Lecture No.2: Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu - tactics by conversion between obverse and reverse (2nd term)
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu - tactics by conversion between obverse and reverse (summary)
Lecturer: Yoko Tada
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, tactics learned also by Tokugawa Shogunate Family in Edo era, is a "peace-seeking swordsmanship without assassination". Tokugawa Shogunate appointed its master, at that time Munenori Yagyu, not only as the coach for these tactics but also as a governmental position called 'ohmetsuke' to rule whole Japan.according the theories from these tactics.
The practical skills of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu are based on the traditional Japanese physical technique, called "Nanba" method (a special way of walking and body movement). Experts use body postures for taking an oblique stance (Hanmi) or sideways-facing stance (Hitoemi) against their opponents. Like rolling one's body from side to side, once full‐faced, and an instant later straight sideways. Such an irregular and unpredictable carriage can confuse the opponent and makes it impossible to be attacked. Moreover the experts can leave the opponents more confused by their special method of using swords (changing edge side and back side) to then make their momentary magical approach towards their opponents and defeat them without cutting their bodies, but by touching them with the part of their sword to stop their movements.
In order to avoid attacking their enemies face to face, the experts would approach them from the rear and jump right in front of them so that their unexpected appearance would take their opponents by surprise and create a disincentive for them to fight. As a result, the situation could be settled without any serious damages for everyone involved. Apart from the common sense in war times, the strong will to survive, the theories and principal of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu were unique to Japan and it is quite similar to the ninjutsu.
We can suppose that information and psychological warfare by ninja were able to stop any big wars and save thousands of people's lives. These kinds of tactics by ninja were able to put an end to the troublous times in Sengoku era and support establishing the most peaceful state in the world history for over 260 years.
