Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu

The Nine Demon School of "Eight Secret Weapons Arts"

This school is belived to have roots in China and is also said to be founded in the 12th century. Its founder is Izumo Koshiro Terunobu, who learned from Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru, who is written as the first Soke. The word Kuki in the name of the school was obtained after the event, when the master of thi school saved the tsar Go-Daigo, who told him, that he was fighting like Kuki - nine demons. Kukishinden ryu warriors used to wear Yoroi battle armors, therefore strong and direct attacks in certain unarmed points are used. This school also uses Bo Ryaku (special kind of strategy), Sui Ren in Ka Ren (use of water and fire), Onshin jutsu (disquise) and weapons as Hanbo (90 cm stick), Rokushaku Bo (180 cm stick), Kaginawa (rope with a hook), Kusari Gama (sickle with chain), Bisento (heavy weapon similar to helbard) and Daisharin (axle with two wheels). It is also written, that Kukishinden warriors used masttops for fighting. This system was used as a naval art, and consequently the movements are designed to be used on a ship that is slippery and rocking.