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九鬼神傳天眞兵法心劔活機論 Kuki Shinden Tenshin Heihō Shinken Kappō-ron

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by Toryu

九鬼神傳天眞兵法心劔活機論 Kuki Shinden Tenshin Heihō Shinken Kappō-ron

九鬼天眞兵法心劔活機論 Kuki Tenshin Heihō Shinken Kappō-ron (Kuki Tradition Thesis on the Living Mechanisms of the Heart Sword in the Heavenly True Art of War) (Page 143-144, 154-155, 156) from the book 九鬼文書の研究 Kuki Bunsho no Kenkyū by 三浦一郎 Miura Ichirō.

TENSHIN HEIHŌ SHINKEN KAPPŌ-RON ①

天眞兵法心劔活機論(一) Tenshin Heihō Shinken Kappō-ron (Thesis on the Living Mechanisms of the Heart Sword in the Heavenly True Art of War – Part 1)

Tenshin Heihō Shinken: Kuki Moji

At the head of the volume, in remarkably skilled calligraphy, twenty-six lines of divine generation characters totaling three hundred twenty-seven characters are lined up, and at the very end it states:

“In the thirteenth year of 舒明 Jōmei (A.D. 641), year kinoe-ushi, month ki-shi day, re Atsu, small virtue crown bearer (kaō).”

This is a copy from approximately one thousand three hundred years ago, but likely a re-copying of an earlier version. The main text appears to be considerably ancient, though at the end there are traces of separate paper having been attached midway to list the names of successive transmitters. This form is common across all volumes.

Up to

“second year of Genkō (A.D. 1332), third month auspicious day, Kuki Yakushi-maru Takazane (kaō)”

and

“second year of Jōji (A.D. 1366), fifth month auspicious day, Kuki Umanosuke Takayoshi (kaō)”

the signatures are on the same paper as the main text. However, from

“second year of Kentoku (A.D. 1451), year kanoto-i, second month auspicious day, Kuki Yamashiro-no-kami Takamoto”

onward, the nine clans signed successively on attached paper. For reference, listing the names of successive transmitters after the first three:

  • 九鬼大和守隆次 Kuki Yamato-no-kami Takatsugu – 永享3年 Eikyō 3 (A.D. 1431)
  • 九鬼山城守泰隆 Kuki Yamashiro-no-kami Yasutaka – 文明8年 Bunmei 8 (A.D. 1476)
  • 九鬼山城守定隆 Kuki Yamashiro-no-kami Sadataka – 大永3年 Daiei 3 (A.D. 1523)
  • 九鬼彌五郎澄隆 Kuki Yagorō Sumitaka – 女禄4年 Eiroku 4 (A.D. 1561)
  • 九鬼大隅守嘉隆 Kuki Ōsumi-no-kami Yoshitaka – 慶長14年 Keichō 14 (A.D. 1609)
  • 九鬼大隅守守隆 Kuki Ōsumi-no-kami Moritaka – 元和8年 Genna 8 (A.D. 1622)
  • 九鬼志摩守良隆 Kuki Shima-no-kami Yoshitaka – 寛永18年 Kan’ei 18 (A.D. 1641)
  • 九鬼大隅守隆常 Kuki Ōsumi-no-kami Takatsune – 万治2年 Manji 2 (A.D. 1659)
  • 九鬼鍋三郎隆幸 Kuki Nabe-saburō Takayuki – 天和3年 Tenwa 3 (A.D. 1683)

And it ends there.

As for the content, simply raising the headings gives the following:

  • 剣法之妙理 Kenpō no Myōri (Profound Principles of Sword Method)
  • 風陣投剣遍 Fūjin Tōken Hen (Wind Formation Throwing Sword Complete / All)
  • 秘鎗遍 Hikyō Hen (Secret Spear Complete / All)
  • 薙刀妙風遍 Naginata Myōfū Hen (Naginata Wonderful Wind Complete / All)
  • 棒之眞論 Bō no Shinron (True Thesis of the Staff)
  • 半棒 Hanbō (Half Staff)
  • 眞之心妙剣 Shin no Shin Myōken (True Heart Wonderful Sword)
  • 閃鋒 Senpō (Flash Edge / Sudden Point)

TENSHIN HEIHŌ SHINKEN KAPPŌ-RON ②

天眞兵法心劔活機論(二) Tenshin Heihō Shinken Kappō-ron (Thesis on the Living Mechanisms of the Heart Sword in the Heavenly True Art of War – Part 2)

This is something like a detailed explanation of the aforementioned twenty-first volume. To the single sentence lining up several hundred characters of divine generation script, kana has been added and annotations provided. There are signatures of the small virtue crown bearer and Yakushi-maru. At the volume end, the names of about ten successive transmitters are listed. The content generally explains what is raised below (whereas the volume raised in the twenty-first contains no explanations, only the catalog).

秘想劍遍 Hishōken Hen (Secret Idea Sword Complete / All)

  • 夢想劍 Musōken (Dream Idea Sword)
  • 浦波 Uranami (Beach Wave)
  • 竹割 Takewari (Bamboo Split)
  • 一文字 Ichimonji (Straight Line / Horizontal Cut)
  • 天狗飛 Tenguhi (Tengu Flight)
  • 燕返 Tsubame-gaeshi (Swallow Return)
  • 無音劍 Muonken (No Sound Sword)

風陣投劍遍 Fūjin Tōken Hen (Wind Formation Throwing Sword Complete / All)

  • 一文字 Ichimonji (Straight Line / Horizontal Cut)
  • 魔風 Mafū (Demon Wind)
  • 飛鳥投 Tobidori-nage (Flying Bird Throw)

秘鎗遍 Hikyō Hen (Secret Spear Complete / All)

  • 十文字 Jūmonji (Ten Lines / Cross Cut)
  • 天返 Ten-gaeshi (Heaven Return)
  • 左右 Saryū (Left Right)
  • 小手調 Kote-chō (Small Hand Tune)
  • 大海 Daikai (Great Sea)
  • 切返 Kirigaehi (Cut Return)
  • 心之突 Shin no tsuki (Heart Thrust)

薙刀妙風遍 Naginata Myōfū Hen (Naginata Wonderful Wind Complete / All)

