Budo DVD Reviews

52mins, 5500YEN

Niten Ichi Ryu, the style created by the legendary Miyamoto Musashi.
Although Niten Ichi Ryu has techniques with only the longsword, only the short sword and the Bo staff, this DVD introduces ONLY the Nito (long AND short sword) techniques.

The great samurai and strategic master Musashi Miyamoto became famous for his use of two swords. However, all he left were the 5 Omote techniques, from which learning to use two swords is very difficult. This is where the Seiho Nito Aiguchi comes in: A collection of early followers compiled to grasp the essence of the 5 Omote techniques.

Kobushi-Zukuri & Kissaki-gaeshi
Detailed explanation on the gripping of the sword and sword-swinging.
Uchi-mawari and Soto-mawari (Inner and Outer swing).

Sessa
Ipponme: Sessa Uchi-dome
The first Kata of Sessa. When Uchidachi does a straight vertical cut, Shidachi’s short sword blocks and cuts horizontally with the long sword across Uchidachi’s torso.
Detailed explanation of important pointers with demonstration.

Nihonme: Sessa Harai-giri
Uchidachi does a straight vertical cut, Shidachi steps out of centre-line, using the short sword to do a sweeping action against Uchidachi’s attack and cuts horizontally with the long sword.
Detailed explanation of important pointers with demonstration.

Sanbonme: Ibbyoshi Soto-Barai
Somewhat similar to Nihonme, Shidachi steps out of centre-line and uses the short sword to do a inner-to-outer sweeping action against Uchidachi’s vertical cut, and cuts vertical down with the long sword.
Detailed explanation of important pointers with demonstration.

Yonhonme: Ibbyoshi Uchi-barai
Very similar to Nihonme, only this time, Shidachi does a vertical cut.
Detailed explanation of important pointers with demonstration.

Gohonme: Ryusui Uchi-dome
Entering deep into the Uchidachi’s maai (distance), Shidachi thrusts out both swords, cutting Uchidachi’s inner-wrists and applies pressure to his face, following by a move similar to Yonhonme.
Detailed explanation of important pointers with demonstration.

Nito Shutoku e no Go-dankai
Step Renshu-ho
These are training drills to help you become proficient in the Sessa Kata series by breaking up and training different parts of the Kata in steps.

Shikko
The Shikko series appears to be techniques where Shidachi closes into Uchidachi.

Shikko Ipponme: Shikko no Tsuki, Hidari
Uchidachi attacks with a vertical cut.
Shidachi counters with Ukenagashi using both swords, hammers down Uchidachi’s sword with both his swords, running into and pushing him back, and finishes with a thrust from the Shoto.
Detailed explanation with demonstration.

Shikko Nihononme: Shikko no Tsuki, Migi
Similar to Ipponme. Main difference is Shidachi now does a Ukenagashi on the other side and finishes with a thrust from the Katana (long sword).
Detailed explanation with demonstration.

Shikko Sanbonme: Irimi
Somewhat similar to Sessa Ipponme, Shidachi blocks with Shoto, enters deeply and thrusts his elbow into Uchidachi’s suigetsu and also hammers the Tsuka-gashira into Uchidachi’s ribs.
Detailed explanation with demonstration.

Shikko Yonhonme: Sekka no Uchi
Shidachi blocks using a Inyo-kosa (cross block) with both swords, sweeping down Uchidachi’s sword.
Shidachi then cuts down on Uchidachi’s head with the longsword and cuts down on Uchidachi’s hand with the Shoto with an Irimi action.
Detailed explanation with demonstration.

Shikko Gohonme: Juji Shuko no Mi
Shidachi blocks using a Inyo-kosa (cross-block) again, and with this cross-block shifted to underneath Uchidachi’s both arms, rushes and runs into Uchidachi.
With Uchidachi’s composure and posture broken, Shidachi keeps the Shoto high and brings down the longsword to thrust into Uchidachi’s torso.
Detailed explanation with demonstration.

