WAR/ Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu

 

Kaeshi Dori (返し島) “Counter Capture”

 

Tori begins in Ichi no Kamae, uke is in Daijodan with a katana.

 

Just as the uke begins to cut, leap forward with left foot and kneel on right knee, bringing your hands onto both side of the opponents right foot (you can optionally strike the uke leg with shuko). It’s important to be close enough that you can’t effectively be cut by the katana. Immediatly leap vertically and strike with both feet (and ashiko) to uke suigetsu. Fall back down and perform koho kaiten ukemi before returning to Ichi no Kamae.

 

Ken Nagashi (拳流) “Fist Flow”

 

Tori is in Ichi no Kamae, uke is in Daijodan no Kamae.

 

The uke begins to cut with kara take wari. Kiai as you leap forward with the right foot, kneeling on your left knee. Strike suigetsu with right shikanken. Then perform migi yoko kaiten ukemi – slapping the top of uke left foot (toki) as you roll. This is important as it will shift their balance to their right, making a second cut difficult. Stand up in Ichi no kamae.

 

Ichi no Kamae (一之構) “One Posture”

 

The tori begins in Hidari Ichi no Kamae, the uke in Daijodan.

 

The uke begins to cut down. Leap forward and slight left to avoid cut. With left hand, sink shuko into uke right hand. With right hand, perform ura shuto to uke right kasumi.

 

Zanshin.

 

Henka

 

The tori begins in Hidari Ichi no Kamae, the uke in Daijodan.

 

The uke begins to cut down. Leap forward and slightly right rotating clockwise to avoid the cut. With right hand sink shuko into uke right hand. Then leap again, rotating counter clockwise and perform omote shuto into uke right kasumi.

 

Itto Dori (一刀島) “One Blade Capture”

 

The tori begins in Migi Ichi no Kamae, the uke in daijodan.

 

As the uke begins to cut, step in with left foot and catch blade with the shuko of your left palm. It’s important to keep your fingers arched back to prevent being cut. With the shuko on your right hand, take the back of the blade and lock your hands together. Perform right ura shuto, then regrab the blade, sinking your hips and stripping it from your opponent.

 

Yoko Geri (横蹴) “Side Kick”

 

Tori begins in Hira Ichimonji no Kamae, uke begins in seigan.

 

The Uke performs a tsuki. Step forwards to the left and lower your kamae at the same time by dropping your hips (your body twists slightly clockwise). From here, kick with the right keri to the Uke’s hands to knock the sword away. Then as the foot lands, strike to Suigetsu with right Shikan Ken (hit diagonally downward so the uke falls).

 

Kasane Gaeshi (重返) “Nesting Counter”

 

This technique is for escaping an adversary when next to a wall.

 

The uke approaches. Place both hands on top of the wall. Leap into the air – pulling yourself with your hands and bracing with your left elbow – and swing your legs on top of the wall (all in one fluid motion). Make sure to remain hidden on the opposite side of the wall to avoid detection.

 

Kasane Dori (重捕) “Nesting Capture”

 

This technique is used after you have performed Kasane Gaeshi.

 

When the uke is within striking range, and you are hiding on top of a wall, swing both legs like a pendulum to strike uke while anchoring the upper half of your body using your arms and elbows. Using the impact against the uke, swing your legs back over the wall on the opposite side and hide using Goton no Jutsu.

 

Sora Tobi (空飛) “Sky Leap”

 

Sora Tobi is a method to quickly climb a tree when being pursued.

 

The important aspect of this technique is to choose an adequate branch; it should be strong enough to hold your weight, while somewhat flexible so it can act as a spring so you can leap onto the branch. Also, you need to reach a height where the enemy cannot reach your with katana or yari.

 

Using the trunk of the tree, run up and catch a branch with both hands. Using the kinetic energy on the branch as a “spring”, time pulling yourself on top of the branch. This can be repeated as necessary to achieve a safe height.

 

From a safe height, attempt to distract the enemy with teppan nage. When an opening presents itself, leap back down to the ground and escape using Goton no Jutsu.

 

Yoko Nagare (横流) “Side Flow”

 

Yoko Nagare is using precise timing to dodge an attack.

