00.001-08:00

Rei

"Sensei Andy had a question about Torei. Is there or will there be any Torei in Jinenkan Ryu Iai?"

Sensei: "There already is. Chiburi is a form of Torei. You are cleaning the blood off the blade thereby showing respect for it."

and

"Diligently maintaining the cleanliness of your blade is important"

いつも刀をきれいにするのは大事

itsumo katana wo kirei ni suru no wa daiji

Enbu: Dec 11th Naginata　演武：師走十一日　薙刀

2011-12-03T01:06:00.001-08:00

Iida trained a lot by himself but I think today was the first day he trained with an uke. This is after about an hour or so of training together. Lookin good.

Classic Jinenkan Footage: Manaka Sensei in Belgium

2011-12-02T05:15:00.001-08:00

I forgot that this interview had some awesome scenes of Sensei doing Kata, shot from slightly above.

The frightening origins of Kanji

2011-11-30T03:24:00.001-08:00

My wife bought me this book (used) the other day. It details the not so nice origins of some seemingly ordinary Chinese characters. The modern character is on the right there and the older version on the left in brackets with the various readings (there can be several for each character) on the far left.

Like the one above. It is the kanji for the number seven. No big deal right? Well as it turns out what it actually represents is the outline of a wound. It doesnt represent a cut finger or somthing you will recover from either. In ancient China, insulting the emporer was a crime for which you could not be allowed to live. The only remaining option was suicide. It differs somewhat from the seppuku in Japan in that it was a cross十 shaped cut. The knife was driven in and across, pulled out and then dragged top to bottom leaving a cross. The bit trailing out represents the blood and entrails thus 十 becomes　七 . The seven lucky gods motif often seen around new years time is actually an effort to dispel the bad luck of "7" and its association with death.

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Mononofu Dojo　武士道場

2011-11-29T03:43:00.001-08:00

The Mononofu Dojo has great seminars and they make good videos to boot!

Seven virtues of Bushido

2011-11-29T02:02:00.001-08:00

Enbu Dec.11th　Iai :演武：師走十二日居合

2011-11-27T22:48:00.000-08:00

Daijodan no kamae, tantojutsu kihon waza.

By: Jinenkan 公正剛儀 Dojo, Adam Mitchell

"If I feel every one's level is sufficient then I would like to do all four of the Iai Kata that i have introduced thus far, sequentially."

We were all like "!!!!!"

ps. The picture is unrelated,awesome.

Sumo:Takanoyama Shuntaro　隆の山俊太郎

2011-11-27T00:35:00.000-08:00

This dude is so rad. He is always outweighed by at least 50 kilos sometimes up to 100ks.

Takanoyama Shuntaro (born 21 February 1983 as Pavel Bojar) is a sumo wrestler fromPrague, Czech Republic. He is the first man from the Czech Republic to join the professional sport in Japan.^[1] He reached the third highest makushita division in 2004, but due to his light weight he had difficulty in regularly beating his opponents, despite his skill.　However, in May 2011 he finally earned promotion to the sekitori ranks. After becoming only the third newsekitori since 1958 to pass through juryo division in just one tournament, he made his debut in the top makuuchi division in September 2011 at maegashira 15.
Due to his exceptionally light frame Takanoyama relies heavily on throws to defeat his much heavier opponents. His most common winningkimarite is uwatenage, or overarm throw, followed by shitatenage (underarm throw) and kakenage (hooking inner thigh throw).　He has knowledge of a wide variety of techniques, using 37 different winning kimarite so far in his career.

Enbu Dec.11th breakdown:演武：師走十二日役目

2011-11-25T16:33:00.001-08:00

1.Bob--Kenjutusu

2.Eric--Taijutsu

3.Simon--Jo Jutusu

4.Iida--Naginata

5.Fede--Kusari Fundo

6.Daniel--6Shaku Bo

7.Edy--Kyoketsu Shoge

8.Raphael--

9.Manaka--Togakure Ryu Iai (with 3 opponents)

10.Takisu--Filming

Enbu Dec.11th:演武：師走十二日

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

The information we have from Sensei is that the next Enbu will be on Sun Dec 11th at a public hall near Noda City Offices. It is a Christmas party for children whose fathers have passed away. The first half will be a Noh play performance and then the Jinenkan Enbu. After that we will probably participate in handing out presents to the kids in addition to other unspecified Christmas activities. Apparently they are sending out invitations to over 1000 households so conceivably 2000-3000 people could attend, but most likely it will be 600-800.

12月11日(日)の演武

2011-11-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

私の演武種目は、九鬼神流薙刀術で「抜倒」「足払」「すり上げ」の３本と決め技です。
For the next Enbu i decided on Batou,Ashi Barai and Suri age from Kukishin Ryu Naginata Jutsu.
今度は、会場が広いので、大きく動いて技を見せる必要があるそうです。
For the next Enbu the event space is larger and will require large movement for the waza to be seen well.
特に今度は、寡婦とその子供を対象にしたクリスマスイベントでの演武とのことで、勇気付け、喜んで貰えるものにしたいです。
As this event will be a christmas party for children who have lost their fathers, we want to put on a good show and bring up their spirits.

Jinenryu Iai:Tengu Schematic 自然流居合天狗図解

2011-11-25T03:34:00.000-08:00

So I emailed Iida san and asked him if he would be interested in doing up a drawing of Tengu and he was like " I'm doing it now". He rocks!

Taking a look at the Chi buri you will see some points Sensei emphasised the last time we did this.

1. The turn is fast, not a slow deliberate turn.

2. Your foot may extend past the center line to extend beyond 180°. The reason for this is "it will give you stability as you are turning fast" and "the turn should not extend beyond, say,45° past the center line.

3. Sword should make a whipping sound

Historical Warriors from China: Zhang Shun 張順（ちょうじゅん）

2011-11-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

A bad ass 1887 woodblock print byYoshitoshi, depicting Zhang Shun (top) wrestling with Li Kuiin the Xunyang River

Zhang Shun known as Chyojyun in Japanese is a fictional character in the Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 30th of the 36 Heavenly Spirits of the 108 Liangshan heroes and is nicknamed "White Stripe in the Waves".

The Water Margin describes Zhang Shun as a man six chi tall with a fair complexion and a beautiful beard. He is a powerful swimmer and diver. His prowess in water earns him the nickname "White Stripe in the Waves".Zhang Shun and his older brother Zhang Heng live at the foot of Mount Gu. They engage in illegal trading and piracy on the nearby Xunyang River for a living. He decides to change his career and moves to Jiangzhou (present-day Jiangxi), where he becomes a fisherman. When Song Jiang is exiled to Jiangzhou for murdering Yan Poxi, he befriends the wardens Dai Zong and Li Kui and leads an easy life in prison there.
Once, during a feast with Dai Zong and Li Kui, Song Jiang suddenly has a craving for fish. Li Kui immediately goes to the riverbank to get fresh fish. His hot temper gets him into a fight with the fishermen. Zhang Shun challenges Li Kui to a fight but he is defeated. Zhang Shun is not satisfied and he challenges Li Kui to fight him in the river instead. Li Kui is a poor swimmer and he is defeated by Zhang Shun in the water. Song Jiang and Dai Zong arrive on the scene and stop the fight. Zhang Shun and Li Kui then have a good laugh over the fight and beome friends.
When Grand Marshal Gao Qiu leads a fleet of 300 battleships to attack the outlaws, Zhang Shun and the Liangshan navy go underwater and knock holes in the hulls of the ships and sank them. Gao Qiu's entire fleet is destroyed and the outlaws score a major victory over the imperial forces in the battle. Zhang Shun and the other naval commanders are given full credit for the victory.After the Liangshan outlaws are granted amnesty by the emperor, Zhang Shun follows them on their campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces, making great contributions to his nation. During the Fang La campaign, Zhang Shun attempts to sneak into the enemy city ofHangzhou by scaling the Yongjin Gate (湧金門). He is discovered by Fang Tianding and killed by Fang's archers.After his death, his spirit possesses his brother's body and he slays Fang Tianding on Mount Wuyun for revenge.

