Hanshi 10th dan Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu (1922 – 2012)
The 20th grandmaster of Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu, Miura Takeyuki Hanshi, was born January 5, 1922 in Shimane-ken, Japan. At the age of eleven, he entered the Budo Senmon Gakko, a martial arts training school, where he began his study of Kendo, the modern art of Japanese fencing which has its roots in Samurai swordmanship.
Although it is probable that he studied elements of Iaido during his Kendo training or under other instructors, Miura Hanshi began his study of Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu in 1959 under Narise Sakahiro who was the president of the Dai Nippon Iaido Yaegaki-kai and who became the 19th grandmaster of the style. Miura Hanshi also received instruction from the 18th grandmaster, Masaoka Kazumi. One year later, Miura Hanshi began his training in Shindo Muso-Ryu Jodo under Nakajima Asakichi, who was then the most senior disciple of the 25th grandmaster of the style, Shimizu Takatsugu, under whom he also trained.
Following this, Miura Hanshi began studying Koryu Kakushu Bujutsu (“Ancient Samurai Weapons”) in 1965 under the 3rd grandmaster of Enshin-Ryu, Kobashi Nikkan. This system includes a variety of traditional Samurai weapons.
In May 1970, Miura Hanshi undertook the study of Kukishin-Ryu Bojutsu under the instruction of Kano Takehiko, the 11th grandmaster of Yanagi-Ryu.
In May of 1975, culminating more than forty years of martial arts training, including over fifteen years of Iaido and other Samurai weapons, Miura Hanshi founded the Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-kai. He established the Hombu dojo (headquarters) for Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-kai on the grounds of Yasaka Jinja, in the Yasaka district of Neyagawa City in Osaka.
Among the rankings currently held by Miura Hanshi are 8th dan in Koryu Kakushu Bujutsu from the Zen Nippon Kobudo Sogo Renmei (awarded May, 1975) and 10th dan Hanshi in Iaido, conferred in 2004 by the Dai-Nippon Butoku-Kai. Miura Hanshi is held in such high esteem that in 1977 he received an 8th dan in Toyama-Ryu Batto-Jutsu (the modern military form of swordsmanship) without having requested such ranking or even joining the organization.
In addition to being its highest ranking living member as 10th dan, the Dai-Nippon Botuko-Kai has designated Miura Hanshi as ‘Iincho’ (Executive Director) for Kobudo Shinsa (rank testing in weapons), Kobudo Kenshu (weapons seminars) and Taikai (championships). In April, 1985, the Butoku-Kai named Miura Hanshi “Yushusho” (Most Valuable Member) and he had served on it’s Board of Directors since April, 1990.
During his many years of teaching, Miura Hanshi had also been recognized for his community contributions with such awards as Honorary Mayor of Kyoto City in April 1988 and Honorary Governor of Kyoto-fu in April, 1993.
Summary Timeline of Acheivements and Rankings
1933 – Entered the Budo Senmon Gakko at the Busen for the study of Kendo and other Samurai Arts.
1959 – Began iaido training under Narise Sakahiro, who would become the 19th grandmaster of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu
1959 – Trained under 18th grandmaster Masaoka Kazumi, Hanshi Kyudan of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu
1960 – Began Jodo training under Nakajima Asakichi, Menkyo Kaiden of Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu
1965 – Began Study of Koryu Kakushu Bujutsu under Kobayashi Nikkan, 3rd soke of Enshin Ryu
1970 – Began to study under Kano Takehiko, 11th grandmaster of Yanagi Ryu Jujutsu
1970 – Receives Iaido Kyoshi 7th dan, All Japan Iaido Federation
1975 – Recieves Iaido Hanshi 8th dan, All Japan Kobudo Federation
1975 – Established Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-Kai for Iaido, Kenjutsu, Jiujutsu, Suemonogiri and Jojutsu
1977 – Receives Hanshi 8th dan, Toyama-Ryu Batto-jutsu Association
1984 – Receives Iaido Hanshi 8th dan, Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
1985 – Receives Highest Excellence Award from All Japan Butoku Sai
1989 – Receives Kyoto Mayors Cup Award, All Japan Butoku Sai
1993 – Receives Kyoto Governors Cup Award, All Japan Butoku Sai
1993 – Receives Iaido Hanshi 9th Dan, Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
2004 – Receives Iaido Hanshi 10th Dan, Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
2007 – Becomes Chairman Emeritus, 20th Soshihan of Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai
2013 – Inducted into the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Hall of Fame
Priest of Yasaka Shinto Shrine
Past Vice President and past Advisor Emeritus for the Board of Directors of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
