Koto-Ryu Koppojutsu (Full Chapter Translation)
Koto-Ryu Koppojutsu (Full Chapter Translation)
Koto-Ryu Koppojutsu (Full Chapter Translation)
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
Kot-Ry Koppjutsu
Written by Masaaki Hatsumi, Translated by Luke Crocker
Koppjutsu1
The scattering of cremated bones dances into the great sky, just as they dance on the
Waves. All things being in flux through the endless circle of birth, death and rebirth, a
persons life is a predictable as the Hui River2 . One who tries to scheme through life is
called Idaten3. Pray to the bones of the cremated4. Regard that scroll as the secret scroll
of Koppjutsu. I (the author), am the successor of Gikan-Ry Koppjutsu and GyokushinRy Koppjutsu, and am familiar with Seia-Ry Koppjutsu, the Koppjutsu of the frog
which has retreated to the past is returning5.
Difficult to be translated into western ideas, the term Koppjutsu implies the crux of a technique or skill,
perhaps a sense of doing away with the superfluous. Kopp may also be looked at as the Knack of doing
something, as in getting the knack of something. Along with Kosshijutsu ( combat techniques based on
the use of the fingers to attack vital points and break bones) Koppjutsu (combat techniques based on breaking
bones and the use of the skeleton) were the basic techniques that jointly formed the foundation of combat
practice for the martial traditions of the provinces of Iga and Kga.
2
River in Anhui province, Kai in Japanese.
3
Idaten A swift runner; the name of a Buddhist deity.
4
Shari those of a Buddha or Bodhisattva
5
"frog" and "return" both have the same kun-yomi pronunciation of "kaeru"
Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
It is written that, Kot-Ry, Gikan-Ry, and Gyokushin-Ry; from each of these the
spiritual posture7 of Kurai Dori is taken,
Kuden.
Facing the opponent. Both feet separated with the right hand straight, left Shut at the
right shoulder, right hand is in a fist making this Kamae.
Facing the opponent. Both feet separated and lower the hips, left hand fist is straight.
Right Shut at the left shoulder, making the Kamae.
Stand vertical in this Kamae, both hands straight out to the sides, both hands are in
Shut, in a straight line posture.
Lower the hips, both hands are open at the height of the face, this becomes the Kamae
of leaping in with both hands and feet.
Standing vertical with the right hand fist forward, the left hand is back to strike in
posture.
kurai dori can be taken to mean to take the situation or enemy and bend it to your will. This is closely
linked to Tenmon and Chimon () Geographic and astrological knowledge.
7
Shisei the essence of ones manner or behavior.
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
The five Kurai Dori of this image are called Goh. From these Kamae you move sideways
like a crab. This way of moving by crossing the legs in the form of an "X" is called
Sokushin Ssokuh8, Ninjutsu families put this method to use to run swiftly sideways, by
practicing this walk someone who was normally able to walk 10 ri in one day would be
able to walk 16 or 17 ri, 7 ri would be comfortable, this allows one to easily travel
through a narrow path and is good for the heart, calmly turn the body in response to the
opponent cutting in, and leaping in becomes easy. This needs a little practice.
Migi Seigan is the Kamae of falsehood, place your center of gravity on the left
foot, watch carefully as the opponent comes in and lightly turn your center of gravity to
the right foot, the opponent will be unable to advance. This Kamae can suddenly change
and thrust in with a left Koshi9.
Hidari Seigan is said to be the Kamae of striking with the fist and foot.
Hira Ichimonji is about allowing the opponent to discover your openings, at any time the
fist or fingertips are able to extend from the posture.
Ht no Kamae has the hips dropped low and both hands open at the height of
the face. This becomes the posture of leaping in with both hands and feet.
Bbi no Kamae is done calmly, the opponent can come in at any time, I use a
non-hostile attitude with only the right fist that expresses dignity.
