Koto Ryu
Koppojutsu
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History Weapons |
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Kyusho: |
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Pain Points Kyusho Hand-Technique Forms Tewaza Gata Principles of Capturing Forms Torigata no Daiji |
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Kihon: |
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Stances Kamae Rolling Taihenjutsu Fists Ken Kicks Keri Fundamentals Kihon Thrusting Tsuki Receiving Ukeru Striking Practice Atemi no Tanren Capturing Tori Throwing Nage |
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Kihon Gata: |
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Basic Forms Moto Gata Fundamental Arresting Forms Torite Kihon Gata |
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Koppojutsu: |
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Beginning-Level Forms Shoden Gata Middle-Level Forms Chuden Gata [Unarmed] Sword-Defense Forms Hekito Gata Advanced-Level Forms Okuden Gata Master-Level Forms Kaiden Gata |
Koto Ryu translates to the Knocking-Down-Tigers School. It is a school of Koppojutsu that uses powerful strikes and bone breaking locks to destroy opponents.
Koppojutsu literally translates to the Art of Bone Methods. However, it is often rendered in English as bone breaking since schools with this name usually implement several techniques that shatter bone. The problem with this translation is that the Japanese concept contains so much more than merely breaking and dislocating. Manipulating the opponent's body by bending it, twisting his head, or shoving his body is also considered Koppojutsu. Bones are not the only thing that is broken. The defender can break the opponent's balance, stance, or position. The concept of Koppojutsu is not limited only to the body either, for one can break an opponent's mind as well. The word Koppo can also be rendered as knack or ability. It is essential to understand not only one's own ability, but also the opponent's. Furthermore, while knowledge is important, knowledge without courage creates an incompetent individual. One must have a knack for courage, to see when victory will be easy, and to recognize courage in others. Also, within Koto Ryu lies the Oral Transmissions of Budo Study Etiquette (Budo Shugyo Saho Kuden).
Koto Ryu is often seen as a foundational art and taught along with Gyokko Ryu as a basis for understanding Togakure Ryu. Techniques in Koto Ryu tend to be simple and involve mostly strikes to vital targets, whereas Gyokko Ryu has more complex locks and throws at a shorter distance. The distances used by the defender often require large motions which suggests Koto Ryu was taught for combat outdoors or in areas where large space was available. This is how the techniques are traditionally performed; however, most of the techniques can be applied at shorter ranges with only a slight variation in the footwork and distancing.
While the techniques appear simple there is still a depth to the art, and like Gyokko Ryu, the techniques rely more on principles, strategies, and philosophies than on step-by-step movements. To fully understand Koto Ryu, it is important to study Gyokko Ryu. The two schools have a close history together and, in a way, complete each other. Koto Ryu is a more linear style with simple direct techniques, while Gyokko Ryu is a circular style with longer, multi-step techniques.
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