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Jigen Ryu was created by
Tougo Tobei Shigetaka, who was originaly a
Shinkage-Ryu based
Taisha Ryu Swordsman belonged to
Satsuma clan. After learning and succeeding the style called
Tenshin-sho Jigen Ryu from a monk called
Jigensai Itto Jiichibo, in Kyoto. He combined the best of both schools to create Jigen Ryu. The style is characterized and easily distinguished from other kenjutsu styles by famous stance known as Tonbo-no Kamae or "dragonfly ". Lightning fast and powerful Kesa-giri delivered from
Tonbo-no kamae was very much feared during the end of Edo period. Blocking was considered useless when attacked by Jigen Ryu swordsman and there are records of dead bodies with the tsuba (guard) or the blade of the sword driven into their own head !!
Kondo Isami who headed the grup of expert swordsmen and himself a
Tennen Rishin Ryu headmaster, is said to have strictly ordered the members to avoid Jigen Ryu first strike at all cost. The style is also known for its rigorous training method, known as
Tachigi-uchi which means "standing tree strike" literally. Jigen Ryu practitioners were said to strike the tachigi for well over thousand times every single day, to perfect first strike so he never needs a second. The style soon became an official style(
Oto-me waza) of
Satsuma clan and teaching the style to those who do not belong to the clan was strictly prohibited. The style has been passed through
Togo family for well over 400 years by now, and is currently headed by
Tougo Shigetoku. Jigen Ryu based style called
Yakumaru Jigen Ryu or
Nodachi Jigen Ryu also exists and is being practiced today. Our Jigen Ryu Bokken is made to the exact specification of the style and available in Japanese white oak or red oak.
Length: 101.5cm (40"), weight: White oak=700grams ( approx 24.7oz), Red oak= 620grams ( approx 21.9 oz).
