Ryushin Shouchi Ryu: History, Curriculum, and Philosophy
History and Lineage
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu's lineage traces back to Tenshinsho Jigen Ryu, an ancient martial art school specializing in Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu, founded by Tose (Kose) Yosazaemon Osamune (later Seotguchi Bizen no Kami Masato) in 1508 during the Muromachi period. Traditionally, Tenshinsho Jigen-ryu remained a secret art, only emerging publicly during the Meiji period when it was inherited by the 27th headmaster, Ueno Genshin.
In 1964, Ueno Genshin Soke opened the Sogo Martial Arts Shobukan in Asakusa, Tokyo, where he instructed students, including Kawabata Terutaka Shihan, until 1968. Following Ueno Genshin Soke's passing, Kawabata Shihan continued his swordsmanship training and established the Seiseikan in Akabane, Tokyo. In 2006, he founded Ryushin Jigen Ryu. In 2008, Yahagi Kunikazu, his most accomplished student, became the second headmaster (Soke) of Ryushin Jigen Ryu.
In 2011, to emphasize the school's focus on mental and physical cultivation through rigorous training, the name was changed to Ryushin Shouchi Ryu. Selected by Kawabata Terutaka, "Ryūshin" (柳心) translates to "Mind or Heart of the Willow tree," symbolizing resilience, while "Shouchi" (照智) means "shining wisdom." Together, the name conveys the pursuit of unwavering wisdom and a balanced mind through a strong and flexible body and spirit.
Today, Ryushin Shouchi Ryu is practiced globally, with schools in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Soke Yahagi Kunikazu conducts annual international training seminars, fostering strong connections with his students worldwide. Ryushin Shouchi Ryu also participates in the annual Kobudo Dedication Demonstrations (Kobudo Hono Embu Taikai) at Katori Shrine, a tradition spanning over 25 years.
The philosophy of the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu parallels that of most modern forms of budo and entails cultivating the mind and conditioning the body through rigorous training for the purpose of improving the self rather than killing an enemy. This concept is more commonly known as fudoshin (immovable mind), which refers to a state of psychological and spiritual equanimity
Curriculum
Under the guidance of Soke Yahagi Kunikazu, the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to swordsmanship, encompassing:
* Iai: Solo and paired choreographed kata, designed to simulate various combat scenarios.
* Kumitachi: Paired practice forms, utilizing bokuto, and at advanced levels habiki, to apply kata techniques in a dynamic context.
Ranking System
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu employs a dan/kyu ranking system, overseen by Soke Yahagi Kunikazu. Senior instructors (Renshi) can award ranks up to Sandan. Students are encouraged to attend seminars and visit the Honbu in Tokyo for testing. Testing occurs twice annually, coinciding with Soke Yahagi Kunikazu's seminars. Regular attendance allows students to pursue Shodan (first-degree black belt) within two to three years.
Rank Requirement
Hanshi Granted by Soke after receiving 8th Dan
8th Dan 10 years after receiving 7th Dan
7th Dan 6 years after receiving Kyoshi
Kyoshi 2 years after receiving 6th Dan
6th Dan 5 years after receiving 5th Dan
5th Dan 3 years after receiving Renshi
Renshi 2 years after receiving 4th Dan
4th Dan 3 years after receiving 3rd Dan
3rd Dan 2 years after receiving 2nd Dan
2nd Dan 1 year after receiving 1st Dan
1st Dan 2-3 years
Teaching Licenses
License Requirement
Shihan 7th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke
Shihan Dai 6th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke
Shidoin 5th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke
Jun Shidoin 4th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke
History and Lineage
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu's lineage traces back to Tenshinsho Jigen Ryu, an ancient martial art school specializing in Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu, founded by Tose (Kose) Yosazaemon Osamune (later Seotguchi Bizen no Kami Masato) in 1508 during the Muromachi period. Traditionally, Tenshinsho Jigen-ryu remained a secret art, only emerging publicly during the Meiji period when it was inherited by the 27th headmaster, Ueno Genshin.
In 1964, Ueno Genshin Soke opened the Sogo Martial Arts Shobukan in Asakusa, Tokyo, where he instructed students, including Kawabata Terutaka Shihan, until 1968. Following Ueno Genshin Soke's passing, Kawabata Shihan continued his swordsmanship training and established the Seiseikan in Akabane, Tokyo. In 2006, he founded Ryushin Jigen Ryu. In 2008, Yahagi Kunikazu, his most accomplished student, became the second headmaster (Soke) of Ryushin Jigen Ryu.
In 2011, to emphasize the school's focus on mental and physical cultivation through rigorous training, the name was changed to Ryushin Shouchi Ryu. Selected by Kawabata Terutaka, "Ryūshin" (柳心) translates to "Mind or Heart of the Willow tree," symbolizing resilience, while "Shouchi" (照智) means "shining wisdom." Together, the name conveys the pursuit of unwavering wisdom and a balanced mind through a strong and flexible body and spirit.
Today, Ryushin Shouchi Ryu is practiced globally, with schools in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Soke Yahagi Kunikazu conducts annual international training seminars, fostering strong connections with his students worldwide. Ryushin Shouchi Ryu also participates in the annual Kobudo Dedication Demonstrations (Kobudo Hono Embu Taikai) at Katori Shrine, a tradition spanning over 25 years.
The philosophy of the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu parallels that of most modern forms of budo and entails cultivating the mind and conditioning the body through rigorous training for the purpose of improving the self rather than killing an enemy. This concept is more commonly known as fudoshin (immovable mind), which refers to a state of psychological and spiritual equanimity
Curriculum
Under the guidance of Soke Yahagi Kunikazu, the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to swordsmanship, encompassing:
* Iai: Solo and paired choreographed kata, designed to simulate various combat scenarios.
* Kumitachi: Paired practice forms, utilizing bokuto, and at advanced levels habiki, to apply kata techniques in a dynamic context.
Ranking System
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu employs a dan/kyu ranking system, overseen by Soke Yahagi Kunikazu. Senior instructors (Renshi) can award ranks up to Sandan. Students are encouraged to attend seminars and visit the Honbu in Tokyo for testing. Testing occurs twice annually, coinciding with Soke Yahagi Kunikazu's seminars. Regular attendance allows students to pursue Shodan (first-degree black belt) within two to three years.
Rank Requirement
Hanshi Granted by Soke after receiving 8th Dan
8th Dan 10 years after receiving 7th Dan
7th Dan 6 years after receiving Kyoshi
Kyoshi 2 years after receiving 6th Dan
6th Dan 5 years after receiving 5th Dan
5th Dan 3 years after receiving Renshi
Renshi 2 years after receiving 4th Dan
4th Dan 3 years after receiving 3rd Dan
3rd Dan 2 years after receiving 2nd Dan
2nd Dan 1 year after receiving 1st Dan
1st Dan 2-3 years
Teaching Licenses
License Requirement
Shihan 7th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke
Shihan Dai 6th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke
Shidoin 5th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke
Jun Shidoin 4th Dan or Higher/Granted by Soke