Jodo Web Dojo

an online service of the Nippon Karate-do/Kobudo Seishin-Kan

The only authentic style of jodo

A completely unique martial art and style

What is Shindo Muso-Ryu?

Shindo Muso-Ryu is the only authentic style of traditional jodo or jojutsu. "Shindo muso" means either "divine inspiration" or "heavenly dream," and the style takes its name from a dream in which an angel appeared to the founder, Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi, and revealed its secrets (see "History").

Shindo Muso-Ryu was passed down through an unbroken succession of grandmasters until the late 20th century. Its 25th generation grandmaster, Shimizu Takatsugu (also read as "Takaji") died unexpectedly without having named his successor. Although he left several senior disciples who are capable and qualified to be the 26th grandmaster, with typical Japanese humility none of them have stepped forward to claim this right. Thus, Shindo Muso-Ryu finds itself unique in one more respect . . .

Not only is jojutsu a unique martial art based upon a unique weapon, founded in a unique manner for a unique purpose, but now it is the only active martial art without an official leader!

Shindo Muso-Ryu will not be lost, however. Many highly qualified sensei continue to teach and preserve it. Among these is Miura Takeyuki Hidefusa Hanshi, the founder of the Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-Kai and 20th grandmaster of Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu iaijutsu. His senior disciple, Shimabukuro Masayuki, together with Leonard Pellman Sensei, have also collaborated on a two-volume set of instructional videos preserving the twelve seitei jodo katachi. Both continue to work diligently to teach and promote this unique and valuable martial art. Eventually, a method will be devised to select a successor as grandmaster for the style, and unified leadership will be restored.

Home  |  Membership |  Privacy Policy  |  Webmaster  |  Contact Us  |  Guest Book  |  JKI Home  |  Store 

© 2004   Leonard J. Pellman