MARTIAL ARTS

NINPO
忍法

The 36 Ninpo essentials (Ninpo Sanjurokkei) are made up of 2 categories: 18 basic martial arts (Bugei Juhappan) and the special 18 Ninja categories (Ninja Juhakkei). There are many Ryu-Ha of Ninpo: Gikan Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Iga Ryu, Togakure Ryu, Kukishin Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, Tatara Shinden Ryu, Kumogakure Ryu, ...

Some of the Ninpo essentials are: Tai-Jutsu (unarmed defense), Bo-Jutsu (full staff - 180 cm - 6 feet), Biken-Jutsu (secret sword techniques), Yari-Jutsu (spear), Tanto-Jutsu (knife), Hanbo-Jutsu (half staff - 90 cm - 3 feet), Shuriken-Jutsu (throwing blade), Hobaku-Jutsu (restraining), Tessen-Jutsu (iron fan), Naginata-Jutsu (halberd), Kiai-Jutsu (power yelling), Henso-Jutsu (disguising), Tenmon (astronomy), Kyu-Jutsu (archery), Kusarigama-Jutsu (sickle/chain), ... . Techniques of those Ryu-Ha have been systematically put together by Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei to form the Genbukan World Ninpo Bugei Federation techniques.

The main categories in Ninpo are: Tai-Jutsu, Bo-Jutsu and Biken-Jutsu. One must first master these techniques because they are the 3 fundamental parts of Ninpo. First one must learn the basics of Ninpo Taijutsu (Kosshi-Jutsu, Koppo-Jutsu, Daken-Taijutsu, ...). Later one can learn Yari-Jutsu, Naginata-Jutsu, ... . The Genbukan Ninpo ranking system is from 10th Kyu to 10th Dan. There are Master licencing titles as : Renshi, Kyoshi, Shihan, ... .

The traditional Ninpo wear is a black Karate-Gi. From 10th Kyu to 1st Kyu we use a green belt with black stripes on it. From 1st Dan to 10th Dan we use a black belt with golden stripes on it. The Genbukan patch is worn on the left chest. If you are also a KJJR member, you wear this patch on the left upper arm.

The true martial artist will not be content with a way (Do) to learn ... His goal is to understand eternal truth, to live within the natural laws and to fully develop martial techniques. By maintaining the spirit of enlightenment, a practitioner can build up a society as perfect as possible.

This martial art is not called "Nindo" or "Ninjutsu", but "Ninpo" should be used, because of its high spiritual level. This ancient martial art, the mother of all martial arts, is like the rain of the water cycle: it remains constantly fresh and in motion ... .

Genbukan Ninpo Bugei is taught for illumination, awareness and defense of the mind, body and spirit. It combines 3 parts: martial arts, religion and culture. The true mission of the Ninja is to deliver light to a dark world through perseverance (Nin), making life a sacrifice for the peace of humanity. A true Ninpo martial artist must have a compassionate heart and pursues peace and harmony. Ninpo martial artists must do a service for humanity and use Ninpo for maintaining justice in our society. A true martial artist must also continue the handed down traditions of the Ninpo martial art, developing it further and actively spread it, to keep it alive for next generations ... .

If you want to train in the Ninpo-system you must be a member of Genbukan.

JU-JUTSU
柔術

The Kokusai Ju-Jutsu Renmei (KJJR), or International Ju-Jutsu Federation, was founded in 1991 by Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei. It was established for the preservation and transmission of true, authentic Japanese Ju-Jutsu. Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei has mastered many Ryu-Ha including: Hontai Yoshin Takagi Ryu, Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Bokuden Ryu, Araki Shin Ryu, Yagyu Shingan Ryu, Tenshin Ryu, Daito Ryu, Takeda Ryu, Daiwado, Itten Chukai Ryushin Ryu, ...

Ju-Jutsu (Kacchu Yawara, Koshi no Mawari, Yoroi Kumiuchi, ...) is not a sport, it is a true traditional martial art of the Samurai, known as "the gentle/yielding art". It offers joint locking, rolling (including breakfalls), throwing, striking, kicking, choking, grappling, blocking, ... . In order to preserve the Ryu-Ha, Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei founded the KJJR and all of the above Ryu-Ha were systematically put together with grade classifications from 10th Kyu to 1st Kyu and from 1st Dan to 10th Dan.

We also have Master licencing titles: Renshi, Kyoshi, Shihan, ... . Also for 3rd Dan and above, if you wish and the Grandmaster agrees, you can learn the individual Ryu-Ha. With this you will learn secret teachings. The Ryu-Ha grades are Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo and Kaiden for which you will receive Densho (special handmade book) or scrolls and diploma of the Ryu.

