Takagi Yōshin-ryū

Takagi Yōshin-ryū (高木揚心流) is a jūtaijutsu (jūjutsu) school taught in the Bujinkan and Genbukan Jujutsu Renmei. The techniques are designed to be applied in a very fast manner so the opponent cannot roll or escape. It is believed that it was a school for bodyguards. According to the Bujinkan, the school was founded by Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi (born 1635), or his student Takagi Umanosuke. Other branches of Takagi Oriemon's original school include Hontai Yōshin Ryū, Hontai Yōshin Takagi Ryū and Hontai Takagi Yōshin Ryū. It is also connected with Kukishin Ryū (founded by Ōkuni Kihei Shigenobu, who was also the 4th headmaster of Takagi Ryū).

Takagi means "tall tree", while yōshin translates as "spirit of the willow tree". It is so named because a willow tree is flexible and thus harder to break.

Formal Techniques of Takagi Yōshin Ryū (Bujinkan version)

• Jūtaijutsu (jūjutsu)
  • Shoden no kata (Beginner forms)
  • Erijime no kata (Strangulations)
  • Chūden no kata (Intermediate forms)
  • Tai no kata (Body forms)
  • Okuden no kata (Advanced forms)
  • Moguri no kata (Diving under forms)
  • Daisho sabaki no kata (unarmed forms, a long sword and short sword are worn at the sides while performing)
  • Muto dori no kata (Unarmed defences against sword)