Auckland TSYR
TSYR Curriculum
The teachings of Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu are organized in a manner consistent with most classical schools of budo. The teachings are divided into three levels represented by the issuing of teaching licenses. These are shoden, chuden and joden gokui. An administrative license also exists which represents ultimate authority over the issuing of all these licenses. This administrative license is called a menkyo kaiden. As with most classical schools of budo, there is no technical ranking methodology in Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu similar to the kyu/dan system commonly associated with modern forms of budo.
The Shoden Mokuroku (Basic Level Catalog)
The shoden level teachings are organized on two separate scrolls or densho. The first is called the "Shoden Taijutsu no Mokuroku" and includes the taijutsu kata. These are techniques in which the shidachi (person executing the technique) is unarmed while the uchidachi (person receiving the technique) is either armed or unarmed. The shoden taijutsu kata emphasize proper distance, evasive movement, disruptive striking and body control consistent with the basic principles of Shindo Yoshin-ryu jujutsu. The second scroll is called the "Shoden Buki no Mokuroku" and includes the buki kata. These are techniques where the shidachi is armed while the uchidachi is either armed or unarmed. These kata emphasize the basic handling, tactics and principles employed in utilizing classical Japanese weaponry. Included in this area of study are battojutsu, kenjutsu, tantojutsu, and armed grappling. There are a total of 84 kata included in the shoden level curriculum.
TAIJUTSU
Hand to Hand Combat
Traditional taijutsu is a sophisticated method of hand to hand combat used when Samurai found themselves unarmed. A broad range of scenarios is explored from empty-handed to defense against various weapons
KENJUTSU
Japanese Fencing
Hundreds of years were spent perfecting sword melee by the Samurai. Our school dedicates a significant amount of time learning this fascinating and precise art. Not just a separate discipline, the principles of kenjutsu inform all aspects of the art we practice.
BATTOJUTSU
Live Sword Drawing
Battojutsu is practiced with a live steel blade. For Samurai, learning to quickdraw their sword and attack simultaneously was a necessary skill as surprise attacks were commonplace on the streets and in social settings.
TANTOJUTSU
Japanese Knife Combat
As a testament to its utility, the knife is the only ancient weapon still carried by the modern military. TSYR is one of the few schools left in the world that teaches authentic tantojutsu. This fascinating art is only taught to trusted insiders of the school.
The Chuden Mokuroku (Intermediate Level Catalog)
The chuden level teachings are organized much like the shoden, on two separate densho, however the chuden mokuroku is much more extensive in volume and depth. It comprises the bulk of the Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu curriculum. The "Chuden Taijutsu no Mokuroku" lists 135 kata and also includes an extensive compilation of physical principles and combat tactics. The "Chuden Buki no Mokuroku" lists 66 kata and covers the use of daito, shoto, tanto, tetsubo, kogai, torinawa and armed grappling. A small section of chuden mokuroku kata are identified as kogusoku and katchu, implying combat in armor. Rounding out the chuden teachings are Shinto norito and haishi intended for execution in various esoteric rituals. These are meant to instill the proper moral and mental context one should maintain while undertaking training in Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu.
The Joden Gokui (High Level Study and Secret Teachings)
The joden level teachings are separated into two densho, identified as the "Jin no Maki" (Scroll of Man) and the "Ten no Maki" (Scroll of Heaven). The "Jin no Maki" delves deeply into the most technically challenging area of study through a category of advanced level kata identified as myoden (mysterious teachings). These kata encompass the application of advanced principles, which include the study of internal energy, mental disruption, mental inertia, involuntary reflex, and other theories associated with creating or exploiting mental and physical deficiencies. Further study includes advanced vital point striking, resuscitation and healing. The "Ten no Maki" outlines study associated with esoteric Shinto as well as how to properly approach morality and human frailties. Mankind's proper place on earth as well as its proper place in the universe is of significant importance in the "Ten no Maki"; without understanding these concepts in their proper context it is believed that the knowledge contained in the Yoshin Kai's teachings can become corrupted and reflect the malevolent motivation of setsuninto (the sword that takes life), instead of the benevolent motivation of katsujinken (the sword that preserves life).
The last teachings received are the oku-kuden or orally taught secrets. These are only passed verbally to those being awarded the menkyo kaiden. These encompass political strategy, further spiritual incantations, administrative duties and insights employed to identify future leaders for the Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin Kai.
source: Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin-ryu: History and Technique