Jinenryu Biken: Iai no maki Gekiryu Adjustments 自然流秘剣居合の巻激流調整

2011-11-19T22:16:00.001-08:00

" I was watching you all do 激流Geki ryu and was thinking that something seemed strange. When I checked my notes I realized hadn't included one cut that was written down originally. I would like to go over that today."

Basically what happens is after the draw you do a 左袈裟切りhidari kesa giri back down along the line you drew out from. After that it's as before a 右袈裟migi kesa (or kiri sage?)In addition Sensei had us wait for a three count before the first roll.

如意棒？A Nyoi Staff (priest's staff)?

2011-11-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

ふたば☆ちゃんねるという画像掲示板で見つけました。
I found this on a image bulletin board called Futa ba Channel.
４番バッターではなく、幕末の武士の写真みたいです。ゴジラ松井の先祖でしょうか？
Hes not the #4 batter but rather a photo of a Bushi from the end of the Bakufu era. Could he be Matsui's ancestor?
合戦の絵も拾いました。
I also picked up a picture of a melee.

Toh Rei　刀礼

2011-11-18T21:08:00.001-08:00

I got a question from Andy S. about whether Sensei was going to include Toh Rei in the Iai Kata. Not having any idea what Toh Rei was I looked it up. I will ask him next week. The characters are sword+bow (rei)

Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu Okudengata

2011-11-16T02:53:00.001-08:00

A fine example of Bo Jutsu棒術 from the "School of the Nine Daemon Gods"九鬼神流.

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Macedonia Seminar

2011-11-16T02:51:00.001-08:00

Enbu redux:=演武リダックス

2011-11-14T17:38:00.001-08:00

Crikey our Enbu was a hit so we have another on Dec 11th!

Report on the Enbu 演武の復命

2011-11-14T05:50:00.001-08:00

Enbu： Rokushaku bo 演武：六尺棒

2011-11-13T01:27:00.001-08:00

I'm doing bojutsu棒術 at the enbu 演武　and Sensei selected the katas:

Goho,

Tsuru no Issoku,

and Sashiai.

The biggest difference when doing these for the enbu is that they are still done powerfully but there is a longer pause between each strike so the audience can clearly see everything. Also exaggerate the movements more than usual for the audiences sake. Bow to the audience first, then your partner then begin.

Goho: Spin the bo more at the beginning. Move to the left and then to the right of the stage while spinning the bo. As you come back to the center begin your attack. Each strike is strong and fast but with longer pauses in between. Kiai with each strike.

Tsuru no Issoku: Again, longer pauses between each strike. Also the 3 strikes to right yokomen - men- left yokomen are done slower. Kiai: eh-yah-to.

Sashiai: Lean forward more. Use strong strikes as usual to drive opponent back but have longer pauses between each one and kiai eh-yah-to.

Bob

Enbu 演武

2011-11-11T02:41:00.001-08:00

Script for the Enbu.

1.Taijutsu

2.San Jaku Bo

3.Ken Jyutsu

4.Rokushakkubo

5.Bisento

6.Jinenryu Iai

Edo Era Criminals: Irezumi (tattoos)＃２江戸時代犯罪者入墨

2011-11-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Banishment was a common punishment for a variety of offences and to prevent the offender from slipping back into society Irezumi was implemented. On the far right is the standard example of two parallel lines across the forearm from Edo(Tokyo). The one to the left is an example of an extended sentence (one extra bar) and the rest are local variations from elsewhere in Japan.

The third arm from the right on the bottom row represents a Hinin 非人 one group comprising the lowest rank of Japan's Edo-period caste system (often ex-convicts or vagrants) The three dots were the first time they were kicked out of the community they lived in, or getsu raku 欠落　(lit. lose+drop). The quotation mark looking one is for the second offence and the wristband is for #3. Apparently all the while becoming more and more visible.

Edo Era Criminals: Irezumi (tattoos)江戸時代犯罪者入墨

2011-11-10T04:24:00.000-08:00

Here are some examples of criminal tattoos used before the 5th year of Kyouho (1720). Vertically on the left are three stages of tattoo, one for each time caught in a crime. The final result after three crimes is the word inu "dog". To the right of that are two examples of tattoos given for fighting, and the rest are variations for thievery.

Enbu: Jinenryu Bikenjutsu 自然流　秘刀術

2011-11-08T13:15:00.001-08:00

I chose to demonstrate Jinen Ryu Bikenjutsu for the Enbu. Sensei chose the techniques Inazuma, Ryu Da and Hengen Jizai. The timing of these techniques changes for a demonstration. You want to still do strong powerful cuts but pause between movements to emphasize the smaller points that are not obvious. Failure to do this does not allow the audience to fully appreciate the techniques meaning and feeling. Uke also has to assist by emphasizing where they have been hit to help people see the movement.

Inazuma - As opponent knocks away the sword to your right move in as normal to block the Kiri Kaeshi and pause for count of 1,2. On count of 3 step with the left foot whilst striking with the kashira to opponents face (kiai). Then count 1,2 and step back with right to cut to opponents neck (kiai). Keep Zanshin and move back to starting position in kamae.

Ryu Da - From Gedan no kamae move in and strike up to knock away opponents blade (opponent knocks his arms up and away to his right to emphasize the movement). Hold 1,2 and then on 3 move in to cut Do Giri (kiai). Assume Zanshin and move back to start in kamae.

Hengen Jizae - All four techniques to be shown. First move in as opponent cuts and as swords connect emphasize the movement by stepping left and right so audience can see you trying to push against opp's sword. Then step to your right pushing down to opponents neck, pause 1,2 and on 3 Oshi Giri (kiai). Opponent falls to the floor, assume Zanshin and back to start.

This time as swords connect catch and step left and right. When stepping left, make a small jump and push away opponents forearm with your left arm and pause 1,2 and on 3 cut with Daito to opponents neck and pause 1,2. On three step away in kamae, zanshin and back to start.

This time as swords connect step left and right. The push up and kick right leg to opponents chest (kiai) to make spec and then move in with tsuki to opponents neck (kiai). Opponent moves back to emphasize the tsuki and movement. Kamae, Zanshin and back to start.

This time as swords connect opponent pushes in. Move under opponents arms using your right arm to push up opponents arms (arch the back to emphasize). Hold 1,2 and then on 3 explode into Do Giri (kiai). Kamae, zanshin and back to start.

Tenshin (天心）

Simon.

演武

2011-11-06T06:16:00.001-08:00

私の演武種目は、九鬼神流半棒術の型３本です。
For the Enbu I'm doing three Kata from Kukishin Ryu Han Bo Jutsu
型は、「行違」「阪落」「小手払」です。
The Kata are Iki-Chigai, Saka Otoshi and Kote Barai
演武では、普段の稽古と違い最大限の力は出さないものの、動きを大きく観る方にわかりやすくやることが大切だそうです。また、居合の型と同様に一つの動作を終えたら、１,２,３で３の時に次の動作に移ることです。
Demonstrating at the Enbu is different from regular Keiko as we dont put out full power. Using large movements in order for the spectators to understand what is happening is important. As with the Iai Kata, after each movement counting 1,2,3 and on 3 doing the next movement.
例えば、相手が小刀で突いて来たのに対して、左足を左前方に踏み込んでかわし、半棒で相手の弱筋を打ち上げたら、そこで止まり、１,２,３で次の動作に入ります。
For example when the opponent comes in with a Tsuki with Shoto, the left leg steps out to the left, strike with the hanbo up to the opponent's jyakkin, stop here, count 1,2,3 and continue to the next movement

普段の稽古では、相手の弱筋を打ち上げたら、すぐに次の動作に入り、相手に反撃のスキを与えないようにしなければなりません。実際に稽古では、型を覚えたら、受けをする人は、小刀で切り返して反撃して少し乱捕り気味に型をやります。

During normal keiko, after striking up to the opponent's jyakkin, the next movement would immediately follow. You cant give the opponent an opportunity to strike back. In real training, after the kata has been memorized, the uke will often try to kiri-kaeshi and we enter into a quazi-randori state.

