Jigen Ryu/Zigen Ryu

[sirdarksol]

Out of curiosity, has anybody heard of either Jigen Ryu or Zigen Ryu kenjutsu?
It is likely that they are the same thing, due to issues in translating sounds from Japanese to English.
Aside from sounding similar, there are similarities between what I know about Jigen Ryu, and what I've seen about Zigen Ryu. For example, Jigen Ryu is from Satsuma, as is Zigen Ryu. Both use wood, rather than tatami, as the ultimate test of cutting ability.

So, as I said, I was just wondering if anyone around here had heard of either. I've been looking into it, and have found surprisingly little on either.

[Shirindo]

I have heard of Jigen ryu from somewhere but that's it I'm afraid.

You have piqued my interest now though and I will have to see what I can find

[sirdarling]

What I have found in my search is this:
Every american site I have found show's campbell's video: JigenRyu and american sites list JigenRyu.
Then, Japanese sites list ZigenRyu and there is that other video, no mention of Jigen on a Japanese site that I saw.
Which leads me to believe that you are correct, it is a translation/pronunciation thing.

[DOCBROWN1705]

Founded by Togo Shigekura Bijen-no Kami (1563-1643). Was estimated to be used by samurais from Satsuma clan.A Jigen-ryu fencer prefers direct, swift attacks, he is ready to destroy the enemy in any moment. One of the most famous master was Saigo Takamori (1827-1877), who was a head of rebellion on Kyushu against Meiji emperor.

*You are right there is not alot of information out there (Especially in English) however there are some good sights in Japanese, and a few European sights (http://www.jigen-ryu.org/jigenryud.html) . The style was only practiced by very few. Versions of it are still taught all over the world.

[sirdarksol]

Update: Sirdarling has found a few YouTube videos. Here's one that is amusing and kind of sad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5dAUfTQjSw

The spirit, stamina, and force that these people put into their strikes is excellent. On the other hand, when watching this, I can't help but see that they are breeding a particular weakness into their strikes. They raise themselves too much. The higher the center of gravity, the easier it is to be thrown off balance, even by one's own motions.
Aside from that, only some of the strikes have proper cutting form. Others would only hack at an opponent, which leaves a shallow cut and binds your sword up in your opponent's armor. Painful to the opponent? Yes. Deadly? Probably not. Dangerous to you? Most definitely.

[disgruntled]

yeah that was the clip of it i saw.... it left me with a lot of questions about the usefulness of this MA...

[sirdarling]

Originally Posted by disgruntled

yeah that was the clip of it i saw.... it left me with a lot of questions about the usefulness of this MA...

To be honest, it looks like a 6 year old is throwing a tantrum with a stick in his hands.
I was really upset when I saw this... but to be fair, there is no preface as to what they are demonstrating at all so this may be how "not" to swing a sword.
We can only hope... like I do every day.

[sirdarksol]

I still don't think this is as bad as sirdarling thinks, but that's my opinion.