Mugai-Ryū

History

Mugai Ryu (Outer Nothingness School), is an old, authentic martial art trained by the samurai, founded by Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi during the in the late Edo period (1693-1695). It has been down from generation to generation. The lineage can be traced back to the founder, Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi 1648-1727 Edo. Nakagawa Shiyu Shinichi 1896-1981 was the 11th generation Soke. Nakagawa passed away before appointing one of his students to the position of Soke. As a result, students of Nakagawa’s who were recipients of both menkyo (license) and menkyo kaiden (full transmission license) are recognized by each independent branch of Mugai Ryu. Each Soke should be correctly referred to as the Soke of their branch of Mugai Ryu. Soke of Mugariyu Meishiha, is Niina Toyoaki (Gyokuso).

Today, when Mugai Ryu is practiced the aim is purism, with no unnecessary movements. It not only trains the body, but also trains the mind, one’s aim is to perform the techniques (Kata) with a pure, calm mind. Mugai Ryu has a deep connection with Zen. Mugai Ryu is Zen in motion.

Mugai Ryu international branches down to Mugai Ryu Europe, headed by Luciano Gabriel Morgenstern 8th dan (Tenshinkai Dojo) located in Cologne, Germany. Luciano Sensei is highly ranked in Mugai Ryu, Genko Nito Ryu (2 sword style), Tosei Ryu, Isshin Ryu, Kung Fu Toa and Tai Chi. He established the Mugai Ryu Europe Federation in 2010. There are now many dojos worldwide.

Mugai-Ryū

Tsuji Gettan

Tsuji Gettan was born in Omi Prefecture, (Koga) in 1648. The name he was given at birth that he used throughout his youth was Heinai. At 13 years of age, he moved to Kyoto to begin sword training under Yamaguchi Bokushinsai, the founder of YamaguchiRyu swordsmanship. After receiving his instructor license (menkyo) from Yamaguchi. Heinai (Tsuji) travelled to Edo (Tokyo) to open a dojo and start his teachings of Yamaguchi-Ryu.

He was only 26 years old at that time and being a young country boy, he was not seen as a worthy teacher of such arts, and his Dojo did not take hold. His failure to operate a swordsmanship school, Heinai began studying classical Chinese literature and Zen with Sekitan, a Buddhist priest at Kyukoji temple in the Azabu district of Edo. After Sekitan’s passing, Heinai continued his Zen studies under Kanshu, attaining enlightenment at the age of 45. Kanshu gave Gettan the following poem and signed it in Sekitan’s name.

Ippojutsu Mugai
Kenkon Toku Ittei
Suimo Hono Mitsu
Dochaku Soku Kosei

Heinai later changed his name to Gettan Sukemochi and returned to teaching his own style of swordsmanship, calling it Mugai Ryu, taking the first line of this poem. According to records of oaths taken by his students during the 14-year period between the 9th year of Genroku (1696) and the 6th year of Hoei (1710), Gettan’s wealthier students included daimyo from 32 houses, numbering 356 students, in addition to 930 of their vassals. At 61 years of age, Gettan was granted an audience with the fifth generation Tokugawa Shogun, Tokugawa.

Club Standards

At Kaizen-Kan, we prioritise a safe and respectful environment. All students are expected to follow health, safety, and safeguarding guidelines. We also believe in mutual respect, and all members should be polite and courteous to their Sensei and fellow students.

Mugai-Ryū

History

Mugai-Ryū

Tsuji Gettan

Club Standards

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