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
As for everyday practice, wrap the dj pillars with straw to the same thickness as a human
body, on top of that tightly wrap it with cloth to make it solid and practice toughening your
fists, fingertips and ends of the feet. When striking, place markers on the spots where the
neck, torso and lower body to imagine striking there. Conceive practice by this table, the
first one is:
1, Boshi. 2, Thumb Joint, which is to say that most people only think to use the thumb tip,
the thumb joint is effective when it is hidden. 3, the five fingers for hoisting, use the five
fingers just in front (1 Sun - a little over 3cm) of the mirror. 4, two fingers, the index and
middle fingers are used in this occasion, as before practice this in front of the mirror and put
some power into it. 5, Hoisting with the three fingers of the index, middle and ring fingers,
stopping just in front of the mirror by one Sun. 6, when using a Shut have all five fingers
extended. In the case of a fist, it is often taught that the thumb should be tucked inside the
fingers, but it is far more effective to keep the thumb on the outside. 7, When striking to the
face aim for about 1 Sun above the eyelashes. 8, Shin of the leg, tips of the toes, despite
wearing armor, the shin is mainly for kicking into Gedan. For the opportunity to hit Gedan10,
Asagasumi11, Sai12, Kaku13, and Yaku14, the tips of the toes can be used. The top of the foot
can be used to hit vital points like Kyketsu15 and Suigetsu16 and the face. Also when striking
using all five fingers make sure to spread them wide and bend them a little, this is called
Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
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"Shiten Hakk no Issen"17. When practicing against a straw dummy made of straw, kicking in
with the foot, Kopp of the fingertips and the like, and according to those skills, that practice
should be hard. To have shape and form, it is important to grasp straightforward practice
without rushing.
Shiten Hakk no Issen Four Heavens and Eight Lights in a single flash
Kasumi Kinketsu Mist, Forbidden point
19
Gankotsu Cherished Bone
20
Koshi Nage Hip Throw
21
Boshi Thumb
22
Shichibatsu Seven Omissions
23
Butsumetsu Buddha's Death
17
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
3, as the opponent comes in for a right Koshi Nage, by first extending my right hand out
to the rear the opponent's throw becomes ineffective.
Applying pressure with the Boshi to the Shichibatsu will make the opponent
unable to stand for seven days, therefore be careful with this form.
Shit
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
The opponent grabs my single lapel with his left hand and strikes into my face with the
right fist.
First of all, receive28 the fist with the left arm, strike into the Koe29 with the right Boshi,
strike into the opponents face with the head to knock him down.
The opponent grabs my single lapel with the left hand. The right hand fist strikes in.
With the left handed Shut I strike up into the opponent's right hand Hoshi30, with the
right Boshi strike into the opponents left hand Hoshi, grip the top part and force up,
insert the right hip and throw.
The opponent does as previous, left hand lapel, right hand fist strikes in.
I receive with flow31 the opponents right fist with my left hand, simultaneously strike
Yugasumi32 with the right hand Boshi, and kick up into the opponents Suzu33 with the
right shin to knockdown.
Uke Receive
Koe voice
30
Hoshi star
31
Ukenagashi Receiving Flow
32
Yugasumi Evening Mist
33
Suzu Bell
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()
The opponent comes in to strike with the left and right fists.
As you lower your hips a little, raise your hands as in Hk no kamae. This is the feint
(also called Gantsubushi no kamae37) the true attack is kicking into the opponents
suigetsu with the armor of the right foot to knock him down.
yoroi Armor
Gorin Five Rings
36
Asagasumi Morning glow
37
Gantsubushi no kamae Attitude of crushing the eye
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
The opponent comes in to grab the lapel with both the left and right hand. With the joint
of the left thumb lock the opponents right hand in Omote Gyaku, pull the lock to the
upper left. Simultaneously with the five fingertips of the right hand strike into the left
side of the opponents face to knock him down.
The opponent takes the lapel with the left and right hands in a fist.
Strike38 into the Jakken39 with the right fist to the left, simultaneously the left thumb
strikes into the opponents Butsumetsu40 to knock him down.
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Toki time
K, yoroi armor, referring to the knee.
45
Yaku grasp, clutch, or strangle (a strategic position).
