Frequently Asked Questions

David Kawazu-Barber, Yagyu Shingan-ryu

Dave's Q&A

David Kawazu-Barber, Representative for

Japan Headquarters, responds to common questions.

(Q) Where are your dojos located?

(A) Dojos are located in Kanagawa, Tochigi & Hiroshima, JAPAN.

(Q) How do I go about joining the Ryu?

(A) Admittance is traditionally by invitation only. If you would like to observe a training session, this can be arranged (advanced notice required). Petitions to enrol on a probationary basis may be submited to an instructor at the time of observation. Instructors reserve the right to grant or refuse membership.

(Q) Is instruction available in English?

(A) No. All classes are instructed in Japanese. Non-Japanese are welcome to enrol, regardless of their current Japanese language ability. Over time, students are encouraged to study the language in order to absorb important historical and cultural teachings, which are required knowledge for progression to the higher grades.

(Q) How much does it cost to enroll as a student?

(A) We are a classical school of Japanese martial arts, placing emphasis on quality, rather than quantity. As is the case with most koryu martial arts, the membership is small, but select. Traditionally, the martial arts are not about business or profit. Dues are relatively low, and reflect the cost of administering the dojo.

(Q) How do classical Japanese Martial Arts (koryu) differ from modern budo?

(A) Modern schools of budo are largely sport oriented. They were designed for the general population with an emphasis on character building, physical fitness and competition. Although, all of these arts have evolved from schools of traditional budo (koryu), the dangerous elements have been removed, to promote safety. Old School Budo, usually refered to as Koryu Budo or Kobudo, was developed for the battlefield with the intent to kill. These were warrior arts, and their practice was, and still is, taken very seriously. Practice can be somewhat dangerous, and the tools of the trade have not been adapted for safety (no padding or protective fittings). Apart from studying the martial (combative) aspects of these arts, we also focus on traditional etiquette, history & culture. Joining a koryu is like adopting a second family. There are certain responsibilities and obligations that must be adhered to.

(Q) What's the difference between a dojo and a keiko-kai?

(A) A dojo is operated by an authorized instructor holding the rank of Mokuroku [7th dan] or above. A keiko-kai is an authorized practice circle, operating under the guidance of a senior student [black belt].

(Q) Is affiliation available nationally or internationally?

(A) We receive a lot of mail from individuals and dojos abroad wishing to affiliate with Yagyu Shingan-ryu Taijutsu. As a traditional school of martial arts dating back over 400 years, we adhere to the old-school methods of training. We do not franchise our lineage, nor offer distance learning courses. Those sincerely wishing to affiliate with the school, will need to undertake full-time, long-term training in Japan. There are no shortcuts.

(Q) Are you affiliated with Shimazu sensei or Hoshi sensei?

(A) No. Shimazu & Hoshi are respected masters of the Sendai-line of Yagyu Shingan-ryu, known as Heiho-jutsu. This style is somewhat different from the Taijutsu (Edo-line).

(Q) What is the difference between Taijutsu and Heihojutsu?

(A) Yagyu Shingan-ryu Headmaster Koyama Samon moved to Edo (Tokyo) late in life and established a dojo there for 18 years. Life in the nation's capital was obviously very different from that of his hometown of Sendai. It was now the peaceful Edo era and the practice of techniques wearing full armor no longer seemed practical. It is for this reason that Edo lineage Yagyu Shingan-ryu has evolved in a somewhat different direction to its counterpart (the Heiho lineage of Sendai). Heiho literally means "art of war". Edo-line Yagyu Shingan-ryu, known as "Taijutsu", has an extensive jujutsu (yawara) curriculum. It also focuses on the use of the 6ft staff. In higher grades, ken-jutsu, oodachi-jutsu and iai-jutsu are taught. YSR Taijutsu is practiced without armor.

(Q) Who was Takenaga Hayato?

(A) The Sendai-line of Yagyu Shingan-ryu, known as Heihojutsu, recognizes Takenaga Hayato as the founder of Yagyu Shingan-ryu. It is believed that Takenaga lived at around the same time as Araki Mataemon, but the dates of his birth and death are unknown. According to Sendai-line legend, Takenaga also studied under Yagyu Munenori. As is the case with many koryu dating back to the early Edo-period and beyond, information was not always committed to paper at the time of foundation. Scrolls were often drawn-up by future generations. In the case of Yagyu Shingan-ryu, this has resulted in missing pieces to the puzzle.

(Q) Who is the Headmaster of the Heiho / Sendai-line of YSR?