  • 切込 Kirikomi (Cut In)
  • 車返 Kuruma-gaeshi (Wheel Return)
  • 切上 Kiriage (Cut Up)
  • 風車 Fūsha (Wind Wheel)
  • 天之形 Ten no katachi (Heaven Shape)
  • 地之形 Chi no katachi (Earth Shape)
  • 人之形 Jin no katachi (Person Shape)

棒之眞論 Bō no Shinron (True Thesis of the Staff)

  • 付込 Tsukikomi (Attach In / Thrust Insertion)
  • 跳上又ハ廻シ Haneage mata wa mawashi (Leap Up or Rotate)
  • 太刀落又ハ逆一文字 Tachi-otoshi mata wa gyaku ichimonji (Sword Drop or Reverse Straight Line)
  • 拂 Harai (Sweep)
  • 撃留平一文字 Uchi-tome hira ichimonji (Strike Retain Flat One Character)
  • 五輪碎又入身 Gorin-sai mata wa irimi (Five Wheels Crush or Enter Body)
  • 天地人勝身 Tenchi-jin shōshin (Heaven Earth Person Victory Body)
  • 前虚水烏 Mae kyo suiu (Front Void Water Crow)
  • 兩小手當返 Ryō-kote ate-gaeshi (Both Small Hand Strike Return)
  • 五法 Gohō (Five Laws)
  • 差合 Sashiai (Difference Match / Alignment)
  • 靏之一足 Tsuru no is-soku (Net One Foot)
  • 船張 Funabari (Ship Stretch)
  • 裾落 Suso-otoshi (Hem Fall)
  • 一本杉 Ippon-sugi (One Cedar)
  • 蔭之一本 Kage no ippon (Shade One Cedar)
  • 瀧落シ Taki-otoshi (Waterfall Drop)
  • 虚空 Kokū (Void)
  • 笠之内 Kasa no uchi (Under Umbrella)
  • 浦波（搦とも云フ） Uranami (tangle tomo iu) (Beach Wave – also called Tangle)
  • 左右 Saryū (Left Right)

半棒 Hanbō (Half Staff)

  • 當込 Ate-komi (Strike In)
  • 腰折 Koshi-ori (Hip Fold)
  • 當返 Ate-gaeshi (Strike Return)
  • 突込 Tsuki-komi (Thrust In)
  • 桐之一葉 Kiri no ichiyō (Paulownia One Leaf)
  • 裾絡ミ Suso-karami (Hem Entangle)
  • 搦捕 Karami-tori (Tangle Capture)
  • 五輪碎 Gorin-sai (Five Wheels Crush)

眞之秘術心妙劍 Shin no Hijutsu Shin Myōken (True Secret Technique Heart Wonderful Sword)

  • 護身術數遍 Goshinjutsu sūhen (Body Protection Technique Several All)
  • 長透貫 Chō tōkan (Long Penetrate Through)
  • 眞妙劍 Shin Myōken (True Wonderful Sword)

閃鋒 Senpō (Flash Edge)

  • 遠撃淵 En-geki-en (Distant Strike Abyss)
  • 獅子飛躍 Shishi hiyaku (Lion Leap)

TENSHIN HEIHŌ SHINKEN KAPPŌ-RON ③

天眞兵法心劔活機論(三) Tenshin Heihō Shinken Kappō-ron (Thesis on the Living Mechanisms of the Heart Sword in the Heavenly True Art of War – Part 3)

This is a sister volume to the aforementioned twenty-first and twenty-eighth. The first three lines at the beginning are recorded in divine generation characters. Next follows the evidence and explanation of the small virtue crown bearer’s reverent copying. Then, the imperial oath texts of the two deities Amatsuhikone-no-mikoto and Ame no Oshihi-no-mikoto are recorded in divine generation characters, two segments of two lines each. Next again is the evidence and explanation of the small virtue crown bearer’s reverent copying. Then comes the record of Yakushi-maru Takazane, followed by the same Yakushi-maru’s “reverent writing” explanation of the “Three Treasures Three Heavens,” as well as the evidence and explanation of this volume’s heading, the Heavenly True Military Method Heart Sword Living Opportunity Thesis (in divine character text). Next, a catalog similar to the previous volume is presented, and at the volume end a long passage of martial way ultimate intent is recorded, concluding with one song, after which Yakushi-maru’s reverent copying is repeatedly inscribed.

三浦一郎 Miura Ichirō (1914 – 2006 ) was a Japanese scholar of Western history and essayist. He was a former professor at Ibaraki University and a professor emeritus at Sophia University.

Ichirō Miura

After attending the elementary school attached to Toshima Normal School in Tokyo and the former Musashino High School , he graduated from the Department of Western History at the University of Tokyo .

After the war , he worked as a teacher at the new Seikei High School , then became an assistant professor at Ibaraki University , a professor at the same university in 1966 , a professor at Sophia University in 1970, a special professor at the same university in 1980, and a professor emeritus at the same university after retiring in 1985. He specializes in ancient Greek and Western history, and his book “World History Anecdotes” was published in the Kadokawa Bunko series and became popular.

Kuki Shinden Tenshin Heihō Taijutsu: Kuki Bunsho

九鬼文書の研究 Kuki Bunsho no Kenkyū by 三浦一郎 Miura Ichirō.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ 八幡書店
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 February 1999

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4893502018
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4893502018

The post 九鬼神傳天眞兵法心劔活機論 Kuki Shinden Tenshin Heihō Shinken Kappō-ron appeared first on 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu.…

九鬼文書 KUKI MONJO (Kuki Documents)

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by Toryu

九鬼文書 KUKI MONJO (Kuki Documents)

九鬼神伝全書 Kukishinden Zensho by 吾郷清彦 Kiyohiko Ago.

The 九鬼文書 Kuki Documents (Kukami Monjo) are a collection of ancient Japanese texts (often classified as koshi kodensho or ancient historical transmissions) preserved by the Kuki family, tracing back to the 中臣 Nakatomi and 藤原 Fujiwara clans. They encompass cosmology, genealogy, Shinto rituals, martial arts, medicine, and historical narratives from creation to the Meiji era, originally in 神世文字 kamiyo moji (divine era script) and later transcribed into kanbun by 藤原不比等 Fujiwara no Fuhito. The texts have been annotated across generations, with additions noted via signatures 花押 kao.

