Kuki koryu and Takamatsu?

**Mekugi** · 03-18-2009, 01:07

Originally Posted by STEPS

Yes, PhD. in Japanese History & Culture. My bad, should have been more clear, haha.

His thesis was on Martial Arts History and Evolution of Movement. This also includes lineage relationships between ryu-ha. He is a member of the Nihon Budo Gakkai, amongst other research organizations. There is no doubt he can thoroughly answer and cite details concerning Takamatsu Den arts.

I see. How would he know about Takamatsu sensei?

Is this Kacem Zhougari?

**Don Roley** · 03-18-2009, 02:40

I don't want to sound like I am putting anyone down, but I feel I should point out just how much knowledge about the subject matter Steve and Russ bring to Budoseek.

I too have a great interest in history and am known for writing a bit about the subject. Having said that, I know that most history stuff is about places and times. Someone like Steve not only is able to read Japanese just as well as anyone else talking about the subject matter and he has read a lot, he also has researched things like how certain swords from certain times had clips on them to keep them from moving in the belt. 90 percent of the surviving scabbards from this time have the clip, so any art that comes from the time would not have that sword twist so that it was edge down. That is the type of thing he and Russ bring to the discussion. It is not the type of thing they ask for in a dissertation on history, but it is important for matters like this.

Russ and Steve have lived (or live) in Japan and have a wide range of experience in various koryu arts. They have seen what the Bujinkan does, and have seen more of the other arts than all Bujinkan members combined I think. Not only that, but they have contacts with a wide variety of people from various branches of the Kuki lineage and know what people say when they speak freely out of the public eye. They have practiced other Kuki related arts and know members in the Bujinkan and see the demos so they have a unique perspective on things none of the rest of us have.

I just don't think anyone else really can do as much of a service as they can on the subject of non-Takumatsu-den Kukishin stuff if they choose to.

**Mekugi** · 03-18-2009, 03:25

Just for the record....Don Roley's (and Steve's for that matter) Japanese language skills are light years ahead of mine, he has a lot of experiences I don't even begin to have....and usually if he says something, I listen.

He's well informed, well educated and should be respected more often than he is on the boards, to be honest.

**STEPS** · 03-18-2009, 11:43

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not taking anything away from Russ or Steve. Their assessments are pretty spot on. I'm simply offering the gentleman from Rochester a local opportunity to discuss the matter in the near future with someone of similar credentials. Of course I speak of Kacem Zoughari. I am also aware of Don's opinion of the man so I can understand his subtle diversion towards the praise of Russ & Steve (whom again I have no rebuttal to their information). The last thing I'm trying to do is turn this into a "this researcher is better than that one" situation. That type of stance is just silly. I greatly admire the work and insight all these gentleman put forth.

I wish you all well.

**Don Roley** · 03-18-2009, 17:05

Originally Posted by STEPS

I am also aware of Don's opinion of the man so I can understand his subtle diversion towards the praise of Russ & Steve

I see the subtle accusation in your post.

I have no agenda other than pointing out that there are two people here who are better connected and knowledgeable about the matter than I think anyone else is, and they are availible right now by PM. That is why I oiginally started suggesting Russ chime in.