The Teachings of Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu

Musashi, while well-known for his two-sword technique, was a master of a number of arts other than his ability with a sword. His father, Munisai, was an expert of the jutte (iron truncheon) and the tachi (sword) and was understood to have taught Musashi at a very early age these weapons. He was an excellent student and reached a high standard of skill by his early teens - the time of his first duel.

It is thought that much of his skill came from experience in both battle and single combats. However, not all of Musashi's lessons were learned from peers or in combat. Shioda Hamanosuke, one of Musashi's students, was an expert in the bo (staff) and showed him all of the techniques he knew. Musashi made a number of modifications and included them in his teachings. It is believed that his interest in polearms begun after his brief duel with Muso Gonnosuke, the founder of Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu (short staff). It is also believed that he learned shurikenjutsu (thrown blades) from another of his students named Takemura.

The Techniques Practiced Today:

Itto Seiho (One Sword Techniques) - twelve techniques, tachi vs tachi.

Nito Seiho (Two Sword Techniques) - five techniques, nito vs tachi.

Kodachi Seiho (Short Sword Techniques) - seven techniques, kodachi vs tachi.

Bojutsu (Staff Techniques) - thirteen techniques, bo vs bo & seven techniques, bo vs tachi.

Juttejutsu (Iron Truncheon Techniques) - five techniques, jutte vs tachi.

Aikuchi Roppo (Knife Techniques) - These techniques are extremely advanced and are not taught outside of Japan.