Negishi Ryu

Negishi Ryu: The Ancient School of the Art of Shurikenjutsu

Written by: Kazeiro

|

|

Reading time 6 min

Negishi Ryu: The Ancient School of Japanese Martial Arts and its Current Legacy

Negishi Ryu It represents one of the Japanese martial traditions with a rich history and specialized practice. Originating in the Edo era, it is distinguished by its focus on shurikenjutsu, the art of throwing shuriken. Over the centuries, it has been both a martial art and a philosophy of life, emphasizing precision, control and mental strategy over brute force. This article explores its definition and origin, founder, influential schools, key periods, social and feudal influence, philosophical principles, techniques, training methodology, preservation and current practice, cultural influence, and where to practice it today.

Definition and Origin of Negishi Ryu

Negishi Ryu  It is a traditional and distinguished school of  shurikenjutsu  within the vast panorama of Japanese martial arts, focused on the art of throwing  shurikens  (thrown weapons). Its origin lies in the Edo period of Japan, an era characterized by relative peace but also by the need to maintain sharp martial skills for personal protection and the performance of samurai duties. The school was founded by  Negishi Shorei , who developed a unique launching system that emphasizes both precision and discretion, allowing practitioners to attack or defend from a distance without revealing their position. Unlike other schools of shurikenjutsu that may focus on power or more visible throwing techniques,  Negishi Ryu  It stands out for its focus on subtlety and effectiveness, incorporating principles of strategy and adaptability that reflect the philosophical and technical depth of this art. The transmission of their techniques has been carefully preserved, passed from master to student through generations, underscoring their importance not only as a combat method, but as a valuable cultural heritage.

Founder of Negishi Ryu

The founder of Negishi Ryu , Negishi Shorei, was an iconic figure in the development of shurikenjutsu during the Edo period of Japan. Born in an era where martial arts were not only essential for survival but also a path to personal and spiritual improvement, Negishi Shorei stood out for his deep knowledge and skill in the handling of various weapons, with special emphasis on throwing shuriken. .


Immersed in a historical context where martial arts schools proliferated under the patronage of feudal lords and the warrior class, Shorei managed to synthesize existing techniques and innovative developments to form a school with its own identity. His teaching encompassed not only the physical techniques of throwing and weapons handling but also underlying principles of strategy, mental control, and adaptability.


Negishi Shorei is remembered not only as a master of weapons but as an innovator who contributed significantly to the richness and diversity of the Japanese martial landscape. His legacy, Negishi Ryu , continues to be a source of inspiration and study for modern martial arts practitioners, highlighting his vision of an art that balances physical prowess with philosophical depth.

Schools that have influenced its development

The development of Negishi Ryu has been influenced by various traditions and schools of martial arts throughout its history. One of these is the Kukishin Ryu , a school with an extensive combat system that includes weapon handling and unarmed techniques, known for its deep focus on bojutsu (art of the long staff). The influence of Kukishin Ryu on Negishi Ryu can be seen in the adaptability and versatility of its techniques, especially in the way of handling and applying different weapons within the combat context.


Another school that has had an impact on the development of Negishi Ryu is the Togakure Ryu , famous for its ninjutsu. Although Negishi Ryu focuses primarily on shurikenjutsu, Togakure Ryu's philosophy of adaptability, stealth, and effectiveness has enriched Negishi Ryu's strategies and tactics, providing a more comprehensive approach to combat and self-protection.


These influences have contributed to the formation of a martial system that values ​​efficiency, precision and adaptability, essential characteristics of the Negishi Ryu . The interaction with these and other schools has allowed the enrichment of their practices, ensuring the transmission of deep and versatile martial knowledge.

Key Periods in History

The history of Negishi Ryu It can be divided into several key periods, from its founding in the 19th century, through its consolidation and expansion during the Meiji period, to its preservation and adaptation in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Influence of Conflicts and Feudal Society

The evolution of Negishi Ryu It cannot be understood without considering the context of the conflicts and Japanese feudal society. The techniques and tactics developed reflect the needs of an era where martial skill was crucial to survival and honor.

Philosophy and Underlying Principles

The underlying philosophy and principles of Negishi Ryu They focus on the harmony between mind, body and spirit, reflecting the spiritual and mental depth of Japanese martial arts. This school of shurikenjutsu emphasizes the importance of precision, strategy and control over brute force, promoting an approach that values ​​efficiency and effectiveness in every movement. Subtlety and discretion are essential, where shuriken throwing is not only seen as a physical skill, but also as a manifestation of the practitioner's mental acuity and clarity of thought.


The practice of Negishi Ryu seeks to cultivate a state of calm and concentration that allows the individual to act intuitively and precisely in conflict situations. This approach transcends physical combat to address internal and external conflicts, promoting a path toward self-control, discipline, and deep understanding of oneself and one's environment. Practitioners are guided through a journey of continuous self-improvement, where mastery of external techniques goes hand in hand with internal development, reflecting the search for balance and harmony characteristic of Japanese martial traditions.

Basic and Advanced Techniques

From basic shuriken handling to advanced throwing techniques and strategy, Negishi Ryu offers a wide range of skills that require precision, concentration and discipline to master.

Negishi Ryu video

Training Methodology

The training in Negishi Ryu It is rigorous and systematic, focused on the progressive development of skills. Constant practice, along with meditation and the study of tactics, forms the backbone of his methodology.

Preservation and Current Practice

Despite modern challenges, Negishi Ryu It continues to be practiced by a dedicated group of practitioners who strive to preserve their traditions. Classes and workshops are held in various locations, keeping the art alive.

Cultural influence

Negishi Ryu has left an indelible mark on Japanese culture and the world of martial arts. His focus on technique and strategy has inspired not only practitioners, but also artists, writers and filmmakers.

Where to practice

Find a dojo or center in the martial arts directory


Increase the Visibility of Your Dojo: Join Our Directory Today

Are you looking to expand the reach of your dojo and attract more students who are passionate about martial arts? By listing your dojo in our directory, you open yourself up to a world of opportunities. Our directory is the perfect place to increase the visibility of your dojo and connect with an active and enthusiastic community. Don't miss the opportunity to stand out in the world of martial arts. To join our directory, simply complete the form below. It's your time to shine and attract more students to your classes!

kazeiro

Author: Kazeiro

Kazeiro is the administrator of this website and 7th dan shihan of Takaharu Tenshin Ryu. He has over 45 years of experience practicing traditional Japanese martial arts. He is the writer of the book: Vital Strategies of the Way of the Warrior and responsible for the Takaharu Tenshin Ryu school for the West.

View profile

Martial Arts T-shirts