Koto Ryu

虎倒流虎法術

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, Hicho Jutsu, Senban Jutsu

Founder: Sakagami Taro Kunishige

During the Kan Dynasty China was separated into two rival courts. Both sides fought each other for control of power claiming rights for the thrown. On the loosing side was a general by the name of Cho Busho. Cho Busho fled to Japan with some of his retainers and was traveling the country spreading Chinese Boxng (Quan Fa), Hicho Jutsu, Senban Jutsu, Naginata Jutsu, Karauchi Jutsu and 18 Kata of Kenpo .

This boxing later became known as Kosshijutsu and was the foundation of Gyokko Ryu. From Gyokko Ryu, Koppojutsu was developed. Koppojutsu Hicho Jutsu and Senban Jutsu were not widely spread mainly due to the fact that they were considered as secret fighting forms within select Ninja families.

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, Hichojutsu, and Senbanjutsu were handed down to Momochi Sandayu Toda Sakyo Isshinsai, during the Tenbun Era (1532 – 1555). Toda Sakyo is known as the one who organized the Ryu into Kata form.

The techniques were later handed down to the Toda family. The skills were spread as secrets of the Iga Ryu Ninja until the 15th Soke Toda Daisabuo Chikashige. The 16th Soke, Toda Shinryuken, who had a Shinden Fudo Ryu Taijutsu Dojo in Kobe. Toda succeeded Koto Ryu and renamed it Shinden Koto Ryu Karatejutsu. Takamatsu Toshitsugu, Toda’s Grandson, entered the Dojo at the age of nine and received his Menkyo Kaiden at the age of eighteen. Later Toda initiated Takamatsu to the highest level making the 17th Soke of he Ryu.

Masaaki Hatsumi studied with Takamatsu for 15 years and received all Kaiden and Hiden making him the 18th Successor of the Ryu.

Koto Ryu system has:

Shoden
Chuden
Okuden
Hekito
Kaiden
Teppan
Bo and Ken