46
Amado rain door
43
44
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Katamaki
When you take the eighteen forms that are normally done to the right and pair them
with their eighteen ura done to the left, they become the thirty-six methods (sanju
ropp; ). As in previous techniques, make surer to have proper form, and
perform the waza carefully. In this principle of Koppjutsu, letting the opponent grab
your chest is bad, but conversely, if you can take the initiative and grab the opponents
chest, you are already winning. So, with the one hand having taken the chest, pull
strongly toward you and at the same time push in and strike, and you can hit into either
the left or right kimon.
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
Regarding seoi nage or koshi nage, you are also grabbing a part of the opponent to
execute the technique. Thus, if you avoid being grabbed by the opponent by spreading
your hands out behind you, it will be impossible for him to throw you. For example,
lower your hips 1 sun47 and spread both hands out behind, rendering it impossible for
your opponent to execute a throw. The only thing that could knock you over from this
position would be sotogake or uchigake. This is because you have allowed the opponent
freedom to move, but this shouldnt pose you any difficulties, and the opponent should
be relatively easy to control. (Masaaki 86)
The opponent takes the attitude of Daijdan, just about to cut in. I take the attitude of
Seigan.
The opponent comes in to cut from above. Turn the body to face the right while
simultaneously putting forth the right foot to kick up into the opponents hoshi50. The
opponent drops the sword. Strike into the opponents face with the five fingers of the
right hand to knock him down.
47
48
The important thing of this level is to move in a clockwise direction this will make it difficult for the uke to cut towards you.
(Manaka 54)
49 Boku Celtis sinensis var. japonica
50 Hoshi Star
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
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Lifes Secret Hope56 - The opponent stands with a ken in Daijdan no kamae.
I am in Hidari Seigan no kamae.
The enemy comes to cut in. At that moment turn the body to the right, with the right
fist thrust to the side of the enemys jakkin57 strongly, simultaneously kick into the
enemys Butsumetsu58 with the right foot to knock him down.
Nagare flow
Seibikib Lifes Secret Hope
57 Jakkin Weak muscle
58 Butsumetsu Buddhas Death; a very unlucky day (according to old almanacs).
55
56
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
Bakko (Domination)
The opponent stands with a ken in Chdan no kamae.
I am in Bbi no kamae.
The enemy comes to cut into the right side of the body. I advance the body forward and
to the left, and strike into the enemys jin59 with the right fist to knock him down.
59
Jin person
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
60
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CMARA
61
Kuden: The Chden Gata is training for making the body movement nimble. This level is derived from Hichjutsu
(technique of the leaping bird; ), a technique for disguising and concealing kicks while being able to negate
the enemys techniques before they are able to perform them. With this in mind, these techniques should be
performed with a strong emphasis on the timing of your movements. Also, perform the techniques from any
kamae, any attack, and also while approaching the enemy, and the enemy approaching you. (Manaka)
62
Shut blade of the hand
63
Kasumi Mist
64
Suzu bell
65
zanshin no kamae Attitude of the Remaining Mind. Zanshin in Japanese means kokoro ga nokoru.
You have (are) fighting, but don't let yourself go away. Your mind, your body, is still here. You don't know what can
happen." (Zoughari)
66
Amedo Rain door
67
Boshi Thumb
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
both hands, the enemy falls face up. Entwine his leg and tighten. This skill is the same
on the left side.
In Yin [-Yang]
Omote kimon outside of the demons gate
70
Butsu metsu the day that Buddha passed away, thus an unlucky day
68
69
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
Here it says migite no shide (lit. four hands of the right hand), however it is speculated that this is
referring to the four fingers of the right hand.
72
Koi sound
71
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
which is why this is also called nezumi tori77. The five fingers and palm of the left hand
face up, to the opponents asagasumi78 strike to knock down. Pull back and zanshin.
This skill is the same on the left side.
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
Kt (Throat Knockdown)
Itt (one: to be, to act as, manage, withstand, when, during, ought, should, match equally, equal, same,
obstruct, just at (a time or place), on the spot, right, just at)
82
Uchimata (inner thigh), suggests uchimata uchi gake form Jd.