The documents are not a single book but a corpus expanded over time. Based on the provided text, the core research compilation is 天津蹈鞴秘文遍 Amatsu-tatara-hibumi Hifumi (lit. “Secret Text of the Heavenly Bellows Hifumi”), a 36-volume work by 高松寿嗣 Takamatsu Toshitsugu, who added prefaces and commentary. This draws from the broader Kuki corpus, including historical, esoteric, and technical sections.

In the 1930s, Takamatsu was permitted to copy all the scrolls from the Kuki family. During World War II, the original Kuki documents were destroyed in U.S. bombing raids. In 1947, Takamatsu returned a complete set of his copies to the Kuki family. Because the surviving documents cannot be carbon-dated earlier than 1947, many historians consider them forgeries. In all honesty, we don’t really know for certain. What is well documented is that Takamatsu copied genuine old scrolls that were subsequently destroyed in the war and then returned his copies to the family.

External sources confirm the Kuki Documents as a multi-volume archive (e.g., ~55 volumes total across Shintoism, martial arts, and Shugendo; or grouped into 34 volumes under “国体歴史篇” [National Polity History], “神殿秘宝篇” [Shrine Treasures], and “兵法武教篇” [Military Strategy and Martial Teachings]). However, the text focuses on the 36-volume Amatsu-tatara-hibumi Hifumi, so the index below prioritizes that, structured hierarchically like a book table of contents. I’ve listed all named volumes/sections with original kanji, romaji (Hepburn style), volume counts, and brief notes from the text for context. Subsections are inferred where described.

天津蹈鞴秘文遍 Amatsu-tatara-hibumi Hifumi

Total Volumes: 36
Overview: A comprehensive exegesis of Kuki secrets, blending history, mysticism, martial arts, and healing. Divided into thematic volumes.

Document NameVolumesDescription
九鬼秘文史論
Kuki Hifumi Shiron		3Historical discourse on Kuki secret texts
九鬼宗門神秘観静遍
Kuki Shūmon Shinpi Kanjō Hen		2Mystical views of the Kuki sect
・The divination and prophetic rites of the great deity Konjin of the Ushitora direction)
・Esoteric yin-yang divination of the highest order, plus Shinto spells, curses, and binding/repelling rituals said to have been handed down directly from the storm god Susanoo
九鬼神籬遍
Kuki Himorogi Hen		3On temporary sacred enclosures
・Diagnosis of diseases, their causes, and medicinal treatments using herbs, minerals, etc.
・Methods of applying moxa cautery, detailed locations and functions of acupuncture/meridian points
九鬼宝鏡秘伝
Kuki Hōkyō Hiden		4Secret transmissions of the Kuki treasure mirror
九鬼築城之巻
Kuki Chikujō no Maki		1Castle construction
九鬼鉄砲火薬遍
Kuki Teppō Kayaku Hen		1Firearms and gunpowder techniques
九鬼剣法秘想遍
Kuki Kenpō Hizō Hen		1Secret swordsmanship contemplations
九鬼薙刀秘勝遍
Kuki Naginata Hishō Hen		1Secret naginata techniques
九鬼柔体術活法遍
Kuki Jūtai Jutsu Katsuhō Hen		3Flexible body arts and revival methods

Subtotal: 3 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 19 volumes (text notes 36 total, implying additional unenumerated sections or expansions).

Broader Kuki Corpus References (From Annotations and Expansions)

The Kuki Documents include generational additions (e.g., by Kuki Takazane [九鬼隆真, 1st gen.], Yoshitaka [嘉隆, 9th], etc., and Fujiwara/熊野 collaborators like Takechimaro [武智麻呂], Morotada [師尹], etc.). Key foundational texts mentioned:

Document NameNotes
中臣神司秘法遍之二
Nakatomi Kami Tsukasa Hihō Hen no Ni		Preface credits 天児屋根命 and descendants
神史略
Shinshi Ryaku		Abbreviated divine history
神代系譜
Kamiyo Keifu		Divine-era pedigrees
天地言文
Tenchi Genbun		Words of heaven and earth
国体歴史篇
Kokutai Rekishi Hen		7-period cosmic-to-modern history
神殿秘宝篇
Shinden Hihō Hen		Shrine secrets and treasures
兵法武教篇
Heihō Bukyō Hen		Military strategy and martial teachings
中臣神道
Nakatomi Shintō		Nakatomi Shinto rites
大中臣神字
Ōnakatomi Shinji		Great Nakatomi divine script
九鬼神字
Kuki Shinji		Kuki divine characters
九鬼数学
Kuki Sūgaku		Kuki mathematics/esoterics
鬼門祝詞
Kimon Norito		Ghost-gate incantations
九鬼神流軍学・兵法
Kuki Shinryū Gun-gaku / Heihō		Kuki Shinryū military science & strategy
武教・武術
Bukyō / Bujutsu		Martial teachings and arts
九鬼華道・茶道
Kuki Kadō / Sadō		Kuki flower arrangement & tea ceremony
宝鏡秘伝
Hōkyō Hiden		Treasure-mirror secrets
九鬼神医法
Kuki Shin’i Hō		Kuki divine medicine
鍼灸法・薬草
Shinkyū Hō / Yakusō		Acupuncture/moxibustion & medicinal herbs
勾玉の伝承
Magatama no Denshō		Magatama lore
熊野修験道
Kumano Shugendō		Kumano ascetic practices
渡来秘法
Tōrai Hihō		Immigrant secret rites
金剛秘法
Kongō Hihō		Vajra esoteric teachings

Additional Thematic Sections (Secret Transmissions in Kuki Lore)

These are embedded across volumes, often as addenda:

