MEIFU SHINKAGE RYU CANADA

A BIG HELLO FROM MEIFU SHINKAGE RYU CANADA

Thanks for your interest in Meifu Shinkage Ryu: a modern school of Japanese
martial art that specialises in hidden handheld tools used by the ancient Samurai
Warriors. For Centuries, these traditions were a mystery to the western world.
Thanks to Otsuka Yasuyuki (headmaster of Meifu Shinkage Ryu in Japan), we
can now study these skills in Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada schools in
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

If you are interested in learning a unique Japanese martial art and want to be
part of a select group of highly motivated Budoka (martial artists), reach out to
one of the Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada schools across Canada to start your
training!

Happy Training!

Dr. Chris de Feijter

Branch Chief
Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada

Come take a look of some of the photos and videos from training events as well as
seminars in Canada and in other places around the world! All of this and much more
can be found on the Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada Website.
 TRAINING TOOL #1
BO SHURIKEN

THE MARTIAL ART BOOM

The 1980ies was the boom for all kinds of Asian martial arts to hit the markets
in North America. And with that, the ninja warrior became the star in many
movies. Although these movies popularized martial arts widely, they also caused
all kinds of martial arts weapons to get a really bad name. One of these was the
ninja star, also known as Hira Shuriken.

In Meifu Shinkage Ryu, members learn how to use a

different type of Shuriken: the Bo Shuriken. The official
Meifu Shinkage Ryu Shuriken has the shape of a spike
or a nail, and that is exactly what its origin is. Simple
carpenter nails and small knives were often used as
tools of distraction by the ancient samurai besides their
other weapons such as the samurai sword and spear. Meifu Shinkage Ryu Bo Shuriken

Members learn how to thrust Bo Shuriken from different distances, using a

variety of different thrusting methods. More advanced members also learn
application skills such as using multiple Bo Shuriken simultaneously or in
sequence. Bo Shurikenjutsu is a great martial art that can be enjoyed in groups
as well as individually. It can be quite competitive, especially when members
play the Meifu Shinkage Ryu Bo Shuriken game to earn points.

Take a look of some of the photos and videos from training events as well as seminars
in Canada and in other places around the world! All of this and much more can be found
on the Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada Website.
 TRAINING TOOL #2
FUNDO KUSARI

THE CHAIN WITH WEIGHT

Besides the Ninja Star, another weapon also became famous: the Fundo Kusari
(weighted chain). The origin of the Fundo Kusari is quite interesting. It was
designed as a weapon to prevent blood shedding at the gates of the imperial
and regional palaces in Japan in ancient times, by using the chain to disengage
an assailant.

The Fundo Kusari became the weapon of choice for gangs, resulting in the metal
Fundo Kusari becoming prohibited in Canada. Taking safe training as priority,
members of Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada practice with two specially designed
Fundo Kusari.

Soft Fundo Kusari: Made from a plastic chain

and a foam weight, this Fundo Kusari can be
used safely for partner exercises.

Rubber Fundo Kusari: Made from a plastic chain

and a rubber weight, this Fundo Kusari is
excellent for kata (form) training. Rubber Fundo Kusari

Both of these training tools have been approved by the current headmaster of
Meifu Shinkage Ryu in Japan.

There are some fantastic videos on YouTube, in which Soke Otsuka demonstrated
his skill with the metal Fundo Kusari.
 BELTS AND EXAMINATIONS
HOW STUDENTS PROGRESS

WHAT MEMBERS LEARN

Most modern Japanese Martial Arts use coloured belts to indicate the rank of a
member. However, in Meifu Shinkage Ryu, rank is merely shown by the skill level
of each practitioner. All members progress through 5 student levels (kyu),
following a set curriculum of techniques up to shodan (first level black belt).

Meifu Shinkage Ryu also includes 4 dan levels. It takes at least 10 years to reach
the highest dan level in Meifu Shinkage Ryu.

Examinations are done by the instructor at each Meifu Shinkage Ryu study group
or dojo. These examinations require a minimum time of training as well as
adequate progress and effort of each member. After each successful
examination, members receive an official certificate of rank from the Meifu
Shinkage Ryu Soke (headmaster) in Japan, Otsuka Yasuyuki.

Besides Bo Shuriken and Fundo Kusari, members can also learn how to use
other handheld tools. Many of these tools are part of the Meifu Shinkage Ryu
curriculum for more advanced members.

It is important to know that all members progress at their own level of development.
Although all members learn similar skills, each member works within their own comfort
zone.
 MEIFU SHINKAGE RYU SCHOOLS
IN CANADA

YOUR MEIFU SHINKAGE RYU JOURNEY IN CANADA

Several Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada affiliated schools exist across Canada. The most
recent list of schools is available on the Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada website.

Canada Branch Dojo: The Canada Branch dojo is in Saskatchewan. The head instructor
is Dr. Chris de Feijter. The Saskatchewan Dojo was established in January 2015. Dr.
Chris is also the Branch Chief for Meifu Shinkage Ryu Canada.

Warren, Manitoba: The MSR Manitoba Prairies Keikokai was established in February
2017. The head instructor is Mr. Dale Bullied.

Toronto, Ontario: The MSR Toronto Keikokai was established in January 2017. The
head instructor is Mr. Nigel Providence.

Other groups may exist in Canada that are not affiliated with the Meifu Shinkage Ryu
Canada Branch. Please contact us before signing up for a study group or dojo other
than the ones listed above to ensure you receive instruction from an authorized
instructor.

To start learning Meifu Shinkage Ryu in Canada, visit the

official website: MeifuShinkageRyu.ca

If you want to read more about Shurikenjutsu in Japan, visit the official Meifu Shinkage
Ryu website in Japan, MeifuShinkageRyu.jp.