Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu (関口新心流) is a traditional school of Japanese martial arts (koryu) which focuses on jujutsu and kenjutsu, combining hand-to-hand combat techniques and swordsmanship. Founded in the Edo period (1603-1868), this school is characterized by its focus on physical and mental development, precision in body control, and the refinement of techniques designed for real combat situations. Through the centuries, Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu has maintained its relevance as one of the most complete martial arts, offering its practitioners a path of discipline and self-knowledge.

In this article we will explore the origins, techniques and philosophical values ​​of Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu, a school that lives on in the modern era, passing on its teachings through generations of dedicated students.

The Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu school was founded by Sekiguchi Yarokuemon Ujimune, a skilled samurai warrior who sought to create a system that combined jujutsu techniques with swordsmanship. Yarokuemon developed his style with a focus on adaptability and making the most of the practitioner's physical and mental resources, designing techniques that could be effective in real combat situations. The word "Shinshin" (新心) means "new heart" or "new spirit", symbolizing Sekiguchi's desire to renew the essence of the warrior through a combination of body, mind and spirit.

The school developed during the Edo period, a time of relative peace in Japan when samurai began to focus on honing their technical and philosophical skills rather than on warfare. During this period, Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu gained popularity in the Kyushu region and other areas, teaching samurai and other practitioners a set of skills that balanced physical combat with self-discovery and mental discipline.

Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu expanded through the influence of several generations of masters who adapted and perfected its techniques, preserving the values ​​and principles established by the founder. The school has continued to transmit its teachings through a direct lineage to the present, being one of the few koryu still practiced in its traditional form.

Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu jujutsu is based on body control techniques, throws and joint locks., adapted to neutralize the opponent without the need for weapons. Unlike other schools that emphasize impact or strikes, Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu jujutsu teaches practitioners to use the opponent's energy against them, redirecting their strength and taking advantage of weaknesses in balance and posture.

The jujutsu techniques of this school are especially effective in closed spaces and are characterized by their fluidity and economy of movement, allowing the practitioner to handle various situations with efficient and effective movements. This ability to adapt to the opponent and the environment is one of the strengths of Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu and makes the school's jujutsu valuable for both combat and self-defense.

Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu also includes a component of kenjutsu, or fencing techniques, which teach practitioners how to wield the Japanese sword (katana) in combat. These kenjutsu techniques focus on the control of stance, timing, and distance, allowing the practitioner to attack or defend with precision and determination. Through the practice of kata, students hone their skill in using the sword, developing a keen sense of focus and discipline.

Kenjutsu in Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu is designed not only to win a fight, but also to teach fundamental values ​​such as self-control and respect. This approach turns sword practice into a tool for personal development, helping the practitioner achieve a balance between strength and inner peace.

Within Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu, techniques of atemi waza, which consist of strikes aimed at vital points of the body. These techniques allow the practitioner to destabilize and weaken the opponent before applying control or jujutsu techniques. The use of precise and fast strikes facilitates the application of locks and throws, and demonstrates the school's focus on control and efficiency.

The word "Shinshin" in Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu symbolizes the "new spirit" or "new heart", and represents the search for harmony between body and mind. The school teaches that to be a complete warrior, the practitioner must develop not only physical prowess, but also a calm and controlled mind. Consistent practice in Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu enables students to face conflict situations with mental clarity and focused approach.

Like many other koryu, Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu emphasizes the importance of budo, the Road warriorThrough disciplined practice and respect for teacher, fellow students, and dojo, the practitioner learns to apply the values ​​of humility and self-control. Etiquette and respect in the dojo are essential, and each class is an opportunity for the student to come closer to the ideal of the samurai warrior.

Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu also teaches the importance of resilience and adaptability. Through the continued practice of their jujutsu and kenjutsu techniques, the practitioner develops the ability to adjust to any combat situation, remaining calm and using the opponent's strength to their advantage. This principle of adaptability is crucial to the school's philosophy, as it allows the practitioner to not only survive, but thrive in adverse conditions.

Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu has been transmitted through a lineage of masters who have preserved its teachings since the Edo period. Thanks to this direct transmission, the school's original techniques and values ​​have been preserved, and today the school continues to be practiced in Japan and other countries. Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu is considered one of the most complete koryu, and current masters continue to share their legacy through seminars and teachings in various dōjōs.

Today, Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu remains relevant in the modern world, adapting to the needs of contemporary students without losing its essence. The jujutsu and kenjutsu techniques of the school are practiced not only for their value in combat, but also as a form of personal development. Practitioners find in this school a path that allows them to strengthen their bodies, calm their minds and apply the principles of budo in their daily lives.

Training in Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu develops superior coordination and complete control over the body.The projection and control techniques of this school require precise movements and the proper use of the center of gravity, which allows for improved agility and stability.

The Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu way is a practice that goes beyond physical skills, offering students the opportunity to strengthen their mental resilience. Through continuous practice and the learning of complex techniques, practitioners develop the patience and persistence necessary to overcome challenges, both inside and outside the dōjō.

The jujutsu and kenjutsu techniques of Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu have practical application in self-defense situations. Practitioners learn to efficiently deflect and neutralize attacks, using the opponent's weight and strength to their advantage. This adaptability makes Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu a valuable system for those seeking comprehensive self-defense training.

Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu is a discipline that combines the art of swordsmanship and jujutsu with a deep philosophy of budo. Through its teachings, the school enables practitioners to develop physical skills, improve their self-control and apply samurai values ​​in their daily lives. Practice in Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu is a path of continuous growth and learning, in which the practitioner connects with the legacy of the samurai warriors and finds a source of strength and inner peace.

For those seeking a complete martial discipline, Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu offers a practice rich in tradition and comprehensive training that continues to inspire generations of practitioners in Japan and around the world.