(A) The current (18th) Soke of Yagyu Shingan-ryu Heiho is Hoshi Kunio II [born Hiroaki Kunio]. He is the grandson of the late Hoshi Kunio. He officially changed his name and at a ceremony held in October 2007. All of the major instructors of our tradition, including Shimazu Kenji and Kajitsuka Yasushi were in attendance.

(Q) Do you produce home study programs, such as DVD's?

(A) No. It is our understanding that Shimazu Kenji has produced a couple of introductory DVD's for the Heihojutsu, but the Taijutsu lineage only imparts it's knowledge directly. The Nippon Budokan did produce a 30 minute documentary on the Taijutsu lineage about 30 years ago. It highlights both the history and the kata. This film is still available from either the Budokan or budovideos.com (VHS or DVD).

(Q) How long does it take to master Yagyu Shingan-Ryu?

(A) One inquirer once wrote, "If I study for 5 years, what level am I likely to achieve?". If time constraints are an issue, don't study koryu. Karate, Judo or any other modern martial art can usually offer you a black belt within a few years -- if that's what you're looking for. Questions like this are viewed as naive by Japanese koryu practitioners. The path of the Bushi is not simply about memorizing a few flashy techniques; it is a way of life. When new comers enroll with us, they are sternly told to expect a long-term apprenticeship. This statement however, should not deter sincere short-term foreign residents from partaking in kobudo. Even if you only have the opportunity to scratch the surface, the experience will be most rewarding.

(Q) What is the difference between a Soke and a Shihan?

(A) A Shihan is a qualified senior instructor who is permitted to pass-on the teachings of the ryu. In many traditions, the title of Soke is transmitted within the same blood-line. In others, such as Yagyu Shingan-ryu Taijutsu, the title of Soke is granted to the selected heir of the school. In this case, the former Soke selects an heir based on his ability, skill & character. The title "Soke" is used within classical schools of bujutsu that use the traditional method of licencing (as opposed to kyu/dan grades awarded by modern schools of budo). It roughly translates as Lineal Headmaster. While there may be many Shihan, there is only ever one Soke (per generation).

(Q) What is Menkyo Kaiden?

(A) These days, many in the West and even in Japan falsely claim to have received Menkyo Kaiden. Menkyo Kaiden is the traditional equivalent of the modern 10th dan. It is a license of complete transmission and implies that the bearer is of sound character, discipline, knowledge and skill. In most cases, decades of dedicated study and service are required before receiving such an honor. Over the centuries, with the exception of the headmasters, only a couple of individuals have received this license. While the rank of "Mokuroku-dan" (7th dan) allows a student to open his own dojo, only a Menkyo Kaiden holder is permitted to grade students. In the current era, this responsibility is reserved for the headmaster.

(Q) Did Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido, study Yagyu Shingan-ryu?

(A) Yes. Ueshiba was a student of Yagyu Shingan-Ryu Taijutsu (Edo Line), aka Goto-ha Yagyu Shingan-Ryu Taijutsu. The 6th Soke of our lineage was GOTO Yagyusai (hence the coined name "Goto-ha"). While Goto appointed Ohshima Masateru the role of Soke prior to his death, other Shihans continued to disseminate the tradition as well. Tsuboi Masanosuke passed on the style to Nakai Masakatsu. Ueshiba attended Nakai's dojo in Kai-machi, Sakai City (near Osaka). Ueshiba stated that vestiges of his study can be found in the hand motion and footwork of Aikido. Our late headmaster, Mutoh Masao was called upon by Kisshomaru Ueshiba to inspect the certificate awarded to his father. The certificate was identified as Sho-dan Menkyo. Both the names of Nakai Masakatsu (the dojo master) and Masanosuke Tsuboi (senior instructor) appear on the certificate.

(Q) What influence did the Yagyu martial arts have on Aikido?

(A) Stanley Pranin asked Kisshomaru Ueshiba a similar question in an interview

he conducted in April 1988.

SP: Would you speak about the technical influences on your father's Aikido?

KU: My father studied the ken [sword], jo [staff], yari [spear] and unarmed techniques [taijutsu] from Mr. Nakai in the Kansai area near Osaka. It is also true that my father was very influenced by him. Later on, Mr. Shiho Otsubo of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu used to come to our house in the old days. When he saw my father’s movements one day, he was surprised and said: "You must have studied Yagyu-ryu somewhere." Daito-ryu also had a great influence on Aikido as did Tenjin Shin’yo-ryu Jujutsu.

