Martial Arts - Kenjutsu - Intermediate Dagger

Martial Arts - Kenjutsu - Intermediate Dagger

Bujinkan Ikari Dōjō Online (武神館奭道場) presents intermediate dagger for kenjutsu, a martial art of the Samurai. Ikari Dōjō (Majestic Hall 奭道場) is affiliated with the Bujinkan organisation (Divine Warrior Temple 武神館). The Bujinkan teaches Budō Taijutsu (Classical Martial Arts of the Way of War 武道體術) and is based in Noda, Japan, and headed by grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. The Bujinkan teaches nine traditional Japanese martial arts schools including:

• Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術) [Hidden Door School]

• Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術) [Jade Tiger School]

• Kuki Shinden Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術) [Nine Fierce Gods School]

• Koto Ryū Koppōjutsu (虎倒流骨法術) [Tiger Felling School]

• Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentaijutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術) [Immovable Heart School]

• Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術) [Willow Heart School]

• Gikan Ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術) [Virtues Paragon School]

• Gyokushin-ryū Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法) [Jade Heart School]

• Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法) [Hidden Clouds School]

Intermediate dagger for kenjutsu (daitoujutsu chuuden 大刀術中伝) is part of the the Bujinkan Unified Fundamental Curriculum (Touitsuteki Kihon Katei 武神館統一的基本課程 [TKK]), which is a general curriculum made up of multiple modules to prepare students for the practice of the nine schools of the Bujinkan. The TKK contains foundational basics for the three general aspects of the Bujinkan; taijutsu, jujutsu and ninjutsu. It also prepares students with specialist modules for further training in preparation for the denshou (transmission 伝承) of the nine schools.   

This course is part of a sub-section of the TKK called the Jade Tiger Branch (Gyokkoha 玉虎派) designed to prepare a student for the practice of the Jade Tiger lineage (Gyokko Ryū 玉虎流) of the Bujinkan. Gyokkoha includes 18 modules focusing on developing the techniques, skills and knowledge required for the practice of Gyokko Ryū. The Gyokkoha is split into six general areas, 'vital point striking methods' (kosshijutsu 骨指術), 'long-sword methods' (daitoujutsu 大刀術), 'short-sword methods' (shoutoujutsu 小刀術), 'dagger methods' (tantoujutsu 短刀術), 'blade drawing methods' (battoujutsu 抜刀術), and 'two sword method' (ryoutoujutsu 両刀術). Kosshijutsu are striking and capturing methods focusing on attacking weak and vital points. Daitoujutsu are long-sword methods designed for a two handed blade. Shoutoujutsu are shortsword methods designed for a single handed blade. Tantoujutsu are dagger methods for striking from a concealed position and defending against surprise attacks from a dagger. Battoujutsu are techniques for drawing a blade into a cut or attack, or intercepting a draw to neutralise a drawn attack. Ryoutoujutsu are methods for using two swords at once.

Gyokkoha modules are split into three levels; beginner level (shoden 初伝), intermediate level (chuuden 中伝) and advanced level (jouden 上伝). Shoden modules are designed for solo practice. Chuuden modules involve paired drills and techniques. Jouden modules are practiced by a group of three or more people. The purpose of these modules is to prepare students for the practice of the nine schools of the Bujinkan.

Gyokkaha Katei (Jade Tiger Curriculum) 

Kosshijutsu (骨指術)

• Kosshijutsu Shoden (骨指術初伝)

• Kosshijutsu Chuuden (骨指術中伝)

• Kosshijutsu Jouden (骨指術上伝)

Daitoujutsu (大刀術)

• Daitoujutsu Shoden (大刀術初伝)

• Daitoujutsu Chuuden (大刀術中伝)

• Daitoujutsu Jouden (大刀術上伝)

Shoutoujutsu (小刀術)

• Shoutoujutsu Shoden (小刀術初伝)

• Shoutoujutsu Chuuden (小刀術中伝)

• Shoutoujutsu Jouden (小刀術上伝)

Tantoujutsu (短刀術)

• Tantoujutsu Shoden (短刀術初伝)

• Tantoujutsu Chuuden (短刀術中伝)

• Tantoujutsu Jouden (短刀術上伝)

Battoujutsu (抜刀術)

