What is Togakure-ryu Ninpo?
Updated: Sep 16
Togakure-ryū Ninpo (戸隠流忍法) is one of the oldest schools of ninjutsu and a traditional Japanese martial art. With a history spanning over 900 years, this school traces its origins back to the late Heian period (794-1185). Since its foundation, Togakure-ryū has been passed down through generations, influencing warriors and ninjas during the Sengoku period (1467-1615) and the Edo period (1603-1868), continuing to thrive up to the present day.
What is the etymological meaning of 'Togakure-ryū Ninpo ?
The term "戸隠流忍法" (Togakure-ryu Ninpo) can be broken down into its etymological components to understand its meaning:
戸隠 (Togakure): This is the name of a place in Japan, specifically Togakure Village in Nagano Prefecture. The word itself is composed of:
戸 (to): Meaning "door" or "gate."
隠 (gakure): Meaning "hidden" or "concealed."
Thus, "戸隠" (Togakure) could be interpreted as "hidden door" or "concealed gate," referencing a place that is secluded or hidden from plain sight.
流 (ryu): This character means "flow" or "style." It refers to a specific tradition or system of martial arts that has been passed down through generations.
忍法 (Ninpo):
This term combines two characters. '忍' (Nin) means 'to endure,' 'to persevere,' or 'discretion,' and is often associated with the idea of stealth and self-control, central concepts in ninjutsu.
'法' (Hou/Pou) means 'law or doctrine,' 'method,' or 'principles.' Together, '忍法' (Ninpo) can be translated as 'the art of stealth' or 'the method of endurance and perseverance.
In summary, "戸隠流忍法" (Togakure-ryu Ninpo) can be understood as 'The Method (or Law) of Endurance and Stealth of the Hidden Door School,' highlighting both the martial and philosophical aspects of this specific ninja tradition
Origins and History of Togakure-ryū Ninpō
Togakure-ryū Ninpō was born in the mountains of Togakure (戸隠), located in present-day Nagano Prefecture. According to legend, the school was founded by a samurai named Daisuke Nishina (仁科大助), who fled into the mountains of Togakure after being defeated in battle during the late Heian period. There, he met a Chinese warrior monk, Kain Dōshi (開道士), who taught him combat techniques influenced by Taoism, blending Japanese martial arts with Chinese spiritual practices.
These techniques included the art of stealth, espionage, and survival strategies, which were essential for ninjas operating in the shadows. This unique combination of martial and spiritual practices formed the foundation of Togakure-ryū, a style that would endure through the centuries.
Characteristics of Togakure-ryū Ninpō
1. Secret Techniques
Togakure-ryū Ninpō is renowned for its set of secret techniques that are essential for ninja missions. These techniques include:
Infiltration and Camouflage: Ninjas are trained in sophisticated methods for penetrating enemy territories without being detected, utilizing techniques of concealment and camouflage.
Information Gathering: Togakure-ryū trains its practitioners in espionage and the collection of vital intelligence for their missions.
Traditional japanese Martial Arts: The school incorporates various martial arts, such as:
Kenjutsu (剣術): The art of the sword, essential for close combat.
Bōjutsu (棒術): The art of the staff, used for both attack and defense.
Taijutsu (体術): Unarmed combat techniques, including strikes, throws, and joint locks.
Ninjutsu-Specific Weapons:
Shuko (手鉤): Hand claws, used for climbing or close combat.
Senban Shuriken (旋盤手裏剣): Four-pointed throwing blades, designed to destabilize or injure an enemy from a distance.
Fukiya (吹き矢): Blowgun, often used with poisoned darts to silently neutralize an enemy.
2. Spiritual Discipline
Togakure-ryū extends beyond physical combat techniques to place a strong emphasis on spiritual discipline. This spiritual dimension is heavily influenced by Shugendō (修験道), an ascetic tradition practiced by the yamabushi (山伏, mountain monks). Practitioners of Togakure-ryū are trained to:
Cultivate Inner Calm: Develop mental serenity, which is crucial for maintaining focus and clarity during missions.
Strengthen Perseverance: Rigorous training aims to fortify willpower and resilience in the face of physical and mental challenges.
Spiritual Awakening: Integrate meditative and ascetic practices to align body and mind, allowing for complete mastery of ninja techniques.
3. Harmony with Nature
fundamental aspect of Togakure-ryū is its harmonious integration with nature. Ninjas are trained to use their natural environment for:
Concealment: Exploit natural elements like trees, rocks, and terrain to hide from enemies.
