"As we all travel along our individual paths in life we seek and search. Through our personal experiences we somehow hopefully become
better acquainted with the stranger that we see in the mirror. This is
the ultimate goal of a bujutsu, to become reacquainted with the essence
of our individual being. Only then can we claim an understanding of
budo."
James Benson
Senior Managing Director
Deep within the mountains of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, lay the birthplace and temple grounds of Kobo Daishi (Kukai) founder of Shingon –Mikkyo. It was here in 1991 amongst the darkness and those spirits that have passed that James Benson founded the art of Ryukoseishin Bujutsu.
In 1966, Mr. Benson started his training in Hsing Yi (Chugoku Kempo) with Mr. Lee An Wai and continued his studies with Mr. Lee until his passing in 1975. Mr. Benson then “transitioned” to the study of various Japanese family Bujutsu and was given the Bugo (fighting name) of Byakko Seigan Ryu. The Japanese Kanji used for this particular representation best translates into English as: White Tiger, Blue Eyed Dragon.
In conjunction with his being the Kancho of the Bugeikan, Mr. Benson is a 40-year veteran of several Bujutsu family traditions which have since become part of Ryukoseishin.
Ryukoseishin therefore translates as the “essence” of Mr. Benson while retaining and utilizing his above-mentioned Bugo.
Mr. Benson has apprenticed with and continues his studies in Japan with some of the best instructors that the world has to offer. He now teaches his understanding of the Bugei through his art, Ryukoseishin, globally.
An accomplished consultant to various non - Japanese based companies and institutions wishing to establish a legal point of presence within Japan, his business relationships and contacts include those that specialize in overseas military equipment deployment. Mr. Benson's travels take him to Japan several times a year.
The JCS school of martial arts is called the Bugeikan. The Bugeikan is the "martial arm" of The Japan Cultural Society and Research Institute of NEPA, LLC. and was established by Mr. Benson to serve as an “umbrella” for the promotion and retention of his interpretation of various components specific to Japanese family Bugei.
The Bugeikan also serves as a liaison facility and point of contact for several family Bujutsu traditions currently active within Japan. Students of the Bugeikan are invited to train within Japan at those facilities currently listed under the global affiliates page of this website.
The below is a partial listing of what is taught within the Bugeikan:
- Nihonto (traditional Japanese sword)
- Bokuto (Japanese wooden sword)
- Jo (four foot wooden staff)
- Bo (six foot wooden staff)
- Naginata (seven foot halberd)
- Yari (eight foot Japanese spear)
- Kusarigama (sickle and chain)
- Manrikigusari (weighted chain)
- Shuriken (circular and straight throwing "darts")
- Taijutsu (the art of using the body as a weapon)
Mr. Benson’s way of teaching is rigorous and exhaustive. Through repetitive execution and refinement of the “basics” the student educates the mind, trains the body and awakens the spirit. This time proven traditional method of transmission will ultimately render the qualities of valor and polished technique. Those accepted into our Professional Bujutsu Apprentice Program are extended the opportunity to augment their studies and conduct research through the use of our 3,000-volume library, art gallery and Zen garden.
For further information, please give us a call on (570) 476-4482 or click the Membership icon on the left of this screen.
“The only true competition in life exists in a mirror”
James Benson
