The Jutte: The Ten Hands of Edo-Era Warriors

PUBLISHED 18 JUNE 2025

Mastering the Iron Truncheon

A symbol of authority and a tool of restraint, the jutte—or jitte, literally translated as “ten hands”—is an iron truncheon rich in historical and martial significance. In Kukishinden Ryū, a classical Japanese martial tradition preserved within the Bujinkan, the jutte is both an emblem of control and a deceptively simple weapon of profound tactical versatility.

A Tool of Law and Order

During the Edo period (1603–1868), when carrying swords into the shōgun’s palace was punishable by death—even for palace guards—non-bladed weapons like the jutte became essential. More than just a replacement for a badge, the jutte became the signature of samurai police officers, symbolizing authority and presence. Its very shape was suited to restraint rather than lethality, yet in the right hands, it could dominate a blade-wielding opponent.

Constructed from iron and typically 15 to 18 inches in length, the jutte features a boshin (shaft), a single side hook known as the kagi, and a tsuka (hilt), often wrapped in tsukamaki with ray skin, leather, or cord. The kagi allowed the wielder to trap, disarm, or break blades, while the shaft was ideal for striking or jabbing. In trained hands, every inch of the weapon is useful.

The Jutte in Kukishinden Ryū

Kukishinden Ryū is a comprehensive martial tradition that spans unarmed combat, sword, spear, and naginata. Within its vast syllabus lies a focused and practical approach to the jutte. The weapon is used not only as a tool for disarming but also as a powerful force multiplier in close-quarters engagements.

Grips and Guard Positions

In Kukishinden Ryū, the jutte is typically held in either a standard (regular) grip or a reverse grip, depending on the tactic and application. Postures are taught in a static form at first—such as pointing the jutte at the opponent's eyes or holding it above the head—but these are fluid positions, transient moments within flowing kata. Think of these kamae like freeze-frames: instructional, but never rigid in real combat.

Five Core Kata of Kukishinden Juttejutsu

The curriculum comprises five main kata, each designed to develop a specific set of principles and responses:

1. Kiri no Hito Ha

2. Rakka

3. Gorin Kudaki

4. Mizu Dori

5. Mawari Dori
   
   

Strategy and Spirit

A central tenet of Kukishinden juttejutsu is the idea of moving decisively and with intent. Rather than stepping back or hesitating, the practitioner learns to cut through fear and move in—closing distance and taking control. The weapon itself rewards composure, awareness, and precision. Each kata teaches not just physical movement, but psychological positioning—reading the opponent, seizing initiative, and asserting presence.

Conclusion

Though it appears simple, the jutte embodies the complex philosophy of restraint, control, and calculated force. In the hands of a Kukishinden Ryū practitioner, it becomes more than a baton; it is a silent statement of mastery over chaos, and a relic of samurai-era justice brought into modern martial training.