Hyoho Taisha Ryu: Kenjutsu of Honor and Responsibility

Hyoho Taisha Ryu is a kenjutsu style (Japanese swordsmanship) that originated in the transition period between the Sengoku and the beginning of the Edo period. Founded by the master swordsman Marume Kurando (1540-1629), Hyoho Taisha Ryu is a system that focuses on the concept of "Kassatsu Kempo," or the art of life and death. This principle guides practitioners toward a technical and ethical mastery of the sword, seeking both to preserve life and to master the ability to kill when necessary. In this article, we explore the history, philosophy, and core techniques of Hyoho Taisha Ryu, highlighting its legacy in classical Japanese kenjutsu.

Marume Kurando was a swordsman and martial arts master who lived during one of the most turbulent times in Japan., the Sengoku period, known as "the era of warring states." This context forged highly trained warriors who developed combat styles adapted to the needs of war. Kurando was a disciple of the legendary swordsman Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, founder of Shinkage-ryu, one of the most influential schools in Japanese fencing.

After intensively studying the Shinkage-ryu system, Kurando developed his own style, Hyoho Taisha Ryu, with a focus on the balance between life and death. This concept, known as "Kassatsu Kempo," is the central focus of the style and reflects the philosophy that swordsmanship should not only be used to destroy, but also to protect and preserve.

Shinkage-ryu, the school from which Hyoho Taisha Ryu comes, is characterized by its focus on defensive techniques and the use of the sword as an extension of the warrior's spirit. This system was revolutionary in its time for its principles of fluidity and adaptation, which prioritize defense and neutralization of the opponent without the need for prolonged confrontations. Marume Kurando maintained these principles in his own style., adapting the teachings of Shinkage-ryu to integrate them into a philosophy of life and death that forms the core of Hyoho Taisha Ryu.

"Kassatsu Kempo" (活殺剣法) is a fundamental principle in Hyoho Taisha Ryu that guides the practitioner in the use of the sword as an instrument of both protection and destruction. In this context, "Katsu" (活) represents "life" or the ability to give life, while "Satsu" (殺) refers to "killing." The philosophy of Hyoho Taisha Ryu teaches that a true swordsman must be able to recognize when it is necessary to use the sword to save lives and when it is unavoidable to resort to it in combat situations.

This dual approach gives great ethical value to the practice of the sword, since kenjutsu is not reduced to a set of lethal techniques, but represents a form of spiritual discipline and responsibility. Practicing Kassatsu Kempo means committing to understanding the sword as a tool that can both preserve peace and bring death, depending on the circumstances and the warrior's intention.

The initial and final postures of Hyoho Taisha Ryu are key to understanding the mechanics and the flow of this style. Every movement in Hyoho Taisha Ryu begins in the stance Migi Hankai (upright posture) and ends in the posture Hidari Hankai (left stance). This transition symbolizes the flow and continuity of combat, where the change of stance allows the practitioner to adapt to the opponent's position and prepare the final blow.

The choice of these stances is not accidental; the right stance represents the initial disposition to attack or defend, while the left stance marks the completion of the movement and the return to a calm state after the final cut. This system of stances in Hyoho Taisha Ryu allows the swordsman to maintain precise control and mental stability throughout the fight.

In Hyoho Taisha Ryu, all techniques culminate with the Kesagiri, a diagonal cut that passes through the opponent's shoulder and ribs. This type of cut is characteristic of traditional kenjutsu schools and represents both the destructive power of the sword and its ability to end conflict quickly and accurately.

The Kesagiri in Hyoho Taisha Ryu is not just a physical cut, but also symbolizes the final resolve and skill of the practitioner. The technique must be performed with precision and control, ensuring that the fight ends decisively. By mastering Kesagiri, the practitioner demonstrates not only technical skill, but also a deep understanding of the ethics of Kassatsu Kempo, where every cut is performed with full awareness and purpose.

Hyoho Taisha Ryu emphasizes fluid and adaptive movements, allowing the swordsman to adjust to the opponent's actions without losing control. In this style, speed and strength are subordinated to precision and situational awareness, seeking to ensure that each movement has a clear and effective intention. Practitioners learn to move in a continuous manner, connecting each technique in a natural flow that reflects the principles of Shinkage-ryu.

The teaching in Hyoho Taisha Ryu includes a set of kata (pre-set forms), which are choreographed sequences of movements designed to teach the practitioner the fundamental principles of combat. The kata in this style allow the student to practice the movements from Migi-hankai to Hidari-hankai, as well as the final cut of Kesagiri. These structured practices help the practitioner develop muscle memory, balance, and mental control.

Although Hyoho Taisha Ryu maintains a traditional focus on kata training, some dōjō also practice sparring or simulated combat exercises, where practitioners can apply their techniques in less predictable situations. This develops the ability to respond quickly and adapt, two essential qualities for mastering Kassatsu Kempo and applying the balance between life and death in a real-life context.

The practice of Hyoho Taisha Ryu strengthens the body and hones reflexes, but also fosters deep inner calm and mental self-control. Through the repetition of postures and cuts, the practitioner gains physical stamina, better posture, and greater mental clarity. These benefits extend to everyday life, helping the practitioner to face challenges with a balanced mind and calm disposition.

The philosophy of Kassatsu Kempo teaches the practitioner to value and respect life, understanding that the ability to kill should be used only when it is unavoidable. This ethical teaching provides the swordsman with a sense of responsibility and respect for others, promoting the use of force only as a last resort.

Hyoho Taisha Ryu connects its practitioners to the samurai tradition and culture of Japan, allowing them to experience kenjutsu in its classical form. The connection to this deep history helps practitioners develop a richer appreciation for Japanese cultural heritage and the path of budo, which transcends combat and becomes a path of personal growth.

Hyoho Taisha Ryu is more than a style of kenjutsu; it is a discipline that seeks to balance the power to give and take life through the conscious and ethical use of the sword. Under the guidance of the philosophy of Kassatsu Kempo, Hyoho Taisha Ryu practitioners develop precise combat skills and a thoughtful, respectful mindset.

For those interested in Japanese budo, Hyoho Taisha Ryu offers a teaching that transcends technique and becomes a way of life, where every movement and every cut represents a commitment to responsibility and compassion. Through constant practice and the development of a balanced spirit, Hyoho Taisha Ryu continues to transmit the lessons and values ​​of classical Japanese swordsmanship, inspiring practitioners to bring the principles of budo to all aspects of their lives.