Densho Analysis
Close readings of classical densho (伝書; transmission scrolls) — comparing their kata, structure, terminology, and lineage across schools. Each study works from primary documents; deeper technical notes are linked from within.
Essays and Articles
【Ōshima-ryū】
June 2026
We examine a densho from 1792 of Ōshima-ryū, a spear tradition stemming from Ōshima Hanroku Yoshitsuna who studied methods passed down from Yuasa Shinroku. Its signature weapon was a long suyari and it held a long-time rivalry with the Hōzōin-ryū.
【Examining Shinkage-ryū Densho in Kyushu】
June 2026
Extensive documents from Kyushu in 1766 and how they relate to the Edo area Yagyū and Jikishinkage-ryū densho contents. We find independent corroboration of common Shinkage-ryū influence in these arts at the same time of the writings of Naganuma Kunisato in 1768. Specifically, the gokui section of Jikishinkage-ryū mokuroku overlap substantially with the Yagyū Shinkage-ryū Okugi, suggesting a majority of those concepts were preserved in Jikishinkage-ryū.
【A Jikishinkage-ryū Densho from 1800】
May 2026
Summary of 1800 Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū densho by Naganuma Tadasato, copied by Ogawa Yashichi, comparing it against other densho I analyzed in my recent book.
【On Tengu, Precedence, and Densho】
May 2026
Tracing the threads from the legendary Kyō Hachi Ryū and Kiichi Hōgen at Kurama, through the tengu pantheon of Mt. Atago, Kōyasan, and Kotohira, to the eight cipher-names Sekishūsai used to hide the Yagyū Shinkage-ryū Tengushō kata in his picture catalog.
【Okugi no Tachi】
May 2026
Examining some evidence for the genesis of upper-level Shinkage-ryū teachings based on information available about Aisu Ikōsai's founding vision of Sarutahiko, Kamiizumi's early training in Kashima, and the arrangement of Shinkage-ryū kata over time.
【Notes on the Gokui of Jikishinkage-ryū】
March 2026
These notes collect the documentary side of some of my research into the *gokui* (極意; ultimate principle) of Kashima-shinden Jikishinkage-ryū.
【Hōjō ken Kokoro-e sho】
December 2024
Text on Jikishinkage-ryū Hōjō (foundational) swordsmanship, provided for reference based on Jikishinkage-ryū Sōhonbu and Hōbyōkan material. This is typically chanted or recited before performance of the Hōjō kata of Jikishinkage-ryū.