• Battoujutsu Shoden (抜刀術初伝)

• Battoujutsu Chuuden (抜刀術中伝)

• Battoujutsu Jouden (抜刀術上伝)

Ryoutoujutsu (両刀術)

• Ryoutoujutsu Shoden (両刀術初伝)

• Ryoutoujutsu Chuuden (両刀術中伝)

• Ryoutoujutsu Jouden (両刀術上伝)

Tantoujutsu (短刀術) is a sub-specialisation of kenjutsu (刀術), focusing on the use of the Japanese dagger. Tantoujutsu chuuden is an intermediate module that teaches more complex principles and concepts of a short Japanese knife or dagger.

Tantoujutsu Chuuden

Although the tantou shares the same mechanics as the daitou and shoutou, it's use and doctrine focuses on ambush and opportunity. Unlike the daitou or shoutou, it cannot be used defensively to receive attacks and can only be used to attack or counter attack. Taijutsu (体術) is a critical aspect of tantoujutsu.

The fundamentals of tantoujutsu are split into three levels; shoden, chuuden and jouden or beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Tantoujutsu chuuden is made up of 18 forms split into three categories; drills [keiko] (稽古), capturing [mutoudori] (無刀捕) and concepts [gainen] (概念). These three areas are called Tantou Roppou Keiko, Tantou Roppou Mutoudori and Tantou Roppou Gainen respectively.

These forms are designed to reinforce muscle memory and practice good martial habits.

Prerequisites for Tantoujutsu Shoden are:
- Taihenjutsu Shoden
- Tantoujutsu Shoden
- Koppoujutsu Shoden

Tantoujutsu Chuuden Keiko - 短刀中初稽古

Keiko (稽古) are drills designed to practice postures, receiving and attacking. Keiko should be fluid and practiced with intent. Keiko can be practiced continuously up and down the dojo, switching partners when reaching the end of the dojo. The purpose of keiko is to develop muscle memory and instinct.

[一] Hi no Keiko - 一の稽古 (First Drill): Shizen no kamae. Opponent attacks with tsuki age from shizen no kamae. Receive with ichimonji geigeki to the opponent's wrist.

[二] Fu no Keiko - 二の稽古 (Second Drill): Shizen no kamae. Opponent attacks with migi or hidari tsuki jouhou from shizen no kamae. Evade to the right or left and receive with geidan geigeki.

[三] Mi no Keiko - 三の稽古 (Third Drill): Shizen no kamae. Opponent attacks with migi or hidari tsuki ichimonji from shizen no kamae. Receive with seigan geigeki.

[四] Yo no Keiko - 四の稽古 (Fourth Drill): Shizen no kamae. Opponent attacks with migi or hidari tsuki kesa from shizen no kamae. Receive with joudan geigeki.

[五] I no Keiko - 五の稽古 (Fifth Drill): Shizen no kamae. Opponent attacks with tsuki sage. Receive with age geigeki.

[六] Mu no Keiko - 六の稽古 (Sixth Drill): Shizen no kamae. Opponent feints with tsuki and follows up with a sokugyaku kick to the sai. Receive with kerisage geigeki.

Opponents attacks should be done from a hidden position and the receiver should receive from a hidden position. These techniques are designed to reinforce the lessons taught in tantoujutsu shoden including postures (kamae), tsuki (thrusting) and geigeki (counter-attacking).

Tantoujutsu Chuuden Mutoudori - 大刀中初無刀捕

Mutoudori (無刀捕) are techniques designed to capture or disarm the opponent unarmed. These techniques are very difficult, but their purpose is to reinforce distance, angling and timing to hone these areas. Mutoudori also highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the tantou or dagger. These techniques are a vehicle for learning, rather then purely for practical application in combat.

Chuuden mutoudori focuses on entry rather than capturing. Don't concern yourself with the capture, which will be covered in the Tanoutjutsu Jouden series.

[一] Hi no Mutoudori - 一の無刀捕 (First Capture): Shizen no kamae. The opponent slashes in with tsuki sage from shizen no kamae. Shift forward and lock down the opponent's foot with your own foot, at the same time grab the opponent's elbow and wrist.