  • 中臣神道 (Nakatomi Shintō): Nakatomi Shinto rites.
  • 大中臣神字 (Ōnakatomi Shinji): Great Nakatomi divine script.
  • 九鬼神字 (Kuki Shinji): Kuki divine characters.
  • 九鬼数学 (Kuki Sūgaku): Kuki mathematics/esoterics.
  • 鬼門祝詞 (Kimon Norito): Ghost gate incantations.
  • 九鬼神流軍学・兵法 (Kuki Shinryū Gun’gaku · Hōhō): Kuki divine flow military science and strategy.
  • 武教・武術 (Bukyō · Bujutsu): Martial teachings and arts.
  • 九鬼華道・茶道 (Kuki Kadō · Sadō): Kuki flower and tea paths.
  • 宝鏡秘伝 (Hōkyō Hiden): Treasure mirror secrets (cross-referenced).
  • 九鬼神医法 (Kuki Shin’i Hō): Kuki divine medicine.
  • 鍼灸法・薬草 (Shin Kyū Hō · Kusuri Gusa): Acupuncture/moxibustion and herbs.
  • 熊野修験道 (Kumano Shugendō): Kumano ascetic paths.
  • 渡来秘法 (Toraibi Hihō): Immigrant secret rites.
  • 金剛秘法 (Kongō Hihō): Vajra (diamond) esoterics.

This index captures all explicitly named elements from the text, formatted as a hierarchical table of contents. The 7-period historical framework (第一期: 造化準備時代 / Daiichi-ki: Zōka Junbi Jidai, etc.) spans the corpus but isn’t volume-specific. For deeper study, referenced books like Kiyohiko Wagō’s 九鬼神伝全書 (Kuki Shinden Zensho) compile further details.

The post 九鬼文書 KUKI MONJO (Kuki Documents) appeared first on 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu.…

History of Ninjutsu: Saika Ninja

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by Toryu

History of Ninjutsu: Saika Ninja

雜賀忍者 Saika Ninja (Page 136-139) from the book Bessho Rekishi Dokuhon Vol. 72 – Shinobi no Mono 132-nin Data File. Written by 鈴木眞哉 Suzuki Shinya (Historical Writer).

The Mysterious Kii Group Skilled in Fire Techniques and Seamanship

▽ Were There Ninjas Among the Saika?

One of the schools of ninjutsu is the 雜賀流 Saika-ryū School, said to have been transmitted in 紀州 Kii Province. The name suggests a clear connection to the 雜賀 Saika region. Besides this, Kii Province also had other ninjutsu schools such as the 紀州流 Kii-ryū School and the 根来流 Negoro-ryū School.

織田信長 Nobunaga Oda (illustrated by Motohide Kano, owned by Chokoji Temple , important cultural property)

The Kii School, also called the 新楠流 Shinan-ryū School, is said to have been transmitted when 伊賀忍者 Iga ninjas, defeated in 織田信長 Oda Nobunaga’s attack on Iga in 1581 (天正九年 Tenshō 9), fled to 根来 Negoro. Some of these ninjas apparently escaped to Saika as well, so if this account is accepted at face value, all three schools would be part of the 伊賀流 Iga-ryū School lineage.

However, the credibility of this tradition is questionable, and it’s hard to believe that Saika (or Negoro) had no ninja-like techniques until taught by Iga. The need to approach enemies covertly or hide from them must have existed since ancient times.

It’s uncertain what the Saika School’s ninjutsu was like or whether it originated with the Saika people themselves. Nevertheless, techniques akin to ninjutsu must have existed in the Saika region for a long time.

顕如 Kennyo was a Jodo Shinshu monk from the Sengoku period to the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

Viewing ninjutsu from this perspective, it’s certain that ninja-like figures existed among the 雜賀衆 Saika-shū crowd. However, since such individuals inherently valued anonymity, it’s impossible to identify who among the Saika was a ninja or what position they held within the group.

Some claim the Saika crowd itself was a ninja collective, but that’s clearly not the case. In the 戦国時代 Sengoku period, Saika, in a narrow sense, referred to the lower reaches of the 紀ノ川 Kino River, and in a broader sense, included parts of present-day 和歌山市 Wakayama City and 海南市 Kainan City. The local landowning warriors there formed the Saika group.

That said, since Iga and Koga groups, also considered ninja collectives, were similarly gatherings of landowners, there might not have been a significant difference in that regard.

那智滝 Nachinotaki Falls in Wakagawa.

Iga and Koga are often imagined as groups wielding mysterious, superhuman techniques, but this seems largely a fabricated image created at desks in times of peace.

Looking at their actual actions, it’s evident they excelled in surprise attacks and guerrilla warfare, yet there are numerous instances where they were discovered by ordinary samurai and failed to infiltrate.

Nevertheless, while Iga and Koga landowners were known for ninja techniques, the Saika group’s strength lay in 鉄砲 teppō (firearms) and 水軍 suigun (naval forces). They used this power to challenge successive 天下人 tenka-bito (rulers). They fought Nobunaga for ten years and 豊臣秀吉 Toyotomi Hideyoshi for three, leading to their destruction, though some remnants plotted uprisings against 徳川家康 Tokugawa Ieyasu.

鳥羽城 Toba Castle built by Yoshitaka Kuki in 1594.

Evidence of the Saika group’s ninja-like traits can be confirmed from various angles. First, their occupational composition was highly complex. Given the era, agriculture was a given, but since that alone couldn’t sustain the economy, they engaged in 交易業 bōeki-gyō (trade), 海運業 kaun-gyō (shipping), 漁業 gyogyō (fishing), 製造業 seizō-gyō (manufacturing), and even mercenary work. This wasn’t always divided by specialization; individuals often took on multiple roles.

With such a lifestyle, it’s certain they mastered various skills and techniques, including 火術 kajutsu (fire techniques) and 操船術 sōsenjutsu (seamanship), which undoubtedly aided their ninja-like methods.

九鬼嘉隆 Yoshitaka Kuki (1542-1600) was the 11th head of the Kuki clan.

Their ninja-like nature becomes even clearer when examining their combat style. For instance, in 1577 (天正五年 Tenshō 5), when facing Nobunaga’s large army, the Saika group first advanced to 貝塚 Kaizuka in 泉州 Izumi Province (Osaka Prefecture) to set up camp. When Nobunaga’s forces approached, they retreated overnight, leaving the enemy empty-handed. This seems to have been a plan to lure Nobunaga’s army toward Kii Province, allowing allied 毛利勢 Mori-zei (Mori forces) to attack from behind.

