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THE HISTORY OF RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU (柳心照智流の歴史） written by Kawabata Sensei and Yahagi Sensei

The history of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (RSR) derives from the ancient sword style which originated in central Japan (Kanto region) and branched out to the southern island of Kyushu and other provinces. The current RSR curriculum consists of some 60 formulations of iai movements/techniques (kata); duel practice with both partners using wooden swords (bokuto) or iai swords (iaito); or duel practice with one partner using a long sword and another using a short sword. The RSR practice is based on, and still reflects, the ways of swordsmanship that were developed several hundred years ago. It is extremely difficult to pass on these skills accurately, since much time has gone by, but the RSR maintains the essence of the old style – as it was wielded by those who fought with swords in the times of war and revolution.

The current headquarters of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (formerly Ryushin Jigen Ryu) was established by the first headmaster, Terutaka Kawabata, who was given hidden formulas of ancient swordsmanship at the Shobu-kan Dojo in Asakusa, Tokyo, in the 1940s. Since then, Headmaster Kawabata has devoted his time not only to further his own skills but to teach iai in Japan and overseas, including in the US, Hungary, and Austria. In 2006, Headmaster Kawabata established Ryushin Jigen Ryu and opened its first school (dojo).

In 2008, his disciple Kunikazu Yahagi became the second and current headmaster of Ryushin Jigen Ryu. In 2011, Ryshin Jigen Ryu changed its name to Ryushin Shouchi Ryu to clarify its emphasis on training – of both mind and body – through the practice of iai: Ryushin Shouchi means “let your mind and body be strong and flexible, like willow that does not lose its green leaves even in the midst of winter; lead with steady mind and unfettered wisdom and help the world”.

 FIRST SOKE KAWABATA TERUTAKA (河端 照孝 初代宗家)'

In 1975, Kawabata Hanshi taught at the NRC (currently the Nihon Zaidan) dojo in Akasaka. He also trained many students at the ANA Haneda dojo, Takachiho Koeki, and the Yokohama Municipal Fire Station.

During the same time, Kawabata Hanshi worked as deputy vice-president of the International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF), and as chairman of the kobudo section. As such, he made a great impact on the promotion of budo. He later opened the Seiseikan dojo on the ground floor of the Sankei Indoor Sports Akabane at Akabane Minami, Kita-ku, Tokyo.

In 1987, Kawabata Hanshi appeared on the TBS television program Chikyu roman yomigeru hiken/sengoku kabutowari. In this program he demonstrated a secret sword technique, dating back to the warring states period, of cutting through a warrior’s helmet. The helmet-splitting technique had not been performed since Sakakibara Kenkichi, the hanshi of the Chokushinkage-ryu, demonstrated it before Emperor Meiji in the autumn of 1886, over 100 years before. Kawabata Hanshi’s demonstration cemented his place in budo history as an adept of this technique in the Showa era.

Currently, Kawabata is the chairman of the Seiseikan and the overseer of the Ryushin Shouchi-ryu soke; and, together with Yahagi Soke, he is active not only in Japan, but also internationally in passing on the ancient Japanese warrior spirit and skills.

 SECOND SOKE KUNIKAZU YAHAGI（矢作訓一 二代宗家）''' '''

Yahagi Sensei began training in Kendo in his primary school years, soon complementing with Judo. In his hot-blooded passion for budo, he also trained in nipon kempo as a young man. When in his early thirties, he started training in TSJR, following Kawabata Sensei.

Yahagi Sensei’s ranking in kendo is kyoshi, 7th dan. From his own description, apart from early experiences in matches at a young age, he is not very keen on competitive kendo. On the other hand, he considers himself a expert in kendo no kata. He is a member of a technical committee charged for examinations up to 5th dan and can take care appropriately of the technical progression of a kendoka up to this level.

Besides acting as the budo instructor at the Seiseikan dojo, Yahagi Soke is director of IMAF. Having established dojo branches in New York and Miami, and bases for practice in various places in Europe, he makes instructional trips several times a year, garnering the passionate admiration of foreign students. By actively promoting budo along with its various styles at the annual Sogo Budo Taikai of IMAF, Yahagi Soke has won the admiration of many kobudo fans in Japan.