Bujinkan Ikari Dōjō Online (武神館奭道場) presents intermediate vital point striking for taijutsu, 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 vital point striking for taijutsu (kosshijutsu 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), 'longsword methods' (daitoujutsu 大刀術), 'shortsword 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 advanced paired concepts and techniques. The purpose of these modules is to impart all the skills, knowledge and techniques for the study 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)

Kosshijutsu Chuuden

Kosshijutsu (骨指術) is an ancient form of armed and unarmed combat which focuses on striking muscles, organs and nerves to disrupt and dismantle the opponent. Kosshijutsu chuuden is an intermediate learning module that takes core foundation and principles from the shoden module and applies it to drills, paired techniques and advanced kosshijutsu concepts.

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

Kosshijutsu chuuden is made up of 18 forms split into three categories, drills [keiko] (稽古), captures [torite] (捕手), and concepts [gainen] (概念). These three areas are called Kosshi Roppou Keiko, Kosshi Roppou Torite and Kosshi Roppou Gainen respectively.

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

Prerequisites for Kosshijutsu Chuuden are:

• Taihenjutsu Shoden

• Kosshijutsu Shoden

Kosshijutsu Chuuden Keiko - 骨指術中伝稽古

Keiko (稽古) are drills that reinforce Kamae (構), Daken (打拳) and Uke (受) into a flowing exercise with a giver and a receiver. This allows both parties to reinforce their training in a safe environment, while developing their skills and experience.

[一] Fudou Uke to Joudan Tsuki - 不動受と上段突 (Immovable Receiving and High Thrust): Tori is in ichimonji no kamae. Uke strikes with joudan tsuki from seigan no kamae. Receive the strike with fudou uke and shift back.

[二] Kiten Uke to Shitan Sage - 起転受と指端下 (Turning Receiving and Rising Finger Strike): Tori is in ichimonji no kamae. Uke strikes with shitan age from seigan no kamae. Receive the strike with kiten uke and shift back.

[三] Joudan Uke to Omote Kiten - 上段受と表起転 (High Receiving and Outside Turning): Tori is in ichimonji no kamae. Uke strikes with omote kiten from seigan no kamae. Receive the strike with joudan uke and shift back.

[四] Seigan Uke to Ura Kiten - 青眼受と裏起転 (True Eye Receiving and Inside Turning): Tori is in ichimonji no kamae. Uke strikes with ura kiten from seigan no kamae. Receive the strike with seigan uke and shift back.

[五] Gedan Uke to Gedan Tsuki - 下段受と下段突 (Low Receiving and Low Thrust): Tori is in ichimonji no kamae. Uke strikes with gedan tsuki from seigan no kamae. Receive the strike with gedan uke and shift back.

[六] Kerisage to Tsukigeri - 蹴下と突蹴 (Rising Kick and Thrust Kick): Tori is in ichimonji no kamae. Uke strikes with shako ken from seigan no kamae, steps then kicks on the same side. Receive and cover the shako ken, then turn the body aside while kicking up to the opponent's sai, kaku or yaku.

Keiko practices both flow and pressure. Receiving continuous attacks from the opponent will imprint the movements and techniques into the muscle memory of the body allowing the body to react and letting the mind worry about the tactical picture.

Kosshijutsu Chuuden Torite - 骨指術中伝捕手

Torite (捕手) are six capturing techniques from grabs to the chest, elbow and wrist. These techniques are designed to practice escaping from grabs, but also distance, timing and angles. As with the keiko, these techniques should be practiced to a point of instinct.

[一] Omote Gyaku - 表逆 (Outside Reverse): Opponent grabs the chest or lapel. Cover the opponent's hand with your rear hand and the opponent's shoulder with the lead hand and shift back. Secure your lapel with your lead hand, then shift back and pull the opponent's hand from the lapel, while pushing the opponent's hand away and shifting back. Grab the opponent's wrist with both hands and apply the gyaku by shifting back and bringing the wrist to the hip. Kick into the kimon.

[二] Ura Gyaku - 裏逆 (Inside Reverse): Opponent grabs the chest or lapel. Cover the opponent's hand with your rear hand and the opponent's shoulder with the lead hand and shift back. Shift the lead hand back to grab the wrist and step across, while shifting the rear hand to the shoulder joint. Shift the lead hand up to grab the opponent's wrist with both hands and apply the gyaku. Kick into the kimon.

