www.yagyuryu.com is a site developed and maintained by The Japan Cultural Society and Research Institute of North Eastern Pennsylvania LLC. (JCS&RIONEPA). The primary focus of the site is to offer a global bi-lingual bridge between the Bugeikan (Benson Juku), the Yushinkan, Hotokuzenji and groups or schools associated with the study of various forms of bujutsu that can trace their lineage to Yagyu Ke Bujutsu.

This also includes (but is not limited to) subordinates of Fujiwaranokami, Hachiman and the trinity of Kasuga, Kashima and Katori.

Although many of these “Bugei” are now labeled as a “Koryu”, such as in the case of the world famous Yagyu Shin Kage Ryu, it should be noted that relative to the inception of the Bugei within the village of Yagyu, Nara Ken and several eastern territories such as Hitachi, that these Koryu are indeed very young in age.

The original Bugei that were practiced amongst the Yamato, were not labeled as Ryuha, nor were they organized as such. No fixed ranking system was attached to their study. The original methods of training were developed and maintained by the clan that in-turn utilized them as effective forms of Goshinjutsu.

James Benson, the founder of JCS&RIONEPA, has been active in the study of various Bugei of Chinese and Japanese origin since 1966. Over this intensive course of study, Mr. Benson has trained in China, Taiwan and established legal residency within Japan. Mr. Benson has also recognized a common link between many of the postures and principles of movement specific to various Chugoku Kempo (Hsin Yi, Baji, etc.) and those of various forms practiced under the Yagyu Ke umbrella.

Instruction in one such method, Mountain Mist Shadow Art, is currently being offered through the Bugeikan, Benson Juku located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, USA.

The below was authored by Reverend Hashimoto, Rinzai instructor (Takuan Orthodox) to James Benson and head priest of Hotokuzenji. It has been provided in an effort to help "outsiders" better understand the purpose of Hotokuzenji.

Reverend Hashimoto and his extended "family" are responsible for the maintenance of the Yagyu Family repository, the Masakizaka (Masakisaka) Ken Zen Dojo (built to honor Yagyu Jubei) and the Yagyu Family gravesites within Yagyu Village.

Please click on images to expand.

Apprenticeships are offered in both the United States and Japan.

For further information please write to:

JCS&RIONEPA

PO Box 342

Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327

USA

Copyright 2010 The Japan Cultural Society and Research Institute of NEPA, LLC.
All site material protected under the terms of the International Congress Union; all rights reserved.