Koto-Ryu Koppojutsu
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

Koto-Ryu Koppojutsu (Knocking Down Tiger School of Bone Structure Techniques)

Was formalized into a ryu-ha by the 15th Soke of Gyokko-Ryu Koshijutsu, Sakagami Taro Kunishige, hence much of the overlap with between the kihon (basics) of Gyokko-Ryu Koshijutsu and Koto-Ryu Koppojutsu. Although the precise origins are unknown, it is believed to have been imported from either China or Korea. Unlike it’s sister school (Gyokko-Ryu Koshijutsu), Koto-Ryu Koppojutsu tends to be more linear and aggressive in it’s movements, as well as involving a lot of tobi (leaping). It’s interesting to note that many of the techniques involve surprise attacks to the opponent, leaving no opportunity to counter strike. Although technically it is often referred to as a “Bone Breaking” art, it is more accurate to say it is a “Skeletal Art”, meaning there is emphasis on maintain skeletal alignment as you disrupt your opponents skeletal structure. Also, there are many nerve strikes similar to Gyokko-Ryu Koshijutsu incorporated into the art. Like Gyokko-Ryu Koshijutsu, there is also unarmed defenses against both Shoto (short blade) and Katana attacks.

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

Kyusho (Vital Points)

  • Ura Kimon
  • Ryu Fu
  • Kasumi
  • Hiryuran
  • Shishiran
  • Kosei
  • Yugasumi
  • Tsuyugasumi
  • Ryumon
  • Jujiro
  • Jakkin
  • Daimon
  • Asagiri
  • Sei
  • Kinketsu
  • Koshitsubo
  • Shichibatsu
  • Tenmon
  • Uko
  • Jinchu
  • Hachi Yo
  • Menbu
  • Tokotsu
  • Gorin
  • Sai
  • Matsu Kaze
  • Mura Same
  • Hoshizawa
  • Tento
  • Shin Chu
  • Wakitsubo
  • Yubitsubo
  • Butsumetsu
  • Kyokei
  • Suzu
  • Itsuwa Tsukikage
  • Itsuwa Inazuma
  • Sui
  • U Sui
  • U In
  • Sa In
  • Kenkotsu
  • Shikotsu
  • Jaku Notsu
  • Amato
  • Hadome

Kurai Dori Kamae (Position Taking Postures)

Ichimonji no Kamae (One Character Posture)

Ichimonji no Kamae (One Character Posture) – 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.

Seigan no Kamae (True Eye Posture)

Seigan no Kamae (True Eye Posture) – The hand is more outstretched than Ichimonji no Kamae, the fingers are pointed in between the opponents eyes (this is where the name comes from) and the rear hand covers the kyusho “Uko” on the side of the neck.

Hira Ichimonji no Kamae (Flat One Character Posture)

Hira Ichimonji no Kamae (Flat One Character Posture) – This posture has the arms extending to the sides, and the hands are held in knife-hand palm out. The hands themselves should be at the edge of your peripheral vision. The bottom portion is the same as Jumonji no Kamae. Some other ryu-ha reference this kamae, except the have the hands at the hips – especially when dealing with attacks with swords.

Hoko no Kamae (Encircle Posture)

Hoko no Kamae (Encircle Posture) – Sometimes referred to as the “Angry Bear Stance” due to it’s resemblance of a bear standing, is similar to Hira Ichimonji no Kamae, except the hands are held above the head, and the palms slightly turned in.

Bobi no Kamae (Defense Posture)

Bobi no Kamae (Defense Posture) – It’s a posture of vigilance and preparation. In this posture the front leg is slightly bent, the back leg is bent at the knee too, weight distribution is almost equal. The front extended arm is keeping distance from the enemy. The rear hand is laying on the waist as a closed fist, both hands are ready to block and attack

Shoden Gata (Beginning Forms)

  • Yokuto  Scooping and throwing
  • Ogyaku  False press
  • Koyoku  Wing and talon
  • Shuto  Fell a tree
  • Hosoku  Capture and approach
  • Hoteki  Scoop and throw
  • Setto  Break and knock down
  • Keto  Hook topple
  • Saku Geki  Wrenching attack
  • Batsugi  Removal technique
  • Gan Geki  Bearing intensity
  • Shato  Diagonal topple
  • Shihaku  Finger clap
  • Kyogi  Rejected technique
  • Kako  Bind and beat
  • Ura Nami  Inner waves
  • Ten Chi  Heaven and earth
  • Katamaki  Single wrap

Chuden Gata (Intermediate Forms)

  • Hida  Flying strike
  • Hisaku  Fly and squeeze
  • Hicho  Crane
  • Hito  Flying topple
  • Kappi  Bind and leap
  • Monpi  Grasp leap
  • Suito  Opposite topple
  • Gohi  Mouse fly
  • He Hi  Lash and leap
  • Teki Gaeshi  Toss return
  • Koto  Throat topple
  • Kakuhi  Stir up and leap

Okuden Gata (Advanced/Secret Forms)

  • Santo  Gather and hit
  • Santo  Gather and topple
  • Koto  Tiger topple
  • Shinsen  God cut
  • Kompi  Surrounding leap
  • Sho Setsu  Confuse and crush
  • So Setsu  Grab and crush
  • Soto  Hold and fall
  • Ko No Ki  Smite a demon
  • Kimon  Demon gate
  • Ransetsu  Crazy snow
  • Ura Kimon  Inner demon gate

Hekito Gata (Wall Blade Forms)

  • Soku Boku  Simple kick
  • Boku Ken  Simple reply
  • Damara  Strike peace
  • Shuriki  Hand power
  • Kibo  Hope
  • Batsuyu  Domination
  • Sekiryoku  Strong step
  • Kahi  Straddle and fly