Regulations for the Residents of Edo 1655

2011-11-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

CONTROL OF THE URBAN AREAS

Edo, the present-day Tokyo, was an insignificant fishing village in 1457 when Ota Dokan set out to build a castle there. In 1590 it became the headquarters for the Tokugawa, and in 1603 it became the political center of the country when the Tokugawa bakufu was established. It was inhabited by the retainer groups (kashindan), wives, and children of the tozama daimyo who remained there as hostages, as well as the merchants who served them. In the Kanei period (1624—1643) the system of alternate attendance (sankin kotai) became formalized and mansions for the daimyo were built along with houses to accommodate their retainers and families.

The bakufu also regulated the establishment of over three hundred cho (wards—or units within the city). The inhabitants of each of the cho (or machi) often consisted of traders or artisans of the same occupation. Initially the bakufu moved the merchants and artisans from Mikawa and other old domains belonging to the Tokugawa. These merchants and artisans in turn called other merchants and artisans from other domains to come and join them in Edo. The bakufu gave lands and official positions (machidoshiyori, or town elders and/or goyo shonin, or merchants by appointment to the bakufu to the leading merchants and artisans. They served under the town commissioners (machi bugyo), and became part of the system of control of commerce and industry imposed by the bakufu. This system was also employed in other castle towns and urban areas.

This contains regulations issued by the town commissioners of Edo. Note the functions played by the machidoshiyori and the group of five as well as the detailed regulations on family relations and on inheritance.

Regulations for the Residents of Edo, 1655

1. Parties engaged in public brawls and quarrels are punishable by death according to the law irrespective of whichever party is in the right or at fault.

If a murderer escapes, people in his township (chonin) and his guarantor (ukenin) must find him.

Anyone who is beaten by another is asked to forebear it and report the matter to the commissioner's office (bugyosho). After an investigation, the judgment can be quickly pronounced. If anyone else is implicated in the same crime, his sentence shall be the same as the original culprit.

2. If an official commits the crimes of public brawling and stealing, these crimes must not be imputed to his master. If there is no guarantor for the official, he must be arrested. After an investigation if he is found wanting, he must be placed under the custody of his master. If he runs away, people in his township and the relatives of the master must find him.

3. Quarrels between children need not be punished, and the parents of both parties may restrain them. However, if the parents enter the disputes, their acts shall be treated as culpable offenses.

4. If a child unintentionally kills his friend, he need not be put to death. However, if he is over thirteen years of age, he cannot escape the punishment.

5. Anyone who follows his own silly will, without consulting the town elders (machidoshiyori) and the group of five, is considered to have committed a culpable offense. However, if the town elders are at fault, the entire town may submit a petition. After an investigation, the judgment will be quickly pronounced.

6. If a person dies leaving behind accounts payable and other debts, officials on duty. and middlemen may ask for repayment. If there is no document of proof, then no claim can be made. If there is a son who is the heir, he shall be the one to make the repayment. It is natural that the father's debts be paid by the son. On the other hand, the father is not responsible for the debts incurred by his son. However, if the father directly places his seal [on the son's bond of debt), then he cannot escape from his obligation of making repayment.

7. Anyone who does not abide by his father's and mother's words of restraint or by the opinion of the town elders and of the group of five, will be called to our presence and be imprisoned. Thereafter if he does not change his mind, the parents shall disinherit him and banish him. If he still holds a grudge against his parents, he may be arrested by the people of the entire township and sent to us to be put to death.

8. A dispute involving a father and a son may be dealt with by the relatives and people of the township. However, if there is no consensus, and a brief is filed with the higher authorities and the two parties confront each other, after an investigation, if the father is found guilty, an appropriate judgment will be given. If the son is found guilty, depending on the father's disposition, he may be punished as one who is not filial, and either be imprisoned or disinherited and banished.

9. When a dispute arises between brothers, it shows that they lack respect for each other and that they are not given to reason. Thus once the two parties confront each other, the party who is found not given to reason must be quickly reprimanded.

10. In a dispute involving a husband and wife, as written in the regulations of former years, a divorced woman must quickly return whatever belongs to her husband, including the money from his store and clothing items he purchased for her. If she makes this difficult, then she is to be deemed as committing a culpable offense. If the woman dies, and there is a dispute over the disposition of money belonging to the store and over other matters, it can be treated in accordance with previous regulations.

11. When a merchant and his employee become involved in a dispute, they may file a brief with the higher authorities and confront each other. However, these acts will be regarded as lacking in respect for the relationship governing the master and servant. If the employee is found guilty, he shall be sentenced to imprisonment, and in addition, depending on the disposition of the master, other judgments may be rendered.

12. If the family property is first bequeathed to the oldest son and then again bequeathed to the second son, it is usually caused by the alienation of the oldest son from his father while the latter was living. Therefore, when the oldest son brings a suit, if the youngest brother has a document giving a later date, the father's will must be respected. However, if on account of the stepmother's slander the oldest son has been disinherited without having committed an unfilial act, then the family property must be equally divided.

13. If the father and mother do not agree [on the disposition of their property], and the daughter without reason steals from her parents and otherwise commits all sorts of questionable acts, then the man [in her life] must be reprimanded.

14. If a wife receives her husband's family property, she must adopt one of her husband's relatives as her son, or otherwise find an heir for the husband. If a widow seeks a second husband not long after [the death of the first husband], it is to be considered one of her most unrighteous acts. However, if a widow is still young, the relatives and township may consult each other to determine what may be permissible for her.

15. If a husband dies without leaving an heir, the widow may remain in the house. If she commits adultery with an employee soon after her husband's death, it is a clear sign that she is a woman ungrateful to her late husband, and is not respectful of her relatives. She must be expelled from the town, and the husband's relatives may decide who may inherit the household.

16. In case a man is seeing another man's wife secretly, and the man and woman are found together, then without any further ado, bring forth clearly other available evidence. After an investigation, both the man and the woman may be punished with the same punishment. This being the case, a private revenge is not permitted.

17. Arson is a crime originating in one man's malice which can give hardship to many people, and it is one of the worst crimes. Especially if a person first commits robbery and then engages in arson, heavy penalty must be imposed. In accordance with the precedents set, the culprit's father, sons, and brothers may also be punished with the same punishment.

18. When a lawsuit (kuji) is brought to the township and both parties do not wish to abide by [its verdict] and an appeal is brought forth, render a judgment as soon as possible after both parties confront each other. This is a means to show justice to the disagreeing parties.

19. If there is anyone who engages in forgery to documents and seals, as soon as that crime is reported, a severe punishment must be given. Of course, the person who helps in the writing of such documents will be punished with the same punishment.

First year of Meireki [1655], tenth month, 13th day.

Bisento: 眉尖刀

2011-11-05T01:29:00.000-07:00

There are several ways to write Naginata. 薙刀 to mow down+sword)、長刀(long+sword, usually written this way because 薙is not a common kanji)、薙鉈(to mow down+hatchet).

Strangely some Japanese dictionaries list the readings for the Kanji for Bisento眉尖刀(eyebrow+pointed/angry+sword as "Naginata". I suppose in reality the Bisento is a variant of a Naginata, but i recall Sensei telling us:
"The Bisento comes to us from China where they have better access to steel. We don't have such abundant steel in Japan so the size of the blade was reduced to the usual naginata size."
An example of an online dictionary reference:

【眉尖刀】なぎなたNaginata

幅広で反りの強い刀身に、長い柄をつけた武器。

A wide bladed responsive weapon with a strong blade and a long handle.

Enbu: Bisento　演武眉尖刀

2011-11-05T01:10:00.000-07:00

I signed on last to do the Enbu as the date changed once and I didnt think i would be able to make it. Seeing the techniques everyone else was doing I thought about maybe doing Jutte十手 or Yari 槍. Sensei said that due to the size of the place and number of people that Jutte movement might be "not easy to pick out". So Bisento it is. No danger of anyone not being able to see it (either at the Enbu or sticking out the window of Sensei's car on the way there)
Unsui Sensei decided on the following three:

Oshin

Gishin

Batoh

Laws governing Japanese Pesantry: Gonin Gumi 五人組み

2011-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

A Gonin Gumi record book

METHODS OF RURAL CONTROL

The gonin gumi (五人組み) were groups of five households that were held collectively responsible, in a manner similar to the frith-borh in England, during the Tokugawa Shogunate.