 

Tori begins in Migi Tonso no Kamae. To your front, the uke is in Daijodan no Kamae with a katana. To your rear, the uke is in Seigan no Kamae with a Yari.

 

The uke to your rear will attack with a tsuki. In this moment, throw a small stone (or me-tsubishi) at the swordsmen as you perform yoko nagare ukemi out of range of both uke. If the timing is perfect, the uke to your rear will stab the uke to your front. In the confusion, you can then escape using Goton no Jutsu.

 

Ushiro Nagare (後流) “Back Flow”

 

Ushiro Nagare is a method of escape when outnumbered using metsubishi.

 

Tori begins in Migi Tonso no Kata. In front of the tori are three uke armed with katana and/or yari.

 

Allow them to get close enough to be affected by me-tsubishi, but not close enough where you are in range of their attack. When the distance is right, throw me-tsubishi into all three attackers eyes in a large arc. Immediately perform koho kaiten ukemi and escape using Goton no Jutsu.

 

Naka Gaeshi (中返) “Inner Counter”

 

Naka gaeshi is a method for escape when you believed you are being followed.

 

When you feel that someone is following you, you perform either Oten Ukemi (Cartwheel) or Zenpo Tenkai (Forward Handspring). This will create distance and possibly confuse the pursuer. Once you leave their line of sight, you can escape using Goton no Jutsu.

 

Yoko Gaeshi (横返) “Side Counter”

 

Yoko Gaeshi is used for escaping when you have opponents to the front and side of you.

 

There are opponents directly in front of you, and on one side (either left or right side). Use Oten Ukemi (Cartwheel) to your open side to create distance, then perform yoko aruki to create more distance. You can then use Goton no Jutsu to escape.

 

Tobi Chigai (飛違) “Different Leap”

 

Tobi Chigai is another method for climbing trees using Shuko.

 

If you need to climb a tree with a wide trunk, or with branches too high to perform Sora Tobi (空飛) “Sky Leap”, simply hug the tree trunk while using shuko, and with the claw on your hands and feet, shimy up the trunk until you can reach a branch.

 

Kata Ude Tonso no Kata (片腕遁走型) “One Arm Retreat Example”

 

The Uke grabs your right wrist with his right hand. Both Uke and Tori enter into Hachimonji no Kamae.

 

Either the uke or the tori pulls with 3 shuffle steps to the rear. On the third pull, simultaneously raise the Uke’s wrist with Take Ori – sinking shuko into the arm, and kick with the right foot to the uke’s right side koe (to the side of the groin). From the kick, place your right foot across and in front of your left foot as to perform yoko aruki. Then turn your body counterclockwise while moving under the uke’s arm (this turning movement uncrosses the yoko aruki). Drop to your left knee (facing the same direction as the uke) and throw them with Katate Nage. Then immediately stand up and take your Metsubushi, crush and then throw it at the uke’s eyes.

 

Leap back with chi tobi (above the uke’s head where they cannot easily look) and escape using Doton no Jutsu (in these cases, that means lying face down on the ground).

 

Hidari Ude Tonso no Kata (左腕遁走型) “Left Arm Retreat Example”

 

The Uke grabs your left wrist with his left hand. Both Uke and Tori enter into Hachimonji no Kamae.

 

Either the uke or the tori pulls with 3 shuffle steps to the rear. On the third pull, simultaneously raise the Uke’s wrist with Take Ori – sinking shuko into the arm, and kick with the left foot to the uke’s suigetsu (solar plex). As you perform the kick, grab uke’s left shoulder with your right hand, and apply pressure through the arm. Position your left foot so that it lands to the rear of the uke’s left foot (your foot and the uke’s foot pointed in opposite directions).

 

From here, step forward with your right and kneel on your left as you pull the uke’s elbow down while continue to apply pressure through their hand – this will slam the uke onto their back.

 

Leap back with chi tobi (above the uke’s head where they cannot easily look) and escape using Doton no Jutsu (in these cases, that means lying face down on the ground).

 

Migi Tonso no Kata (右遁走型) “Right Retreat Example”

 

The Uke grabs your right wrist with his left hand. Both Uke and Tori enter into Hachimonji no Kamae.

