Differences between the 9 Ryu of Bujinkan Ninjutsu?

[ningpo]

Ah, yet even more helpful. When put this way, I feel the confusion clearing.
Thanks Gentlemen. So then the Ninja were'nt so much a completely seperate group from the Samurai but Samurai (insome cases) that used the Ninjutsu arts to accomplish their goals?

[Dale Seago]

Pretty much.

[Kenshin]

Wow guys, I just got here and have been reading through everything and I am definitely loving the vibe. My question is this. I understand that the in Bujinkan, only 3 of the schools are actually Ninpo ruyha. Historically (proven or unproven) there where 9 dominant schools. Where would be a good place to research if one were looking for a less dominante school of Ninjutsu....say dealing more with herbology or things to that nature that they don't teach in the Bujinkan? I would love Hatusmi sensi to incorporate that into the teachings, or stress some more on Koppojujutsu, seeing how soke is a bone doctor. Now excuse my ignorance on some matters. I started last year and have currently moved where there isn't a school near by. I spend my days just practicing my basic taijitsu. lol. They think I'm crazy at work.

[Jay Bell]

Wow guys, I just got here and have been reading through everything and I am definitely loving the vibe. My question is this. I understand that the in Bujinkan, only 3 of the schools are actually Ninpo ruyha. Historically (proven or unproven) there where 9 dominant schools. Where would be a good place to research if one were looking for a less dominante school of Ninjutsu....say dealing more with herbology or things to that nature that they don't teach in the Bujinkan? I would love Hatusmi sensi to incorporate that into the teachings, or stress some more on Koppojujutsu, seeing how soke is a bone doctor. Now excuse my ignorance on some matters. I started last year and have currently moved where there isn't a school near by. I spend my days just practicing my basic taijitsu. lol. They think I'm crazy at work.

It's easy to say that 3 of the ryuha are Ninpo. If you look deeper, however, all of the schools have a much deeper connection. Take Gyokko ryu and Koto ryu for example. Not considered "Ninpo", yet have Ninpo in them and were headed for quite a time by Ninpo Soke.

Koppojutsu is also something that has a much deeper meaning. Think of it more in terms of using your structure to break the structure (bones) of the opponent....and not so much the physical breaking of bones.

Herbology and the like...this is where things can get difficult in finding good sources. Many people, because of the lack of hands on information, have taken it upon themselves to study herbology, etc, thinking that they have a grounding in how things were done.

Unfortunately, no. I've read bits and pieces of medicinal work that was done in Togakure ryu. Keep in mind...they are quite archaic and were put forward in their time, by their people with their lifestyles. Not to say it wasn't interesting, but it's hard to gauge whether or not those same principles would have much use to you or I.

[Kenshin]

Koppojutsu is also something that has a much deeper meaning. Think of it more in terms of using your structure to break the structure (bones) of the opponent....and not so much the physical breaking of bones.

Unfortunately, no. I've read bits and pieces of medicinal work that was done in Togakure ryu. Keep in mind...they are quite archaic and were put forward in their time, by their people with their lifestyles. Not to say it wasn't interesting, but it's hard to gauge whether or not those same principles would have much use to you or I.

The more I concentrate on just Taijitsu, not worrying about striking or grabbing, the more I do find myself understanding what you mean Jay by the breaking of the structure. Just throught Taijitsu alone, I find new things opening up, along with a new mindset. Now ( ready for newbie opinion lol) from what I see of Koppojutsu is that yes, it's not about breaking the physical bones, but with proper taijitsu, it's like it happens any way. My teacher is Shidoshi Juan Hernandez down in Coral Springs Florida and when he touched on koppojutsu it was a combination of the actual breaking or bones and how to manipulate through taijitsu the structure of man, the way the body is build and what it can and can't do. So for instance. We were studying Gkyyoko (spelled that wrong didn't I) Ryu last year. We grabbed and one spine twisted to the side of the grab, the hand and arm moved. He showed either a motogyaku (yes, yes horrible spelling lol) but as an extra would say "now this is koppojutsu" and show the alignment of the bones in the forearm, to show structure control and where to align to break. I'm rambling, lol, but does that sound about right or am I just confused?

[katana73]

I asked this question before in another blog and to my teacher and basically what I was told was this.....3 of the Ryu's are Ninpo(Togakure Ryu, Kumogakure Ryu and Gyokushin Ryu) 3 of the Ryu weren't Ninpo to begin with but were eventually absorded into the Ninpo Ryu's Taijutsu(Gyokko Ryu, KotoRyu and Gikan Ryu) and 3 of the Ryu's are specifically Samurai Class(Shinden Fudo Ryu, Takagi Yoshin, and Kukishinden Ryu). But all in all they are part of the Bujinkan and each are different yet similar.

[Jay Bell]

I asked this question before in another blog and to my teacher and basically what I was told was this.....3 of the Ryu's are Ninpo(Togakure Ryu, Kumogakure Ryu and Gyokushin Ryu) 3 of the Ryu weren't Ninpo to begin with but were eventually absorded into the Ninpo Ryu's Taijutsu(Gyokko Ryu, KotoRyu and Gikan Ryu) and 3 of the Ryu's are specifically Samurai Class(Shinden Fudo Ryu, Takagi Yoshin, and Kukishinden Ryu). But all in all they are part of the Bujinkan and each are different yet similar.

Hrm...no...that's not right either. It's difficult to label things in the manner above. For example.. You have the "Ninpo's", being Togakure ryu, Kumogakure ryu and Gyokushin ryu. But...if you follow that mentality, you have Gyokko ryu, Gikan ryu and Koto ryu which were also "Ninpo-esque" schools. Although...it's more accurate then the age old "3 Ninja, 6 Samurai" arguement.

The easiest way to deal with it is take it for what they are. My person opinion is when instructors get into these talks, they normally are speaking themselves into problems.

[katana73]

Thats true @ Jay Bell....I had quit trying to distinguish all the differences between the Ryu's....I know every year our teacher tells us..."This year per Hatsumi Sensei we're focusing on............Ryu" I now just keep training no matter what the theme is for the year...

[Brian R. VanCise]

Thats true @ Jay Bell....I had quit trying to distinguish all the differences between the Ryu's....I know every year our teacher tells us..."This year per Hatsumi Sensei we're focusing on............Ryu" I now just keep training no matter what the theme is for the year...

That is a great way to go about your training.