Though the Mori forces’ arrival was delayed, the Saika group devised an ingenious defense for their base. They temporarily drained the Wakagawa River, buried numerous 壷や桶 tsubo ya oke (pots and barrels) in the riverbed, and then let the water flow back. Unaware, Nobunaga’s troops stepped into the river, got caught in the pots and barrels, fell into chaos, and were shot down one by one.

During this battle, Nobunaga was meticulous about maintaining communication between his main camp and frontline units, allocating many troops to secure Kino River crossing points. This indicates the Saika group’s guerrilla tactics frequently threatened Nobunaga’s 補給路 hokyū-ro (supply lines). Nobunaga’s forces, in response, burned houses and killed men and women indiscriminately across the region, likely out of frustration with the Saika group’s active guerrilla activities.

It’s well known that the Saika crowd possessed large quantities of firearms and excelled in their collective use. Individually, many were skilled marksmen, and a key trait of a marksman in that era was the ability to fire at close range whenever possible. A Saika figure, 佐武伊賀守 Satō Iga-no-kami, was notably skilled with a gun, and his personal records show he typically fired within ten 間 ken (about 18 meters).

To lure enemies or approach them, hiding was necessary, often using 硝煙 shōen (smoke), 地物 jimotsu (terrain), or disguises. These aspects undoubtedly reflected the Saika group’s ninja-like qualities.

In 江戸時代の小説 Edo-jidai no shōsetsu (Edo-period novels), a military advisor named 鈴木飛騨守 Suzuki Hida-no-kami is often depicted infiltrating enemy ranks to snipe Nobunaga. Though Hida-no-kami is fictional, he’s believed to be modeled on real figures like 鈴木源左衛門 Suzuki Genzaburō or Saika leader 鈴木孫一 Suzuki Sonichi. It’s plausible they engaged in similar actions.

Indeed, in the Battle of 石山城下 Ishiyama-jōka (Ishiyama Castle Town) in May 1576 (天正四年 Tenshō 4), Nobunaga was shot in the foot. This might have been the work of a Saika member who infiltrated his ranks.

Note: Actually Ryushin Yakushimaru, the founder of Kukishin-ryū, was born to Dōyu Shirōhōgan at Kumano-Hongu in Wakayama prefecture on January 1, 1318. So from this point on there was a family line with cunning and strategies that might have been involved here that explains what the author didn’t understand.

雜賀忍者 Saika Ninja (Page 136-139) from the book Bessho Rekishi Dokuhon Vol. 72 – Shinobi no Mono 132-nin Data File. Written by 鈴木眞哉 Suzuki Shinya (Historical Writer).

I could not find much information about this book, who wrote it or the publisher. It looks like it was published as a history book/magazine published monthly.

Being the 72’nd book I guess it has been around for many years, the web site jinbutsu.co.jp is dead so I don’t know much about the publisher.

別冊歴史読本❼❷ Bessho Rekishi Dokuhon 72 忍びの者132人データファイル Shinobi no Mono 132-nin Data File

Published May 2001
228 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4404027729
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4404027726

The post History of Ninjutsu: Saika Ninja appeared first on 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu.…

BATON FIGHTING techniques with MATS HJELM

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BATON FIGHTING Techniques with Mats Hjelm. In April 2024, Mats Hjelm conducted an enlightening seminar on Jutte techniques in Helsinki, Finland, organized by Bujinkan Sakura Dojo. In this video, Mats Hjelm explores the art of Jutte-jutsu through the lens of Gyokkō-ryū Sanshin no Kata and Kukishin-ryū Jutte techniques. He demonstrates fundamental “Kōda” techniques, designed for countering both unarmed and armed opponents, alongside Kata specifically tailored for sword attacks. Additionally, Mats adapts ten techniques from Kodachijutsu for use with the Jutte. Highlights Include:
  • 5 Jutte techniques from Gyokkō-ryū (Sanshin no Kata)
  • 5 “Kōda” techniques for countering both unarmed and armed opponents
  • 7 Jutte techniques from Kukishin-ryū within the Bujinkan system
  • 10 Kodachi techniques from Kukishin-ryū within the Bujinkan system

Download BATON FIGHTING techniques with MATS HJELM

Experience the essence of Jutte-jutsu and its applications within the Bujinkan system, as demonstrated and explained by Mats Hjelm.

十手術 JUTTEJUTSU

Techniques shown on this video JUTTE SANSHIN NO KATA 5 techniques shown and explained JUTTE KIHON UGOKI Basic movement shown and explained JUTTE KIHON YŌHŌ (“KŌDA”) 5 basic techniques shown and explained JUTTE KATA 7 basic techniques shown and explained JUTTE (KODACHI KATA) 10 basic techniques shown and explained
78 Minutes, HD1920x1080, MP4, QuickTime Text, AAC, H.265. Download size 1.85Gb
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This video is from a Seminar in 2024. Recorded in Helsinki, Finland in April 6-7’th 2024. The seminar was organised by Bujinkan Sakura Dojo.

About the instructor

Mats Hjelm started training in Bujinkan for the first time around 1983. It wasn’t until 1986 when he had the opportunity to start training more seriously under a Shidōshi. He has taught at numerous seminars all around the world, gone to Japan 3-5 times every year. After he started training he never had a training break. He takes his budo training very seriously! If you want to sponsor a seminar or course, please don’t hesitate to contact him. For more information see his web site toryu.se or come and train with him at Kaigozan Dojo.…

SHORT SWORD FIGHTING TECHNIQUES

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SHORT SWORD FIGHTING techniques with MATS HJELM. During March and April of 2022, we at Kaigozan Dojo studied the “short sword techniques” within our Bujinkan Dojo system transmitted from Masaaki Hatsumi Sōke to Mats Hjelm. 小太刀術 Kodachi-jutsu (Short Sword Techniques). There is three fundamental sword techniques from the Kukishin-ryū, school in the Bujinkan Dojo. Then we also have the Sanshin no Kata from Gyokko-ryu which all the weapons is connected to.
The Kodachi has been neglected by most Budō-ka and masters since it was a weapon carried by the higher ranked officials. Masaaki Hatsumi

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On this video Mats show all 5 Sword techniques from the Gyokko-ryu and the 3 techniques from the Kukishin-ryu in the Bujinkan system. We studied the basic forms with variations. We also studied Muto-dori and Tanto (knife fighting).