This DVD is finished up with an Embu of Seiho Goho no Tachi, which you can find easily on YouTube.

Western buyers may find it more economical to order from here.

50mins, 6300YEN ORDER

This is Part (1) of the Shinto Muso Ryu Jojutsu DVD, demonstrated by Matsui Kenji Sensei, and introduces:

• Omote (12 Kata)
• Chudan (12 Kata)
• Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu (Hachi-dori Odachi, Yon-tori kodachi)

Omote
After Matsui Sensei and Sato Sensei (I believe) has demonstrated all 12 Kata, we are taken into a slow-motion review, along with important pointers/instruction to note in each Kata.

1. Tachi-otoshi
2. Tsuba-wari
3. Tsuki-zue
4. Hissage (Uchidachi uses a Kodachi)
5. Sakan
6. Ukan
7. Kasumi
8. Mono-mi
9. Kasa-no-shita
10. Ichi-rei
11. Neya-no-Uchi
12. Hoso-michi

Chudan
After demonstration of all 12 Kata in Chudan first, we’re then taken to a slow-motion recap with important pointers to note of.

1. Ichi-riki
2. Oshizume (a variation of Ichi-riki actually)
3. Midare-dome
4. Ushiro-zue 1 and 2
5. Taisha
6. Ken-gome (Jo vs Nito)
7. Kirikake
8. Shinshin
9. Rai-uchi
10. Yoko-giri-dome
11. Harai-dome
12. Seigan

Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu
You may notice a lot of similar moves you’ve already seen in the Jojutsu segments.

1. Aisun Migi
2. Aisun Hidari
3. Ju
4. Chi-barai
5. Sarin
6. Nito-ai
7. Uke-kaeshi
8. Suri-komi

Kodachi

1. In-chu
2. Ukenagashi
3. Tsuki-dashi
4. Mi-uke-dome

Overall, I think this DVD serves as an inside peek to Shinto Muso Ryu Jojutsu, and also a guidance for existing practitioners.

For beginners or those looking for basics training, I suggest you look at these clips for Kihon Uchi (basic strikes) as they form the fundamentals:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGg-TXVZ85s&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5o_99G_LYg&feature=related

Order this DVD

 
58mins, 5880YEN ORDER

Shinsengumi is a very famous sword group during the Bakumatsu period. Kondo Isami, the kyokucho, leader of the Shinsengumi is the 4th Headmaster of the kenjutsu style known as Tennen Rishin Ryu, and thus this style became very famous as well, even though the Shinsengumi consists of swordsmen from other styles too.

After the initial introduction of the history of Tennen Rishin Ryu, we’re introduced to the basic procedures.

1. Katana no Sashi-kata (Sashing the sword)
   With an additional belt outside of the Hakama, swordsmen can now sash their 2 swords (daisho) in a more stable manner. This segment shows us how to sash the wakizashi and katana.
2. Taito Shisei (Postures when wearing the sword)
   Postures adopted when wearing 2 swords and sword-drawing/resheathing pointers.
3. Bokuto-Nigiri (Gripping the wooden sword)
   Gripping and training pointers for the fat-and-heavy wooden sword which Tennen Rishin Ryu uses for training purposes.
4. Mi-kiri / Inaoru

In the Techniques segment, we get to watch the Kata training of Tennen Rishin Ryu.

Bokuto no Kata (with the fat wooden sword!)
Also interesting to note, the demonstration is done with both Shidachi and Uchidachi wearing their Wakizashi.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Jochu-ken
2. Hira-seigan
3. Sha-ken
4. Tegakami-ken
5. Yamagake-ken

Shiai-guchi
Kumitachi done with metal swords to overcome one’s fear when facing against an actual blade.
Even though the Kumitachi is done with the long sword (Katana), Uchidachi and Shidachi still wears the Wakizashi during the demonstration.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

Mokuroku no Kata
Using the concept of Mi-kiri / Inaoru, the Kata here are practiced with actual distancing with the objective of being combat-practical. Demonstration is done with metal swords.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Hiryu-ken
2. Inyu-ken
3. Tobi-ken
4. Samidare-ken

