Martial Arts - Kenjutsu - Beginner Dagger

Bujinkan Ikari Dōjō Online (武神館奭道場) presents intermediate beginner dagger for kenjutsu, a martial art of the Samurai. Ikari Dōjō (Majestic Hall 奭道場) is affiliated with the Bujinkan organisation (Divine Warrior Temple 武神館). The Bujinkan teaches Budō Taijutsu (Classical Martial Arts of the Way of War 武道體術) and is based in Noda, Japan, and headed by grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. The Bujinkan teaches nine traditional Japanese martial arts schools including:

• Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術) [Hidden Door School]

• Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術) [Jade Tiger School]

• Kuki Shinden Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術) [Nine Fierce Gods School]

• Koto Ryū Koppōjutsu (虎倒流骨法術) [Tiger Felling School]

• Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentaijutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術) [Immovable Heart School]

• Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術) [Willow Heart School]

• Gikan Ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術) [Virtues Paragon School]

• Gyokushin-ryū Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法) [Jade Heart School]

• Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法) [Hidden Clouds School]

Beginner dagger for kenjutsu (tantoujutsu shoden 大刀術初伝) is part of the the Bujinkan Unified Fundamental Curriculum (Touitsuteki Kihon Katei 武神館統一的基本課程 [TKK]), which is a general curriculum made up of multiple modules to prepare students for the practice of the nine schools of the Bujinkan. The TKK contains foundational basics for the three general aspects of the Bujinkan; taijutsu, jujutsu and ninjutsu. It also prepares students with specialist modules for further training in preparation for the denshou (transmission 伝承) of the nine schools.   

This course is part of a sub-section of the TKK called the Jade Tiger Branch (Gyokkoha 玉虎派) designed to prepare a student for the practice of the Jade Tiger lineage (Gyokko Ryū 玉虎流) of the Bujinkan. Gyokkoha includes 18 modules focusing on developing the techniques, skills and knowledge required for the practice of Gyokko Ryū. The Gyokkoha is split into six general areas, 'vital point striking methods' (kosshijutsu 骨指術), 'long-sword methods' (daitoujutsu 大刀術), 'short-sword methods' (shoutoujutsu 小刀術), 'dagger methods' (tantoujutsu 短刀術), 'blade drawing methods' (battoujutsu 抜刀術), and 'two sword method' (ryoutoujutsu 両刀術). Kosshijutsu are striking and capturing methods focusing on attacking weak and vital points. Daitoujutsu are long-sword methods designed for a two handed blade. Shoutoujutsu are shortsword methods designed for a single handed blade. Tantoujutsu are dagger methods for striking from a concealed position and defending against surprise attacks from a dagger. Battoujutsu are techniques for drawing a blade into a cut or attack, or intercepting a draw to neutralise a drawn attack. Ryoutoujutsu are methods for using two swords at once.

Gyokkoha modules are split into three levels; beginner level (shoden 初伝), intermediate level (chuuden 中伝) and advanced level (jouden 上伝). Shoden modules are designed for solo practice. Chuuden modules involve paired drills and techniques. Jouden modules are practiced by a group of three or more people. The purpose of these modules is to prepare students for the practice of the nine schools of the Bujinkan.

Gyokkaha Katei (Jade Tiger Curriculum) 

Kosshijutsu (骨指術)

• Kosshijutsu Shoden (骨指術初伝)

• Kosshijutsu Chuuden (骨指術中伝)

• Kosshijutsu Jouden (骨指術上伝)

Daitoujutsu (大刀術)

• Daitoujutsu Shoden (大刀術初伝)

• Daitoujutsu Chuuden (大刀術中伝)

• Daitoujutsu Jouden (大刀術上伝)

Shoutoujutsu (小刀術)

• Shoutoujutsu Shoden (小刀術初伝)

• Shoutoujutsu Chuuden (小刀術中伝)

• Shoutoujutsu Jouden (小刀術上伝)

Tantoujutsu (短刀術)

