KOKA RYU KEMPO

HISTORY

Koka Ryu Kempo (甲賀流拳法) was constructed by Soke Anshu Christa Jacobson as a system for self-improvement, self-discipline and self-protection. Soke Anshu trained in many different kenpo / kempo systems and wanted to compile all of her training into one practice of kempo calling it, Koka-ryu Kempo. The Art of Koka-ryu Kempo is a direct lineage of Kosei Ryu Kempo which originated from the Shiga prefecture of Japan, also known as Koka.

In 2006 Soke Anshu inherited the art of Kosei-ryu Kempo, making her the 4th Soke within its lineage. However; since she was already teaching kempo as part of the Budo Ryu Kai curriculum, she had to make a choice. To either cut out all of the kempo teachings that are not Kosei-ryu, and only teach the Kosei-ryu methods, or to take the art of Kosei-ryu Kempo that she inherited, and combine it with her other kempo training and experiences.

Soke Anshu decided to combine all of her kempo training, principals, and strategies together under the Budo Ryu Kai banner; constructing the art of Koka-ryu Kempo. Since Kosei-ryu came from the Shiga prefecture of Japan, and it’s the fundamental base of the Budo Ryu Kai kempo curriculum, it is only fitting to have named the kempo training Koka-ryu Kempo which translates out as: “Koka School of Fist Law”.

CURRICULUM

There are 2 primary areas of training in Koka-ryu Kempo that the practitioner has to become proficient in; Kempo and Kobudo. Kempō (拳法) means “fist law” and is a generic term used to describe a fist fighting school of martial arts. Kobudō (古武道) means "Old Martial Way" and generally refers to the classical weapon traditions of the Japanese warrior.

KEMPO CURRICULUM - 甲賀流拳法

In the Kempo curriculum there are 4 levels of training.

- Shoden Gata (初伝形; Initial Transmission)

- Chuden Gata (中伝形; Inside Transmission)

- Okuden Gata (奥伝形; Heart Transmission)

- Kaiden Gata (皆伝形; Great Transmission)

KOBUDO CURRICULUM - 甲賀流古武道

In the Kobudo curriculum there are 4 sections of training.

Tantojutsu (短刀術; Knife Fighting): This consisting of both single and double knife techniques. There are three levels of training, with various kata in each of the 3 levels:

- Gedan Waza (下段技; lower level techniques)

- Chudan Waza (中段技; middle level techniques)

- Jodan Waza (上段技; upper level techniques)

Kamajutsu (鎌術; Sickle Fighting): This consisting of both single and double sickle techniques. There are three levels of training, with various kata in each of the 3 levels:

- Gedan Waza (下段技; lower level techniques)

- Chudan Waza (中段技; middle level techniques)

- Jodan Waza (上段技; upper level techniques)

Tanbojutsu (短棒術; Stick Fighting): This consisting of both single and double stick techniques. There are three levels of training, with various kata in each of the 3 levels:

- Gedan Waza (下段技; lower level techniques)

- Chudan Waza (中段技; middle level techniques)

- Jodan Waza (上段技; upper level techniques)

Hidenjutsu (秘伝術; Secret Transmission): This information on this level of training is only for the top students and is not open to the public; kuden only.

TRAINING

Koka-ryu Kempo is designed to be as efficient and pragmatic as possible. The focus is on sequential striking to specific targeted areas to effectively eliminate the opponent. This school of martial arts is characterized by the use of quick moves in rapid-fire succession intended to overwhelm the opponent.

Kobudo (weaponry) is also taught within this school. This area of training is called sanki (three tools). This is the focus of training with the three weapons of the school. Tanbo (single & double short stick), Kama (single & double sickle), Tanto (single & double knife). The primary focus of these three weapons is to help discipline the body and mind and to make ones movements in kempo better; thus the meaning of the term "tools". The practitioners of this art use these three weapons as tools to help them find a higher level of awareness and skills with their kempo.

Shōdo is also part of the training regimen and the writing and understanding of old kanji is essential. This coincides with kuden (verbal teachings) of the ryū and it is essential to transmit the heiho (strategy) within the school.