The history of Ryu-ha [ part1 ][ part2 ][ part3 ][ part4 ] [ part5 ] [ part6 ][part7 ]
Kukishin Ryu after the War−The establishment of Kashiwara Shobukyoku and the afterwards 

　


   While Kodosenyokai Shobukyoku, organization supported by the Soke, Kuki, was reorganized as Nihon Taiikukyoku after World War II, Takamatsu Chosui 1 alone kept some distance from the Soke and other teachers. Teacher Takamatsu established "Kashihara Shobukyoku" together with his two students Akimoto Fumio and Kimura Masaji at Kashihara in Nara prefecture 2 in 1950, thus parting completely from the Kuki family. 

　

　
Kashihara Shobukyoku 
Prospectus		 　On this particular occasion, Takamatsu Chosui sent a prospectus(Kashihara Shobukyoku Prospectus) 3  to the Soke, Kuki, explaning meticulously the stituation he was in and the reaseons he took his own course. From the prospectus one can see he did not want to get in trouble with the Kuki family by any means. One thing that is clear to us is the action he took was based on the spirit of inquiry and somewhat doubt over Kukishin Ryu he had learned. We can see through how he felt then by reading some of the letters Chosui sent to the Soke, Kuki Takaharu. 
Akimoto and Kimura, who was involved in setting up Kashiwara Shobukyoku, are Chosui's oldest students in this period in Nara prefecture.  They are mentioned as Choui's best students on "the Genealogical Table of Martial Arts Teachers"(preserved by the Kuki family 4  and they were the ones who were most trusted by Chosui for their personality and skills.

　

We cannot give you a detailed accounting of how KashiwarShobukyoku took its course and how it got along with the Kuki family afterward, since there is not much reference left. 

There is, however, no doubt that Teacher Choui went his own way after the establishment of Kashihara Shobukyoku; you can easily imagine that the setting up of his own organization influenced what he taught and the way he thought about martial arts. 

Chosui's two best students Akimoto and Kimura 
were awarded Kaiden before Chosui parted from the Soke, Kuki, 5 so it is certain  that they learned "authentic Kukishin Ryu"that Chosui taught in his early days. It is known today that they were awarded "Sodennomaki" 6 that is the proof of authentic Kukishin Ryu Teacher. 

We feel sorry that Teacher Akimoto died before Chosui died 7, Teacher Kimura died at the age of 100 last year 8.   


Late Takamatsu Chosui −Provided by Tanemura Shoto−

 


Teacher Tanemura Shoto learning from Teacher Kimura Masaharu
−Provided by Shoo Tanemura−		 Tanemura Shoto is the one who learned authentic Kukishin Ryu from Teacher Kimura in his late days and was awarded "Sodennomaki."

Teacher Tanemura tried to follow in his teacher's footsteps, visiting other Chosui's students and learning the depth of the art. We respect him for his earnest attitude toward mastering the art of authenticitic martial arts.  

Teacher Tanemura's Dojo "Genbukan" is located at Matsubushi, Kita Katsuragi, Saitama. His activities are worldwide and we are expecting his further active role in the martial arts community.    　 


 

"Kukisodennomaki"awarded by Kimura Masaharu Masakatsu to Tanemura Shoto Tsunehisa

−Provided by Tanemura Shoto−

　

　

Notes
1 His child name was Jutarou. Later he was renamed Hisatsugu, but he named himself Toshitsugu. There are several pseudonyms such as Yokuou.
2  His address at the time was Kume, Unebi, Takaichi, Nara; he ran a diner called "Maruichi Shokudo"in Kashihara Jingu Mae.
3 Enclosed with a letter to the Soke Kuki Takaharu dated April 10, 1950.
4 "The Geaneological Table of Martial Arts Teachers"is a volume regarding each school of Kukishin Ryu teachers, compiled by Takamatsu Chosui and presented it to the Soke Kuki family. This is unparalleled as a historical referance concerning Kukishin Ryu teachers. 
5 Teacher Kimura was awarded Menkyo Kaiden at the age of 31 in 1938.
6 "Sodennomaki" or "Hi-Sodennomaki"is the secret scroll which verifies that one is an authentic Kukishin Ryu Teacher(the Soke, Kuki family being excluded from this condfition). There is a secret scroll that has equivalent value with "Sodennomaki" called "Ryukonomaki"that has been passed on from Iwami Nangaku to Kibakoshiro and their students.
7 Akimoto Fumio died in 1962. Takamatsu Chosui died in 1972.
8 Kimura Masaharu died on January 14 2000 at the age of 100.