 

Either the uke or the tori pulls with 3 shuffle steps to the rear. On the third pull, simultaneously raise the uke’s wrist with Take Ori – sinking shuko into the wrist (the hand is turned up and back, such that the web of your hand between your index and thump presses against the uke’s wrist), and perform kakushiken (hidden kick) with the right foot to the uke’s suigetsu (to the side of the groin). As the kick hits, grab uke’s left elbow with your left hand – applying pressure through the arm. As your foot descends from the kick, turn your hips clockwise and pivot on your left foot kneeling on your right between the uke’s legs. As you kneel, pull down on the uke’s elbow to drop them onto their face/stomach.

 

Leap back with Chi Tobi (below the uke’s feet where they cannot easily look) and escape using Doton no Jutsu (in these cases, that means lying face down on the ground).

 

Hidari Tonso no Kata (左遁走型) “Left Retreat Example”

 

The Uke grabs your left wrist with his right hand. Both Uke and Tori enter into Hachimonji no Kamae.

 

Either the uke or the tori pulls with 3 shuffle steps to the rear. On the third pull, simultaneously raise the uke’s wrist with Take Ori – sinking shuko into the wrist (the hand is turned up and back, such that the web of your hand between your index and thump presses against the uke’s wrist), and kick with the right foot to the uke’s right side Koe (to the side of the groin).

 

As the kick hits, grab uke’s right elbow with your right hand – applying pressure through the arm. As your foot descends from the kick, turn your hips clockwise and pivot to position your right foot facing the same direction the uke is facing (your feet will be in the position of yoko aruki and your torso facing the same way as the uke). Step with your left foot to inside uke’s left foot and descend to your left knee – continuing your clockwise hip movement and pressure on the arm – to nage the uke forward similar to a koshinage.

 

Leap back with Chi Tobi (above the uke’s head where they cannot easily look) and escape using Doton no Jutsu (in these cases, that means lying face down on the ground).

 

Migi Te Kubi Suji Tonso no Kata (右首筋遁走型) “Right Hand Neck Retreat Example”

 

The tori is front of the uke facing the same way. Both are in shizentai.

 

The uke grabs the back of the collar from behind with the right hand.

 

The Uke pulls back 3 times; on the first pull step back with the left foot bring your right foot along side your left foot. On the second pull, stoop low repeating the previous step – this time stepping back with right foot – and reach back placing your right hand on top of the uke’s right hand. On the third pull sink the spikes of the Shuko into the uke’s right hand and step back with the left foot so that it is behind the uke’s right foot and strike the uke to Suigetsu with a left elbow.

 

Using your right hand, remove the uke’s right hand, kneel back on left knee, and perform katate nage (you may also use your left elbow and/or hand on the uke’s right arm to assist in the removal and throw).

 

Leap back with Chi Tobi (above the uke’s head where they cannot easily look) and escape using Doton no Jutsu (in these cases, that means lying face down on the ground).

 

Hidari Te Kubi Suji Tonso no Kata (左首筋遁走型) “Left Hand Neck Retreat Example”

 

This is the same technique as Migi Te Kubi Suji Tonso no Kata, except performed on the opposite side. In this technique, the uke grabs with their left hand. Repeat all movements on the opposite side.

 

Ate Komi Tonso no Kata (当込遁走型) “Including Hit Retreat Example”

 

The tori is in hidari Hachimonji no Kamae, the uke is in Daijodan with katana.

 

At the moment the uke begins to perform giri, step in with right foot and kneeling on left and tsuki uke suigetsu with boshiken (bring your left arm up to cover from the uke’s arms).Throw Me-tsubishi into the uke’s eyes and immediately leap back and to the right, then hide using Mokuton no Jutsu (hiding/concealing behind a tree).

 

Kote Uchi Tonso no Kata (小手打遁走型) “Wrist Strike Retreat Example”

 

The tori is in hidari Hachimonji no Kamae. The uke is in Daijodan with a katana.

 

The uke performs giri. Leap forward to the left, pushing off with right foot. Perform right ura shuto into uke right nagare. Immediately twist hips -counter-clockwise, kneeling on right knee, and either strike with right shikanken or with shuko of the palm to uke’s right butsumetsu. Throw Me-tsubishi into uke’s eyes and leap back left and use Mokuton no Jutsu (hiding behind tree for concealment).

