Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu is the oldest school in the Bujinkan, and was probably brought to Japan from China around 618 AD - 907 AD. It is believed that the techniques were created by a small-framed imperial princess or guard, who used quick body movements to attack sensitive targets on the body.
Gyokko Ryu's movement is suited for armored or unarmored combat. It utilizes distancing, circular movements and attacks to detailed functions of the body such as muscles and nerves. Typical for the Gyokko Ryu are powerful counter-striking blocks that hit with the knuckles and balance-taking. Shitojutsu (use of thumbs and fingers) is at trait of Gyokko Ryu, and the many various fist positions used in the Bujinkan come from this school