The official policy of the Tokugawa bakufu was to emphasize agriculture to the neglect of commerce and industry. This in its idealized terms placed the samurai at the helm with farmers—who were primary producers—as second in the social hierarchy of four classes. In reality, farmers were nothing but pawns in the bakufu ‘s and daimyo ‘s quest for economic stability, and different measures were adopted to control them.

The farmers were given the right to move from one district to another, and to appeal to the higher authorities directly, if there were any wrongdoing committed by the domainal lord or the magistrate. In this way, farmers could be utilized to inform on the offending officials, and thus strengthen the control of the bakufu over them. Meanwhile the bakufu could continue to collect a set amount of annual taxes from the peasantry.

The gonin gumi were primarily aimed at combating the vagabondage and brigandage of the time, including mutual defence against the ronin. They were headed by a leader who was usually elected from within, but sometimes appointed from above. The groups did not always contain five households. In some districts, the groups could comprise six, or even ten, households.

The Group of Five (Goningumi), 1632

1. If there is anyone in the group of five who is given to malfeasance, that fact must be reported without concealing anything.

2. If there is anyone in the group of five who fails to pay his annual taxes or perform the services required, other members of the group must quickly rectify the situation.

3. If there is anyone in the group of five who runs away, those who are remaining must quickly search for and return him [to the original domicile]. If the return of the runaway cannot be secured, the group of five will be rendered culpable.

4. No one in the group of five may ask to work outside the domain, or to work in a mine elsewhere. Even if he wishes to work within the domain at places such as Maruoka, One ... he must secure permission from the authorities ahead of time.

5. If there is anyone in the group of five who is exceptionally strong, that fact must be reported.

6. Members of the group of five must not permit anyone who absconds, or any stranger who is not beyond suspicion regardless of being man or woman, to lodge in his house. Nor can they provide lodging for any single person. However, if the stranger is an express messenger, lodging may be provided after his letter box is examined.

If there is anyone who violates any of the provisions above, that fact must be reported to the office of the village head (shoya) without delay. The village head must report the same to the tedai's (minor magistrate's) office immediately. If there is any violation of the above rules, we [as members of the group of five] shall be deemed to be culpable, and at that time we shall bear no grudges.

In witness whereof, we have jointly affixed our seals for the group of five.

Crime and Punishment in Medival Japan2:　罪と罰その弐

2011-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

(a criminal being tattooed)

The following are not considered to be murder.

武家の主が死刑判決を下した場合。主には家来・奉公人の生殺与奪権があり屋敷内で彼らが犯罪を起こせば主に裁く権限がある。

l If the head of a samuraihousehold passes a death sentence. Asthe lord of the household has complete authority over retainers or subjects, ifa crime is committed within his household he has the right to pass downjudgement.

l 武士が主の命で家中のものを処刑する上意討ち。

If a Bushi is ordered by his lord to kill everyone in his household.

l 　武士が非礼をはたらいた庶民を手打ち.ただし、非礼を証明できる第三者の存在があり、かつその場で行った場合に限る。後から手打ちすることはできない。

l If a Bushi kills arude peasant. That being said a thirdparty must have witnessed the event and it must be done on the spot. It cannot be done after the fact.

l 敵討ちにより敵を討つ。

l Arevenge killing

l 武芸の試合と果し合い。双方命を落とす危険性を承知の上で行なわれている。

l Ifin the pursuit of martial training and both parties have agreed to the dangerof said combat.

l 犯罪者捕縛時に犯人が抵抗しやむなく斬り捨てた場合。

l Ifin the process of capturing a criminal resistance occurs and he is cut down.

l 戦闘や死刑執行など職務行為によるもの。

l Inbattle or serving as an executioner.

l 姦通罪の規定に基づき本夫が姦通した妻と間男を殺害、姦通目的で不法侵入してきた間男を殺害することなど他の刑罰や法令で認めらている場合。

l Killingof an adulterous wife and her lover as according to the regulations. Also thekilling of a man entering a house for the purpose of adultery and other casesapproved under the law.

Classic footage of Manaka Unsui Sensei　間中雲水先生

2011-10-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

This was brought to my attention by Tokushi. Twenty years ago but a key element of the Jinenkan is present.

"Practice the basics repeatedly"

Japanese:Seasonal Terminology 木枯らし

2011-10-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

凩・木枯らし

The first cold winery wind out of the north is referred to as Kogarashi. It is usually written as 木枯らし with the individual characters meaning tree and wither. It can also be written with the rather unusual character 凩 which somewhat resembles wind　風, but with a tree under the arch thingy.

Crime and Punishment in Medieval Japan　罪と罰

2011-10-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

殺人罪 Penalties for murder.

　「加害者にとって、目上か目下の人物を殺したか」で刑が異なる。
"Depending on the status of the victim in relation to you, the punishment varies"
大半が死刑になることには変わりがない。もっとも重いのは主殺しと尊属殺人である。
Most end up with the death penalty. The most serious being killing one's master, or mother or father.

　大八車による死亡事故のような現代の業務上過失致死に相当する事件も過失致死として扱われ、死罪になる場合もある。
Large wagons often caused fatal accidents. This is comparable to accidents cased by negligent workers today. In the past they often resulted in the death penalty.

内容crime	刑罰punishment	内容crime	刑罰 punishment
尊属殺しpatricide matricide	市中引廻しの上磔　Paraded around city and then crucified	卑属殺しKilling your own flesh and blood(ie.son, grandson)	死罪～遠島 Banishment
主殺しkilling your master	鋸引きの上磔After being cut apart with a saw, crucified	地主、名主殺し Killing your landlord or local lord	市中引廻しの上獄門 Good 'ol dragged through the city and beheaded.
辻斬り Killing a passerby in order to test a sword	引廻しの上死罪 Paraded around the city and then death penalty	普通の殺人Normal murder	下手人Known as a criminal
嘱託殺人hiring a contract killer	下手人Known as a criminal	受託殺人Hiring a contract killer	遠島～追放、重過料 Banishment or heavy find
殺人幇助Helping a contract killer	遠島～追放、重過料 banishment and heavy fines	過失致死Accidental death	死罪～遠島 Death penalty or banishment
正当防衛 In self defense	相手方の親族、地主が赦免を願えば中追放 If the family or master of the victim pardon you, release

Laws governing Samurai: The Buke Shohatto 武家諸法度

2011-10-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Buke Shohatto 武家諸法度( lit. Various Points of Laws for Warrior Houses) was a collection of edicts issued by Japan's Tokugawa shoganate governing the responsibilities and activities of daimyo (feudal lords) and the rest of the samurai warrior aristocracy.

Laws of Military Households (Buke Shohatto), 1o152

1. The study of literature and the practice of the military arts, including archery and horsemanship, must be cultivated diligently.

"On the left hand literature, on the right hand use of arms"　(by tradition left takes precedent over right) was the rule of the ancients. Both must be pursued concurrently. Archery and horsemanship are essential skills for military men. It is said that war is a curse. However, it is resorted to only when it is inevitable. In time of peace, do not forget the possibility of disturbances. Train yourselves and be prepared.

2. Avoid group drinking and wild parties.

The existing codes strictly forbid these matters. Especially, when one indulges in licentious sex, or becomes addicted to gambling, it creates a cause for the destruction of one's own domain.

3. Anyone who violates the law must not be harbored in any domain.

Law is the foundation of social order. Reason may be violated in the name of law, but law may not be violated in the name of reason. Anyone who violates the law must be severely punished.

4. The daimyo, the lesser lords (shomyo), and those who hold land under them (kyunin) must at once expel from their domains any of their own retainers or soldiers who are charged with treason or murder.

