北辰一刀流兵法 / Hokushin Itto-Ryu Hyoho

From 25–26 October 2025, the 3rd Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō Seminar took place at the Ryūshinkan, our school’s official dōjō in Budapest, Hungary, gathering practitioners from various of our branches worldwide, for two days of focused keiko (training) and shared spirit.

The seminar was led by Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke Taira no Masatomo, the 7th-generation sōke (headmaster) of our ryūha, with the dedicated assistance of Oláh Tamás Kenryū, kanchō (dōjō head) of the Ryūshinkan; Albrecht Sven Kenshin, kanchō of the Hokutokan in Munich; and Graetz Sebastian Naomasa, fuku-kanchō (deputy dōjō head) of the Chiba-Dōjō, the honbu of our school worldwide.

At its heart, the seminar returned to the essence of our ryūha, drawing a living connection to the teachings of the jūni-kajō (transmitted within the kajō-mokuroku) and their practical expression. Ōtsuka sōke offered clear, detailed instruction on the application of all physical techniques with shinken (live blades) and full blade contact, guiding students from kata-geiko (fixed-form practice) through to their realization in gekiken shiai geiko— the traditional, full-contact duelling training preserved within the Hokushin Ittō-ryū. Through this progression, form and function merged, revealing the principles that form the honsh*tsu (essence) of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kenryū sensei of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Ryūshinkan in Budapest for his tireless effort and exemplary organization, which made this seminar both profound and memorable.

For those wishing to study the authentic Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō in Hungary—or at any of our branches or seminars worldwide—please feel free to contact us at any time.
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On the 25th-26th of October 2025, the Japanese festival in Dorog (Hungary) took place. Before a large audience—and in the distinguished presence of Her Excellency Ono Hikariko, Ambassador of Japan to Hungary—the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō was invited to present a formal Enbu.

To honor this occasion, the demonstration was performed by Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke Masatomo, the 7th sōke of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū, together with Oláh Tamás Kenryū sensei, the leading shihandai of our school in Hungary and head instructor of the Ryūshinkan, our official dōjō in Budapest.

Founded in the late Edo period, Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō arose in an age when the sword was both a weapon and a moral compass. Rooted in the principle of ittō—the “one sword” that unifies offense and defense— this karyū (family school) teaches decisiveness, clarity of intent, and the harmonization of body and mind. Historically, the school was renowned for its uncompromising realism: techniques refined through full commitment, demanding precise timing, fearless spirit, and unwavering etiquette. These ideals have been carefully preserved up to the present day, allowing each generation to step into the same stream of knowledge as those who came before.

During the Enbu, Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke and Oláh Tamás Kenryū sensei demonstrated the Kenjutsu Omote Gogyō no Kata using shinken—fully sharpened swords—with full blade contact. Each exchange resonated with controlled power and profound trust in each others skills, transforming danger into disciplined beauty. Following this, Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke demonstrated a selection of battōjutsu kata from the Okuden level with his 3 shaku long nihontō, which is called Hakuryūbi Akiyoshi.

At this point we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and all people contributing to the organization of the Japanese festival in Dorog.
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Through the tireless efforts of the Enmeikai—the official branch of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō in Vienna, Austria—an inspiring milestone has been reached. With the recent Enbu (demonstrations) and the carefully prepared lectures held by our schools licensed masters and instructors, more than fifty individuals came to experience a trial training at the Enmeikai. Each of them was drawn to the authenticity of the keiko, as well as to the unique spirit that Hokushin Ittō-ryū has preserved across generations.

Under the skillful leadership of its Kaichō (branch head) Braune Stefan Masayoshi sensei and its Fuku-kaichō (deputy branch head) Piekut Sebastian Yoshikage sensei (both ranked hatsu-mokuroku), the Enmeikai in Vienna has blossomed into one of the most rapidly growing branches of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū worldwide. Their guidance embodies not only technical precision, but also the quiet strength and deep responsibility that the tradition demands. Through their dedication, Vienna has become a home for true budō, where newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike find themselves immersed in an atmosphere of discipline, respect, and profound learning.

Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō is more than a martial art school—it is a living legacy of swordsmanship and character cultivation. Its teachings revolve around clarity of intent, efficiency of movement, and a mind that remains unwavering. Students at the Enmeikai learn that victory lies not merely in physical technique, but in the sharpening of spirit, posture, and perception. Every cut, every kata, and every moment becomes a step toward self-perfection.

As more individuals step into the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Enmeikai, they connect with centuries of warrior tradition—guided by two exemplary teachers who study directly under the 7th sōke of the school and are supported by a thriving community worldwide.

The Enmeikai in Vienna continues to grow, a shining example of Hokushin Ittō-ryū’s enduring power to inspire, shape, and elevate all who take up the path of the sword. If you are in Vienna and want to experience the authentic samurai school Hokushin Ittō-ryū, feel free to contact us anytime.
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On October 18th, the Kangetsukai the official branch of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō in Osnabrück (Germany) hosted a special joint training session that brought together practitioners from the Kangetsukai (Osnabrück), Meigetsukai (Düsseldorf) and from the Konchikai (Berlin). The event was led by Regese Sebastian Naomasa Sensei—kajō-mokuroku (third of five major scrolls of transmission), shihandai, and fuku-kanchō (vice principal) of the Chiba-Dōjō, the honbu (headquarters) of our school worldwide—whose calm precision and deep knowledge set the tone for the day.