Chugokui Mokuroku no Kata
Tennen Rishin Ryu, Ogi techniques. Once again, done with metal swords.
Interesting to note, now the sashed Wakizashi comes into use.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Mumyo
2. Hien-ken
3. Nami-gaeshi

Tachiai
Sword-drawing in a standing position. With Wakizashi as well.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Mukonuki-geki
2. Tsuka-dome
3. Muko-something-gaeshi-geki (fill me in here, if you can)

Konpo (Bojutsu)
Staff techniques.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Migi-kamae
2. Hidari-kamae
3. Tenchi-kamae

Jujutsu
Not exactly empty-handed, done while you have a sword with you.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

• Tsuka-kudaki (While wearing wakizashi in a seated position)
  1. Maki-age
  2. Saka-dori
  3. something-wari (fill me in here if you can, thanks)
• Kojiri-sabaki (While you have a Katana placed by your side in a seated position)
  1. Aya-otoshi
  2. Shiza
• Souja
  1. Kuri-otoshi

Kogusoku
Wakizashi combat-practical techniques with Jujutsu elements.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

1. Tsuba-gaeshi
2. Yoko-uchi
3. Tori-gaeshi
4. Shikoro-fuse
5. Gorin-gaeshi

 Iai (solo sword drawing techniques)
Supposedly techniques deployed by Kondo Isami during the Ikedaya incident.
With background narration of the concepts behind the Kata this time, YES!

1. Mukozume Haya-ashi
2. Hiki Haya-ashi
3. Tsuka-dome
4. Hidari-wakizume
5. Migi-tobizume
6. Mae-nukiuchi
7. Sanpo-ate Nikai-shita
8. Zengo Kojiri-zume
9. Zengo Sayu Tate-yoko

As we all know, Tennen Rishin Ryu is the style that Shinsengumi leader Kondo Isami trained in. For the first time in this DVD, we are being shown the Kata inside the Shinsengumi.
No description nor background narration of the concepts behind the kata.

• Shinsengumi-no-ken
  1. Itto-Ryodan
  2. Inazuma-ken
  3. Myo-ko
  4. Ryusei
  5. Ryukan

This is one of the most interesting part of this DVD. One unique aspect about the Shinsengumi is that, they fought in small groups. Here we are being shown their group Kata, done together with 4 swordsmen at once, chasing down their foes.
With background narration of the concepts behind the Kata!

• Shudan-no-ken
  1. Soukou-ken
  2. Sankou Geppa Ken (1)
  3. Sankou Geppa Ken (2)

During the Bakumatsu period, a very famous Hokushin Itto Ryu practitioner, Sakamoto Ryoma, who is closely related to Shinsengumi, was assassinated. This DVD showcases an renactment of the assassination narrated and done by the demonstrators.

This DVD would have been better if there was explanation behind most of the Kata performed.

Order this DVD

38min, 6000YEN ORDER

Founded by Chiba Shusaku, Hokushin Itto Ryu is one of the biggest schools during the Edo, Bakumatsu Period, producing many famous swordsmen. The Tokyo Genbukan dojo practices Kendo as well, and even has a place to put the name-tags of all the famous persons trained in Hokushin Itto Ryu.

Starting off with Battojutsu Shoden (beginning level), we’re introduced to concepts in Hokushin Itto Ryu’s Battojutsu:
- Posture
- Chudan-no-Kamae
- Katana no nigiri-kata (gripping the sword)
- Sayabiki
- Noto

Battojutsu Kata in the Shoden series, seated and standing:
1) Ippon-me, Nukitsuke
2) Nihon-me, Nukiuchi
3) Sanbon-me, Ukenagashi
4) Yonhon-me, Nukitsuki
Each kata appears to have a very simple concept and straightforward.

Battojutsu Chuden (middle series) was done without any Kata titles nor descriptive background narration. Resheathing the sword seems to be a more complex process now and an advanced version of the Shoden.

