Center: The Late Master Yasusuke Otsu, 11th Generation of Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara
Left: My father, the late Kosaku Shibata (3rd disciple), designated by Master Otsu to carry on the legacy
Right: Presumed to be the 2nd disciple at the time
Photo by: Presumed to be the 1st disciple at the time
Events / Journal
- Personal Event
- 2025 is drawing to a close. It has been an exceptionally intense year. Since around March or April, I have been active every single day regarding Hongaku Kokki-ryu. I feel a strong urgency to act before the fragments of information disappear forever.
- Personal Event
- I was able to connect with an author specializing in Tsugaru martial arts via telephone. Their powerful energy boosted my spirits and blew away my accumulated fatigue.
- Personal Event
- Recently, I visited the graves of Soeda Gizaemon Sadatoshi and Tsugaru Genba Masatomo. Thanks to the temple names mentioned in the research papers, they were easy to find, and the priest kindly guided me. I felt an indescribable, solemn atmosphere. I also made some surprising personal discoveries.
Grave of Soeda Gizaemon Sadatoshi
Grave of Tsugaru Genba Masatomo
- Personal Event
- Investigating small fragments of Hongaku Kokki-ryu information whenever I have time. I believe that right now is the last chance, as information is still scattered across Tsugaru.
- Self-Management
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I am working on the investigation of this style almost every day until after midnight. Honestly, doing this alone is starting to push my mental and physical limits. I might be feeling rushed because time is limited. I reflect on my inadequacy during days of trial and error.
Since I will be busy for several months next year with professional exams, I have been pushing myself too hard. I am starting to rethink my approach before I burn out. - New Info
- In 1963 (Showa 38), we became a topic of interest by forming one of the first "Sports Boy Scouts" (including boys and girls) in the country. There was a live appearance on RAB (Aomori Broadcasting) in 1965. It seems both men and women practiced at the time, showing how deeply rooted it was in the Tsugaru region.
- Personal Event
- On Sunday, Sept 14, from 11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00, we held demonstrations of "Bokuden-ryu, Hayashizaki Shinmuso-ryu Iai, and Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara" at the Sasamori Residence (National Important Cultural Property). High school and university students also participated in the Yawara demonstration. Seeing this felt like a glimpse into what was once a daily scene in the past.
- Personal Event
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At the Former Ishidoya Residence near the Horikoshi Castle ruins, we performed "Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara, Hayashizaki Shinmuso-ryu Iai, and Bokuden-ryu" at the request of the Hirosaki City Board of Education. The Yawara demonstration included students and was held in a warm, communal atmosphere.
- Personal Event
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I received "proof" of my hard work. Likely due to excessive PC use and smartphone use (which I usually avoid), combined with martial arts verification work, my wrist overheated. I was diagnosed with a triangular fibrocartilage complex tear.
I'm currently in the middle of upgrading 7 out of 9 PCs to Windows 11 and testing online calls... It's frustrating not being able to move forward faster. - Sword Training
- I recently participated in Bokuden-ryu training, which is said to share some roots with Hongaku Kokki-ryu. The practice involved closing the distance with a short sword (Kodachi) against a long sword (Odachi). I felt the "Ma-ai" (distancing) vividly. Even knowing it was practice, my body would instinctively react and try to stop when entering a certain range. This experience confirmed that my crisis-detection skills, which I thought had faded since my father's death, are still within me.
- Solo Practice
- I am continuing solo practice within reasonable limits, even during the Neputa and Obon festivals. I am experiencing interesting moments where I suddenly recall the fine details of forgotten techniques.
- Attendance
- August 5th - Hirosaki Neputa Period.
I went to see the Neputa parade where Shubukando participated. Meanwhile, I am busy with verification practice, photographing old documents, and organizing materials. - Attendance
- On July 20th, I attended the commemorative workshop for "Exploration of Hongaku Kokki-ryu (Vol. 1)" by Master Masamichi Kono of Shinfukan Bugei Institute at Higashin Arena, Sumida, Tokyo. It was an essential experience for those with the right to attend.