In the book Aikido (Hozansha 1985), Kisshomaru Ueshiba states:

"The founder's teacher was Masakatsu Nakai of the Goto-ha Yagyu-ryu of jujutsu who lived in Sakai city at that time. The founder has said that vestiges of this study are utilized in Aikido hand motion and footwork. He was about 20 when he studied under Nakai. Nakai was a descendant of the Yagyu family, famous for it's sword tradition, and is said to have been a toughly built man, although he was only a little over 5 feet tall. He was also a man of fine warrior spirit."

(Q) Did Kano Jigoro, founder of Judo, study Yagyu Shingan-Ryu?

(A) Yes. Kano was a friend of Hoshino Tenchi and trained under Ohshima Masateru (7th Soke) for a period of time.

(Q) Can children study koryu?

(A) Yes, we welcome children of all ages. Generally speaking, children don't find koryu as appealing as modern forms of budo, because there are no colorful belts or competitive events. Koryu training is strict and the pace of learning is rather slow. I say slow, because the techniques being taught are very technical and dangerous. Children need to develop a certain level of maturity before the full-extent of these techniques can be taught. Children practice with weapons such as wooden swords and staffs. There is no protective clothing worn, so caution must be exercised.

(Q) Am I covered against injuries at the dojo?

(A) Injuries are a fact of life for any serious koryu practitioner. Medical care in Japan doesn't come cheap, so it pays to plan ahead. Japanese nationals and long-term residents in Japan will have access to the public health-care system. Foreigners not covered by the national health insurance scheme are requested to take-out private health insurance. Health Insurance can be purchased from GHI. Another option is Sports Insurance. Sports Insurance can be purchased from Sports Anzen.

(Q) Does headmaster Kajitsuka conduct international seminars?

(A) The study of kobudo requires dedication and an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and tradition. For this reason, long-term training in Japan is required. You need to live and breathe this cultural legacy in order to grasp it's true depth. There are no short-cuts. It requires years of intimate dedication. Headmaster Kajitsuka believes that budo is a bridge to cultural understanding and respect. He is a very busy man, but is willing to give-up his time to help aspirants who are sincerely dedicated to this long-term venture. This includes a willingness to travel abroad occasionally to instruct worthy aspirants. Commercial seminars are of no interest. We are not selling a franchise. Headmaster Kajitsuka is seeking a long-term bond with sincere aspirants. Those wishing to inquire about the possibility of seminars abroad should forward a detailed self-introduction.

(Q) Do you teach the Owari or Edo school of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu?

(A) Both. Officially, we teach the Owari line of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, as handed down to us by Otsubo Shiho (Menkyo Kaiden). Otsubo sensei began his studies as a deshi under Yagyu Toshichika (Genshu), the great-grandfather of the current headmaster, Yagyu Koichi. When Genshu passed away, he continued to study under his son, Toshinaga (Genchou). The Edo line of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu was intact up until around the Meiji period, but later died-out. Otsubo Shiho & Muto Masao worked closely with the Edo Yagyu family to resurrect the Edo-line of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. They scoured through over 500 documents and texts in order to discover the necessary information. When Otsubo Shiho passed away in 1992, Muto became his successor. Muto later passed on the "Otsubo-line" of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu to his successor, Kajitsuka Yasushi.

(Q) Why have you adopted the kyu/dan system & colored belts?

(A) In addition to the traditional license grading system, many koryu have adopted a kyu/dan system in recent years. Purple and brown belts were introduced to identify senior kyu-level holders. Why? Students often spend many years at the kyu level. These new colors help newcomers identify more senior students. Many beleive that colored belts have no place in koryu. Traditionally, there is only black or white. This is a common misconception. There is nothing traditional about belts in general. Black and white belts were conceived by judo's founder, Kano Jigoro in the late eighteen hundreds. Kano also introduced the budo kyu/dan system, known as "dan-i" in Japanese. Belt colors, other than black & white, first appeared in Europe around the early nineteen forties. In koryu terms, uniforms, belts and the kyu/dan grading system are all modern additions, but they do serve a purpose.

(Q) What kind of practice weapons do you use?

(A) In addition to the Yawara (unarmed combat) curriculum, we also practice the 6ft. Staff, Naginata & Katana. The fukuro-shinai and bokuto are used in sword combat simulation kata and focus on numerous aspects, including timing, distancing, footwork etc. The heavier Oodachi is used to train breathing, control, posture etc. Click the adjacent photograph to see the weapons discussed.

(Q) Why does the kamae in YSR Taijutsu guard the groin?

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