81
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
83
The main emphasis of the Okuden Gata is on Taihenjutsu (Body Movement). When performing these techniques,
you must focus all of your intention and your spirit at the Uke with the feeling of no beginning and no end as far as
the techniques go i.e. think about the before, and the after. When you have finished each technique, you remain
in a state of readiness to deal with numerous enemies whilst at the same time keeping your focus on the Uke
(Zanshin) this is an important part of the Okuden level. (Manaka 46)
84
Uchimata Inside of thigh
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
The opponent comes in and grabs the lapels with both hands, and prepares to choke.
At the same time strike the enemys happa with both palms, strike into the enemys
jint90 with your head. Zanshin.
Hidari waza is also the same.
90
91
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CMARA
Jjiro Crossroads
Gorin Five Rings
94
Sanbyshi Triple time as found in Japanese musical theory; the three requisites.
95
Waki sides in this context may refer to the armpits, I (Luke) have learned this as grabbing the skin on the
sides of the torso.
92
93
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
The opponent comes closer.
I strike with both hands to the enemys happa, with both feet kick into the enemys
suigetsu, I execute chgaeri98 and return back to the starting place.
With this skill, begin by practicing chgaeri with the hands touching the earth, use this
reaction.
Hidari waza
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
Just as the right hand strikes uko, both legs strike into suigetsu, chgaeri, zanshin.
The opponent comes closer.
Catch hold of the opponents underarm with the right hand, push into the kimon99 with
the thumb, simultaneously insert the hip and pull back the left leg, sit and throw. Hidari
waza is also the same.
The opponent comes closer.
Grab the armpit as before, push into kimon with the thumb, strike in, simultaneously
with both feet between the enemiess legs my body flows in. The enemy falls face down,
drive the head straight up into the face of the enemy to knock him down.
Hidari Waza
In Hidari waza my body flows to the right with yoko nagashi100, yoko sutemi101.
100
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Luke Crocker
Kot-ry Koppjutsu
CMARA
The opponent approaches.
I turn the body to the side, retreat with a leap backwards, dont do anything, and also
dont escape. The enemy becomes impatient. As the enemy becomes more urgent leap
in and strike amado or kirigasumi102, kimon, Butsumetsu and so on, strike fiercely into
an easy target, the enemy should fall with a single blow.
102
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CMARA
Mayuge (Eyebrows)
Paradise108 is, something that is suspended just above the eyebrows, so close that you
cant find it. Dgen Zenshi109
103
This can also mean 1) an incredibly short span of time (i.e. the time occupied by a single thought Buddhist
connotation); 2) a single repetition of a prayer (especially in Jd-shu Buddhism).
104
Ganshin Ichij Fudshin The eyes and spirit are one, the body is immovable
105
Fukashigi mystery; something inexplicable; wonder; miracle. Unfathomable (of a Buddhas abilities).
106
Hakyjutsu Extraordinary techniques
107
Isshin Ichinen Committing the whole heart into a single purpose
108
Gokuraku Sukhavati (Amitabhas Pure Land)
109
Buddhist Monk, 1200-53
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
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The enemy comes to attack in the dark of night. Drop the hips sufficiently, dont look at
the man, but skillfully observe the movement of the air110. Impale a shban111 into the
direction of that parson. And in the case that there is a great number of enemy that day,
throw senban112 at the enemy in eight directions. The way of throwing a rock like a
plate, we place the senban on the index finger of the right hand, the middle finger, ring
finger, and little finger are placed underneath, and I position my wrist in the direction of
the enemy, and snap with the wrist. Throw forward with caution, this is an important
secret.
Edged Plate
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Kot-ry Koppjutsu
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References
Manaka, Unsui. Kot-Ry Koppjutsu (). Tokyo, 2009. Manuscript ().
Masaaki, Hatsumi. Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai. Trans. Luke Crocker. Tokyo: Kodansha
International, 2008. Book.
Stockholm 2010 Gyokko Ryu & Toujutsu. Perf. Kacem Zoughari. Stockholm. 2010.
<http://onmitsukage.com/programs/stockholm-2010-gyokko-ryu-toujutsu>.
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