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Who We Are
The Roshukai offers instruction in the classical style of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Japanese Swordsmanship to any sincere student irrespective of what association or group they may belong.
The Eikoku Roshukai ( English branch of Roshukai ) is neither an organization or association but is based on a traditional school that has its roots in Japan that go back over 500 years.
Some years ago, a group of like minded people in the UK began to organize regular seminars to advance the knowledge and understanding of the classical Iai of the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. It soon became clear that in order to do this, funds would have to be raised to finance visits from Japanese instructors. However, in raising funds the philosophy of the group is still to provide, at the cheapest possible costs to students, regular seminars with UK instructors of very high calibre. The annual membership is kept very low at just £30.00 per year, with the cost of seminars from only £10.00. This value for money approach is deliberate in order to encourage as many students as possible to join and attend as many seminars as possible.
Handbooks, courses and insurance are all available within the membership. A regular magazine called “Obi” is sent out free every month to each member to keep them informed of news and events and to provide a forum for discussing a wide range of topics associated with Martial Arts and Iaido in particular.
The group is run by its members for its members. None of the participants receive any remuneration of any kind for activities associated with the group. The formula works, the membership continues to grow with members across the country.
Roshukai Headmaster
Iwata Norikazu Sensei was born in 1913. He began his iaijutsu training in junior high school and later went on to study in Kochi with students of the 17th master Oe Masaji, he then went on to University in Tokyo and continued his training there under Mori Shigeki, another famous student of Oe Masaji. Iwata Norikazu Sensei was a Menkyo Kaiden (highest level certificate) holder and 19th generation hanshi of the ryu in both Shimomura and Tanimura ha, which were awarded to him by Mori Shigeki and Yamamoto Takuji snseis. He also held 8th dan hanshi with the ZNKR.
Iwata Sensei is famous in the sword world of Japan and is held in the highest regard, not only as a swordsman, but as historian and writer on the subject. He unfortunately passed away on the 1st of January 2011 having dedicated the later part of his life to passing on the teachings of Oe Masaji. This he continued through the vehicle of the Roshukai.
Please note that Oe Masaji is often incorrectly referred to as Oe Masamichi, due to an incorrect reading of his kanji. (His daughters book confirms it as Masaji.)
Eikoku Roshukai Chief Instructors
Iwata sensei initially nominated seven people to teach the group; Neil Kemp, Steve Watering, Mark Sykes, Tim Hamilton, Colin Wood, Martin Simpson and Brian Morrison (sadly Brian has passed away). This group is supported by the dojo leaders who help out at seminars.