Anyone who entertains a treasonous design can become an instrument for destroying the nation and a deadly sword to annihilate the people. How can this be tolerated?

5. Hereafter, do not allow people from other domains to mingle or reside in your own domain. This ban does not apply to people from your own domain.

Each domain has its own customs different from others. If someone wishes to divulge his own domain's secrets to people of another domain, or to report the secrets of another domain to people of his own domain, he is showing a sign of his intent to curry favors.

6. The castles in various domains may be repaired, provided the matter is reported without fail. New construction of any kind is strictly forbidden.

A castle with a parapet exceeding ten feet in height and 3,000 feet in length is injurious to the domain. Steep breastworks and deep moats are causes of a great rebellion.

7. If innovations are being made or factions are being formed in a neighboring domain, it must be reported immediately.

Men have a proclivity toward forming factions, but seldom do they attain their goals. There are some who [on account of their factions] disobey their masters and fathers, and feud with their neighboring villages. Why must one engage in [meaningless] innovations, instead of obeying old examples?

8. Marriage must not be contracted in private [without approval from the bakufu].

Marriage is the union symbolizing the harmony of yin and yang, and it cannot be entered into lightly. The thirty-eighth hexagram kuei [in the Book of Changes], says "Marriage is not to be contracted to create disturbance. Let the longing of male and female for each other be satisfied. If disturbance is to take hold, then the proper time will slip by."4 The "Peach Young" poem of the Book of Odes says "When men and women observe what is correct, and marry at the proper time, there will be no unattached women in the land." To form a factional alliance through marriage is the root of treason.

9. The daimyo's visits (sankin) to Edo must follow the following regulations:

The Shoku Nihongi (Chronicles of Japan, Continued) contains a regulation saying that "Unless entrusted with some official duty, no one is permitted to assemble his clansmen at his own pleasure. Furthermore no one is to have more than twenty horsemen as his escort within the limits of the capital...." Hence it is not permissible to be accompanied by a large force of soldiers. For the daimyo whose revenues range from 1,000,000 koku down to 200,000 koku of rice, not more than twenty horsemen may accompany them. For those whose revenues are 100,000 koku or less, the number is to be proportionate to their incomes. On official business, however, the number of persons accompanying him can be proportionate to the rank of each daimyo.

10. The regulations with regard to dress materials must not be breached.

Lords and vassals, superiors and inferiors, must observe what is proper within their positions in life. Without authorization, no retainer may indiscriminately wear fine white damask, white wadded silk garments, purple silk kimono, purple silk linings, and kimono sleeves which bear no family crest. Lately retainers and soldiers have taken to wearing rich damask and silk brocade. This was not sanctioned by the old laws, and must now be kept within bounds.

11. Persons without rank are not to ride in palanquins.

Traditionally there have been certain families entitled to ride palanquins without permission, and there have been others receiving such permission. Lately ordinary retainers and soldiers have taken to riding in palanquins, which is a wanton act. Hereafter, the daimyo of various domains, their close relatives, and their distinguished officials may ride palanquins without special permission. In addition, briefly, doctors and astrologers, persons over sixty years of age, and those who are sick or invalid may ride palanquins after securing necessary permission. If retainers and soldiers wantonly ride palanquins, their masters shall be held responsible. The above restrictions do not apply to court nobles, Buddhist prelates, and those who have taken the tonsure.

12. The samurai of all domains must practice frugality. When the rich proudly display their wealth, the poor are ashamed of not being on a par with them. There is nothing which will corrupt public morality more than this, and therefore it must be severely restricted.

13. The lords of all domains must select as their officials men of administrative ability.

The way of governing a country is to get the right men. If the lord clearly discerns between the merits and faults of his retainers, he can administer due rewards and punishments. If the domain has good men, it flourishes more than ever. If it has no good men, it is doomed to perish. This is an admonition which the wise men of old bequeathed to us.

Take heed and observe the purport of the foregoing rules.

First year of Genna [1615], seventh month.

On Performing an Enbu 演武について

2011-10-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

Calligraphy: 強弱 Kyo-Jyaku

"If the spectators can't understand what's going on,it's not going to be successful. Make sure to show each step clearly but at the same time parts that are fast should be fast. Strike Bam! then wait and go to the next step."

Sensei went on to mention you should follow the principal of 緩急強弱 Kan-kyu-kyou-jyaku (slow-fast-strong-weak) as well as 静動 sei-doh (stillness/dynamic movement.

"In regular training you go about 80% power, for an Enbu its more like 50%"

Enbu　演武

2011-10-22T03:42:00.000-07:00

演武

For the Enbu it looks like we have the following schedule:

Fede-Taijutusu　體術

Iida- San　Jyaku Bo 三尺棒

Tenshin-　Ken 剣

Sei-koh- Rokushakubo　六尺棒

Daniel-Will serve as an Uke.

Meitetsu-Bisento　眉尖刀

The Enbu will end with Shiho Giri and Tsubame Gaeshi done back to back.

Buddhism: Shinran and Honen 法然と親鸞

2011-10-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

On at the National Gallery in Tokyo

Kyogyoshinsho (The True Teaching, Practice, and Realization), Bando Edition, Volumes 1
By ShinranKamakura period, 13th century
National Treasure
Higashi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

In Commemoration of the 800th Grand Memorial of Honen 法然 and the 750th Grand Memorial of Shinran　親鸞　　

Honen and Shinran: Treasures Related to the Great Masters of the Kamakura Buddhism
Heiseikan Special Exhibition Galleries October 25, 2011 (Tue) - December 4, 2011 (Sun)

Honen is known as the father of Kamakura Buddhism. Amid the turbulent times of the late Heian period at the end of the 12th century, he spread the belief that salvation could be achieved by reciting prayers to Buddha. Shinran, who learned under Honen, developed practices and philosophies reflecting the society of the early Kamakura period.

2011 marks the 800th memorial year of Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect, and the 750th memorial of Shinran, who founded Jodo Shin sect. In this commemorative year, for the first time, this exhibition features the two foremost figures of Kamakura Buddhism will be introduced for the first time together in a special exhibition, which narrates their lives through related treasures

Two Rivers and the White Path (J., Niga byakudo)
Kamakura period, 13th century
Important Cultural Property
Komyoji Temple, Kyoto

(on exhibit from October 25 to November 13, 2011)

Tannisho (A Record in Lament of Divergences), Volumes 1
By Rennyo
Muromachi period, 15th century
Important Cultural Property
Nishi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

Part 2: Illustrated Biographies of Honen and Shinran

Honen Shonin e-den(Illustrated Biography of Master Honen), Volumes 6　 Muromachi period, 15th century National Treasure Chion-in Temple, Kyoto Zenshin Shonin e (Illustrated Story of Master Zenshin [Shinran]), Rin'a edition Inscriptions by Kakunyo Kamakura period, 14th century Important Cultural Property Nishi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

Part 3-1: Honen and His Followers, Part 3-2:Shinran and His Followers


Volumes 5 Boki-e (Illustrated Biography of Kakunyo), Volumes 5 (detail) Inscription by Rokujo Arimitsu (n.d.), Illustrations by Fujiwara Takaaki (n.d.) Nanbokucho period, dated 1351 Important Cultural Property Nishi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

Letters to the Nun Kakushin
By Nun Eshin
Kamakura period, 13th century
Important Cultural Property
Nishi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

Part 4: The Spread of Pure Land Teachings

Welcoming of Amida Buddha and the Twenty-five Bodhisattvas, also known asHaya raigo ("Swift Welcome")
Kamakura period, 14th century
National Treasure
Chion-in Temple, Kyoto

Revenge of the Soga Brothers　曽我兄弟

2011-10-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

If you are up for a convoluted tale of samurai, killing and revenge then this is right up your alley.

If you are up for a convoluted tale of samurai, killing and revenge then this is right up your alley.

http://www.bushidoboutique.net/sogabrothers.html

Samurai Archives

2011-10-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.samurai-archives.com/

This part is cool too Samurai Wiki

Happa Strikes: Illustration 葉っぱの打ち方　イラスト

2011-10-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Iida san rocked out some illustrations related to the overall concept of Happa strikes. For the henka version of Kouki, you need to make an opponent who is taller or more rotund than you look down in order to strike at his his head, so that is what the drawings on the right are about.

