Introduction to the Genbukan

Tanemura Shoto-sensei established the Genbukan Dojo in 1984 for the preservation and transmission of authentic Japanese martial arts. The name ‘Genbukan’ means “the place that nurtures the Martial arts professionals.” The dojo originally focused on Ninpo Bugei (Ninja martial arts) but later it was expanded to Jujutsu and other martial arts including Koryu Karate (Old school Chinese hand) and Chugoku Kenpo – Hakkesho (Chinese Fist Methods - Baguazhang). At this time Chugoku Kenpo – Hakkesho is not taught at the Kusakage Dojo.

See below about each art that is taught at the Kusakage Dojo.

Ninpo Bugei

In November 1984, Tanemura Shoto-sensei established the Genbukan Sekai Ninpo Bugei Renmei (GWNBF – Genbukan World Ninpo Bugei Federation), which is an organization that focuses on the preservation and transmission of authentic Japanese Ninpo Bugei (Ninja martial arts).

In the Genbukan the curriculum is based on the Ninpo Sanjurokkei (36 skills of Ninpo). These skills are made up of Bugei Juhappan (18 skills of Martial Arts) and the Ninja Juhakkei (18 Skills of the Ninja). Together, they form the 36 skills, but in reality there are much more.

To learn Ninpo in the Genbukan, one must first join the GWNBF as a member, and then learn the basics of Ninpo Taijutsu (Ninja unarmed fighting techniques). The main categories that one learns in the Genbukan are Taijutsu, Bojutsu (Stick arts), and Bikenjutsu (Sword arts).

The Genbukan follows a standard kyu/dan system. Once the student reaches dan level, the student may specialize in one of the ryu-ha from Tanemura-sensei, and receive up to menkyo kaiden level.

The following are a few of the ryu-ha from which the Genbukan bases its knowledge:

· Togakure-ryu ninpo

· Gyokko-ryu kosshijutsu

· Koto-ryu koppojutsu

· Kukishinden Happo Bikenjutsu

· Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin-ryu

· Gikan-ryu koppojutsu

· Hontai Kijin Chosui-ryu dakentaijutsu

· Shinden Fudo-ryu dakentaijutsu

Jujutsu

Associated with the Genbukan is the Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei (KJJR – the meaning is International Jujutsu Federation). It was established by Tanemura Shoto-sensei in 1991 for the preservation and transmission of authentic Japanese Jujutsu. Unfortunately today, very few jujutsu schools outside of Japan practice what could be considered authentic Jujutsu. Having lost the connection with their Japanese roots, they have evolved into eclectic arts. The purpose of the KJJR is to make available training to those who seek traditional jujutsu.

The KJJR follows a standard kyu/dan system. Once the student reaches dan level, the student may specialize in one of the ryu-ha from Tanemura-sensei, and receive up to menkyo kaiden level.

The following are a few of the ryu-ha from which the KJJR bases its knowledge:

· Hontai Yoshin Takagi-ryu jujutsu

· Kukishin-ryu jujutsu

· Asayama Ichiden-ryu taijutsu

· Shinden Tatara-ryu taijutsu

· Bokuden-ryu jujutsu

· Yagyu Shingan-ryu heiho kacchu yawara

· Shindo Tenshin-ryu kenpo (aka Tenshin Ko-ryu kenpo)

· Itten Ryushin Chukai-ryu jujutsu

· Araki Shin-ryu jujutsu

Koryu Karate

In 2003, Tanemura Shoto-sensei established the Koryu Karate system to introduce the Karate (Chinese hand) of Takamatsu Toshitsugu-sensei and Ueno Takashi-sensei. Originally, Takamatsu-sensei had plans to develop a Karate system called “Dankojutsu” (techniques of defending against the enemy), but it was one goal Takamatsu Sensei was not able to fulfill.

The name Koryu Karate literally means “old school Tang hand.” The name “Tang” refers to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in China, so the name usually means “old school Chinese hand.” This name should not be confused with the modern Karate (Karate-do) or Okinawan Karate, which both is now referred to as “empty hand.”

This is not a separate organization from the other two organizations of the Genbukan Honbu Dojo. The only thing required is a membership in GWNBF or KJJR organizations.

Koryu Karate follows a standard kyu/dan system. Once the student reaches dan level, the student may specialize in one of the ryu-ha from Tanemura-sensei, and receive up to menkyo kaiden level.

The following are a few of the ryu-ha from which Koryu Karate bases its knowledge:

· Hontai Kijin Chosui-ryu dakentaijutsu

· Shindo Tenshin-ryu kenpo (aka Tenshin Ko-ryu kenpo)

· Gikan-ryu karate koppojutsu

· Gyokko-ryu karate kosshijutsu

· Koto-ryu karate koppojutsu

· Other special kuden (oral teachings) on Chinese martial arts

For more information on the Genbukan, please visit the Official Genbukan/KJJR Web Site.

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