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In addition to Yagyu Shingan-ryu, students are also trained in the art of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. Yagyu Shinkage-ryu
is a school of kenjutsu founded by Kamiizumi Iseno-kami Hidetsuna (later known as Masashino-kami Nobutsuna). When practicing,
we use fukuro-shinai (bamboo swords encased in lacquered leather sleeves). The founder was born in Joshu Kammizumi (present
day, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture) in 1508. He studied Shinto-Ryu under Matsumoto Bizenno-kami and Kage-ryu from Aisu Ikousai.
He later combined the techniques and philosophies of the two, and created Shinkage-ryu.
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu was founded by Yagyu Sekishusai Muneyoshi, a disciple of Kamiizumi Iseno-kami. Sekishusai
became acquainted with Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Muneyoshi's fifth son, Munenori, served as the
official kenjutsu / martial arts instructor to Ieyasu and his two heirs (son - Hidetada / 2nd Shogun, and grandson - Iemitsu
/ 3rd Shogun).
The lineage was handed down from Munenori's son, Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi to Yagyu Munefuyu. Sekishusai's
grandson, Hyugono-suke Toshitoshi served the Owari Tokugawa family, and became the founder of Owari Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. This
style has been passed-down over the generations to the present Soke (22nd generation), Yagyu Koichi.
Our former Headmaster, Mutoh Masao received Menkyo Kaiden from Otsubo Shiho. Otsubo, studied under the grandfather
and great-grandfather of Yagyu Koichi. Today, we continue to pass-on the tradition under the guidance of Yagyu Shingan-ryu
grandmaster, Kajitsuka Yasushi.
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