For Hokushin Itto Ryu’s Kumitachi, we are introduced to Gogyo no Kata (Kata of the 5 elements).
1) Ten (Heaven)
2) Chi (Earth)
3) Jin (Man)
4) In
5) Yo
We are first shown the demonstration of each of the Kata, followed by important pointers and concepts.
Following up, we are shown 2 Kata of the Wakizashi vs Katana.

Soke then demonstrates for us Battojutsu Okuden, and Kumitachi Gogyo no Kata.
In Okuden, it’s interesting to note that, for Noto, Soke actually wipes the blade with his Hakama.
Kumitachi is done with metal swords (Habiki I believe), honorably by the 5th Soke and 6th Soke!

And last but not least, we’re treated with some Kendo training footage in Tokyo Genbukan and a final speech by the 5th Soke.

Order this DVD

Meifu Shinkage Ryu, Shuriken-jutsu
45min, 5775YEN ORDER

Starts of with the summary and history of what Shuriken-jutsu is. It seems that a lot of people are fascinated by Shuriken, and thus it was mentioned a few times in this DVD that please do not throw Shuriken at anyone or any animal as it is extremely dangerous. Addresses the popular myths behind shuriken, and then moves on to describing the Shuriken used in Meifu Shinkage Ryu and its history.

In the Kihon segment, we are introduced to the different ways of throwing a Shuriken.

1. Jikidahou Shomen-uchi 1 (Normal Shot 1, thrown with palm facing down)
2. Jikidahou Shomen-uchi 2 (Normal Shot 2, thrown with palm facing left)
3. Hantendahou (Reverse Shot, pointed end faces inward)
4. Henka-uchi (Variations)
   - Za-uchi (seated throw)
   - Gyaku-Uchi (throwing from opposite side of your stance)
   - Shitate-Uchi (underhand throw)
   - Furikaeri-Uchi (turn-about throw)
   - Kiza-Uchi (seated-on-chair throw)
   - Aruki-Uchi (walking throw)
5. Shoken-jutsu (Use of shuriken as a weapon, without throwing it)

Followed up by the Practice segment, we learn more about Meifu Shinkage Ryu training methods.

1. Reihou (formality procedures)
2. Ude no nainen (turning your arm inwards to hide your Shuriken)
3. Ude no gaisen to furioroshi (turning your arm outwards to throw Shuriken)
4. Tekubi no “snap” (snapping your wrist when throwing Shuriken)
5. Daken ato no taisei (posture after you’ve thrown a Shuriken)
6. Kakato kara no chakuji (landing of foot from the heel)
7. Hidari-te no yakuwari (role of the left hand)
8. Daken to hiki-te (backswing of left hand while throwing)
9. Hidari-te no “snap” (snapping of left hand)
10. Zanshin

In the Oyo segment, things start to get interesting as we now get to see how Shuriken is applied in combat.

1. sanken kara no uchikomi (shot from 18 feet)
   - This is supposed to be the ideal distance for using Shuriken against swordsmen.
2. Nyumon tosho no keiko (Practice for beginners)
3. Joge, Sayu no uchiwake (Vertical and Horizontal control)
   - This seems to require a lot of skill, being able to throw Shuriken aligned in a straight line, vertically and horizontally.
4. Kyojyaku no uchiwake (change of speed)
   - Throwing the Shuriken at fast or slow speed to match timing in combat, extremely difficult.
5. Maai no mitori (judging distance)
   - Being able to throw Shuriken at various distances
6. Junzoku no uchi (throwing Shuriken now with the opposite foot forward)
   - And throwing with the left-hand too!
7. Mogi-Shuriken no Shokai (introduction to the simulation Shuriken)
   - Throwing the Mogi-Shuriken at your training partner, and he has to avoid for real!
8. Kanryaku-shiki Keiko-ho (Simplified training methods)
   - For beginners to learn faster and more easily, using chopsticks!

Very informational DVD, highly recommended for people who are interested in Shuriken!

Order this DVD