Mugai Ryu Iai
History
Mugai Ryu Iai is an Iaido style founded by Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi also known as Heinai around the 1600’s. The name Mugai Ryu comes from a poem written by Zen Monk Seketan Zenshi whom Gettan studied under.
Translation:
” There is nothing other than the One True Way
Heaven and Earth profit from this single Virtue
The fluttering feather knows this secret
To be settled during confusion is to be enlightened and pure ”
Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi was born in 1648, Shiga Prefecture. At 13 he studies Yamaguchi Ryu Kenjutsu, at 26 years of age he received his ” Menkyo Kaiden”. Gettan studied Zen and Chinese philosophy under monk Sekitan at the Azabu Kyukoji Temple. He continued his zen training under monk Chief Priest Shinshu and achieved enlightenment at age 45.
Gettan found Mugai Ryu in the 1695 and he believed that Zen and Mugai Ryu were inseparable. Gettan also studied Jikyoryu from master Taga Jikyosai Morimasa, who did not have a pupil to carry on after him, and so instead of letting Jikyoryu fade away, he brought those teachings into Mugairyu. 3 months before his death, it is said there is a beloved image of Gettan as a Zen priest holding a hossu (Zen master’s whisk) his gaze calm and serene, and in another beloved image Gettan holds in his right hand a wooden practice sword, with the piercing eyes of a sword master.
Having never had a family, in 1728 at the age of 79, on the same day, of the same month that Zen monk Sekitan passed away, Gettan passed peacefully into the next world while deep in meditation, his rosary in his left hand, his hossu in his right.
Mugai Ryu Iai Kata List
SUWARI WAZA (seated techniques)
Goyou (1st kata series)
- Shin
- Ren
- Sa
- Yuu
- Sha
Goka (2nd kata series)
- Suigetsu
- Inchyuuyou
- Youchiyuin
- Hibiji gaeshi
- Hazumi
TACHI WAZA (standing techniques)
Hashiri ga kari (3rd kata series)
- Mae goshi
- Musou gaeshi
- Mawari ga kari
- Migi no teki
- Shihou
Goou (4TH kata series)
- Mune zukushi
- Enyou
- Riyou guruma
- Noo kuri
- Giyo kukou
IAI no KATA (paired partner practice)
- Hokuto
- Tai haku
- Ina zuma
- Kasumi
- Riyuusei
WAKIZASHI no KATA (short sword)
- Kiri dome
- Tsuki dome
- Uke nagashi
- Kiri age
- Kurai zume