小太刀術 KODACHI-JUTSU

SHORT SWORD FIGHTING techniques with MATS HJELM. Each technique is demonstrated and explained from different camera angles. The instructions are in Swedish. Gyokko-ryu
  1. 地 CHI
  2. 水 SUI
  3. 火 KA
  4. 風 FU
  5. 空 KU
Kukishin-ryu
  1. 飛鳥の剣 HICHŌ NO KEN
  2. 獅子撃 SHISHI GEKI
  3. 十字剣 JUJI-KEN
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This video is from a Seminar in 2022. Recorded in Sundbyberg, Stockholm in April 9’th 2022. The seminar was organised by Bujinkan Kaigozan Dojo.

About the instructor

Mats Hjelm started training in Bujinkan for the first time around 1983. It wasn’t until 1986 when he had the opportunity to start training more seriously under a Shidōshi. He has taught at numerous seminars all around the world, gone to Japan 3-5 times every year. After he started training he never had a training break. He takes his budo training very seriously! If you want to sponsor a seminar or course, please don’t hesitate to contact him. For more information see his web site kesshi.com or come and train with him at Kaigozan Dojo.…

SPEAR FIGHTING The essentials with MATS HJELM

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SPEAR FIGHTING The essentials with MATS HJELM. These spear techniques of Kukishin-ryu is a follow up on the old Sojutsu Kaisetsu Kata with Mats Hjelm released 16 years ago. This video covers Gokui Kata, the second level of traditional spear fighting techniques of Kukishin-ryu.

When one speaks of Gokui (essence), people get this sense of something mysterious, something really deep being there. And novelists also describe it this way. Gokui means something which that person can do well, his forte – that becomes the Gokui-gata. Warriors don’t ponder so deeply. “I’m good at this” – that what they go on. Just like in cooking: if it’s good, that’s fine. Like the expression “to cook the opponent” – Gokui is similar to that.

Masaaki Hatsumi on the Quest video SPD7006

Download SPEAR FIGHTING The essentials with MATS HJELM

On this video Mats show all 9 Yari techniques from the Gokui Kata of the nearly 700 year old school Kukishin-ryū in the Bujinkan system. These are the nine techniques.

極意型 GOKUI KATA

  1. 一文字 ICHIMONJI
  2. 菊水 KIKUSUI
  3. 巻蔦 KANCHŌ
  4. 鬼刺 KISASU
  5. 飛龍 HIRYŪ
  6. 突伏 TSUKI-BUSE
  7. 蔭蝶 KAGE-CHŌ
  8. 三ツ玉 SATSUGYAKU
  9. 七枚葉 KYOBA

Each technique is demonstrated and explained from different camera angles. The instructions are in English.

SPEAR FIGHTING The essentials with MATS HJELM
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This video is from Kaigousuru 2020; this was the first Taikai after the last and the best Taikai in 2007. Recorded in Sundbyberg, Stockholm in September 26-27’th 2020. The seminar was organised by Bujinkan Kaigozan Dojo.

About the instructor

Mats Hjelm started training in Bujinkan for the first time around 1983. It wasn’t until 1986 when he had the opportunity to start training more seriously under a Shidōshi. He has taught at numerous seminars all around the world, gone to Japan 3-5 times every year. After he started training he never had a training break. He takes his budo training very seriously! If you want to sponsor a seminar or course, please don’t hesitate to contact him. For more information see his web site kesshi.com or come and train with him at Kaigozan Dojo.…

STICK FIGHTING, traditional self defence techniques with MATS HJELM

From Budoshop.se by BUDOSHOP.SE

Stick Fighting, traditional self defence techniques is a follow up on the old Stick Fighting, Techniques for Self Defence video released 9 years ago. This video cover the traditional aspect of Stick Fighting.

On this video Mats show all 16 Hanbō techniques from the nearly 700 year old school Kukishin-ryū in the Bujinkan system. In the first level there is nine techniques against someone armed with a short sword or knife. The second and third levels is against someone armed with a sword. The instructions are in English.

This video was recorded at a seminar done by Mats Hjelm in Tallinn, Estonia in February 25-26’th 2020. The seminar was organised by Bujinkan Estonia.

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The standard 48 minute video shows all 16 basic techniques.

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The extended 100 minute video with additional variations and explanations.

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九鬼神流半棒術
KUKISHIN-RYÛ HANBŌJUTSU

Here is an outline of all the stick fighting techniques in this school which was taught at this seminar.

三心之構 SANSHIN NO KAMAE

1. 無念無想之構 MUNENMUSO NO KAMAE
2. 型破之構 KATAYABURI NO KAMAE
3. 音無之構 ŌTONASHI NO KAMAE

初傅 SHODEN

1. 片手折 KATATE UCHI
2. 突落 TSUKI OTOSHI
3. 打技 UCHI WAZA
4. 流捕 NAGARE DORI
5. 霞掛 KASUMI GAKE
6. 行違 IKI CHIGAE
7. 顔砕 KAO KUDAKI
8. 当返 ATE GAESHI
9. 逆落 SAKA OTOSHI

中傅 CHŪDEN

1. 小手返 KOTE GAESHI
2. 逆落 SAKA OTOSHI
3. 払技 HARAI WAZA
4. 外技 SOTO WAZA

奧傅 ŌKUDEN

1. 飛落 HANE OTOSHI
2. 股掛 MATA GAKE
3. 小手払 KOTE HARAI

Stick Fighting video cover
DOWNLOAD STANDARD VIDEO $14.99

The standard 48 minute video shows all 16 basic techniques.

HD1280x720 903,3Mb

DOWNLOAD EXTENDED VIDEO $19.99

The extended 100 minute video with additional variations and explanations.

HD1280x720 1,85Gb

Bonus stick fighting video

At the last hour on the last day we finished off the training where the participants showed a Taijutsu technique of their choice, and Mats showed how the technique could be done with the Hanbo (stick fighting). This footage is not included in any of the download videos, it is only available at our Bitchute channel (download it for free from there). Create an account on Bitchute and subscribe to our channel.

