Kukishinden Ryū Hanbō

PUBLISHED 23 DEC 2025

Inside Ninjutsu is pleased to introduce a new instructional video exploring the basic stances (kamae) of Kukishinden Ryū Hanbōjutsu, presented by Adam Mitchell of Yasuragi Dojo, a Jinenkan-affiliated school based in Mahopac, New York.

This video marks the first lesson in Kukishin Ryū Hanbōjutsu, laying essential groundwork for anyone beginning serious study of the half-staff. Before advancing into technique, this lesson emphasizes something far more fundamental: understanding the weapon, the body, and—most importantly—intention.

The Hanbō: A Simple Weapon with Profound Depth

The hanbō (半棒, “half-staff”) is traditionally three shaku, or approximately 90 centimeters (35 inches) in length—half the size of the rokushakubō (six-foot staff). Despite its simplicity, the hanbō is a remarkably versatile weapon.

Within classical Japanese martial traditions, including Kukishin-ryū and Kukishinden-ryū, the hanbō is used for:

• Striking

• Controlling and restraining

• Off-balancing and throwing

Its practicality is one of its greatest strengths. Sticks are abundant in daily life, and understanding hanbō principles allows practitioners to adapt these teachings to improvised weapons in real-world situations.

Lineage and Teaching Context

This lesson is taught by Adam Mitchell, instructor at Yasuragi Dojo, part of the Jinenkan organization. Founded by Retired Lieutenant Colonel Fumio Manaka, the Jinenkan is an international martial arts system with schools across eight countries, dedicated to preserving authentic koryū bujutsu—the classical fighting arts of Japan’s samurai.

The Jinenkan’s primary goal is self-preservation, achieved through:

• Natural movement

• Proper distancing and timing

• Strategy over brute force

• Calm, adaptable response under pressure

These principles are clearly reflected in how the hanbō is approached in this lesson.

Why Start with Kamae?

In Kukishinden Ryū, kamae is not merely posture. As emphasized throughout the video, kamae without intent is empty. Each stance carries a specific psychological, tactical, and strategic purpose.

At first glance, some of the early exercises and postures may appear subtle or even uneventful. This is intentional. The depth of hanbōjutsu reveals itself only through patient study and thorough training. Students are encouraged not to rush ahead, but to allow understanding to develop organically over time.

The Basic Kamae of Kukishinden Ryū Hanbō

The video introduces the foundational kamae, focusing on intention (ishiki) as much as physical alignment.

Katayaburi no Kamae

“To break the opponent’s form”

The hanbō is held in both hands, palms facing down, with equal spacing from each end. The weapon is positioned slightly away from the body at shoulder width. The knees remain soft, never locked, ready to move at any moment.

The defining element of this kamae is intent. The practitioner fixes the opponent with a strong, focused feeling of breaking their structure and will before movement even begins.

Munenmuso no Kamae

“No thought, no intent — becoming one with nature”

Here, the hanbō is held softly in the right hand, with its tip resting on the ground in front of the right foot. The left hand rests naturally on the left hip.

This kamae embodies emptiness. The practitioner displays no aggression, no tension, no visible plan. The mind remains relaxed and receptive. This posture may be taken with either the right foot forward (migi mae) or left foot forward (hidari mae).

Otonashi no Kamae

“To invite recklessness”

Physically similar to Katayaburi no Kamae, the key difference is that the hanbō is positioned behind the hips. This creates an opening, encouraging the opponent to attack carelessly.

The intention here is deception—appearing unconcerned with counterattack while maintaining readiness to respond decisively.

A Foundation Worth Studying

This introductory lesson is not about speed, power, or flashy technique. It is about building a foundation—understanding how intention, posture, and natural movement intersect within Kukishinden Ryū Hanbōjutsu.

With time, repetition, and careful study, the purpose of these kamae becomes clear. For those willing to be patient, this lesson offers an authentic entry point into one of the most practical and refined weapon systems within the classical Japanese martial arts.