Wilderness Survival: Master the skills necessary to survive in nature, such as building shelters, finding food, and navigating hostile terrain.
Mission Execution: Leverage natural conditions to accomplish tasks efficiently and discreetly.
4. Religious Elements
Togakure-ryū is deeply rooted in religious and ascetic practices, particularly Shugendō. The surrounding mountains of Togakushi (長野県, Nagano Prefecture) have long served as a training ground for ascetics. This spiritual connection has shaped Togakure-ryū, creating a unique style where:
Spiritual Training and Martial Arts: Religious teachings and martial practices are fused, offering a holistic approach to ninja training.
Environmental Influence: The mountainous environment of Togakushi enhances discipline and concentration, essential elements in the mastery of ninja techniques.
Togakure-ryu Ninpō Happo Biken Jutsu (戸隠流忍法八法秘剣術)
is an advanced and essential component of Togakure-ryu. Literally translated as "The Eight Secret Sword Principles of Togakure-ryu," this system includes sophisticated swordsmanship techniques that integrate both physical and spiritual aspects. Happo Biken Jutsu teaches not only sword combat techniques but also strategies for controlling the mind and energy (ki), exploiting the opponent's weaknesses in a subtle and effective manner.
The eight principles (八法, happō) within this system are kept secret and are passed down only to advanced students of the school. These techniques involve not only the art of the sword (剣術, kenjutsu) but also the integration of the mind (心, kokoro) and vital energy (気, ki) to create a comprehensive combat approach where the mental aspect plays a crucial role in the outcome of the battle.
History and Context
Togakure-ryu dates back to the Heian period, but its techniques particularly developed during the Sengoku period. The school was heavily influenced by Shugendo, whose practitioners combined physical abilities acquired through rigorous mountain training with the techniques of Ninjutsu. This fusion gave rise to a unique approach that values both martial arts mastery and spiritual development, as well as harmony with nature.
Technical Content
Togakure-ryu Ninpō encompasses a wide range of combat techniques designed to maximize the physical and mental abilities of practitioners. These techniques include:
Infiltration and Camouflage: Advanced methods for secretly entering enemy territories and operating undetected.
Intelligence Gathering: Concealment and espionage techniques to obtain crucial information.
Kenjutsu (剣術): The art of swordsmanship.
Bōjutsu (棒術): The art of staff combat.
Kusarigamajutsu (鎖鎌術): The art of wielding the kusarigama, a sickle attached to a chain.
Shuko (手鉤): Hand claws used for climbing and close combat.
Senban Shuriken (旋盤手裏剣): Four-sided throwing blades.
Fukiya (吹き矢): Blowgun used to shoot poisoned darts.
Happo Biken Jutsu (八法秘剣術): An advanced system of Togakure-ryu centered on swordsmanship and the strategic use of the mind and vital energy.
These techniques are systematically transmitted through katas (型, codified forms) and densho (伝書, traditional manuals), thus ensuring the preservation of Togakure-ryu teachings through generations.
The Togakure-ryu in the Contemporary Era
Today, the Togakure-ryu is studied within the framework of Budo and Ninjutsu and is considered a means of preserving ninja culture. Modern martial arts masters such as Masaaki Hatsumi have played a significant role in spreading the techniques of Togakure-ryu worldwide.
Togakure-ryu Ninpō is not just a martial discipline but also a ninja school that emphasizes spiritual training and harmony with nature, offering a profound philosophy. What sets Togakure-ryu Ninpō apart from other Ninjutsu schools, such as those of Iga and Koga, is its clear and continuous lineage. Indeed, Togakure-ryu Ninpō is the only ninja school with a well-documented line of successors, as attested by reliable sources such as the "Bugei Ryūha Daijiten" (Great Dictionary of Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Schools).
This unbroken lineage begins with Nishina Daisuke, the founder of Togakure-ryu, and continues through renowned masters such as Hoda Shinryuken Masamitsu and Takamatsu Toshitsugu, up to Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Soke (grandmaster) of the school. Unlike the Iga and Koga ninja schools, whose transmission is often shrouded in mystery and ambiguity, Togakure-ryu Ninpō presents a tradition that has been perpetuated consistently, ensuring the authenticity and fidelity of its teachings throughout the centuries.
Source of information from the books Togakure-ryu Ninpo Taijutsu and Sengoku Ninpo Zukkan by Master Hatsumi Masaaki (初見良昭)
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