One of the nine schools of
ninjutsu.
The exact origin of this school, is unknown, but it was organized and formulated into a ryu by Sakagami Taro Kunishige in 1542, who was also the soke of the Gyokko Ryu, the second soke was Sakagami Kotaro, known as Bando. He, however was killed in battle in 1542.
With Bando's death the school was passed to Sogyokkan Ritsushi, he brought the Gyokko Ryu and Koto Ryu together, although they were still taught as separate schools.
The differences between Koto and Gyokko Ryu
Koto Ryu uses a shorter distance between opponents
Gyokko Ryu uses complicated techniques with more movement
Gyokko concentrates on throwing and locking techniques where Koto concentrates on striking.
They were brought together since both schools were able to complement each others weaknesses and strengths.
Typical within the Koto Ryu is Yoko Aruki (cross stepping), Toki (Stamping on the toes), and maintaining a short distance and striking hard.
It was taught that "The eyes are everything", one should make the eyes appear blank, so as no telepathic movement can be detected.
Another unique maneuver was to use the katana blade to reflect sunlight into the eyes of his opponent. Or if it is raining, collect rainwater in the "hi groove" which can then be flicked into the opponents eyes.
Stances
Ichimonji No Kamae
Seigan No Kamae
Bobi No Kamae
Hoko No Kamae
Hicho No Kamae
Soke
- Sakagami Taro Kunishige - 1532
- Sakagami Minamoto Masahide (Bando) 1532
- Sogyokkan Ritsushi - 1532
- Toda Sakyo Ishinsai - 1532
- Momochi Sandayu - 1532 d.1581
- Momochi Sandayu -1573
- Momochi Tanba Yasumitsu - 1595
- Momochi Taro Saemon - 1615
- Toda Seiryu Nobutsuna - 1624
- Toda Fudo Nobuchika - 1658
- Toda Kangoro Nobuyasu - 1681
- Toda Eisaburo Nobumasa - 1704
- Toda Shingoro Masayoshi - 1711
- Toda Daigoro Masayoshi - 1736
- Toda Daisaburo Chikashige - 1804
- Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu b.1824- d.1908
- Takamatsu Toshitsugu b.1887 - d.1972
- Masaaki Hatsumi b. 1931-
Source: Paul Richardson