- Discovery
- Discovered Master Otsu's "License and Inka-kaku" (Certification of Mastery). This has helped clarify several previously unknown points as hypotheses.
- Attendance
- June 28-29: Master Masamichi Kono visited Shubukando for a Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara research workshop. I received many profound insights.
Updates
- (2025.12.02) Added to "Thoughts at the root of activities."
- (2025.09.13) Minor text adjustments across the site.
- (2025.08.13) Added to [My Motivation for Activities].
- (2025.07.22) Created "Call for Questions regarding Book Publication."
- (2025.07.17) Discovered what seems to be a wrong primary source for Wikipedia information.
- (2025.07.17) Broadcast time change for NHK World "NINJA TRUTH."
- (2025.07.13) "Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara" to be featured on NHK World "NINJA TRUTH" on July 20th.
- (2025.07.11) Updated priority of goals.
- (2025.07.11) Added acknowledgment section for information providers.
- (2025.07.07) Created button for practice/workshop inquiries.
- (2025.07.07) General website organization.
- (2025.07.01) Added "Events" section.
- (2025.06.21) Added Draft #4 for Book Publication.
- (2025.06.18) Added primary and secondary goals.
- (2025.06.06) Expanded "Request for Cooperation in Data Collection."
NHK World-Japan "NINJA TRUTH"
Tsugaru's ancient martial art "Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara" was broadcast.
NINJA TRUTH
The Hirosaki Clan, which once ruled the Tsugaru region, had a ninja group called "Hayamichi-no-mono" for about 200 years.
This program explores their roles and the unique martial arts they used.
In this NHK World-Japan episode of "NINJA TRUTH," the history and techniques of "Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara," practiced by these ninjas, are demonstrated by myself, Mr. Oyama of Shubukando, and Shubukando volunteers.
Please note: This is an English program for an international audience.
With the cooperation of many people, I made a brief appearance in the "Monthly Hiden November 2025 Issue: Approaching the Secrets of Budo & Bujutsu."
[Background and Reason for Starting Activities]
(1) Why I maintained silence until now
I am the eldest son of the late Kosaku Shibata, who was entrusted with the future of the style by the 11th generation master, Yasusuke Otsu.
While I grew up hearing about the hidden aspects of the lineage and experiencing its mysterious techniques, I refrained from public activity for many years. This was primarily because I feared whether I was worthy of handling the weight of the "Hiden" (secret transmissions) and the deep confidentiality of the style.
(2) Why I decided to start activities now
By nature, I prefer a quiet life and believed that the history of the style should eventually be left to the flow of time. However, in recent years, I have witnessed information different from historical facts spreading on the internet. In particular, I feel a strong sense of crisis regarding misunderstandings about Master Otsu and the current situation where the style is spoken of as being "lost" due to the passing of those involved.
If things continue this way, the truth will remain unknown, and only incorrect information will remain as history. I felt an urgency that once I pass away, no one will be left who heard the direct accounts of my father. With the support of Mr. Oyama from Shubukando and other mysterious coincidences, I felt as if my father was pushing me to take this step.
- Correcting false information about Master Otsu
What I wish to convey about the late Master Yasusuke Otsu:
It is sometimes said that Hongaku Kokki-ryu was "lost" upon Master Otsu's passing. However, an important fact is missing: Master Otsu fulfilled all his duties as a Shihan and peacefully departed only after entrusting the next generation. Because these matters were handled quietly and away from the public eye, it is understandable that many are unaware of the details. However, I cannot allow his name or legacy to be clouded by inaccurate information. - Toward the restoration of martial arts preserved in old documents
Looking at the documents my father left behind, I spent days in trial and error, wondering how much I could reconstruct. A turning point came in late June 2025 when Master Masamichi Kono visited Hirosaki. Through our dialogue, my memories of training with my father were vividly revived, and the fog surrounding certain techniques cleared. I am deeply grateful for Master Kono's profound insight and warm support. I intend to proceed with the careful restoration of techniques recorded in the manuscripts.
