Pathfield School - Barnstaple

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 Rather than making the style out of date, it includes many lessons that are just as applicable in today's world as back in the time of feudal Japan.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/.

Training is lead by Sensei Dave Malvern, 4th Dan, assisted by Dean Shanley, 3rd Dan and David Richardson, 1st Dan.

Sensei Dave Malvern also holds 2nd Dan in Iai jutsu and the club has a good balance between open-hand, sword and weapons training.

Over the years, his work has placed him in London for large periods of time where he is one of the assistant instructors at the Budokwai under Sensei Dr. Mike McClure. He continues this role whenever work allows.

Although the dojo has only recently been opened, for nearly 10 years there have been students in Devon studying Hontai Yoshin Ryu weapons, with regular visits from Budokwai members and teachers.

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