Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu has two aspects; these are known as: Omote (Outside) and Ura (Inside):

There is an Omote (Surface level of technique) to Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu, which is called Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu. There is also a surface level or Omote aspect to Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu this is called Nihon Goshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Kai.

It is easiest to remember these three levels as three concentric circles with the Ura or deepest aspect as Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu at the centre. Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu, its omote, as the circle outside of it. Nihon Goshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Kai, as the omote of Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu or as the outermost circle (the surface level). Below the three levels are described beginning with the outermost circle

Outermost Circle. Nihon Goshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Kai (Omote)

Nihon Goshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Kai (Omote)

Nihon Goshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Kai is the Omote or surface level of techniques and principles of Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu.

Nihon Goshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Kai is basically a system of self defence (Goshin Jutsu) for the current era. It is based on the techniques of the traditional Japanese and Okinawan schools but their application is for the modern age (Gendai Goshin Jutsu).

In Nihon Goshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Kai although the Ko Kami No Kata is not learnt the striking techniques come from this kata and the grappling aspects utilise the applications of Principles and techniques from Hakuda Ryu.

For more detailed information on the difference between Goshin and Go Shin, the types of techniques practised and Hakuda Ryu see the Goshin and Go Shin page on this site.

Middle Circle: Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu (Omote Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu)

Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu (Omote Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu)
This is the Goshin Jutsu of Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu, its Omote or surface level of technique.

Nihon Goshin Kage Ryu is first taught before and later alongside Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu in order to provide basic martial principles and some techniques of self defence that involve restraining an attacker through grappling applications.

The striking techniques and many of the grappling applications (Bunkai) are from Hakuda Ryu Kempo. These techniques are taught before the Shoden level in order to provide a basis for Muto in which the central teaching of Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu may be found.

Inner Circle: Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu (Ura)

Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu is the systems Ura or deeper aspect which was primarily developed on and around weapons(Kobu-Jutsu) and is known as Muto Dori or more simply Mutou. Through out our training syllabus much training is done with and against Sword (Bokken), Shoto (Wooden Short sword similiar to Wakizashi) Tanto (Rubber or Wooden Dagger), Jo (4ft staff), So Jo (Short Spear) and Hanbo/Tanjo (3ft Staff). Substantial practise is required with some of these weapons and in Goshin Jutsu before this level can be reached.