Kukishin Ryu - Day of the Bo

I was very fortunate to be a participant on the first day of the 5th Kukishin Ryu Denshukai. Kukishin Ryu is a Koryu/traditional martial art dating from the 14th century, which incorporates a full array of weapon and unarmed techniques.

On the day I attended, the training was based around Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu - the combative use of the bo. Prior to this event I had no experience with the use of the bo, so the day was an eye opener for me.

It did not take me long to gain great respect for both the weapon and the art. The instructors were excellent both technically and as teachers of the style, and the technique, speed and power demonstrated by the the instructors and the advanced practitioners was of the very highest level.

Martial Arts in Japan

Living in Japan has given me the opportunity to see a great number of arts that are not commonly seen in the West.

I recently attended an martial arts demonstration at a shrine that was truly amazing. Arts demonstrated in the 5 hour extravaganza included Hozoin Ryu, Owari Kan Ryu, Ryukyu Kobujutsu, Shinto Muso Ryu, Tendo Ryu and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu.

In future posts I will explain more about some of these arts and include some more photos of the demonstrations.