Shindenfudo-Ryu

SHINDEN FUDO RYU
DAKEN TAI JUTSU
HAPPO HIKEN

„The Immovable Heart School“

Compiled by Mats Hjelm

The information presented here is based upon my personal research, with great help from others (mentioned where appropriate) and has not been verified by, nor received the approval of Hatsumi Soke. It is presented only as the researchers' interpretation of history and should not be taken as fact.

NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF SHINDEN FUDO RYU

"The ryu originated by Genpachiro Temeyoshi in the mid 12th century. It is traced back to Kosshijutsu which was introduced by Izumo Kanja Yoshitero."
Hiden Ninja Submission.

Kuki Takei from the Kuki family of Kukishin ryu, was also from the Shinden Fudo ryu.

Takenaka Tetsunoke, senior student of Jigoro Kano (the founder of Judo) was at one time a student at the Shinden Fudo ryu Dojo.

Kuden says that Yari was taught to Izumo (the founder) by Tengu, and these techniques still remain a secret today. The school uses several different types of Yari, Ono (war axes), O-tsuchi (war hammers) and Naginata. Hojojutsu (the art of tying someone with a rope) is used along side the Taijutsu, to help restrain the opponent.
Paul Richardson's Book.

The school specialized in Jujutsu and Iainuki (fast sword drawing)
Ninja, A. Adams, page 166.

Shinden Fudo Ryu suits small and weak persons very well.
Doron Navon, Ninja magazine #17, page 10

„The law of the Dojo“

1.To know that patience comes first.
2.To know that the path of Man comes from justice.
3.To renounce avarice, indolence, and obstinacy.
4.To recognize sadness and worry as natural, and to seek the immovable heart.
5.To not stray from the path of loyalty and brotherly love, and to delve always deeper into the heart of Budo.

Meiji 23 (1890) Spring, Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu
Showa 33 (1958) March, Takamatsu Toshitsugu Uou

The techniques are against an opponent who attacks with a throw, or a grab and punch situation.
Each basic technique has five Henka (variations).
Kamae(Body Postures) associated with Shinden Fudo Ryu: Za no kamae, Hira Ichimonji no kamae, Seigan no kamae, Katate Seigan no kamae, Shizen no kamae.
Shoden Gata defensive grappling techniques: Kata Munedori, Gyaku Kata Munedori, Ude Dori, Matsu Kaze, Ryu Ko, Gedan Gake, Kyu In, Kimon Dori, Jinchu Nage, Koromo Gaeshi, Saka Otoshi, Satani Nage, Katate Otoshi, Gyaku Nage, Gokuraku Otoshi.
Chuden Gata defensive grappling techniques: Fu Setsu, Tama Otoshi, Ugo, Randori, Tsuki No Wa, Kocho Dori, Kasa Harai, Kakusei, Kasumi Gake, Ryo Yoku, Utsushi Dori.
Okuden Gata defensive grappling techniques: Hyo Fu, Gosha Dori, Te Ate, Kari shimo, Tatsu Maki, Furoya Nage, Yama Arashi, Bai Setsu.

In the Dakentaijutsu section there are no kamae. Shizen no kamae is used as this represents the "Natural posture" and holds no fixed form. A characteristic of this ryu can be found in it's recognition of natural style as the only posture of defense. However, in reality, a person imagines a posture of defense in his mind and places himself on guard. The Taijutsu Kamae can only be found in the Jutaijutsu section.
One can use trees and rocks to practice striking with the hands or tearing with the fingers -- one grabs and crushes or grabs and hold. Also kicking bamboo trees while walking naturally without stopping is a method shown on the videos. This is called Take-ori Keri (breaking bamboo kick). Throws are also practiced by bending or breaking the trees.
Striking and kicking should be done at the blind angles of the opponent.
Ten no Kata defensive techniques against grabbing, striking and punching attacks: Nichigeki, Gekkan, Fubi, Uryu, Unjako, Setsuyaku, Musan, Korai.
Chi no Kata defensive techniques from a seated position against grabbing, striking and punching attacks: Riken, Shinken, Raiken, Henkyo, Issen, Akuken, Kenkon, Suiryu.
Shizen Chigoku no Kata defensive techniques from a grab and punch situation: Tainagashi, Kobushinagashi, Fubatsu, Ryotegake, Routo, Fudo, Ugari, Fukan, Kasasagi, Suzu Otoshi, Kasumi Otoshi, Shizen.

In the scrolls it is written that Mizuhara Kuro Yoshinari, lord of Mizuhara castle, was brought forth by Minamoto no Yoshitsune during his flight from the capital. He was a great master of Iai (draw-cutting). In the scrolls of Fudo ryu, it is written that he may have been the originator of Iai. -- Shinden Fudo ryu Dakentaijutsu video.

Other weapons used in Shinden Fudo Ryu are the: Yari (different kinds of Spears); no basic techniques from this school have been taught yet. Ono (Big war axes), no basic techniques from this school have been taught yet.
O-tsuchi (Big war hammers): no basic techniques from this school have been taught yet.
Naginata (halberd): no basic techniques from this school have been taught yet.
Hojojutsu (Rope tying techniques); no basic techniques from this school have been taught yet.

Most of the Ryu's Daken Tai Jutsu techniques are demonstrated on VIDEO NO. 6 "Shinden Fudo Ryu Daken Tai Jutsu."

Thanks to all who have helped me with this! ...especially Peter Carlsson, Rob "Ohkuni", and many others.

Published with kind permission from Mats Hjelm, 13^th Dan