 

Migi Uchi Tonso no Kata (右打遁走型) “Right Strike Retreat Example”

 

The tori is in Hachimonji no kamae. The uke is Seigan with a katana.

 

The uke performs tsuki. Leap forward and right, rotating counter clockwise and landing with right foot forward. Grab the handle of the katana with your left, and perform right ura shuto into uke’s left hoshi. Leap back pulling the katana from uke’s hand. Throw Me-tsubishi into the uke’s eyes, and hold the katana with the point pointed at the uke.

 

Sayu Kumogakure no Kata (左右雲隠型) “Left Right Cloud Hiding Example”

 

The tori begins in Tonso no kamae, take out two Me-tsubishi and place one in each hand, and moves into Happogakure no kamae. There are two ukes in the front in Daijodan no kamae.

 

First, coax the uke’s to be as close together as possible, by moving back and forth. Once in position, take two steps back, and throw Me-tsubishi into their eyes. In this moment, leap forward and perform boshiken into their butsumetsu simultaneously. Continue forward and escape using Naka Gaeshi and Mokuton no jutsu (hiding behind a tree).

 

Kosei Kirigakure no Kata (攻勢霧隠型) “Offensive Fog Hiding Example”

 

The tori is in Tonso no Kamae. There are 4 uke’s surrounding tori with katana.

 

Begin by taking out Senban shuriken and throwing them at each of the uke. Next, take out Me-tsubishi and scatter it in all directions. If necessary, follow this with additional shuriken. When there is an opening – where there is a greater gap between the ukes, use kaiten ukemi to escape, followed by Mokuton no Jutsu (hiding/concealing behind a tree).

 

Happo Kirigakure no Kata (八方霧隠型) “Eight Way Fog Hiding Example”

 

The Tori is in Tonso no Kamae. There are three uke’s to the front, and two to the rear with katana.

 

Tori takes out three (3) Senban shuriken and throws one (1) at each uke in front of them. The uke to the rear begin to attack in response. Turn and throw Me-tsubishi into the eyes of the two uke attacking by broadcasting it in a cloud. Kneel on your left, and continue to throw Senban at all of the ukes. Once an opportunity for escape presents itself, perform kaiten ukemi followed by Mokuton no Jutsu (hiding/concealing behind a tree).

 

Taito (帯刀) “Belt Blade”

 

This outlines the various methods of transporting a shinobigatana:

 

The first method is to wear it as normal in the belt (obi), on your left hip and handle (tsuka) forward with the blade edge turned up.

The second method is to wear the katana on your back using the cords (sageo). This is particularly useful when running and/or climbing with the shinobigatana.

The third method is to use a sword concealed as a cane (called a shikomizue koshirae). The mounting of the blade makes it appear as a walking stick.

 

Koiguchi Kiri (鯉口切) “Carp Mouth Cut”

 

This outlines various methods of performing the portion of batto (blade drawing) where the seal between the metal retainer above the hilt (habaki) and the mouth (koiguchi) of the sheath (saya) is released such that the blade can easily be drawn. Typically, the thumb is pressed against of the edge of the hilt (tsuba) to prepare for the blade to be drawn. However, if an opponent sees this, they can anticipate the draw. These are two alternative methods to releasing the blade from the saya:

 

Use your left index finger knuckle to break the seal. This should not be visible to the opponent

Use your left thumbnail and insert it into the koiguchi to break the seal. This is less obvious than the standard method.

 

Katate Nuki (片手抜) “Single Hand Release”

 

This outlines the standard method of batto:

 

Left hand grips the saya just below the tsuba. Right hand grips the tsuka just below the tsuba. Push the saya with your left hand half-way out of your obi. Pull the saya back to unsheath the blade. Rotate the blade over to bring it to seigan no kamae.

 

Different angles should be practiced as well, such as drawing upwards to perform a batto into a one-handed migi gyaku kesa giri.

 

Iai Maai (居合間合) “Drawing Between Unity”

 

This is learning the proper distance and speed advantage of drawing the shorter shinobigatana.

Both you and the uke begin with your swords in the saya. The uke will attempt to draw. Simply perform katate nuki into a single handed kara take wari into the uke’s right kote to stop their draw. Assuming that both parties draw at the same time, the shorter blade will be able to be drawn faster.

