14/03/2026
From Emperor Seiwa to Takeda Ryu Nakamura Ha; A Martial Tradition Over 1000 Years Old
According to Japanese martial tradition, the roots of Aiki trace back to the lineage of Emperor Seiwa (850–880). From him came the powerful Seiwa Genji, one of the most influential samurai families in Japanese history.
Among this lineage was the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshiie (1039–1106) and his younger brother Minamoto no Yoshimitsu (1045–1127). Yoshimitsu is traditionally credited with developing early forms of Aiki techniques, studying strategy, body mechanics, and the subtle control of an opponent’s balance.
His descendants formed the Takeda clan, also known as the Kai Genji, who preserved their martial knowledge as a secret family tradition known as Takeda Ryu.
Within Takeda Ryu, the martial curriculum included many disciplines such as:
• Kyuba no Jutsu : archery on horseback
• Tachiuchi no Jutsu : sword combat
• Aiki no Jutsu : the art of harmonizing with an opponent’s force
Over the centuries, these teachings influenced many later Japanese martial traditions.
In the modern era, the art survived thanks to Oba Ichio (1899–1959), the last Soke of Takeda Ryu, who began teaching the system publicly. One of his important students was Nakamura Hisashi.
After Oba Soke passed away in 1959, Nakamura Hisashi created a branch of the tradition to ensure the survival of the school; Takeda Ryu Nakamura Ha.
Nakamura Soke modernized the teaching structure, introducing structured training, competitions, and sparring matches, allowing students to experience techniques in realistic conditions while preserving the classical principles of Aiki.
Today, this tradition continues through the Nippon Sobudo Rengokai (Takeda Ryu Nakamura Ha).
🥋 At our dojo we train in this living tradition; studying Aiki principles, classical samurai arts, and modern training methods that connect us to over a thousand years of martial history.
If you are interested in discovering this unique system of Japanese martial arts, you are welcome to come and train with us.