The traditional Ju-Jutsu wear is a Judo-Gi (optional with Hakama and Hachimaki) although a Ninpo-Gi (black Karate-Gi) is also used (optional with Hakama and Hachimaki). From 10th Kyu to 1st Kyu we use a green belt with black stripes on it. From 1st Dan to 10th Dan we use a black belt with golden stripes on it. The KJJR patch is worn on the left chest. If you are also a Genbukan member, the KJJR patch is worn on the left upper arm and the Genbukan patch will be placed on the left chest. Upon entering one is given a membership licence-book and a KJJR patch.

The KJJR logo is a trademark, property of Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei. The outer circle is a golden aura like a halo. The eight-pointed star symbolizes God's sword shining in all directions. The 2 symbols in the top sections are characters used in God's Era (Kamiyo Moji), they mean Heaven and Earth. The lotus flower in the center is a symbol for peace and harmony. Worldwide Jujutsu has been given different names such as Jiu-Jitsu or Ju-Jitsu, which are unfortunately not correct and have a different meaning in Japanese! Most of those systems are not traditional martial arts with a lineage from Japan etc. but are mixtures from different martial arts like Judo, Aikido, ... or sports.

If you want to train in the Jujutsu-system you must be a member of KJJR.

KORYU KARATE
古流唐手

Koryu means old school, Karate means China hand (or Tang hand, referring to the Tang Dynasty from China), although it can also be read as empty hand but this is the case for Karate schools from Okinawa. Modern Karate came to central Japan in the Meiji Era, through Okinawa from South-China. Our traditional Karate came from South-China in the 7th century and was systemized into Japanese original martial arts like Karate Koppo-Jutsu, Kosshi-Jutsu, Daken-Taijutsu, Kenpo, ... .

The Koryu Karate system is mainly focused on Gikan Ryu Karate Koppo-Jutsu, Hontai Kijin Chosui Ryu Kukishinden Daken-Taijutsu, Shinto Tenshin Ryu Kenpo, Gyokko Ryu Karate Kosshi-Jutsu and Koto Ryu Karate Koppo-Jutsu techniques together with special Kuden of Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei and Grandmaster Sato Kinbei Sensei's Kuden about Chinese martial arts.

It was the original intention of Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei to teach this system to the public (as Danko-Jutsu) which he could unfortunately not fulfill due to lack of time.

Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei learned those Ryu-Ha from Grandmaster Kobayashi Masao Sensei and from Grandmaster Kimura Masaharu Sensei and also added Shizen Ryu/Chinese Karate (from Grandmaster Sato Kinbei Sensei) to it. Those Grandmasters received their teachings originally from Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei and from Grandmaster Ueno Takashi Sensei. The techniques were developed during true battle times and only the techniques that guaranteed certain victory were kept.

This system is perfect for handling true case situations. Nunchaku is not used, but higher level students practice weapons like Tanbo, Sai, Tekken, ... . Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei has developed a system from 9th Kyu to 10th Dan as well as a Menkyo Kaiden scroll system. These techniques are classified into a system since 2003.

If you want to train in the Koryu Karate-system you must be a member of Genbukan or KJJR.

GOSHINJUTSU
護身術

Goshin-Jutsu means self-defense (in all of its aspects). Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei has a lot of "field"-experience as he has been a police-officer/instructor for 14 years who was tested many times.

This system is a mixture of the most effective techniques of Ninpo, Ju-Jutsu, Koryu Karate, Chugoku Kenpo and different Ryu-Ha (including special strategies, Henka and Kuden) to be used in true case situations.

These techniques are especially useful for police-officers, security-agents, bodyguards, ... who can use them in daily-life situations to have complete control during a conflict-situation.

Training includes: the use of improvised weapons, training on the bare ground (no Tatami), training in casual clothes (no Keiko-Gi), defense against multiple attackers, special self-defense for women against rape/sexual harassment, how to disarm an attacker, escape from tight ropes, how to protect a VIP, ... .

Every training-session Goshin-Jutsu choreographies and situations, created by the Chief Dojo-Cho, are practised in Chiryaku Dojo Belgium vzw as the main focus. These teachings are based on general streetwise self-defense.

Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei has developed a system from 9th Kyu to 1st Kyu and from 1st Dan to 10th Dan. Since 1994 there is a Goshin-Jutsu system that originally was taught as a special section.

If you want to train in the Goshin-Jutsu system you must be a member of Genbukan or KJJR.

CHUGOKU KENPO
中国拳法

Chugoku Kenpo means Chinese fist methods. The Chugoku Kenpo system is mainly focused on Kiko/Chi-Kung (Imperial Qi-Gong), Hakkesho/Pakua (Ba Gua) and Kinnajutsu (Chin-na). Many Japanese martial arts have connection (roots) with Chinese martial arts.

Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei had 2 Asian teachers who taught him Shaolin Kung-Fu (Master Cho Su Long) and 18 Korean martial arts (Master Kim Kei Mei). Grandmaster Sato Kinbei Sensei lived many years in China and Taiwan and received the highest teachings from his teachers Grandmaster Li Zu Ming Sensei and Grandmaster Wang Shu Jin Sensei. He became the first non-Chinese person ever awarded with these titles.

Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei became 5th generation Grandmaster (Denjin) through Grandmaster Sato Kinbei Sensei and Grandmaster Li Zu Ming Sensei.

The fundamental basic element of Pakua is "walking the circle", by swift footwork and turning and twisting of the body. The main principle is using the palm in the 8 directions. Pakua is not only used for self-defense purpose but also for maintaining a good health. It's very close related to Chi-Kung. Pakua is an internal martial art (founded on the Taoist philosophy of Lao Tzu and created inside China), which has its roots in the I-Ching (Book Of Changes). It's based on the principle of Yin/Yang (Positive/Negative, Male/Female, In/Yo, ...). Pakua literally means 8 diagrams (trigrams), while Pakua Chang means 8 diagrams (trigrams) palm.

Chi-Kung comes from Chi (universal energy) and Kung (achievement, mastery) and means to master one's inside breath/universal energy. It is practised by doing breathing exercises to develop vital energy for vitality, mind expansion, spiritual cultivation and longevity.

The basic exercise is standing in a certain position (many times like animals do) and to breath with an empty mind. Chi-Kung knows also the form of massaging various areas of the body and forms of sitting, walking and sleeping.

The rank system has 3 levels: first are the Kyu levels (from 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu). Next are the black-belt levels: Shokei (small brother), Chukei (middle brother), Taikei (big brother). Last are the Master levels: Kyoren-ho (assistant teacher), Kyoren (teacher/Master) and Denjin (Grandmaster). These techniques are being taught since 1991 on Tai-Kai and in the Honbu Dojo (Japan) and are classified into a system since 2003.

If you want to train in the Chugoku Kenpo-system you must be a member of Genbukan or KJJR.

WEAPONS
武器

The basic foundations of all weapons, trained in the Genbukan system, are Bojutsu (staff fighting art) and Bikenjutsu (secret sword fighting art). One must first master Taijutsu properly before one will be able to train correctly with weapons.

A Rokushaku Bo (full staff - approximately 180 cm/6 feet) and Hanbo (Sanshaku Bo or half staff - approximately 90 cm/3 feet) are used to train Bojutsu. Training includes bowing, posture training, striking, thrusting, blocking, rolling, locking, etc. The techniques come from various schools like Hontai Kukishin Ryu, Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin Ryu, Kukishinden Happo Bikenjutsu, Kukishin Ryu Shobukyoku, Shinden Kito Ryu, Shinden Tatara Ryu, Yagyu Shingan Ryu, etc. Related arts are Jojutsu (3/4 staff - approximately 126 cm/4.2 feet), Tanbojutsu (small stick of approximately 30 cm/1 foot), Kasa no Jutsu (umbrella/cane), Hensojutsu (disguise) and Tessenjutsu/Sensu Dori (iron fan). The diameter of all these weapons is between 2.4 and 3 cm.

The Genbukan Bojutsu grading system is Sho-Kyu, Chu-Kyu and Jo-Kyu, hereafter Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo and Kaiden are awarded.

A Fukuro Shinai (straight split bamboo sword with leather cover), a Bokken/Bokuto (wooden sword), a Samurai sword and on a higher level basis, a Ninja sword (Shinobi Gatana) are used to train Bikenjutsu. Bikenjutsu (Kenpo) training includes bowing, posture training, drawing, cutting, thrusting, blocking, rolling, locking, sparring, breath controlling, mind controlling, holding a sword, etc. The techniques come from various schools like Kukishinden Happo Biken-jutsu, Tenshin Hyoho Kukishinden, Togakure Ryu, Ono-Ha Itto Ryu, Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu, Shindo Munen Ryu, etc. Related arts are Tantojutsu (knife/dagger), Kodachijutsu (short sword/Shoto/Wakizashi), Daitojutsu (big sword), Nitojutsu (2 swords - Musashi Ryu), Ninja To-Jutsu (approximately 55 cm long) and Tachijutsu (very big sword, mostly used on horseback).

The Genbukan Bikenjutsu grading system is from 9th Kyu to 1st Kyu, hereafter Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo and Kaiden are awarded.

Other weapon-training such as Yarijutsu (Sojutsu/spear), Shurikenjutsu (throwing blade), Naginatajutsu (halberd), Kyujutsu (bow), Kusarigamajutsu (sickle/chain), etc. are exclusive for higher level students. Their ranking-system is Sho-Kyu, Chu-Kyu and Jo-Kyu, hereafter Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo and Kaiden are awarded.

If you want to train in the Bojutsu or Bikenjutsu-system you must be a member of Genbukan.