Just what is Kobudo/Koryu Bujutsu?

By D. Lee

The terms Kobudo and Koryu Bujutsu both refer to Japanese classical martial arts traditions (ryugi) which were formed before Japan's well-known period of modernisation, the Meiji Era (1868). Neccessarily, while there are traditions created after this period with similar characteristics and philosophy to such traditions, historians and other researchers have found it convinient to encapsulate the definition of kobudo/koryu bujutsu historically in this way.

So what are the characteristics of these traditions?

The very number of traditions in existance historically makes the categorisation of kobudo/koryu bujutsu difficult. In all cases, authentic ryugi possess an unbroken lineage of direct transmission of the system from master to pupil. While some later traditions of the Edo period focus on perhaps a single weapon or other aspect of martial culture, earlier systems created around the Sengoku Jidai or Warring States Periodgenerally implement a comprehensive syllabus containing a number of weapons, unarmed combat, strategy and other areas of study.

The complete range of martial studies has been labelled "Bugei Juhappan", or 18 levels of martial arts. The number 18 is drawn in reference to the belief found in Chinese philosophy of 18 signifying a full, complete nature. While scholars views on the actually content of the Bugei Juhappan differ, let's take a look at some Edo period prints by Gekkoutei Bokusen, one of Katsushika Hokusai's pupils, from the work "Shashin Gakuhitsu".

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