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi Points自然流秘刀燕返し

2011-10-15T01:58:00.000-07:00

Some recent things Sensei has emphasized.

Enbu　演武

2011-10-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

The Jinenkan will be doing an Enbu 演武(martial arts demonstration) at the 福田の森フェスタ　"Fukuda No Mori Festa" on Monday the 14th of November. The festival is focused on "Nihon no Bunka" (Japanese Culture) and will feature Kobudo 古武道 as well as a Shamisen 三味線 performance.
The Honbu members are all going to perform different techniques and we will end with a group presentation of Shi Ho Giri.
The Enbu should last about 45 minutes.
The event typically draws 400-500 people.

Strikes: The Myriad Happa Strikes　葉っぱの無数打ち方

2011-10-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

I happened to observe the tail end of the private training the boys from overseas were doing. For the technique Kouki, from Kotoryu 葉っぱHappa is used. For the 変化　henka Sensei showed a multitude of variations of 葉っぱHappa that I was not familiar with. He prefaced this with
"We say that there is more than one kind of Happa." and
"Basically any kind of double strike is called Happa, whether it be shuto, shikan-ken or boshi ken."

And see below for "Hey you forgot the best one" Leif.

Dojo Improvements: Weapon rack upgrade

2011-10-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

Check out the room to spare under the Shoto小刀! A Jutte 十手only rack to boot!

Jinen Ryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流秘居合激流

2011-10-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a basic explanation of the technique. For some reason I say "yoko aruki" instead of "yoko nagare".

Jinenryu Biken:Iai Geki Ryu 自然流　秘剣　居合激流

2011-10-07T23:13:00.000-07:00

Jinenryu Biken: Iai 自然流　秘刀　全般

2011-09-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

Awesome shodo:

鳳鳴

houmei :call of the phoenix

On Tsubame Gaeshi:
"The length of the cut for Tsubame Gaeshi should be about the length of your sword from start to finish."
On Tengu:
"The reason your sword is wobbling when you land is because you are adjusting after you land. You must land firmly/solidly."
Sensei used the term:　
mo shi kime ga warui katana wa fureru
もし決めが悪い刀は振れる
kime (key-meh) in this case is like "the execution of" and "warui" is bad. In other words "If you don't stick the landing your sword will wobble"

Jinenryu Biken: Iai 自然流　秘刀　居合

2011-09-20T03:29:00.001-07:00

Sensei was watching us do Shi Ho Giri and stopped us to give some new instructions:

"This time i want you to do a full cut as if you are trying to cut someone in half. All the cuts except the Karatake wari should go way beyond where the Kihon cut would stop."
"Now after doing that, I want you to do the Kata again, keeping in mind the energy you had with those giant swings but stop at the proper point."

His point was you have to understand how far the cut can go when you are putting a lot of power into it and then inject that feeling into doing the Kata. Maybe.
He indicated that he could see a difference in our movements after we returned to doing the Kata.
We then repeated the exercise for all the other Iai Kata.
The below video is an example of how we did Shi Ho Giri with "full cuts":

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Jumps 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

2011-09-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

"You should be jumping as if someone is cutting at your knees. By bringing the soles of the feet together you don't have to jump as high. I want you all to practice cutting as you jump."
And with that we brought out the Yari.

As you can see you jump from Seigan and cut Kesa giri袈裟切り. The uke swings at knee level. Repeat.
Note: First jump should have ended facing the other direction.

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu Training Method 自然流　秘刀　居合激流

2011-09-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

We used an uke to learn the movement of this technique. Ideally you should roll into a Issoku Itto no Mae 一足一刀の間合いon the first ukemi. If you are to far away to make a decent cut on the second roll, sort of step out with the right foot to make up the distance.

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流　秘刀　居合激流

2011-09-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is laying the foundations for doing the whole kata. We practiced with bokken and sanjyaku bo as a saya.

Japanese Castles: Kanazawa Jyo 金沢城

2011-09-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Nice historical elevation drawing of a castle on the Sea of Japan side.

Not much left of the original but its been completely rebuilt in the traditional "no nails" method and looks amazing on the inside.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanazawa_Castle

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu　自然流　秘刀　居合　激流

2011-09-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

激流へ向けての練習

Training Gekiryu

袋竹刀にて青眼に構え、左足踏み込み、

Take Seigan no kamae with a fukuro shinai,step out with the left foot

刀を右手側から上げて右袈裟斬り→右足踏み込み、左切り上げと同時に右足を左に流し、横流れ

With the sword cut migi Kesa giri

Step out with the right foot and cut hidari kiri age and at the same time sweep your right foot to the left and do a yoko nagare

→左膝を着いた片膝にて青眼に構え、左手を着いて(イラストの７)前方回転。慣れたら刀を放さず、左肩から前方回転(イラストの８)

With the left knee on the ground take Seigan no kamae. As in illustration 7 put the left hand on the ground and do a Zenpo kaiten. Once you have mastered this you should be able to do it without releasing the sword. Illustration 8

→左膝を着いたまま右胴切り上げ。わかりやすくする為、相手を付けて…右袈裟斬りに対して相手が下がり、大上段に構える。

With the left knee on the ground do a right Do kiri age. Here i have put an Aite in the drawing to make it easier to understand. Against the Migi Kesa giri the opponent drops back and takes Dai jyo dan

→右足踏み込み、左切り上げに入るところ、相手が下がりつつ、唐竹割りに来たので、右足を左に流し、横流れにかわしながらそのまま左切り上げに斬る。

Step in with the right foot and as you cut up left, the Aite will continue to drop back. As he will come with Karatake wari slide the right foot to the left and do a yoko nagare and switching the sword do a Hidari Kiri age.

→青眼に構え向きあうところ、相手が唐竹割り又は突きに来るを左肩より左前に前方回転して右胴切り上げ。以上ですが、明日の自主稽古の参考にして下さい。

As you and the Aite face off in Seigan no kame, the Aite will come in with either Karatake wari or tsuki. Moving forward and to the left with the left shoulder do a Zenpo Kaiten and a Migi Do kiri age. That is all. Please give it a try during your own training tomorrow

m(_ _)m 飯田

Iida

Jinen Ryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi Notes自然流　秘刀　居合　燕返し

2011-09-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

燕返し

Tsubame Gaeshi
緩急強弱の内、"急"。
From within Kan-kyu-kyo-jyaku this is the kyu(speed, swiftness).

抜き打ちの切り上げから切り下げが"急"。青眼に構え、1、2、3で突き。1、2、3で切り上げ、刃の角度を反転させて切り上げと同じコースで切り下げで、これも"急"。
The draw and cutting up is the "kyu". Then to Seigan no Kame, count 1,2,3 and then Tsuki. 1,2,3 and Kiri-age, rotate the blade and cutting down along the same course is also "kyu"

相撲の四股の変形の左右に体重を移動させる動き…玉虎流の十文字之構えの体の使い方の動きで重心を移動して重心の乗っていない方の膝を真っ直ぐに伸ばします。実戦では、相手も動くので、膝を伸ばすことなく、また剣の軌道も変わります。
Use the left-right Shiko movement of Sumo wrestlers as they move their weight back and forth. Use the movement of the Gyokoryu Jyumonji no Kamae to move your center of gravity. The opposite knee should be straight. In Jissen (actual combat) you wouldn't extend the knee and the path the sword take would change.

以上が本日の燕返しのポイントです。(^_^)v
Those were the points covered today concerning Tsubame Gaeshi

飯田
Iida

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi 自然流美刀　居合　燕返し

2011-09-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

Due to work i was unable to make it to Saturday's Keiko, but Iida San came through in a big way.

