The Koto Ryu is based on koppojutsu (bone attacking blocks) techniques, where Gyokko Ryu is based on koshijutsu (muscle/organ attacks).
Koto Ryu is straighter in directional movement, and the Gyokko Ryu revolves more on a circular basis
(either in yourself or in your opponent when taking their balance).
Koto Ryu techniques use short distancing between the two opponents, the Gyokko Ryu uses greater distance.
(Largo and Medio)
Koto Ryu techniques are shorter, quick, and straight to the point, Gyokko Ryu has longer more complicated techniques, and the techniques have more movement.
Koto Ryu concentrates more on striking, and the Gyokko Ryu more on locks and throws.
If both schools are studied completely, the student will know all forms of fighting, including distance, striking, throws, and locks. Both schools compliment each other and to study only one is to know only half of one of the two schools.
The name of the school, ‘Tiger Knocking Down’, refers to knocking down the tiger with the tips of the fingers - the Chuden Kata techniques sometimes start this way.
Attacks to the face, in addition to metsubushi, are common in the techniques of the school.
FOOTWORK:
Yoko Aruki (cross stepping), and Toki (stamping).
KENJUTSU:
Koto Ryu sword uses the same principles as the Unarmed Combat.