About the instructor

Mats Hjelm started training in Bujinkan for the first time around 1983, but it wasn’t until 1986 he had the opportunity to start training more seriously under a Shidōshi. He has taught at numerous seminars all around the world, gone to Japan 3-5 times every year. Since he started training he never had a training break. He takes his budo training very seriously! If you want to sponsor a seminar or course, please don’t hesitate to contact him. For more information see his web site kesshi.com or come and train with him at Kaigozan Dojo.…

Togakure Ryu and Kukishin Ryu deeper

From Blog – Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo 武神館國際連光明道場 by Toryu

Is the link between the Togakure Ryu and Kukishin Ryu deeper than we thought???

In the middle ages, there was a very serious samurai practice to take written vows when undertaking the study of a military science, especially when the pupil is from outside of the family.

In the case of the Kukishin Ryu, the Kuki family to this day still preserves a document from 1532 CE that has been continuously added to until modern times. The document is the 2nd scroll in a set of two titled “Seiyakusho” (誓約書). It is a written oath that pupils sign upon formally entering the school or “Ryu”. It is a promise to uphold the true meaning and spirit of the martial arts (military arts) and that one promises to cultivate a great sense of justice. The signature is traditionally accompanied by a thumbprint in blood, vowing they will never reveal what they have been taught to others without the master’s permission.

In the book Kukishinden Zensho by Ago Kiyotaka in 1983 he writes that he could hold in his own hands and examine this original 1532 CE document carefully. He notes that the more recent portion of the document leading up to the modern times was re-written by Kuki Takaharu in 1904.

This list is a veritable all-star list of Japanese military commanders and master swordsmen. Including Yamamoto Kansuke (Red Star on pic), known to have studied Togakure Ryu ninjutsu from Fujibayashi Nagato no Kami. The list also includes Sanada Masayuki (Green Star), the father of Sanada Yukimura. Both men are recorded as hiring local shugenja from the Togakure and Iizuna regions as shinobi and “Kamari” commandos in their forces.

Takamatsu Toshitsugu (Yellow star), our current Soke’s master also signed this list in 1899, vowing his allegiance to the emperor and the nation and to protect the teachings of the Kukishin Ryu. His “Kohai” or junior training partner Iwami Nangaku signed the list in 1922.

As Kuki Takahiro (隆博) died in WWII he was the last signature on the list as the Kuki family has taken vows of peace and no longer are involved in the martial arts. They now run several successful businesses and corporations all over the country and still administrate the Kumano Grand Shrine.

The original document list begins in 1532 with the vows and signatures/stamps of;

Kuki Yagoro, 1532 CE

Yamamoto Kansuke, 1534 CE

Kuki Moritaka, 1573 CE

Kuki Yoshitaka, 1574 CE (Formed the Kuki Navy from various bands of pirates from the Shima region)

1 name omitted

Sanada Masayuki, 1577 CE (Father of the famous Sanada Yukimura who used Shinobi from Togakure)

Bessho Nagaharu, 1576 CE

2 names omitted

Itō Ittōsai, 1573 CE (Famous master swordsman, 2nd to only Miyamoto Musashi, 33 matches, no losses)

Kuki Shigetaka, 1576 CE (Son of Kuki Yoshitaka)

Kuki Takasue, 1597 CE (Son of Kuki Moritaka)

Miyamoto Musashi (Black star), 1494 CE (Here we have an enigma, the date is exactly 100 years too early but it is for the famous swordsman, the Kuki family claims that it is the same Miyamoto Musashi who wrote the book of 5 Rings and fought over 60 duels with only one loss, I think the date may be a typo and should read 1594 putting Musashi at around 10 years old, the normal age of taking these vows)

Chōsokabe Motochika, 1595 (Daimyo of the Chōsokabe Clan)

Takagi Oriemon (Blue star), 1616 CE (Founder of the Takagi Yoshin Ryu)

Kuki Takayuki, 1648 CE (Daimyo of the Tanba Ayabe Domain)

1 name omitted

Kuki Takanao, 1662 CE (3rd Daimyo of the Tanba Ayabe Domain, brought Kito Ryu into the Kuki family)

Kuki Takahide, 1683 CE (Son of Kuki Takanao)

Shibukawa Bangoro, 1625 CE (Founder of Shibukawa Ryu Jujutsu)

Kimura Ittosai, 1649 CE (no information on him at this time)

Kuki Takashin, 1712 CE (Founder of the Shima branch of the Kuki family)

Kuki Taka??, 1743 CE (no information at this time)

Kuki Takanori, 1773 CE (8th Daimyo Lord of the Tanba Ayabe Domain)

3 names omitted

Ishitani Matsutaro, 1868 CE (Takamatsu Sensei’s 2nd master)

Takamatsu Toshitsugu, 1899 CE (Hatsumi Sensei’s master)

Iwami Nangaku, 1921 CE (Takamatsu Sensei’s Kohai under Ishitani Sensei)

9 names omitted

Shiozaki Katsuo, 1923 CE (Student of Iwami Nangaku)

Essay by Sean Askew
Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo
9/6/2018

Let’s know in the comments. Please, if like what we are doing, click “Like,” “Fellow”, give us “Feedback” “comments,“ and get a notification about a new post.…

Kukishin Ryu

From Blog – Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo 武神館國際連光明道場 by bkronline

Recently a few people had read my posts about the Kuki family and noticed that I mentioned that the Kuki family for many generations had separated themselves from their family’s martial art of Kukishin Ryu.

For reasons unknown at this time, the great Daimyo Lord Kuki Takanao (九鬼 隆直), broke with the Kuki family tradition and studied the Kito Ryu school of Jujutsu (起倒流柔術) with 4th generation master Takino Yugen (滝野遊軒).

The reasons may have to do with the following…
Kuki Takanao was actually born as, the 11th son of Matsudaira Nobusada and later adopted by Kuki Takatsune to be his heir. So, by blood, he was not a true Kuki family member and most likely may have brought this tradition of Kito Ryu Jujutsu into the family with him when he was adopted in 1696 at approximately 9 years old. In 1698, just two years later, Takatsune dies and Takanao takes over his adoptive father’s position as Daimyo. When he was just 11 years old he started to rule the Tanba Ayabe domain as a man.

