ABOUT
THE ARTS OF KEMPO
In Kiyojute Ryu Kempo Bugei, the journey begins and ends with Shogei Toitsu Kempo. Meaning "all arts unified in one fist law," Shogei Toitsu is the essence of our system. As a white belt, students learn a foundation of throws, chokes, joint locks, strikes, and weapons, all integrated in a way that emphasizes core principles and the interconnected nature of traditional martial arts.
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As students progress, they delve into the nine other principles, each with its specialized art. This deeper exploration enhances their understanding of Shogei Toitsu Kempo, allowing them to synthesize techniques and principles into a seamless and comprehensive self-defense system. Ultimately, mastery of all ten principles leads back to Shogei Toitsu Kempo, where the practitioner achieves a unified and complete understanding of the art.
GOHO (KARATE)
Goho, the strength principle, is a cornerstone of Karate training. Goho helps students develop physical power, enhance mental focus, and harness their strength with maximum efficiency. By cultivating strong mental intent and employing focused Karate techniques, such as powerful strikes, dynamic kicks, and rigorous conditioning drills, the Kempoka learns to harmonize their inner Ki (energy; spirit) with their physical actions. This synchronization of mind, body, and spirit unlocks a deeper level of strength, enabling the Kempoka to strike and move with exceptional power and precision.
JUHO (JUJUTSU)
Juho, the gentle principle, forms the foundation of Jujutsu and Judo, and in Kiyojute Ryu Kempo Bugei, it is embodied in the practice of Juho Kempo Jujutsu. This principle emphasizes yielding and redirecting force rather than opposing it directly. Imagine a skilled sailor navigating a storm; they don't fight the wind and waves but adjust their sails to harness their power. Similarly, the Kempoka trained in Juho learns to blend with an opponent's attacks, using their balance and weight against them. Perhaps the most important principle for self-defense, Juho allows one to overcome larger and stronger attackers as well as develop a deeper understanding of conflict resolution and the power of non-resistance.
AIKIHO (AIKIJUJUTSU)
Aikiho, the harmonious spirit principle, teaches the Kempoka to harmonize with an assailant's attack, neutralizing or redirecting it rather than meeting force with force. In Aikiho Kempo Jujutsu (or simply Aikijujutsu) the practitioner blends with incoming force and guides it in a new direction, typically ending in joint lock or dynamic throw.
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These skills are particularly effective for police officers, corrections workers or anyone who wants to control an attacker with minimal force. By mastering these techniques, we develop not only effective self-defense skills against larger, stronger attackers, but also a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of mind and body.
BUKIHO (KOBUJUTSU)
Bukiho, the weapon principle, is not merely an exercise in historical preservation, but helps students to develop the ability to manipulate any object for self-defense.
Bukiho literally means 'martial tool principle,' emphasizing the adaptability and resourcefulness required in real-life situations. By mastering the techniques of traditional weapons like the hanbo, jo, bo, sai, tonfa and nunchaku, the Kempoka develops skills transferable to everyday objects such as brooms, umbrellas, keys, or even magazines. This approach to training ensures that students are prepared to defend themselves in any situation, regardless of the tools available.
SHUHO (TOIDEJUTSU)
Shuho, the taking principle, preserves the grappling and striking arts of Okinawa passed down through the Motobu family. Shu, also known as Tori in Japanese and Toi in the Okinawan dialect, teaches the Kempoka to adapt and transform, turning any attack into an opportunity for counter offense. This might involve seizing a wrist and manipulating a joint, or deflecting a sword strike and utilizing the momentum to create an opening.
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Like the other principles, Shuho also offers a profound life lesson: to embrace challenges and transform adversity into advantage.
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Shuho is an advanced art that builds on required years of disciplined study in Karate, Jujutsu and Aikijujutsu.
SHIMPO (KARATEJUTSU)
Shimpo, the principle of self-control, is far more than just restraint; it's a dynamic interplay of physical discipline, mental focus, and emotional balance. In Kiyojute Ryu Kempo, Shimpo is cultivated through the Hakutsuru (White Crane) techniques that emphasize fluidity, precision, and the cultivation of Mushin, a state of mental clarity and calmness that allows for effortless action.
By practicing Hakutsuru forms and techniques, the Kempoka develops a heightened awareness of their body, refining their movements and enhancing their ability to channel power with intention.​ This emphasis on self-control extends to the grappling aspect of Okinawan Kempo, known as Kinda, derived from the Chinese Chin Na.
By mastering Shimpo, the Kempoka achieves not only physical mastery but also mental clarity and emotional equanimity, essential qualities for navigating both the dojo and the challenges of life.
INYOHO (CHUGOKU KEMPO)
Inyoho, a principle rooted in Taoist philosophy and embraced by Chinese Buddhism, emphasizes the dynamic interplay of opposites—fullness and emptiness, yielding and assertiveness, action and stillness. In Kiyojute Ryu Kempo, Inyoho finds expression through Inyoho Chugoku Kempo, preserving a rich tapestry of Chinese martial arts traditions, including the five animals forms of Shaolin, Tai Chi Chuan, Tsing-I and Pakua Chuan.
This principle teaches the Kempoka to adapt and harmonize with an opponent's energy, using emptiness to overcome fullness. Like water flowing around a rock, the practitioner yields to the incoming force, creating an opening to strike a vital point or redirect the attacker's momentum. This might involve subtle shifts in stance, advancing or evasive footwork, or utilizing circular motions to deflect an attack and counter.
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Beyond the dojo, Inyoho guides the Kempoka towards a balanced life. Just as one seeks harmony in combat, so too should one strive for equilibrium in personal relationships, emotional expression, and daily activities. By embodying the principle of Inyoho, the Kempoka not only masters effective self-defense techniques but also cultivates a balanced and harmonious approach to life.
NIMPO (NINJUTSU)
Nimpo, the principle of patience, is deeply intertwined with spiritual growth and martial arts mastery in Kiyojute Ryu. Patience enhances all other martial arts principles, allowing skills to blossom to their fullest potential through dedicated practice. Nimpo Kempo Kobujutsu, the art within Kiyojute Ryu that preserves some of the most ancient Japanese Bujutsu traditions, also includes the practical fighting and stealth skills drawn from Koga Ryu Ninjutsu and the strategies of Heiho, including elements of subterfuge.
By cultivating this advanced principle, the Kempoka not only masters the physical techniques of martial arts but also develops the inner peace and wisdom necessary to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.