Mokuroku

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Mokuroku (Japanese: 目録) is a term in Japanese martial arts, especially koryu (but also some gendai budo), for a "catalog", referring both to a catalog of techniques and to a student of the martial arts that has received a catalog as a sign of rank or initiation.

Mokuroku can be literally translated as catalog, however the meaning and implications of a Mokuroku extend far beyond a simple list of items, and form a critical documentary evidence of credential for members of ryu that use them. Mokuroku are usually in the format of a Makimono or hand written scroll's structured by convention to follow a specific layout going from right to left.

While Mokuroku is used as a martial arts rank, the position refers to proficiency with a catalog of techniques. In Tatsumi-ryu and some other koryu, it is a mark of high rank, that one has mastered the entire catalog of techniques, similar to a Menkyo kaiden. In Kiyojute Ryu it refers to an initiate in kobujutsu or nimpo who has demonstrated proficiency with techniques but is yet to earn sensei status.

The structure of a Mokuroku in traditional koryu is set by convention. Reading from left to right, a Mokuroku will contain the ryu's name; the chronology of all the heads of the ryu; the names of the techniques which forms the catalogue; the signature and a patented stamp of the person issuing the Mokuroku -- usually the Soke of the school (if either are missing then the Mokuroku may be considered to be illegitimate or of dubious origin); and finally the name and title of person whom the Mokuroku is being award to.

The names of the techniques are often figurative or poetic, and give no indication as to how perform a specific technique. It is not uncommon to find poetry, uncommon kanji or regional expressions and idioms interspersed into the Mokuroku. Mokuroku, can often also be deceptive, containing nonsensical kanji, and expression's aimed at deliberately obscuring the meaning of an item. This is done so as to stop non ryu members from gaining and understanding of the secrets of a ryu.

Mokuroku are collectors items, and there is a large market for Mokuroku within Japan.