Hontai Yoshin Ryu began in samurai period as s form of unarmed combat. It originated in Oshu (present day Miyagi prefecture) in the Shiroishi district (Okayama pref.),then to Owari district (Nagoya), Tosa district (Koichi) ,and then to Ako and Himeji districts (Hyogo).

In the Lineage of its grandmasters, the 2nd and 14th Sokes were among the most famous. Takagai Umanosuke Shigesada, the 2nd Soke, appears in Japanese legends as a kind and warm man as well as a great martial artist. He was famous for formulating one of the earliest styles of unarmed jujutsu. The 14th Soke, Ishiya Takeo Masatsugu, born in 1845, was known as a Master of Masters in the Edo period. His most famous teachings are the words:

At present, the basis of jujutsu is breaking the opponent's balance by deflecting his attack and using his energy, thrusting into his centre in order to create the technique. Without breaking the opponent's balance, jujutsu is nothing. Therefore, the three steps of any jujutsu technique is

1) Breaking balance

2) Hand technique

3) Foot work.

All jujutsu springs form mastering these three points. The Yoshin katas are considered to be an art that is the first step towards innumerable changes, and must be practised everyday. In 1980, Hontai Yoshin Ryu was chosen as one of the subjects for a series of documentaries on 58 existing schools of traditional martial arts. Currently in Japan, there exist about 400 styles of martial arts, but only a few styles have continued in an unbroken lineage into the present era.

Since 1982 Soke Inoue’s investiture as the Grandmaster has somewhat revolutionised the Ryu. His forward thinking and vision has seen the development of Hontai Yoshin Ryu skills span across the world.

The Ryu can be considered truly global with headquarters in many countries. Listing a sample of them would include:

There many more countries involved in the Ryu and every year there are more adding to the list. Apologies to any country not listed above, this is not an exhaustive or definitive listing just a sample to illustrate the range of development.

In 1993 the very first Taikai was held in Osaka Japan and in 1996 the second held in Aqui Terme, Italy. The next World gathering will be at the 1999 Taikai in Japan. More news about that when it becomes available.

If you would like to contact any organisation practising Hontai Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu, Iaido or any other art then for details of the Branch Chiefs contact:

Bob Ross

Scottish Branch Chief

Scottish Ju Jitsu Association Headquarters

3 Dens Street,

Dundee. DD4 6BU

Scotland