Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (柳心照智流) is a school of kobudō (ancient martial arts) specializing in iaijutsu (quick-draw sword art). This system originated from traditional Japanese swordsmanship techniques (the origins of the RSR can be traced to back to the style of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū), that have been transmitted over hundreds of years, distilling the wisdom, discipline, and determination of generations of masters. The current headmaster of the RSR is Yahagi Kunikazu Sensei. RSR is dedicated to the practice and preservation of the skills that closely resemble the fighting techniques of the samurai, which fundamentally derive from conscious breathing and body movements that determine the speed and accuracy of sword movements.
The name Ryushin Shouchi Ryu was selected by the founder, Kawabata Terutaka Sensei. Ryūshin (柳心) means “Mind or Heart of the Willow tree” and invokes the image of a tree which does not lose its leaves even in winter; while Shouchi (照智) can be translated as “shining wisdom”. Together, these characters convey the sense of “establishing in the world an unmovable wisdom and everyday mind by means of a strong yet flexible body and spirit.”
Our study of RSR involves the combination and practice of Kata, Kumitachi, and Tameshigiri.
NEW YORK BUDO ASSOCIATION’S RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU LINAGE
1 Hall, David (22 February 2013). Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts. Kodansha USA. pp. 504–505. ISBN 9781568364100.
2 “天眞正自源流とは”. Official Tenshinsho Jigen Ryu Website. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
3 雪, 綿谷 (1978). 武芸流派大事典 (増補大改訂版 ed.). 東京: 東京コピイ出版部. p. 599.
4 加来, 耕三 (2015). 日本武術・武道大事典. Tokyo: 勉誠出版. p. 78. ISBN 978-4585200321.
5 “正誠館の沿革”. 正誠館. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
LEARN RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU WITH NYBA ONLINE…
Learn and practice Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (RSR) with us online. We understand that not everyone has the opportunity or the chance to train due to time and location. Our classes are open to all – no experience necessary, just a willingness to learn. Classes are always taught by licensed instructors in RSR who will provide basic instruction in these techniques. We also conduct online rank testing through the Honbu in Japan. People attending will be required to sign our legal waiver and anyone under 18 will need a parent/guardian's permission.