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Tag: Tsuji Gettan

CategoriesExperience

3 Reasons Why Samurai Were Drawn to Zen

By ninjakotan

3 Reasons Why Samurai Were Drawn to Zen     Many samurai admired the spirit of Zen and practiced it. Here are three reasons why:   1: Timing and Historical Context The connection between the samurai and Zen Buddhism is partly due to timing. The Kamakura Shogunate, Japan’s first military government, was established in 1185, around the same time as the arrival of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Rinzai Zen was introduced in 1191, and Sōtō Zen in 1227, both during the Kamakura period (1185-1333).  The Kamakura Shogunate, distanced from the established Heian Buddhism (Shingon and Tendai sects), found common ground with the new Zen sect. Eisai, the founder of Rinzai Zen in Japan, sought protection from the Kamakura Shogunate after facing persecution from existing religious groups. Thus, the Kamakura and later Muromachi (1336-1573) Shogunate supported Rinzai Zen. Meanwhile, Sōtō Zen spread among regional samurai, local lords, and common people.    2: Compatibility with the Samurai Spirit Zen is a religion of self-reliance, teaching the importance of self-discipline and inner strength, resonating with the disciplined and independent nature of the samurai. The rigorous, self-disciplined path of Zen, focusing on achieving enlightenment through personal training, matched the warrior ethos.  Unlike other emergingread more3 Reasons Why Samurai Were Drawn to Zen

CategoriesExperience

How to Learn the Techniques of Japan’s Strongest Samurai (2)

By ninjakotan

How to Learn the Techniques of Japan’s Strongest Samurai (2): Authentic Samurai Experience in Tokyo We will explain how to learn the techniques of the strongest samurai in Japan. Although we refer to it as the techniques of the strongest samurai in Japan, there is no clear definition of who the strongest samurai are. However, it is safe to say that Mugairyu, taught at the Musashinokuni Mugaikai, is one of the strongest schools. One Reason Why We Consider Mugairyu to Be One of the Strongest Schools One reason we consider Mugairyu to be one of the strongest schools is that during the Meiji era, practitioners of Mugairyu were active immediately following the end of the samurai era. In the Meiji era, there were three outstanding swordsmen known as the “Sanro Sanketsu,” meaning three excellent warriors with the name “Ro” (郎). At that time, the Metropolitan Police Department was a gathering place for swordsmen, including former samurai who had survived the turmoil of the late Edo period, making it the largest hub of swordsmanship in Japan. The three swordsmen known as the “Sanro Sanketsu” were arguably the top three in all of Japan. The three members of the “Sanro Sanketsu” wereread moreHow to Learn the Techniques of Japan’s Strongest Samurai (2)

CategoriesExperience

How to Learn the Techniques of Japan’s Strongest Samurai (1)

By ninjakotan

How to Learn the Techniques of Japan’s Strongest Samurai (1): Authentic Samurai Experience in Tokyo   We’ll explore “How to Learn the Techniques of Japan’s Strongest Samurai.” While the claim of who is the strongest is subjective, we believe that Mugairyu Iaido taught at the Musashi-no-Kuni Mugaikai, is among the strongest martial arts schools.  Mugairyu Had Over 1,000 Students, Including the 32 Daimyo One reason is that Tsuji Gettan, the founder of Mugairyu, had over 1,000 students, including the 32 daimyo families during the Edo period. There were approximately 300 fiefs during this time, meaning around 10% of them had studied under Tsuji Gettan. Daimyo were feudal lords granted a stipend by the shogunate, typically controlling territories with a revenue of over 10,000 kokus of rice. In modern terms, they would be akin to local government leaders.   The fact that so many daimyo studied at this school is a testament to its strength. Tsuji Gettan trained at the Zen temple Kyukoji and achieved enlightenment at the age of 45. Renowned not only as a swordsman but also as a Zen practitioner and scholar, Gettan was said to converse on equal terms with many daimyo. He believed that swordsmanship andread moreHow to Learn the Techniques of Japan’s Strongest Samurai (1)

CategoriesExperience

How to Learn the Spirit of Samurai and Zen Simultaneously in Tokyo

By ninjakotan

How to Learn the Spirit of Samurai and Zen Simultaneously in Tokyo The Timeless Path of Mugairyu and Zen In the heart of Tokyo, where the future meets the past, lies an opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound disciplines of Samurai and Zen. “Learn the Spirit of Samurai and Zen in Tokyo” offers a unique journey into the world of Mugairyu, a historic swordsmanship school, and the serene teachings of Zen Buddhism. Founded in 1693 by Tsuji Gettan, Mugairyu is not just about mastering the sword but also about embodying the spirit of Zen. Mugairyu: The Fusion of Swordsmanship and Zen Mugairyu, established during a time of peace in the Edo period, represents more than just a martial art. Its founder, Tsuji Gettan, achieved enlightenment at Kyukoji, a Zen temple, and famously declared, “The sword and Zen are one and the same.” The essence of Mugairyu is deeply intertwined with Zen, signifying that the ultimate reality, or ‘Mu,’ is at its core. With over 1,000 disciples, including heads of 32 feudal domains, Gettan’s teachings have left an indelible mark on Japan’s cultural heritage. The Profound Verses of Enlightenment Tsuji Gettan was bestowed with a verse by the Zen masterread moreHow to Learn the Spirit of Samurai and Zen Simultaneously in Tokyo

CategoriesExperience

Private Tokyo Samurai Experience in English: Embrace the Way of the Warrior

By ninjakotan

Private Tokyo Samurai Experience in English: Embrace the Way of the Warrior Discover the profound depths of Japan’s warrior traditions through an exclusive “Private Tokyo Samurai Experience in English.” Delve into the disciplined world of Iaido, the art of the samurai sword, at a dojo renowned for its historical legacy and esteemed techniques. Mugairyu: A Pillar of Samurai Swordsmanship Since 1693 Established in 1693, Mugairyu stands as a historic institution where the art of the sword converges with the essence of Zen. Tsuji Gettan, a descendant of the legendary Koga ninja, founded this school with enlightenment intertwined with every strike and stance. With origins deeply rooted in the Zen temple Kyukoji, Mugairyu’s philosophy, ‘The sword and Zen are one,’ embodies the path to spiritual and martial mastery. The Synthesis of Iaido: More Than Just Swordplay Mugairyu Iaido is a unique synthesis of precise swordsmanship and the fluid movements of Jikyoryu Iai. This discipline extends beyond mere combat; it is a meditative practice focusing on the smooth draw of the blade, embodying the readiness and composure of a samurai in every aspect of life. Experience the Strongest Swordsmanship School in Japan Embark on a “Private Tokyo Samurai Experience in English” atread morePrivate Tokyo Samurai Experience in English: Embrace the Way of the Warrior