[三] Ganseki Nage - 巌石投 (Boulder Throw): Opponent grabs the elbow. Cover the opponent's shoulder with the lead hand and shift forward, taking the opponent's balance. Bring the rear hand underneath the opponent's arm and drive the elbow into the kimon. Step through with the rear leg and drive down with the forearm. Bring the opponent to the ground and kick to the kimon.

[四] Musha Dori - 武者捕 (Warrior Capture): Opponent grabs the elbow. Cover the opponent's shoulder with the lead hand and shift forward, taking the opponent's balance. Bring the rear hand over the opponent's arm and pivot around, facing away from the opponent. Apply the capture and bring the opponent to the ground and kick into the kimon.

[五] Musou Dori - 無双捕 (Peerless Capture): Opponent grabs the wrist. Cover the opponent's shoulder and shift to the side, taking the opponent's balance. Place the hand on the shoulder blade and pull the opponent forward, while bringing the opponent's arm up, throwing them on the ground. Kick into the kimon.

[六] Oni Kudaki - 鬼砕 (Demon Break): Opponent grabs the wrist. Cover the opponent's shoulder and shift to the side, taking the opponent's balance. Bring the rear arm under the opponent's arm while bringing the lead hand up. Grab the opponent's arm with the rear hand and apply the capture. Throw the opponent and kick to the kimon.

Torite are capturing techniques designed to escape from a grab or attack, while taking control of the opponent. The torite of kosshijutsu teach the basic fundamentals of capturing techniques and capture escape. The techniques are split into three areas, chest, elbow and wrist; covering both the ura and omote (inside and outside) sides of the technique. The concept is that if an opponent resists one way, then move and take advantage of the other way.

Kosshijutsu Chuuden Gainen - 骨指術中伝概念

Gainen (概念) are general concepts hidden within the techniques of kosshijutsu. The idea of gainen are to teach the basic tactics of the style in very simple kata. The gainen of kosshijutsu are an extension of keiko with an encrypted lesson.

[一] Kiten Toppa no Kata - 起転突破の型 (Turning Fist Penetration): Tori is in ichimonji no kamae. From seigan no kamae, the uke strikes with tsuki, receive with joudan uke and cover the uke's rear guard. Strike the amedo with omote kiten.

[二] Shitan Geigeki no Kata - 指端迎撃の型 (Five Finger Counter): Tori is in seigan no kamae. From doko no kamae, uke covers tori's wrist with their wrist and strikes down with omote kiten onto the nagare. Tori drops the lead arm, switches sides of kamae and strikes up to the uke's hoshi with shitanken.

[三] Shitou Furiko no Kata - 指倒振子の型 (Thumb Thrust Pendulum): Tori is in doko no kamae. From kosei no kamae, the uke covers tori's wrist with their wrist and strikes up with kiten ken to the kasei. Tori raises the lead arm, switches sides of kamae and strikes down to the uke's nagare with shitouken, then thrusts forward into the uke's amedo.

[四] Keri Kaihi no Kata - 蹴回避の型 (Kick Evasion): Tori is in kosei no kamae. From seigan no kamae, the uke shifts forward into hichou no kamae then kicks up into the geidan with the lead leg. Shift the rear leg back and receive with keri sage to the sai, kaku or yaku.

[五] Kiten Taoshi no Kata - 起転倒の型 (Turning Fist Felling): Seigan no kamae. From jumonji no kamae, the uke strikes with gedan tsuki to the kimon. Receive the strike with gedan uke, then kick up to the hoshi with the lead leg. Step forward and strike to the amedo with ura kitenken.

[六] Jumonji no Kata - 斬隠 (Cruciform): Jumonji no kamae. From ichimonji no kamae, the opponent strikes with joudan tsuki. Intercept the thrust with jumonji no kamae and use joudan uke to open the opponent, then strike with shitou ken to the hoshi. Step back and the opponent attacks again. Same as before on the other side.

Gainen are general concepts that illustrate the purpose behind the movement or tactics in kosshijutsu. Simple ideas like evading and counter striking or receiving and attacking the opponent's attack are some of the core doctrine of kosshijutsu of the Jade Tiger school. These lessons are embedded in the gainen.

Review and Conclusion

Kosshijutsu Chuuden encompasses all the lessons taught in Kosshijutsu Shoden and Taihenjutsu Shoden to Jouden. Kossijutsu is the foundation of the Jade Tiger School and also often referred to as 'the foundation of all martial arts'. Kosshijutsu is the ultimate form of armed martial arts against armored or protected attackers using both weapons or unarmed strikes. With efficient strikes, capture defence and counterattack, and doctrine focused on attacking weak-points with pinpoint accuracy, kosshijutsu is the warrior's system of combat.