燕返し
緩急強弱の内、"急"。
抜き打ちの切り上げから切り下げが"急"。青眼に構え、1、2、3で突き。1、2、3で切り上げ、刃の角度を反転させて切り上げと同じコースで切り下げで、これも"急"。
相撲の四股の変形の左右に体重を移動させる動き…玉虎流の十文字之構えの体の使い方の動きで重心を移動して重心の乗っていない方の膝を真っ直ぐに伸ばします。実戦では、相手も動くので、膝を伸ばすことなく、また剣の軌道も変わります。
以上が本日の燕返しのポイントです。(^_^)v
飯田

Chiburi Related

2011-09-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

An interesting article on Chiburi. Including origins and descriptions of the ways its done in various Ryuha.

“In batto, chiburi is always performed in each kata before sheathing the sword. This motion cannot clean blood from the blade completely, but it should be thought of as a purifying action. The period between chiburi and noto is very important in battojutsu, as it is a manifestation of zanshin in the kata. Every school of iaido has a different set method of performing this action."

http://kenshi247.net/blog/2011/09/05/the-myth-of-chiburi/

Men Uchi vs Cutting the Head vs Karatake Wari 面打ち　頭を切る　唐竹割り

2011-09-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Again on the sword marathon that was Saturday, Sensei stopped us and clarified some points.
"The cut you are doing here (For Shi Ho Giri) is Karatake Wari. I am seeing something different from you all"
He went on to explain:

"Men Uchi 面打ち is like bashing the head.

Cutting the Head 頭を切る is a powerful cut that aims to split the opponent from the crown of his head all the way down. The power in the sword is consistent throughout. You are cutting with the body, dropping the hips low, knees bent deeply. You end with the sword low.

Karatake Wari 唐竹割り is like cutting straight down onto a big piece of bamboo. Your cut should end in Kamae (Seigan). Though you stop without cutting all the way through, the force of your cut should be such that the remaining power splits the bamboo all the way to the bottom. The cut is like a whip, which differs from cutting the head where you are using a continuous power all the way down. The bamboo should fall into two pieces on either side of you as you end your cut in Kamae."

Iai 居合:　Training

2011-09-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday was sword, sword and more sword. We spent an hour and a half drilling in the first three Iai Kata of Biken: Shi Ho Giri, Tsubame Gaeshi and Tengu.　 Sensei reiterated a point he has often made:

"When cutting for real you go beyond where you stop the cut for the Kihon. That being said your movement should be powerful."

After watching us train some more and stopped us and gave new instructions:

"This time i want you to cut BIG. Go as if you are trying to cut something down with every move of the sword. It should go way beyond where it stops for Kihon or for the Kata"

We did this for some time and then he called for us to start again with this feeling:

"Now I want you to keep the feeling and power of the way you were doing it just now and put that in the Kata, only stopping shorter(ie. where the cut should stop for Kihon)"

More stuff from the Ottawa Dojo

2011-09-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

The thing I appreciate most about Manaka Sensei: he has such a straight-forward manner, once he's taught a technique, you have ownership of it. He doesn't hide what you have to know, or describe it vaguely as "feeling". There can still be henka; rather, you now know the form, meaning, and the important points. It's your job to master the technique, to measure it against the standard he set. You know what you need; now you have to take responsibility and own the kata. If you do that, it's yours.

*The picture is from the Shiratani "Unsui" valley on Yakushima Island

Sword Authentication

2011-09-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

I usually find displays of Japanese swords a bit dry as they take all the fittings off them and its just the blade. At a museum out west of Tokyo i saw this sword authentication certificate which i thought was more interesting than the sword itself.

Wakizashi脇指： Dated August 18th of the sixth year of the 宝暦　Horeki Emperor(1757).

Is hereby authenticated as an important and significant blade.

It even has a rubbing of the tang of the blade, which is of course then officially stamped. Being a museum piece, the certificate itself is also registered on the top right. The pale white section to the right of the rubbing is where the owner's name should be. It has been removed for some reason.

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流　秘刀　激流

2011-09-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

violent + flow

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Geki Ryu 自然流　秘刀　居合　激流

2011-09-03T03:57:00.000-07:00

Today Sensei did not introduce the Iai Kata called 激流Gekiryu (which Unsui　Sensei has translated as "Torrent"). What he did have us do is practice doing 受け身Ukemi with a 木刀Bokuto acting as 鞘Saya.

"Before I introduce this Kata, we have to do some preparation. I would like you to practice doing 受け身Ukemi so that the 鞘Saya does not get in your way."

He gave us some things to think about as well:

"You are going to be holding the sword (i think he said in one hand)and doing Ukemi. You can't adjust the Saya, you have to find a way to move your body so that it doesn't get in your way. You need to be able to roll forward, backward and sideways."

Sensei did make some exceptions: Doing a forward roll over the right shoulder is pretty much impossible as no matter how you do it the Saya will get in the way. Same goes for a back roll over the left shoulder.

The real Emperor of Japan?

2011-08-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

Kumazawa Hiromichi (熊沢寛道, December 18, 1889 - June 11, 1966), also known as the "Kumazawa emperor," was a Japanese　businessman and Buddhist priest from Nagoya who publicly disputed the legitimacy of Emperor Hirohito's bloodline in the period shortly after the end of the Second World War. He claimed to be the 19th direct descendant of Emperor Go-Kameyama.

In 1946-1947, Hiromichi was only the first of more than ten men who put themselves forward as Japan's rightful Emperor. As a direct descendant of the Southern Court emperors of the Nanboku-chō period, he argued that Emperor Hirohito was illegitimate. He pointed out that Hirohito's entire line is descended from the Northern Court emperors. Despite making these public claims, he was not arrested for lèse majesté, even when donning the Imperial Crest. He could and did produce a koseki(family register) detailing his bloodline back to Emperor Go-Daigo in Yoshino, but his claims and rhetoric failed to inspire anything other than sympathy.

Hiromichi's claims ultimately remained unsubstantiated.

Japanese Castle Wall construction 日本お城の塀の構造

2011-08-30T04:20:00.000-07:00

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Demonstrations 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

2011-08-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi 自然流秘刀　居合　燕返し

2011-08-27T03:08:00.000-07:00

The long and the short of this is you must rotate the blade ere you make the second cut.

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Outline 自然流秘刀　居合　天狗

2011-08-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Historical Information 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

2011-08-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

No new info regarding the Kata, but Tokushi 徳士 found a cool site about Tengu here. Top quotes below.

"As late as 1860, the Edo Government was posting official notices to the Tengu, asking the goblins to temporarily vacate a certain mountain during a scheduled visit by the Shogun"

"In paintings and woodblock prints, the boar often appears as the steed of the tengu or of their king, Sōjōbō 僧正坊. Sōjōbō is closely linked to famed warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune 源義経 (1159-1189), one of Japan's most revered samurai. In a well-known legend, Yoshitsune lived among the tengu in his youth and received training in the arts of war from Sōjōbō himself."

Samurai Decorations　: 侍　飾り物

2011-08-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

I visited a house that has been in the hands of a samurai family for several hundred years and this strange looking box was on the veranda overlooking a Japanese garden.

A "Seikei" voice box. A "Uguisu" Japanese Nightengale in its cage is put into the paulownia tree box and the sound of the birds echoing voice adds to the enjoyment of the scenery.

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

2011-08-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

We already have some do's and don'ts.
"Bring the soles of your feet together when you jump, don't leave them so no ma ma(as they are)"
"When you drop back into position to draw, don't adjust your position or otherwise look like you are preparing to jump"
(the rules from Shi Ho giri regarding unnecessary movement apply)
"You have to jump as if someone is cutting ashi barai 足払いwith a yari 槍or naginata　薙刀"
Sensei made his usual comment on youth equating to how high you should be jumping.
20's shoulder height
30's chest height
40-50's waist height
Unsui Sensei 雲水先生(60's) shin height

ps. the sign in front of the statue says "As it is dangerous, please don't climb on the statue of the Tengu!"

From the Jinenkan Ottawa Dojo

2011-08-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

飛鳥

　　　　　Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu: Hicho no Kamae - when Unsui Sensei first described this to us, he talked about how there is a bird which, if it is caught and constricted by a snake, will contract inward, then "explode" it's limbs outward, literally tearing the snake apart. I don't know what kind of bird he meant, or if this is a real or legendary attribute, but it conveys the idea of storing up your power, then unleashing it unexpectedly..

