The following is a correction to the Gikan Ryu article published last month.

SOKE LINEAGE:

• Sonyuhangan Gikanbo (Daimyo of Kawachi) also known as: Unryu Hangan Gikanbo — 1558-1570,
  Yeirouku era
  
• Uryu Yoshimitsu — 1573-1592, Tensho era
  
• Uryu Yoshimori — 1624-1644, Kan-ei era
  
• Uryu Yoshichika — 1661-1673, Kambun era
  
• Uryu Yoshitaka — 1688-1704, Genroku era
  
• Uryu Yoshihide — 1751-1764, Horeki era
  
• Uryu Yoshimori — 1789-1801, Kansei era
  
• Uryu Yoshiaki — 1830-1844, Tenpo era
  
• Uryu Yoshiyasu — 1861-1864, Bunkyu era
  
• Uryu Gikan — 1865-1868, Keoi era
  
• Ishitani Takeoi Masatsugu — approx death 1905
  
• Ishitani Matsutaro Takekage — approx death 1911
  
• Takamatsu Toshitsugu — b. 1887-d.1972
  
• Akimoto Fumio — approx death 1962
  
• Hatsumi Masaaki
  

It is reported that Gikan ryu came into the Ishitani family during the battle of Tenchigumi (August 17, 1863), which Uryu Gikan participated in. He supposedly was shot in the arm, and retreated to a temple where he was found by Ishitani, who took care of him. They became friends, and Ishitani helped him to escape back to Iga.

The punch of Uryu Hangan Gikanbo was said to be so powerful that he once broke a sword with it.

One of the teachings from Gikan Ryu is said to be "Bufu ni sente nashi," which could possibly be translated as "From this side there is not the first strike," in other words, not to attack first.

Gikan Ryu was developed by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo from knowledge that he received from Sougyoku Kan Ritsushi of the Gyokko Ryu.

Fumio Akimoto was a student of Takamatsu Sensei's prior to Dr. Hatsumi's time. (If you notice, Fumio died before Takamatsu Sensei).

Gikan Ryu has been taught extensively throughout Europe, most notably by Sveneric Bogsater, 10th Dan, of Sweden.

I wish to thank Peter Carlsson of Sweden for his help in supplying me with this correct information.

Shidoshi Ken Harding, 6th Dan, heads the Missouri Ninja Center in St. Louis. He started his training in 1984, has trained with Hatsumi Soke in Japan, and studies Japanese, Yoga, shiatsu, herbology and nutrition. He may be contacted via E-mail: Shadowswrd@aol.com.