LATCHMERE LEISURE CENTRE

description of the school

HONTAI YOSHIN RYU is one of the very few schools of Authentic Samurai Martial Arts that is officially recognised by NIHON KOBUDO KYOKAI (Japan Traditional Martial Arts Association) under NIHON BUDOKAN.

Founded by Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi (b. 1635), the style has been developing for almost four hundred years. Rather than making the style out of date, it includes many lessons that are just as applicable in today's world as back in the time of feudal Japan.

On the 16th January, 2005, Soke INOUE Tsuyoshi Munetoshi, the 18th Grandmaster gave the title of Soke to his son, now Soke INOUE Kyoichi Munenori, 19th Grandmaster of Hontai Yoshin Ryu.

For a detailed look at the interesting history of this style, you can look at the sohonbu (head) dojo's website, http://www.hontaiyoshinryu.com/.

Sensei Mike McClure (6th Dan and Chuden holder) is the head instructor of Hontai Yoshin Ryu in the UK and is responsible for all UK dojos and students on behalf of the 19th Soke of Hontai Yoshin Ryu.

Having started with other martial arts, he became aware of Hontai Yoshin Ryu and subsequently travelled to Japan in the 1980s to further his training.

On his return to London, he set up the Latchmere dojo. He visited Japan several more times and arranged visits to the UK for the 18th Soke and other senior instructors.

In 1989 the UK was recognised as an official branch with Sensei Mike McClure as the head instructor.

He received Shoden from the 18th Soke. Subsequently, while in Japan for the investitature of the 19th Soke, he received Chuden. At the UK Taikai, 2009 was promoted to 6th Dan.

Techniques includes Jujutsu, Iai (sword) and Bojutsu (stick fighting).