Gyokushin-Ryū

The School of the Jeweled Heart

Gyokushin-Ryū Ninjutsu is a branch of koshi jutsu and is believed to have been founded by Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi, a student of Gyokko-Ryū. The methods of Kumogakure-Ryū (blocks, punches, and stances) are very similar to those of Gyokko-Ryū.

Sasaki Gendayu was in the service of the Daimyō of Kishu and received a salary of 200 kokū (Japanese capacity for rice, one kokū equals about 180 liters of rice) per year, later even 400 kokū. Like his father, he was probably very capable of Gyokko-Ryū.

The Gyokushin-Ryū was taught in secret, in the Kishu and Takeda provinces. Sometime in the 17th century, he came into contact with the Togakure-Ryū and the Toda family. After the style was passed down to Toda Nobutsuna, it was no longer kept secret.

Little is known about the combat system of the Gyokushin-Ryū. The system was more focused on espionage and other Ninja skills than combat.

The Gyokushin-Ryū is known for its use of the nagenawa (lasso).

Kano Jigoro, the founder of judo, was a friend of Takamatsu Sensei. It is believed that Takamatsu taught Gyokushin-Ryū as a guest at the Kodokan.

Sōke of the Gyokushin-Ryū

1. Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi
2. Sasaki Gendayu Sadayasu
3. SECRET
4. SECRET
5. SECRET
6. SECRET
7. SECRET
8. SECRET
9. SECRET
10. SECRET
11. Toda Seiryu Nobutsuna
12. Toda Fudo Nobuchika
13. Toda Kangoro Nobuyasu
14. Toda Eisaburo Nobumasa
15. Toda Shinbei Masachika
16. Toda Shingoro Masayoshi
17. Toda Daigoro Chikahide
18. Toda Daisaburo Chikashige
19. Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu
20. Takamatsu Toshitsugu
21. Hatsumi Masaaki