 

Kage no Itto (影之一刀) “Shadow Sword”

 

This is a method of drawing when there is an obstruction on your left side.

 

With your left hand, take the saya and rotate the tsuka behind your back to your right. Take the tsuka with your right hand, and rotate your hand such that the tsuka is positioned behind and above your right shoulder.

 

Use your left hand to pull the saya down as you draw the blade up and over your right shoulder.

 

Metsubushi (目潰し) “Eye Crush”

 

Metsubushi is blinding powder that is thrown into the opponent’s eyes. There are several methods of carrying and throwing metsubushi:

 

Metsubushi is carried at the bottom of the saya. With the sword drawn the saya is pulled from the obi and swung with the left hand, dispersing the powder at the opponents.

Metsubushi is stored in hollowed out eggs. These can either be carried within the jacket or attached to the sageo. The egg is crushed in the hand and the contents are thrown at the opponents eyes.

 

Hiryu no Ken (飛龍之剣) “Flying Dragon Sword”

 

Tori is in Ichi no Kamae. Uke is in Seigan no Kamae.

Lunge forward with your right foot and press the uke’s blade to the left. Using the mune and your body, rotate the blade counter-clockwise, maintaining contact and building momentum. On the third spin, flick the uke’s blade up and away 45 degrees. From here perform kesa giri into uke.

 

Perform this both sides, and flicking in both directions.

 

Kasumi no Ken (霞之剣) “Mist Sword”

 

The tori is in Ichi no Kamae. The uke begins in Daijodan no Kamae.

 

The uke performs Kara Take Wari. Step forward with the right foot, lifting your blade, and using the shinogi of the sword deflect the uke’s blade to the left. Step with your left foot and perform migi kesa giri into the right side of the uke’s throat. It’s important you move the blade as little as possible in these two movements. Repeat both sides. Return to kamae.

 

Muso no Ken (無双之剣) “Matchless Sword”

 

The tori is in Gedan no Kamae. The uke is in Seigan no Kamae.

 

Tsuki into uke’s midsection. The uke will respond by parring the sword to the side. Remove tension and relax your grip such that the blade will turn over. Respond by stepping through and performing gyaku kesa giri. Return to kamae.

 

Dato no Ken (打扣之剣) “Strike Subtracting Sword”

 

The tori is in Gedan no Kamae. The uke is in Seigan no Kamae.

 

The uke moves to Daijodan no Kamae and performs kara take wari. Step forward with the right foot, raise your blade and using the shinogi of the sword deflect the uke’s blade to the left. Step with left foot performing yoko aruki. Rotate the blade and perform migi or hidari kesa giri into either hidari or migi butsumetsu. Repeat both sides. Return to kamae.

 

Issen Ken (一閃剣) “One Flash Sword”

 

Both the tori and the uke begin in Seigan no Kamae.

 

Tsuki to the uke’s face. The uke will respond by parrying your blade. Use yoko aruki to move around the blade. Rotate your weapon over and knock the blade back down and to the side reversing the parry – either by pressing or striking the blade. Step with your right and perform hidari gyaku kesa giri into the left side of the uke’s throat. Return to kamae. Repeat both sides.

 

Raiko no Ken (雷光之剣) “Lightning Sword”

 

Begin in Hasso no Kamae.

 

There are 7 cuts in the pattern:

 

Hidari Kesa Giri

Migi Do Giri

Kara Take Wari

Hidari Kesa Giri

Migi Kesa Giri

Hidari Gyaku Kesa Giri

Migi Gyaku Kesa Giri

Each cut creates an opening for another enemy to attack. The next cut closes off the opening and counter attacks. This pattern could then be applied to 7 attackers:

 

The first uke attacks. Perform Hidari Kesa Giri. Uke to your right attacks.

Perform Migi Do Giri. Uke to your left attacks.

Perform Kara Take Wari. Uke to your rear attacks.

Turn and perform Hidari Kesa Giri. Uke to your right attacks.

Perform Migi Kesa Giri. Uke to your left attacks

Perform Hidari Gyaku Kesa Giri. Uke to your right attacks.

Finish with Migi Gyaku Kesa Giri.