I am wondering about the old tales of Tengu or Kami revealing outstanding sword/bu arts to famous figures in Japanese history. I know that some notable stories include young Yoshitune Minamoto, and perhaps a couple of others, I don't remember where I read these tales, but I've run across more than a couple. Anyone recall other such instances and the stories behind them? Did any other such instances spawn a famous line of sword arts? I see one entry which states that 'The Hojo was founded in the middle of the Muromachi period by Matsumoto Bizen No Kami of Hitachi no Kuni at Kashima. He offered prayers at dawn and sunset and one night in his dream he was granted a volume and this is the teachings of the kami of Kashima.' These are just some notes I have on the Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryu 4 seasons hojo kata (notes regarding the teachings of the Kashima no Kami). Would love to hear more about these tales and historical legends regarding 'supernatural' training in Japanese budo.