• Tantoujutsu Shoden (短刀術初伝)

• Tantoujutsu Chuuden (短刀術中伝)

• Tantoujutsu Jouden (短刀術上伝)

Battoujutsu (抜刀術)

• Battoujutsu Shoden (抜刀術初伝)

• Battoujutsu Chuuden (抜刀術中伝)

• Battoujutsu Jouden (抜刀術上伝)

Ryoutoujutsu (両刀術)

• Ryoutoujutsu Shoden (両刀術初伝)

• Ryoutoujutsu Chuuden (両刀術中伝)

• Ryoutoujutsu Jouden (両刀術上伝)

Tantoujutsu Shoden

Tantoujutsu (短刀術) is a sub-specialisation of kenjutsu (刀術) focusing on the use of the Japanese dagger. Tantoujutsu shoden is a foundational module that teaches the basic principles and concepts of a short Japanese knife or dagger.

Although the tantou shares the same mechanics as the daitou and shoutou, it's use and doctrine focus on ambush and opportunity. Unlike the daitou or shoutou, it cannot be used defensively to receive attacks and can only be used to attack or counter attack. Taijutsu (体術) is a critical aspect of tantoujutsu.

The fundamentals of tantoujutsu are split into three levels; shoden, chuuden and jouden or beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Tantoujutsu shoden is made up of 18 forms split into three categories; postures [kamae] (構), thrusting [tsuki] (突) and counter attacking [geigeki] (迎撃). These three areas are called Tantou Roppou Kamae, Tantou Roppou Tsuki and Tantou Roppou Geigeki respectively.

These forms are designed to reinforce muscle memory and practice good martial habits.

Prerequisites for Tantoujutsu Shoden are:

- Taihenjutsu Shoden

Tantoujutsu Shoden Kamae - 短刀術初伝構

Kamae (構) are postures or biomechanical structures of the body for specific use in both unarmed and armed combat. The kamae of tantoujutsu are designed to be hidden and represent a natural or resting posture.

[一] Shizen no Kamae - 自然の構 (Natural Posture): Feet are parallel and shoulder width apart. Tantou is held by the side and hidden from view.

[二] Kenkyo no Kamae - 謙虚の構 (Humble Posture): Feet are parallel and shoulder width apart. Rear hand is clasped over lead hand in front, forearm and hand hiding the tantou.

[三] Tsuyoki no Kamae - 強気の構 (Confident Posture): Feet are parallel and shoulder width apart. Rear hand is clasping lead hand behind, hiding the tantou from sight.

[四] Shusei no Kamae - 守勢の構 (Defensive Posture): Feet are parallel and shoulder width apart. Arms are crossed and the tantou is resting behind the armpit, hidden from sight.

[五] Seishi no Kamae - 青志の構 (True Intent Posture): The lead leg is back facing the direction of attack and the rear foot is forward facing the opponent. The tantou is close against the lead leg, hidden from sight.

[六] Rishi no Kamae - 裏志の構 (Hidden Intent Posture): The lead leg is facing forward toward the opponent and the rear leg facing away toward the path of escape or evasion. The tantou is close against the rear leg, hidden from sight.

These postures imitate natural human body language and hide the tantou, ready for use in ambush or surprise. Unless using kyojitsu (deception), the tantou should remain hidden to retain tactical advantage. These postures are vulnerable to attack and should not be used in combat. The tantou is not a combat weapon.

Tantoujutsu Shoden Tsuki - 大刀術初伝突

Tsuki (突) refers six basic techniques (waza) [技] that are designed to align the body and teach proper weapon mechanics. The tantou can be used for either slashing (kiri) or thrusting (tsuki), but unlike the daitou or shoutou is most effective in the thrust.

The tantou can be held in a fore or reverse grip, this is the omote (overt) and ura (covert), as the reverse grip can hide the blade behind the forearm even in plain sight. The six waza can be done with either omote or ura grips, however depending on the kamae and main hand, these attacks can be direct (tenteki) or indirect (kansetsuteki). Tenteki attacks are a single thrust, kansetsuteki attacks are a feint followed by a thrust.

