Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu (双水執流組討腰之廻) was established in 1650 by a samurai, Futagami Hannosuke Masaaki, who was a master of the even older Takenouchi-ryū, as well as his own family system, Futagami-ryū. After a period of questing and shugyō (修行) on Yoshino Mountain, Nara, Futagami had an enlightenment on the principles of jujutsu. He formed Sōsuishi-ryū based on his realisations. Futagami named the art for the twin streams of the Yoshino River. He taught the art to another samurai, Matahichi Shitama, and the art has remained within the Shitama clan ever since.
Sōsuishi-ryū is one of the few remaining koryū bujutsu ryūha, meaning it is a martial art that originated in feudal Japan, before the modernisation of the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Training consists of formal kata practice in Kumi-uchi (jūjutsu) and Koshi-no-mawari (iaijutsu). There is focus on empty handed and weapons techniques, including use of the bokuto, kodachi and tanto. There are no competitive or sportive aspects in this system, however a form of weapons randori is also part of the syllabus. Koryū jūjutsu often appears quite different to the modern (gendai) representations of jūjutsu.
The Headmaster and Dai Shihan is Shitama Manzo Sensei, who is the 16th Inheritor. The Hombu Dōjō is the Shadanhōjin Sekiryūkan (社団法人隻流館), located in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan. This is a unique and historical ryūha that has stood the test of time and is now an immeasurably valuable Japanese cultural tradition. Shitama Sensei leads the Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu Kai (SJJK), which was established by his father Shitama Shusaku, the 15th Inheritor, in 1963.
In 2016, Thomas Crooks and Peter Williams joined the SJJK and were appointed by Shitama Sensei as the two Australian Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu representatives. They became the Directors of the Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu Kai Australia in 2018. In 2023 Shitama Sensei appointed Thomas and Peter as the Regional Directors of the Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu Kai in the Australia and New Zealand region. Practice in the Kumataka Dojos includes the full Sōsuishi-ryū syllabus.
The Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu Kai is the only organisation authorised by the Shitama family to award rank in Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu. The Australian/New Zealand Regional branch maintains up to date records of all legitimate and recognised Sōsuishi-ryū dōjō in the region. This includes registers of all endorsed instructors, members, and grades of individuals.
To practice this art in its legitimate form is both a rarity and a privilege. It is not for everyone and requires ongoing commitment and dedication. We welcome all serious inquiries from those wishing to join our practice, or inquiries about recognised dōjō in the Australia/New Zealand region. We request that you please contact us to arrange a meeting. References may be required.
For more information, please visit: Shadanhōjin Sekiryūkan, Sōsuishi-ryu Jūjutsu Kai Australia & New Zealand, and The Seibukan Dojo New York (SJJK-USA).
