Yagyu-Shingan ryu Heiho

1. Sendai Ryushin kai

    The Sendai Ryushin Kai was established in January 1987 by a group of volunteers dedicated to studying the Yagyu-Shingan Ryu martial arts style. This style was passed down to the Date clan by the 14th headmaster, Hoshi Kunio. The association, currently under the guidance of its second headmaster, Hoshi Kunio (real name Hoshi Hirofumi), is affiliated with the Japan Kobudo Association and the Japan Kobudo Promotion Association. It actively participates in various demonstrations and activities. Moreover, the association fosters camaraderie among its members, which include students and individuals in their 70s, by adhering to specific rules. 

• Yagyu-Shingan Ryu Heiho Teisoku (Rules of Yagyu-Shingan Ryu Heiho)

  • Uphold and strictly adhere to the laws of the nation with reverence.

  • Avoid mixing the intent or principles of other styles with our own.

  • When encountering other styles, maintain the integrity of our own style.

  • Do not engage in pointless arguments with those who study other styles.

  • Do not guide others without the proper authorization or permission.

  • In the place of practice, openly acknowledge both the good and bad of other styles.

  • Adhere to the Five Constants of Confucianism - humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and fidelity. Embrace harmony and gentleness, fostering a bond among disciples akin to that between water and fish.

2. Characteristics of the style

   Yagyu-Shingan Ryu, a martial art developed 400 years ago by Hayato Takenaga, is a comprehensive system that encompasses jujutsu, various weapon techniques, armor training, Hoden (game rules), and Shinpo (essential life rules). This martial art is distinguished by its 28 Suburi techniques, which are categorized into four stages: Omote, Chugoku, Otoshi, and Kiri. These stages are based on seven fundamental techniques: kata-gi, ryo-gi, sode-tsuki, uchikomi, ori-tori, Eritori, and o-garami.The curriculum includes several levels of certification, such as kirigami, Mokuroku, Kacchu, Kogusoku, and Kaiden. All aspects of Yagyu-Shingan Ryu, from jujutsu to weaponry, are founded on the principles of the 28 Suburi articles. A unique feature of this style is Muto-Dori, a technique derived from the application of these 28 articles.The Yagyu-Shingan Ryu also emphasizes the 'Hatten-style' of waiting, focusing on techniques that leverage an opponent's attack and power, rather than initiating the attack. This approach encourages using the opponent's force to one's advantage.Furthermore, the practice of Hoden and Shinpo imparts important life lessons and strategic game rules. The style places greater emphasis on 'katsunin ken' or the life-giving sword, promoting the use of martial skills for protection and preservation of life, rather than for aggression or harm."

3. About the practice

    In Yagyu-Shingan Ryu training sessions, the practice begins with the Shinzenrei and Tomorei rituals, where all participants engage in the 28 Suburi exercises together. Following this, the students are divided into two groups for kumi-geiko, or paired practice. In kumi-geiko, attackers (tori) initiate an attack, and the defenders (utsushi) respond with a kata, concluding with a mukuri (throw) to complete the exchange. This process alternates between 7 kata for utsushi and 7 kata for tori, incorporating the 28 Suburi techniques. Students who have not yet received permission to learn Okugi, the deeper secrets of the style, continue to practice the Suburi repeatedly. Those who have been granted this permission engage in kata practice tailored to their specific level of certification. To maintain the integrity and secrecy of advanced techniques, barriers are set up to segregate different ranks, ensuring that higher-rank techniques remain unseen by lower-rank students.Instruction during these sessions is highly personalized and exclusively verbal. Even within the same kata, the teaching varies according to a student’s rank, which reflects their skill in both technique and spirit. Mutual respect and gratitude for the opportunity to practice are emphasized. Higher-ranked practitioners are discouraged from demonstrating or trying out advanced or potentially dangerous techniques with beginners.The practice session concludes with a series of rituals - shinzen-rei, shinzen-rei, and tomo-rei - marking the end of the training.

4. Practice clothes and equipment

   In Yagyu-Shingan Ryu practice, there are no strict rules regarding the attire. Practitioners are free to wear uniforms from various martial arts such as karate, judo, or aikido. However, wearing a hakama with a central divider is recommended for ease of movement, especially when performing mukuri (throwing techniques). Skirted hakama might hinder these movements. For headgear, practitioners may use a hachimaki (headband) or a hand towel, with any style of headband being acceptable for regular practice. During demonstrations, however, the official tenugui (hand towel) of the Sendai Ryushinkai is preferred.Regarding equipment, beginners are advised to start with a wooden sword due to the high cost of a complete set, which includes armor. Before purchasing any weapons, it is recommended to seek advice from senior students (senpai) or instructors (shihan) to ensure the right selection is made.

