正木流 · Kusarijutsu & restraining arts
Masaki Ryū
A classical tradition of chain weapons and restraining arts, studied through the Nakajima teaching line.
NAKAJIMA TEACHING LINE
Chain weapons.
Restraining arts.
Manrikigusari · kusarigama
Jutte · torinawa
Teaching line
Nakajima Michio (中島通雄)
Qualification
Chris de Feijter · Shoden licence
Format
Adults · in person · by appointment
Origins and teaching line
Masaki Ryū is a Japanese martial tradition founded by Masaki Toshimitsu, a retainer of the Ōgaki domain, during the Hōreki era in the 1750s. At its heart is the manrikigusari: a short chain with a weight at each end.
The Nakajima line continues this practice through the Masaki Ryū Nakajima-ha Kusarijutsu Preservation Society in Japan. Nakajima Michio established his dōjō with the permission of Nawa Yumio Sōke, passing on the chain tradition alongside jutte and cord-restraint arts.
Hekisuikan’s Masaki Ryū instruction follows this teaching line.
What the tradition includes
The Nakajima-ha preserves several related arts, each with its own implements and forms:
Manrikigusarijutsu — weighted-chain methods. The principal art of Masaki Ryū, using a short weighted chain in striking, entangling, throwing and controlling techniques.
Jutte and torinawa — truncheon and cord. These studies preserve the tools and arresting methods associated with Edo-period policing, including the Edo-machikata jutte and torinawa teachings.
Te-no-uchi — small hand-held implements. Methods using a short stick with a cord, alongside other compact weapons preserved within the Nakajima line.
Kusarigamajutsu — chain-and-sickle methods. An art transmitted alongside manrikigusarijutsu. In Japan, practice uses wooden sickles and cord-based training implements.
The wider curriculum also includes sword and spear handling and other small weapons. Some associated arts are maintained as betsuden—separate teachings preserved alongside the main Masaki Ryū tradition.
Training at Hekisuikan
At Hekisuikan, adults study Masaki Ryū in person with Chris de Feijter, who holds a Shoden licence in the Nakajima teaching line. Training is arranged by appointment, with an emphasis on supervised practice rather than competition.
Your first conversation is an opportunity to discuss what interests you and any previous martial arts experience. Chris will explain the material appropriate to your starting point, how lessons are arranged and which equipment you will need.
You do not need to purchase equipment before getting in touch. Fees, availability and practical arrangements are confirmed before registration.