Shinsoku Hokou Jutsu

"Sinsoku Hokou Jutsu" is a running style developed by Yano Senri towards the end of the Edo period (1850s).

There is some documentation of this style and its training methods.

1. Shinsoku Hokou Jutsu in “Izawa Cultural History”

In the historical document “Izawa Cultural History”,
there is a record of “Shinsoku Hokou" written by Takekawa Chikusai,
a wealthy merchant in Ise and a teacher of the influential statesman, Katsu Kaishu.

At the age of 32,Takekawa learned the Shinsoku Hokou techniques from Yano Morisuke. After that, he seems to have taught them to many people.

Ⅰ "Heso-osame" The basics

This is a basic part of all martial arts training.

It centers around learning to relax the body while focusing on concentrating all of the body’s internal energy at the Tanden point (a point located below the navel).

Ⅱ "Yurumi" Relaxation Techniques

a. Oo-Yurumi: Relaxing the lower back area.

b. KoKizami: Relaxing the hip joints and the knees.

c. Kuruma Sabaki: Relaxing the toes.

Ⅲ Beginning the Journey (start walking)

Walk slowly for the first 4km.

After gathering energy in the Tanden and having the stiffness in the body released and the legs feel lighter, start increasing speed.

Ⅳ Koshi Chidori, Chidori Guruma

Koshi Chidori: Smooth and quick hip rotation

Chidori Guruma: Smooth running strides (in quick tempo )

Ⅴ Arukikata (Waking style)

・ When walking on the sandy road, lift the legs high and focus on stabilizing the belly and the lower back.

・ Against headwinds, use shorter steps. With tailwinds, relax the waist and focus strength to the abdomen.

・ When walking on muddy ground, focus your strength to your lower back.

Ⅵ Sanchi to Heichi (Mountain road and flat road)

・ When climbing mountains, keep your eyes focused 3 shaku (about 90 cm) ahead.

Don't let your eyes wander too far ahead or to the left or right.

・ The same applies for flat ground but with shorter steps.

Ⅶ Foot Washing ・ Meals ・ Chanting

・ Foot Washing:

Use water when you wash your feet and legs.

Be sure to use lukewarm water when taking a bath.(never use hot water)

・Meals:

Avoid eating until your stomach feels full.

・ Chanting:

“Sasasa Zazaza”, “Oitosho” for flat roads.

“Mada Mada” when climbing.

No other chants were made.

Please limit yourself to these three chants.

Ⅷ Kaichu Hiyaku (Special Medicine)

(The ingredients of the secret medicine are omitted)

Take 5 tablets every 20-24 km in the cold and 5 tablets every 28-32 km in the heat.

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According to Takekawa Chikusai,
it satisfies Tanden energy because it makes the flow of energy smooth from the back of the shoulders to the toes,
You don't get tired even if you travel 80km-120km per day.

It seems that even if you hurry, you will not run out of breath.

It appears there were 28 documented disciples of Chikusai,
and it is likely there were more.

2. Shinsoku Hokou Justsu in Nagoya Sousho (Nagoya Library)

　 In the "Nagoya Sousyo", there is a record showing that Yasuzumi Ito (from Oumi ) was taught by his master, Morisuke Yano in December, 1852.

While both the “Shin” and “Sou” techniques are mentioned, the document only goes into detail about “Sou”.

His note says the followings;

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Sou
“Michichidori” / “Koshiayumi”/ "Kata-ashi-Yasume" Leg Resting Techniques
“Nasu” / "Chidori-kuruma" Smooth Stride Tecniques / “Haraayumi”/ Headwind Tecniquesh / Tailwinds

Day1: Learned “Michichidori” Walked inside all day. Attitude of mind. There is a secret method.

Day2: Learned “Smooth Stride Technique”

Day5: Learned “Leg Resting Techniques”

The next lesson will be next spring. It will take over 10 days to acquire the “Shin” technique.

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