5. Recommendations for initiation

  In the modern era, long past the Warring States Period and the peaceful Edo Period, one might wonder about the relevance of learning Yagyu-Shingan ryu, a style not recognized in the Olympics nor used in competitive tournaments. However, this martial art, along with other kobudo and modern forms like karate and judo, offers valuable insights into utilizing human body structure and psychological states to execute effective techniques. Yagyu-shingan-ryu and similar kobudo styles encompass techniques still applicable today, some of which have been lost in contemporary martial arts. Hence, kobudo techniques are far from obsolete. Beyond combat skills, Yagyu-shingan-ryu emphasizes mental and physical cultivation, aligning with teachings from the Edo period (1603-1867) on living a meaningful life and contributing to society. The principle of 'katsujin ken' (the life-giving sword) espoused by Yagyu-Shingan ryu exemplifies this philosophy. Yagyu-Shingan ryu encourages self-reflection and self-acceptance, fostering personal growth rather than seeking validation through competition or comparison with others. This approach leads to a deeper understanding of gratitude, recognizing our interconnectedness with others and the world. In Yagyu-Shingan ryu, 'Heiho' (the art of living) is a core teaching. Thus, learning this martial art is not merely about mastering combat techniques; it's a continuous journey of self-questioning and self-improvement, asking, 'How should I live as a person?' Mastery varies individually, and the state of mind evolves uniquely for each practitioner. At Sendai Ryushinkai, trainees from diverse backgrounds, including those with prior martial arts experience and complete beginners, find value in Yagyu-Shingan ryu. Experienced martial artists may discover familiar movements or encounter new perspectives, while novices can explore historical combat approaches and thought processes. No special skills or prior knowledge are required to learn Yagyu-shingan-ryu, making it accessible to all ages and genders. Yagyu-Shingan ryu offers a lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery, making it an enriching hobby for anyone interested in both martial arts and personal development.

6. How can I join?

  There are no specific requirements for admission. However, due to the unique way of using the body, which differs from modern martial arts, repeatedly practicing the same kata without fully understanding it can be confusing and sometimes painful. This approach may not be suitable for those who are looking to quickly become stronger and learn techniques. Instead, it is more appropriate for individuals who wish to take their time to comprehend the deeper meanings of kata and those who desire to practice budo in a way that doesn't strain their bodies. If you are interested, please contact our representative, Tadahiro Obata. We also offer tours and trial sessions. Please reach out to us in advance to arrange a visit or trial. 

7. process of admission and initiation

 To begin learning Yagyu-Shingan ryu at Sendai Ryushin-kai, prospective students are first required to visit the dojo and participate in a few trial sessions. If they decide to pursue training, they can officially join by completing a membership application form. Membership involves a monthly fee of 1,000 yen, plus a 500 yen fee for each training session attended.Initially, students learn the fundamentals such as Reiho (etiquette), the 21 Articles of Suburi (sword-swinging exercises), and ukemi (falling techniques). For those who wish to delve deeper into Shingan-ryu, a formal application for Nyumon (entrance) is necessary. Nyumon signifies the commencement of a formal shi-Deshi (student-teacher) relationship with a Shihan (master). This phase includes learning both basic and advanced Shingan-ryu techniques, encompassing the Okugi (secret techniques) and various weapon skills.To become an initiate, students are required to sign and provide their details in the Monin-cho (student register), along with paying an initiation fee of 3,000 yen. As students progress and are promoted to higher ranks, a fee of 10,000 yen or more is payable to the master for each advancement.This system ensures a structured and committed approach to learning Yagyu Shingan Ryu, with clear stages of progression and a direct relationship with the teaching master.

8. Information

Representative: Tadahiro Obata (since February 1, 2023)

Practice Schedule:

• Every Wednesday: 19:00 - 20:50 at Miyagi Prefectural Budokan (Kyudojo)

• Every Saturday: 15:00 - 17:00 at Sendai YMCA or Miyagi Budokan Training Room (1st and 2nd). Note: Please inquire to confirm the location for Saturdays.

Contact Information:

• Email: obt650103@gmail.com (Tadahiro Obata)

• It is recommended to contact in advance to confirm the practice location.

Fees:

• No admission fee.

• Entrance Fee: 3,000 yen, required when committing to study Shingan-ryu seriously and establishing a Shi-Deshi relationship with the instructor.

• Monthly Fee: 1,000 yen for administrative purposes, plus a 500 yen participation fee per session (3,000 yen total for attending four times a month).