[二] Fu no Mutoudori - 二の無刀捕 (Second Capture): Shizen no kamae. The opponent thrusts in with tsuki kesa from shusei no kamae. Evade the thrust and shift in to catch the opponent's elbow and wrist.

[三] Mi no Mutoudori - 三の無刀捕 (Third Capture): Shizen no kamae. Opponent thrusts in with tsuki ichimonji from tsuyoki no kamae. Evade the thrust and intercept the wrist with both hands.

[四] Yo no Mutoudori - 四の無刀捕 (Fourth Capture): Shizen no kamae. Opponent thrusts in with tsuki jouhou from kenkyo no kamae. Evade the slash, then intercept the opponent's arm then locking it with your arm, at the same time intercept the wrist.

[五] I no Mutoudori - 五の無刀捕 (Fifth Capture): Shizen no kamae. Opponent thrusts in with tsuki sage from seishi no kamae. Jump back to evade. The opponent slashes down with tsuki age, evade to the side and lock down the arm from the outside controlling the wrist at the same time.

[六] Mu no Mutoudori - 六の無刀捕 (Sixth Capture): Shizen no kamae. The opponent thrusts in with tsuki from rishi no kamae. Evade to the side and intercept the elbow and wrist, shift both hands to the wrist to control the tantou.

These techniques are high risk and dangerous, but they teach valuable lessons to both the attacker and receiver. Remember that these are not combat techniques, rather they are lessons in distance, timing and angling to improve the use and understanding of the tantou.

Tantoujutsu Chuuden Gainen - 短刀中初概念

Gainen (概念) are core combat concepts for the Japanese dagger. These are basic engaging techniques from a hidden position against an attacking opponent.

[一] Hi no Gainen - 一の概念 (First Concept): From shizen no kamae. Opponent slashes in with tsuki age, shift forward to control the elbow, then thrust to the throat.

[二] Fu no Gainen - 二の概念 (Second Concept): From shusei no kamae. The opponent slashes down with tsuki kesa. Evade the slash to the right or left and then shift forward to find a weak point with the tantou.

[三] Mi no Gainen - 三の概念 (Third Concept): From tsuyoki no kamae. The opponent slashes with tsuki ichimonji. Evade, then thrust into the opponents neck while intercepting the elbow or wrist of the opponent's weapon arm.

[四] Yo no Gainen - 四の概念 (Fourth Concept): From kenkyo no kamae. The opponent thrusts or slashes in with tsuki jouhou. Evade the first thrust or slash then shift forward slashing to the opponent's neck.

[五] I no Gainen - 五の概念 (Fifth Concept): From seishi no kamae. The opponent thrusts with tsuki to the weapon arm. Evade the thrust and intercept the wrist, applying omote gyaku and counter-thrusting to the throat at the same time.

[六] Mu no Gainen - 六の概念 (Sixth Concept): From rishi no kamae. The opponent thrusts or slashes in with tsuki ichimonji. Evade the first thrust or slash and as the opponent thrusts or slashes again with tsuki age, jump in and thrust to the opponent's throat or other weak point.

The tantou is extremely dangerous at close range and can do fatal damage to someone who is not wearing armour. The tantou is a single handed weapon, so one arm is always available to capture the opponent's arm or attack. This is important when considering a counter attack or close combat with someone holding a dagger. The purpose of these concepts is to learn how dangerous daggers are and how difficult it is to engage someone at close range using a dagger themselves.

Review and Conclusion

Tantoujutsu chuuden is an intermediate continuation to the mechanics of a dagger. The tantou is similar to the daitou, but the doctrine and purpose of both these weapons is very different. The daitou is a weapon of war, the tantou is a weapon of peace. This makes the tantou all the more dangerous, because attack is not expected. These techniques are designed to teach students how to attack ruthlessly and efficiently, not for violence, but to understand the danger a dagger can pose at close range. Tantou techniques should not be taken lightly and the lessons in this module should be considered seriously.

Intermediate skills of the Japanese dagger for paired practice (Tantoujutsu Chuuden - Dagger Methods)

Url: View Details

What you will learn

• Execute basic dagger drills [keiko]
• Perform unarmed capturing techniques against a dagger [mutoudori]
• Learn dagger concepts [gainen]

Rating: 4.2

Level: Intermediate Level

Duration: 2 hours

Instructor: Richard Roth