Hokushin Ittō-ryū preserves a direct, practical approach to swordsmanship that has been handed down through generations. Throughout the training, participants worked through kumitachi-kata (paired forms), studying timing, distance, and cutting lines as encoded in the school’s kata. They then moved into battōjutsu, refining the fluid draw-and-cut that lies at the heart of the tradition. The session concluded with gekiken, full-contact training that tests composure, awareness, and the ability to apply techniques under pressure and forms the root of modern kendō.

By the end of the day, the atmosphere was one of shared effort, focus, and respect—an encounter that strengthened both skill and connection within the Hokushin Ittō-ryū community worldwide.
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On the 12th of October, an enbu (public presentation) was held at the “Japanmarkt” (Japanese market) in Cologne, Germany.

“Japanmarkt” is a recurring cultural festival and design market with workshops, street food, live performances and Japanese goods.

Regese Sebastian Naomasa sensei, kajō-mokuroku (3rd of 5 scrolls of transmission) ranked shihandai (beginning master) and fuku-kanchō (deputy dojo leader) of the Honbu (headquarters of our school), performed 2 enbu (public demonstrations) of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō. He presented our schools kenjutsu (sword fighting), gekiken (full-contact training) and battōjutsu (sword drawing techniques) alongside explanations and context with regards to the historical background of the school. He was supported by Ball Markus Tadataka sensei (kaichō of the Seibukai in Bonn, Germany) Roth Torben Tanemoto sensei (kaichō of the Kangetsukai in Osnabrück, Germany), Schwarzburger Max Nagamasa sensei (kaichō of the Shōinkai in Zwiesel, Germany) and Rottschäfer Julian Tanesada sensei (fuku-kaichō of the Kangetsukai in Osnabrück, Germany), all hatsu-mokuroku (2nd of 5 scrolls of transmission) ranked shidōin (instructor).

We would like to express our sincere gratitude towards the organizers of the Japanmarkt Cologne for the opportunity to present Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō to the audience at this lively cultural event.
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On October 13th 2025, the Allgäuer Zeitung, one of southern Germany’s leading newspapers, published an extensive and beautifully written article about Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō and its 7th generation sōke, Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke.

The feature highlights not only the rich history and philosophy of this classical Japanese karyū (family school), but also the sōke’s dedication to preserving and transmitting authentic Japanese samurai traditions to people around the world. It’s a wonderful step in bringing greater public awareness to a tradition that continues to inspire discipline, clarity, and cultural appreciation.

Please enjoy the read (German only)!
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At this year’s GameCity in Vienna (10th-12th of October 2025), the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Enmeikai, our school‘s official branch in Vienna proudly represented our school on one of Austria’s most iconic cultural stages — the historic Viennese Town Hall.

Led by Braune Stefan Masayoshi sensei (kaichō/branch head) and Piekut Sebastian Yoshikage sensei (fuku-kaichō/deputy branch head) our team delivered performances and demonstrations that reached far beyond our expectations and captured the imagination of over 87.000 visitors.

We were honored to present two full Enbu (demonstrations) on the main stage, which were also broadcast throughout the entire venue. These demonstrations offered the audience a rare insight into the depth and intensity of classical Japanese swordsmanship — from the Kenjutsu and Battōjutsu to the Gekiken and Katchū waza preserved within the Hokushin Ittō-ryū.

Beyond the stage, we engaged with countless guests, answered questions, and shared discussions on martial tradition, philosophy, and the relevance of traditional arts in modern times. A special highlight was the collaboration with numerous content creators, creatives, and martial arts enthusiasts — connections that have already sparked new ideas, future projects, and exciting ventures both digital and live.

This event marks an important milestone for the Enmeikai of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū in Vienna. With over 300 registrations for our beginner’s seminar across this three-day event, we are inspired and motivated to continue giving our very best.
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On the 10th of October 2025, the Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō was honored with an invitation from the Mayor of Lengenwang to perform an Enbu celebrating the renewal of the partnership between the municipality of Lengenwang—home to the Chiba-Dōjō, the worldwide headquarters of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū—and the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion 10 of the German Federal Armed Forces, stationed in nearby Füssen.

During the event, Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke Masatomo, the 7th-generation sōke (headmaster), together with Reitmajer Luis Kagekatsu sensei, fuku-kanchō (deputy-dōjō head) of the Hokutokan—the official dōjō of our school in Munich—presented an Enbu that left a lasting impression on all attendees. In full yoroi (authentic samurai armor) they performed several kenjutsu and naginatajutsu kata that displayed both the precision and intensity of the techniques transmitted within our school. The interplay of footwork, timing, and controlled force, combined with the weight and presence of the armor, created a powerful contrast between the martial discipline of the past and the professionalism of today’s armed forces. For many in the audience, the demonstration highlighted how the timeless principles of strategy, awareness, and composure continue to resonate even within modern military contexts.

Later that evening, Ōtsuka sōke and Captain Bolze engaged in a deep and lively discussion that extended long into the night, exploring the evolution of warfare, the role of military discipline throughout history, and the shared spirit that connects warriors across time—be they samurai of the past or soldiers of the present day. Their exchange reflected the very essence of the partnership being honored: mutual respect, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding one another’s traditions.

For our school, it was a profound privilege to contribute to this meaningful occasion. Our heartfelt thanks go to Captain Bolze and Mayor Schreyer for their warm hospitality and the memorable time spent together, strengthening the bonds between the municipality and the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion 10.
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