Letters from The Sengoku Era　#3　戦国時代の手紙

2011-08-22T03:47:00.000-07:00

石 koku. (the charachter is the same as "rock") measure of volume (approx. 180.39 liters, 6.37 cub. ft.) or a measure of a Japanese-style boat's loading capacity (approx. 278.26 liters)

斗 To. (a measure of volume, approx. 18 litres)

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

2011-08-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

Iida San here very successfully illustrates some of the main points of this Kata.

1. The feet are drawn up so that the soles of the feet meet slightly in front of you.

2. The first cut ends with the feet roughly parallel, after that they are at the usual angle.

3. 15-17 is one big move. The sword stays at the terminal of the migi kesa giri, and you cut at that level.

4. You should jump higher than your knees as Sensei will swing a practice yari at you to double check

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu 自然流美刀　居合　天狗

2011-08-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

This post will make more sense if you read the previous one first.

"A Tengu 天狗　is a magical creature with wings that flies around in the sky. There is a famous bridge in Kyoto where a battle took place between Yoshitsune義経 and Benkei弁慶. Now Benkei was a mighty warrior and he attacked Yoshitsune with mighty swings. Yoshitsune jumped around on the bridge avoiding the cuts.
Eventually, Benkei's pace flagged and in that moment Yoshitsune struck him on the head with a Sensu fan. Benkei then knelt and swore fealty to Yoshitsune. "

Jinenkan Honbu Blog

自然流居合術 霞返し

高木楊心流柔体術 軆之型 両手掛

Hatsu Geiko 2012 初稽古 平成二十四

Kasumi: Related words

Kasumi Gaeshi: Notes

Jinen Ryu Iai: Kasumi Gaeshi Points

Jinen Ryu Iai: Kasumi Gaeshi

Sumo: Digest from the first day.

Sumo: 83ks vs 273ks= 190kilo difference

Tateshi: 殺陣師

Dojo Improvements=道場改善

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Macedonia Seminar Info

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Sweden Seminar

Goings on in the Jinenkan

Dec 11th Enbu: Togakure Ryu Kenjutsu 師走十一日演武

Dec 11th Enbu: Kyoketusu Shoge 師走十一日演武：

Goings on in the Jinenkan: New York Seminar

Dec 11th Enbu: Jo 師走十一日演武：杖

Edo Japan Crime and Punishment: Arson

Dec 11th Enbu: Ken 師走十一日演武：剣

Dec 11th Enbu: Taijutsu 師走十一日演武：體術

Enbu: Dec 11th Jo 演武：師走十一日 杖

Torei: 刀礼

Enbu: Dec 11th Naginata 演武：師走十一日 薙刀

Classic Jinenkan Footage: Manaka Sensei in Belgium

The frightening origins of Kanji

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Mononofu Dojo 武士道場

Seven virtues of Bushido

Enbu Dec.11th Iai :演武：師走十二日居合

Sumo:Takanoyama Shuntaro 隆の山俊太郎

Enbu Dec.11th breakdown:演武：師走十二日役目

Enbu Dec.11th:演武：師走十二日

12月11日(日)の演武

Jinenryu Iai:Tengu Schematic 自然流居合天狗図解

Historical Warriors from China: Zhang Shun 張 順（ちょう じゅん）

Jinenryu Biken: Iai no maki Gekiryu Adjustments 自然流秘剣居合の巻激流調整

如意棒？A Nyoi Staff (priest's staff)?

Toh Rei 刀礼

Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu Okudengata

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Macedonia Seminar

Enbu redux:=演武リダックス

Report on the Enbu 演武の復命

Enbu： Rokushaku bo 演武： 六尺棒

Enbu 演武

Edo Era Criminals: Irezumi (tattoos)＃２江戸時代犯罪者入墨

Edo Era Criminals: Irezumi (tattoos)江戸時代犯罪者入墨

Enbu: Jinenryu Bikenjutsu 自然流 秘刀術

演武

Regulations for the Residents of Edo 1655

Bisento: 眉尖刀

Enbu: Bisento 演武眉尖刀

Laws governing Japanese Pesantry: Gonin Gumi 五人組み

Crime and Punishment in Medival Japan2: 罪と罰その弐

Classic footage of Manaka Unsui Sensei 間中雲水先生

Japanese:Seasonal Terminology 木枯らし

Crime and Punishment in Medieval Japan 罪と罰

Laws governing Samurai: The Buke Shohatto 武家諸法度

On Performing an Enbu 演武について

Enbu 演武

Buddhism: Shinran and Honen 法然と親鸞

Part 2: Illustrated Biographies of Honen and Shinran

Part 3-1: Honen and His Followers, Part 3-2:Shinran and His Followers

Part 4: The Spread of Pure Land Teachings

Revenge of the Soga Brothers 曽我兄弟

Samurai Archives

Happa Strikes: Illustration 葉っぱの打ち方 イラスト

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi Points自然流秘刀燕返し

Enbu 演武

Strikes: The Myriad Happa Strikes 葉っぱの無数打ち方

Dojo Improvements: Weapon rack upgrade

Jinen Ryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流秘居合激流

Jinenryu Biken:Iai Geki Ryu 自然流 秘剣 居合激流

Jinenryu Biken: Iai 自然流 秘刀 全般

Jinenryu Biken: Iai 自然流 秘刀 居合

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Jumps 自然流 秘刀 居合 天狗

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu Training Method 自然流 秘刀 居合 激流

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流 秘刀 居合 激流

Japanese Castles: Kanazawa Jyo 金沢城

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流 秘刀 居合 激流

自然流居合術　霞返し

高木楊心流柔体術　軆之型　両手掛

Hatsu Geiko 2012 初稽古　平成二十四

Sumo:　Digest from the first day.

Enbu: Dec 11th Jo　演武：師走十一日　杖

Torei:　刀礼

Enbu: Dec 11th Naginata　演武：師走十一日　薙刀

Goings on in the Jinenkan: Mononofu Dojo　武士道場

Enbu Dec.11th　Iai :演武：師走十二日居合

Sumo:Takanoyama Shuntaro　隆の山俊太郎

Historical Warriors from China: Zhang Shun 張順（ちょうじゅん）

Toh Rei　刀礼

Enbu： Rokushaku bo 演武：六尺棒

Enbu: Jinenryu Bikenjutsu 自然流　秘刀術

Enbu: Bisento　演武眉尖刀

Crime and Punishment in Medival Japan2:　罪と罰その弐

Classic footage of Manaka Unsui Sensei　間中雲水先生

Crime and Punishment in Medieval Japan　罪と罰

Enbu　演武

Revenge of the Soga Brothers　曽我兄弟

Happa Strikes: Illustration 葉っぱの打ち方　イラスト

Enbu　演武

Strikes: The Myriad Happa Strikes　葉っぱの無数打ち方

Jinenryu Biken:Iai Geki Ryu 自然流　秘剣　居合激流

Jinenryu Biken: Iai 自然流　秘刀　全般

Jinenryu Biken: Iai 自然流　秘刀　居合

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Jumps 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu Training Method 自然流　秘刀　居合激流

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流　秘刀　居合激流

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu　自然流　秘刀　居合　激流

Jinen Ryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi Notes自然流　秘刀　居合　燕返し

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi 自然流美刀　居合　燕返し

Men Uchi vs Cutting the Head vs Karatake Wari 面打ち　頭を切る　唐竹割り

Iai 居合:　Training

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Gekiryu 自然流　秘刀　激流

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Geki Ryu 自然流　秘刀　居合　激流

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Demonstrations 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tsubame Gaeshi 自然流秘刀　居合　燕返し

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Outline 自然流秘刀　居合　天狗

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu Historical Information 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

Samurai Decorations　: 侍　飾り物

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

Letters from The Sengoku Era　#3　戦国時代の手紙

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu 自然流　秘刀　居合　天狗

Jinenryu Biken: Iai Tengu 自然流美刀　居合　天狗