Jigen Ryu Jojutsu?

[will szlemko]

Hi all,

I just finished reading Shoshin Nagamines new book. In this book he mentions that one of the karate masters of yore was also an expert in Jigen Ryu Jojutsu. I have never heard of jo being part of the Jigen Ryu. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? Thanks for any and all help.

will

[Meik Skoss]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by will szlemko:
[B]Hi all,

>I just finished reading Shoshin Nagamine's new book. In this book he mentions that one of the karate masters of yore was also an expert in Jigen-ryu jojutsu. I have never heard of jo being part of the Jigen-ryu. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? Thanks for any and all help.<

There are two styles/schools of kenjutsu that use the name of Jigen-ryu. The one that Nagamine was probably referring to is Togo Jigen-ryu, located in Kagoshima Prefecture (old-time Satsuma). That was the "official" ryu of the Shimazu domain, the former daimyo of the area. The Togo Jigen-ryu is, as far I know, strictly a school of swordsmanship but way back when one of headmaster (dunno which one, I'm afraid) created a staff *dance* (bo odori? bo no mai?) for peasants of the area, so they'd be able to defend themselves/adapt the movements if/when the domain was attaced by those nasty Tokugawa types. (Bullies.) I have no other information beyond that and am unable to recall where I read or heard that bit of budo trivia.

Hope this helps.



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Meik Skoss
Koryu.com (http://Koryu.com)

[will szlemko]

Hi Meik,

Thanks for the info. It does shed light on my question. One of my seniors has heard that at one time the Jigen Ryu had 6 jo kata that were derived from a style referred to as Muso Ryu. Just another interesting tidbit to pass along. Thanks again.

will

[JosephBlow]

I too have heard the rumor that Matsumura Sokon studied Jigenryu. Do you know how far that has been explored (has anyone looked on Jigenryu's enrollment books if there are any)?

I hadn't heard about the bo "dance." I wonder, is there any yawara too? I had heard that Jigenryu was strictly sword techniques, but I have no idea.

Regards,

Rich B