Kihon Happo: The Eight Fundamental Techniques of Bujinkan

Kihon Happo (基本八法型) is the name for the set of eight fundamental techniques that form the cornerstone of training in the Bujinkan school of Ninjutsu. These techniques are derived primarily from the Gyoko Ryu tradition and are divided into two categories: Koshi Kihon (body/physical basics) and Torite Kihon (grabbing/joint manipulation basics).

The Kihon Happo is considered so essential to Bujinkan training that it is said a practitioner could spend decades studying only these techniques along with the Gohio/Sanshin no kata and still develop a profound understanding of the art's fundamentals. These eight techniques contain many hidden principles, variations (henka), and subtleties that reveal themselves through dedicated practice over time.

The first three techniques (Ichimonji, Jumonji, and Hicho) form the Koshi Kihon portion, focusing on body positioning, strikes, and kicks. The remaining five techniques comprise the Torite Kihon portion, focusing on joint locks and throws.

The Eight Fundamental Techniques

1. Ichimonji no kamae (Sui no kata) from Category:Techniques - Gyokko Ryu: This is also called Sui no kata - Against a tsuki (punch), perform a jodan yuke (high block) and a Shuto ken (sword hand strike) to the neck.
2. Jumonji no kamae from Category:Techniques - Gyokko Ryu: Against a Tsuki (punch), block with Jodan yuke (high block) and execute a Boshi ken (thumb knuckle strike) to the Butsumetsu Kyusho (vital point).
3. Hicho no kamae from Category:Techniques - Gyokko Ryu: Against right punch to the stomach, assume Hicho no kata (flying bird stance) with left foot raised, perform Gedan yuke (low block). Follow with a left kick to Uke's armpit or ribs and Shuto ken (sword hand strike) to the collar bone.
4. Omote gyaku from Category:Techniques - Takagi Yoshin Ryu - An outer wrist joint lock that rotates the wrist outward, creating pain and control by manipulating the radius and ulna bones.
5. Ura gyaku from Category:Techniques - Takagi Yoshin Ryu - An inner wrist joint lock that rotates the wrist inward, applying pressure to the carpal bones and tendons of the inner wrist.
6. Hon gyaku from Category:Techniques - Takagi Yoshin Ryu - A twisting wrist joint lock that applies torsional pressure to the wrist joint, often used to control and take down an opponent.
7. Gosha dori from Category:Techniques - Takagi Yoshin Ryu - An elbow and shoulder joint lock that controls the opponent by manipulating the shoulder joint and applying pressure to the elbow.
8. Ganseki nage from Category:Techniques - Fudo Ryu - A technique involving an elbow lock combined with a powerful throw, often described as resembling a "rock throw" (the literal translation of Ganseki nage).

Historical and Technical Significance

The Kihon Happo represents more than just a collection of techniques; it embodies the core principles and movement patterns found throughout the entire Bujinkan system. These techniques are considered the "DNA" of the art, containing elements that can be found across all nine schools (ryū) that comprise the Bujinkan.

Mastering the Kihon Happo requires understanding both the physical execution and the underlying concepts of proper distance, timing, body positioning, and energy flow. Through consistent practice of these eight techniques, practitioners develop the fundamental skills necessary for more advanced training.

Hatsumi Soke, the grandmaster of the Bujinkan system, has emphasized the importance of the Kihon Happo by stating that these techniques contain all the essential elements needed to understand the art. Many senior practitioners recommend returning to these basics regularly, even after decades of training, to refine and deepen one's understanding.

Video list of the Kihon Happo

Training Approach for Kihon Happo

Traditional training of the Kihon Happo follows a methodical process that begins with learning the basic forms before exploring variations and applications. Practitioners are encouraged to:

• First master the physical mechanics of each technique
• Understand the principles of leverage, body positioning, and timing that make each technique effective
• Explore the connections between techniques and how they flow from one to another
• Develop sensitivity to the opponent's balance, structure, and energy
• Practice variations (henka) that adapt the basic techniques to different scenarios and attacks

The Kihon Happo should be practiced regularly throughout a practitioner's journey in the Bujinkan, as even the most advanced techniques can be traced back to these fundamental movements and principles.

Video of a modified Kihon happo in AKBAN