- To connect to the future: Finding successors and the dream of publication
I have begun searching for those who can carry this path forward so it does not end with me. I hope to entrust this activity to the future through new connections. I am also developing several concepts for a book to record these activities.
[Publication Draft 1]
As a son who had my father as a teacher, I want to honestly describe the "Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara" that I saw while growing up in a somewhat unusual family environment.
[Publication Draft 2]
The extraordinary movements and anecdotes of my father that I glimpsed as a child. I will trace those memories with my current analysis and hypotheses.
[Publication Draft 3]
The teachings intended for children and grandchildren to naturally acquire the basics of traditional martial arts, which Master Otsu taught only to a few. This may be a key to awakening the physical potential dormant in modern people.
[Publication Draft 4]
Why techniques that my father and others performed effortlessly are so difficult for us today. I will summarize my findings regarding body usage through continuous practice.
- Toward the future: 50 to 100 years from now
In advancing these activities, I found a deep alignment of vision with Mr. Oyama of Shubukando regarding "creating a system for the future." This is so that even if the lineages of Tsugaru are temporarily interrupted by the times, future seekers can reignite the light of those techniques and spirits. We are leaving "clues" and "milestones" now. If we don't act, these techniques refined by our ancestors at the risk of their lives may become blurred legends. Martial arts are a crystallization of wisdom exploring human potential.
- Making Tsugaru Martial Arts a source of regional pride as "Traditional Culture"
Our goal is to have the ancient martial arts rooted in Tsugaru and Aomori officially recognized as regional "traditional culture." This has been a long-held wish of Mr. Oyama. For over half a century, many masters in Tsugaru have worked toward this, yet it remains unfulfilled. I intend to inherit their passion and contribute what I can.
※Gratitude and Daily Exploration
This activity cannot proceed with my strength alone. I sincerely thank everyone who provided materials and encouragement, and especially my wife, who watches over me with patience. Even while working, eating, or shopping, I find myself verifying body movements. My wife sees through me and says, "You're doing it again," but I believe my father was the same—exploring this path 24/7. That is why he could answer any question instantly.
[Purpose and Policy of Activities]
(1) Thoughts at the root of our activities
This activity began with a wish to carve into history the things passed down by our ancestors in a clear form.
The collection and organization of information cover diverse areas such as "History, Martial Techniques, Manuscripts, Testimonies, Photos, Videos, and Audio" related to Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara.
For me, this activity means:
1. Respect for Ancestors: Correcting misunderstandings about Master Otsu and showing respect to the founders.
2. Responsibility to the Next Generation: Preparing the path as much as I can and passing the baton cleanly.
3. Filial Piety: Giving shape to the dream (prosperity of the style) that my father could not fully realize.
(2) Scope of information disclosure
We refrain from disclosing the specific "Jutsuri" (details of techniques) of Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara. Additionally, we will not publicly display the "Kyojo" (licenses) received by my father. In the digital age, this is to prevent easy reproduction or misuse and to protect the legitimacy of the style. (The licenses are stored securely in a trusted location.)
(3) To researchers of our style
I am very heartened by those who explore Hongaku Kokki-ryu Yawara through old documents. Thank you. In your earnest exploration, I would be grateful if you could keep in your heart a small measure of respect for the successive masters who built and protected this style. I believe that feeling serves as a milestone leading to the spirit behind the techniques.
(4) Request for cooperation in information gathering
We ask for your understanding and cooperation regarding the collection of information. We are looking for:
- Old testimonies from martial arts affiliates
- Information on people who practiced as adults in the past, their families, or photos from that era
- Digital or physical copies of old manuscripts (Komonjo)
- Digital or physical copies of old footage (demonstrations, practice scenes)
- Footage of the 1970 Japan World Exposition Martial Arts Festival. Personal footage of central demonstrations would be highly valuable. (NHK could not find this.)
- Information on viewing the 1966 NHK drama "Ohanahan" or the Shochiku movie version. We have info that many members of our style appeared in it.
- Arms/equipment potentially used by this style in Tsugaru.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.