[一] Tsuki Age - 突上 (Thrusting from Above): From shizen no kamae, with the omote grip thrust up and slash down. Opposite for ura grip, slash then thrust.

[二] Tsuki Kesa - 突袈裟 (Thrusting the Stole): From shusei no kamae, in the omote grip slash across then thrust. For ura grip, just thrust.

[三] Tsuki Ichimonji - 突一文字 (Thrusting Horizontally): From tsuyoki no kamae, in the omote grip slash across then thrust. For ura grip, just thrust.

[四] Tsuki Jouhou - 突上方 (Thrusting Diagonally Upward): From kenkyo no kamae, in the omote grip slash diagonally upward then thrust. For ura grip, just thrust.

[五] Tsuki Sage - 切下 (Thrusting from Below): From rishi no kamae, in the omote grip thrust up. For ura grip, slash up then thrust down.

[六] Tsuki - 突 (Thrust): From seishi no kamae, in the omote grip thrust forward. For ura grip, slash across then thrust forward.

Whether in the ura or omote grip, the tantou should remain hidden until the last moment of attack. If a thrust from any kamae or grip cannot be completed in a single thrust, feint with a slash to set up the thrust. These attacks are done against an opponent who is not expecting attack. The tantou is s weapon of opportunity and not designed for combat.

Tantoujutsu Shoden Geigeki - 短刀術初迎撃

Geigeki (迎撃) are basic counter attacks designed to intercept and receive a surprise attack. These techniques are all done from shizen no kamae, but can be done from any of the kamae from the tantou kamae. Geigeki are counter cuts, because the tantou does not have a tsuba (hand guard) and cannot effectively intercept attacks.

[一] Tsuki Geigeki - 突迎撃 (Thrust Counter): From shizen no kamae. Opponent thrusts in with tsuki age, evade the slash and lunge forward with the lead foot then thrust into the lead jakkin (area between shoulder and torso).

[二] Age Geigeki - 起転迎撃 (Above Counter): From shizen no kamae. The opponent thrusts in tsuki sage, shift to the side and cut down to the nagare (forearm).

[三] Jōdan Geigeki - 上段迎撃 (High Counter): From shizen no kamae. The opponent cuts in diagonally with tsuki kesa, shift to the side and bring the blade up, receiving the cut.

[四] Gedan Geigeki - 下段迎撃 (Low Counter): From shizen no kamae. The opponent thrusts in with tsuki jouhou, shift to the side and receive the blade from above.

[五] Seigan Geigeki - 青眼迎撃 (True Eye Counter): From shizen no kamae. The opponent thrusts in with tsuki ichimonji. Shift back and receive with blade with the tantou.

[六] Kerisage Geigeki - 蹴下迎撃 (Rising Kick Counter): From shizen no kamae. The opponent thrusts in with a tsuki then follows with a kick, receive with the tantou then shift aside and kick up.

At close range tantou attacks are extremely effective and with the element of surprise can take out opponents before they can counter. The purpose of geigeki is to teach the body possible counter attacks to neutralise a follow up attack if the opponent misses or makes a shallow cut or thrust. The most important aspect of geigeki is to get anything between the body and the opponent to protect vital organs, even if it means sacrificing a limb or a weapon. Survival is the most important goal in any confrontation.

Review and Conclusion

Tantoujutsu shoden is a foundational introduction to the mechanics of a very short bladed weapon. The mechanics of the tantou is very similar to the daitou, but the doctrine and purpose is completely the opposite. Where the daitou and shotou are difficult to conceal or use in a surprise attack, the tantou excels at striking from a hidden position. These techniques teach effective attack with a concealed weapon to inform students of the danger and difficulty in dealing with hidden blades. Tantou techniques should not be taken lightly and these lessons should serve as a reminder of the frail mortality of the human body.