He continued to practice the Kito Ryu until his death and passed the school on within the Kuki family as a tradition from that point on. Even though he was a great lord, he also had great humility and became one of the top masters of the school.

Looking at the picture of the Kuki family headmaster lineage, the yellow boxes are the generations of Kuki family masters that did not practice Kukishin Ryu. They practiced Kito Ryu but from what I understand the Bojutsu and Hanbojutsu of the Kuki family had been retained and you can see its influence on the Kito Ryu’s traditional Bojutsu dancing called “Bo no Te”.
(Please see the video clips)

 

The red box is Kuki Takaharu, he was the first Kuki family member to try to bring back the traditional family martial arts of the Kukishin Ryu. He recruited Takamatsu Sensei to lead the group of Shihan that was teaching. Later Takamatsu Sensei was to walk away from the organization of his own accord.

The green box is Kuki Takahiro, Takaharu’s son who died very young in WW2 at approximately 22 years old. This was the end of the Kuki family’s involvement with the martial arts. Due to the great loss of their young Takahiro in WW2, the family vowed to work towards world peace and concentrate solely on the spiritual side of their family traditions, namely the administration of the grand Kumano Shrine.

Kitō-ryū (起倒流) is a traditional school of Japanese jujutsu. Its syllabus comprises atemi-waza (striking techniques), nage-waza (throwing techniques), kansetsu-waza (joint locking techniques) and shime-waza (choking techniques). The style is focused on throws and sweeps, and many of these techniques are designed to be performed while in full armor.

Kitō Ryū is translated as “the school of the rise and fall.” It uses principles such as “kuzushi no ri” or “breaking of balance” now associated with modern judo.

Jigoro Kano trained in Kitō-ryū and derived some of the principles that were to form the basis of modern judo from this style. Judo’s Koshiki-no-kata is based on Kitō-ryū and since Kano Jigoro received the Kitō-ryū densho from his Sensei, Judo is considered the current Kitō-ryū official successor.

I have also included the text of the Omote Gata of the Kito Ryu as it was passed on within the Kuki family.

Enjoy!

Sean Askew
Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo
9/5/2018

Let’s know in the comments. Please, if like what we are doing, click “Like,” “Fellow”, give us “Feedback” “comments,“ and get a notification about a new post.

…

KUKISHIN-RYU BO-JUTSU (SHODEN-CHUDEN-OKUDEN) with MATS HJELM

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  $24.99

Kukishin-ryu Jo-jutsu

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All 29 Kukishin-ryu Bo-jutsu techniques in HD quality, total playing time is 40 minutes. 2.14 Gb (H.264, AAC, 1280x720p)

This was filmed at the Bujinkan Kaigozan Dojo during the summer of 2016 and 2017. The theme was Kukishin-ryu Bo-jutsu.

There is no verbal instructions on this film. Each technique is demonstrated several times from all angles. For more information about this ryu-ha click here! Please notice there is several sub-pages to this page with more information.

六尺棒術 ROKUSHAKU BŌ JUTSU

The bōjutsu of Kukishin Ryū is best described as a method used to defeat/trick wielders of other weapons. It has special striking techniques that allow the Bō to feign quickly and re-direct its aim; a special method of “twirling” (Bofurigata) designed to confuse opponents and keep them at bay; and thrusting techniques that correlate with throwing the staff as a projectile (nagebō). Aspects of the Bōjutsu are gleaned from two other weapons within the school: naginata and the spear (from Wikipedia).

There is five levels in Kukishin-ryu Rokushaku Bōjutsu.
1. Bōjutsu Kihon Kata
2. Bōjutsu Keiko Sabaki Kata
3. Bōjutsu Shoden Kata
4. Bōjutsu Chūden Kata
5. Bōjutsu Ōkuden Kata

We already made a video of the first two levels a long time ago (see here).

Covered in this video is

初傳型 SHODEN KATA

1. 中段杆打 CHŪDAN KANGI
2. 下段杆打 GEDAN KANGI
3. 詒変杆打 IHEN KANGI
4. 上段護技 JŌDAN GŌGI
5. 一文字護技 ICHIMONJI GŌGI
6. 平一文字護技 HIRAICHIMONJI GŌGI
7. 一文字掃く技 ICHIMONJI HAKUGI
8. 青眼掃く技 SEIGAN HAKUGI
9. 天地人こう技 TENCHIJIN HAKUGI

中傳型 CHŪDEN KATA

1. 上段挨技 JŌDAN AIGI
2. 下段挨技 GEDAN AIGI
3. 平一文字挨技 HIRAICHIMONJI AIGI
4. 中段じゅ技 CHŪDAN JŪGI
5. 一文字じゅ技 ICHIMONJI JŪGI
6. 詥変ちゅう技 IHEN JŪGI
7. 青眼摧技 SEIGAN SAIGI
8. 天地人摧技 TENCHIJIN SAIGI
9. 一文字摧技 ICHIMONJI SAIGI

奥傳 OKUDEN KATA

1. 上段搶技 JŌDAN SŌGI
2. 下段搶技 GEDAN SŌGI
3. 平一文字搶技 HIRAICHIMONJI SŌGI
4. 中段格技 CHŪDAN KAKUGI
5. 一文字格技 ICHIMONJI KAKUGI
6. 詥変格技 IHEN KAKUGI
7. 青眼拒技 SEIGAN YAKUGI
8. 天地人拒技 TENCHIJIN YAKUGI
9. 撆倒拒技 HEITO YAKUGI

Title: Kukishin-ryu Bo-jutsu Shoden, Chuden, Okuden kata with Mats Hjelm
Instructors: Mats Hjelm
Theme: Kukishin-ryu Rokushaku Bo-jutsu
Recorded: Recorded in Kaigozan Dojo, Stockholm Summer 2016 & 2017

Kind: Apple MPEG-4 movie
Size: 1 075 472 723 bytes (1,08 GB on disk)
Dimensions: 1280×720
Codecs: H.264, AAC, Photo – JPEG, QuickTime Text
Duration: 40 min…