Gyokko-Ryu Kosshijutsu
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

Gyokko-Ryu Kosshijutsu (Jeweled Tiger School Bone Finger Techniques)

It’s a Koryu Japanese Martial Art of Kosshijutsu (Nerve Striking Technique) believed to have originated in China during the Heian Period,officially founded in 1156 AD. It stems from a style of Chinese Shitojutsu (Finger Blade Technique) where striking with the fingers is emphasized. This school involves 45 diagonals and large circular movements. Many of the techniques focus on redirecting the opponents attack to take balance, to create striking and throwing opportunities. Distance, controlling opportunities for attack, and redirecting the energy of the attack are core principles of this ryu-ha. It also involves unarmed techniques against armed attacks (Muto Dori); both against Shoto (short blade) and Katana.

Sanpo Gassho/Gassho Kuji Kiri (Three Treasures/Nine Symbols Cut Prayers)

  • Kongo Gassho  Cloud prayer
  • Suirin Gassho  Water ring prayer
  • Kaku Gassho  Fire and winds prayer

Kamae (Postures)

Ichimonji no Kamae (One Character Posture)

Ichimonji no Kamae (One Character Posture) – It’s the fundamental posture of Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu. The hand is not quite as outstretched as Bobi no Kamae, and the fingers point at the opposite shoulder, blading the arm to the opponent. The fist is tucked behind and concealed the lead hand elbow. The name is derived from it’s resemblance to the character “ichi” as it is written in Japanese.

Hicho no Kamae (Crane Posture)

Hicho no Kamae (Crane Posture) – It derives its name from the image of a crane perched. The upper portion of the body is the same as Ichimonji no Kamae. The orientation of the feet is also the same, except the heel of the lead foot is pressed into the top of the calf. The knee is pointed directly at the opponent. The posture is specifically for delivering an explosive kick.

Jumonji no Kamae (Cross Posture)

Jumonji no Kamae (Cross Posture) – It is named for the crossing of the arms in front of the chest. This is also similar in appearance to the kanji “ju” which in itself means “10”. The hands are held in boshiken/shitoken in preparation for striking. The feet are in alignment.

Doko no Kamae (Angry Tiger Posture)

Doko no Kamae (Angry Tiger Posture) – It’s almost the same as Ichimonji no Kamae, except that the rear fist is raised straight up from the shoulder such that the bottom of the fist is at the same level as the top of the head. Alternatively, the rear hand can be held on the opposite side of the head, depending on the subsequent attack.

Shoshin no Kamae (Beginner’s Mind Posture)

Shosin no Kamae (Beginner’s Mind Posture) – It’s almost the same as Ichimonji no Kamae, except that the rear fist is held against the hip as boshiken in preparation for striking.

Hanin no Kamae (Demon Posture)

Hanin no Kamae (Demon Posture) – It’s used in preparation for Muto Dori.

Shizen no Kamae (Natural Body Posture)

Shizen no Kamae (Natural Body Posture) – It’s a combat stance of readiness. he feet are spread apart at the width of the shoulders. Knees are slightly bent, head and neck erect.

Hira no Kamae (First Flat Posture)

Hira no Kamae (First Flat Posture) – In this posture, both legs are holding the body’s weight equally. The legs are posted at the width of the shoulders, knees slightly bent. Both palms are lightly put over the hip fold.

Taihenjutsu Muto Dori no Kata (Changing Body Technique for Disarming Armed Attackers Forms)

  • Hira no Kamae  First Flat Posture
  • Ichimonji no Kamae  One Character Posture
  • Jumonji no Kamae  Cross Posture

Sanshin no Kata/Shoshin Go Kei Gogyo no Kata (Three Hearts Forms/Beginner’s Mind Five Element Types Forms)

  • Chi no Kata  Earth Form
  • Sui/Mizu no Kata  Water Form
  • Ka/Hi no Kata  Fire Form
  • Fu/Kaze no Kata  Wind Form
  • Ku no Kata  Void Form

Kihon Happo – Koshi Kihon Sanpo no Gata/Ki Gata (Eight Basic Ways – Three Basic Striking Methods Forms/Energy Forms)

  • Ichimonji no Kamae  One Character Posture
  • Hicho no Kamae  Crane Posture
  • Jumonji no Kamae  Cross Posture

Kihon Happo – Torite Kihon Gata Go-Ho (Eight Basic Ways – Five Fundamental Hand Capture Forms)

  • Omote Gyaku  Outside wrist twist
  • Omote Gyaku no Tsuki  Outside wrist twist punch
  • Ura Gyaku  Inside wrist twist
  • Musha Dori  “Capture the warrior” folded elbow lift
  • Muso Dori/Jigoku Dori or Ganseki Nage  “Twin warrior capture” outside arm bar or Big rock throw

Joryaku no Maki (First Volume)

  • Kokuu  False void
  • Renyo  Palanquin
  • Danshu  Bouncing hand
  • Danshi  Bouncing finger
  • Saka Nagare/Gyaku Nagare  Reverse flow
  • Keoh  Settling seagull
  • Hanebi  Leaping fire
  • Ketoh  Gate topple
  • Yubi Kudaki  Finger break
  • Ketsumyaku  Tightening vein
  • Teiken  Hoof fist
  • Sakketsu  Killing lock

Churyaku no Maki (Middle Volume)

  • Ujaku  Magpie
  • Seito  Mackerel topple
  • Da Shin  Shake and pull
  • Ko Rai/Koraku  Tiger fall
  • Kou/Hanetsurube  Well bucket
  • Shien  Lion monkey
  • Hosen  Bee tip
  • Horaku  Cave in

Geryaku no Maki (Last Volume Scroll)

  • Shunu  Mighty falcon
  • Shun Soku  Falcon feet
  • Ichi Geki  One blow
  • Kaisoku  Superior feet
  • Ko Ryaku  Skim sweep
  • Iaifuji/Iai Tsui  Sealing draw
  • Chingan  Goose sinking
  • Fuu/Fumo  Big wind