The techniques were used by farmers in Kai Province (today Yamanashi Prefecture), the land of the Takeda clan, when they had to fight against thieves and bandits.

Very efficient locks for throwing the opponent to the ground, strikes and blocks also comprise this martial art.

It is thought that the actual shugi was developed to imitate the shape of the tantō scabbard [1] which was used in close combat.

In Takeda Ryu Nakamura Ha Sobudo, shugijutsu uses at least two short sticks with an oval section.

The martial art practiced by the Athosians in the science-fiction program Stargate: Atlantis is based on this discipline.