Three stages of training

In Masaki-ryu Nakajima-ha, many of the forms have several formal versions classified as Shin, Gyo, or So, alluding to the three different styles of traditional calligraphy from very clear and distinct block characters to much more cursive, minimalistic characters.

"Shin" are the safe versions for initial training that enable you to let the basics sink down to the bone, "Gyo" are the practical more dangerous versions, and "So" are the quintessence of our school, not normally even used in combat.

正木流中島派では多くの技には真・行・草の決まった変形技があります。「真」とは相手を傷つけない、基本を身に付けさせる練習技で、「行」とは相手を傷つける実戦技で、「草」とは実戦でも敢えて使わない極意技です。