What the Heck is a Densho?

This is a discussion page on the Jujutsu and other martial arts term “Densho”, used to denote certain kinds of documents. It is extremely important to understand that jujutsu is really not at all the only Japanese art, or more specifically Asiatic art, that uses densho. This owing to the fact that the Chinese and Koreans do use something quite similar. And also that the subject is not always approached the same way from school to school or art to art. But in any event, the primary purpose of Densho will be explained here, in fairly simple terms.

MULTIPLE USES OF THE TERM DENSHO

The first fact is the most important, and explains why there is so much confusion about the subject. Commonly there are some four (4) rather separate words regularly used and all being pronounced 'densho' just the same. This causes non-Japanese speakers great confusion due to growing and regular references in writing (books and magazines) over the last 50-75 years in regard to the Japanese martial arts. Let's have a look at some of the key examples of the term:

(1) 伝誦 (Arch. Form 傳誦)   Denshō   (n,vs) Tradition

֍ The word literally means “teachings (伝) that use words (誦) to convey themselves”

柔術の伝誦  Jujutsu No Denshō    (term) Traditions of Jujutsu

(2) 伝唱 (Arch. Form 傳誯)   Denshō    (n,vs) Tradition

֍ The word literally means “teachings (伝) that enlighten by the words-of-the-mouth (唱)”

柔術の伝唱  Jujutsu No Denshō    (term) Traditions of Jujutsu (comparable in meaning to the above example)

(3) 伝承 (Arch. Form 傳承)   Denshō    (n,vs,adj-no) Transmission (of information; legend; tradition; folklore); Handing down (information; legend; tradition; folklore)

֍ The word literally means “teachings (伝) that are to be acquired (承)”

柔術の伝承  Jujutsu No Denshō    (term) Transmission of Jujutsu (techniques and teachings); Directly being taught Jujutsu.

(4) 伝書 (Arch. Form 傳書)   Densho   (n,vs) Book(s); Writing(s)

֍ The word literally means “teachings (伝) that are written down (書)”

柔術の伝書  Jujutsu No Denshō    (term) Book of Jujutsu; Writings about Jujutsu

Please notice that the three sub-indented examples (all pronounced “jujutsu no densho”) are related in definition but yet obviously have separate meanings. It is possible to find books or scrolls entitled “jujutsu no densho” with either of the first two meanings, but having the force of the third meaning (esp. “Book of Jujutsu”). Likewise, and most commonly, the use of the book or scroll entitled jujutsu no densho (柔 術の伝書) “Book of Jujutsu; Writings about Jujutsu” in that the contents of the book are in regard to the transmission and traditions of jujutsu itself. Since all three, otherwise separate, terms are pronounced the same, this works for Japanese language really well. But one must absolutely take notice that the third example is really very different:
柔術の伝承 Jujutsu No Denshō can often mean: “Directly being taught Jujutsu” such as in a school or dojo setting.

But even as common as this custom is, the first two terms above are used all the time separately (not really in regard to writings about jujutsu, for example.) This being the case, any occurrence or usage of the term jujutsu no densho in a book, magazine or verbal description does not necessarily include a reference to written materials (such as books or scrolls.)

[ STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION  ]