30/01/2019
IWATA NORIKAZU
Born 1913-Died 2011
19 th Generation Hanshi
Menkyo Kaiden
Hachidan
Zenkoku Roshukai Kaicho
Iwata Norikazu was born in 1913, His training began in Kochi with students of Oe Masamichi, He went on to University in Tokyo and continued his training there under Mori Shigeki another famous student of Oe Masamichi. Iwata Norikazu was the 19th generation headmaster of the ryu and held the Menkyo Kaiden (highest level certificate).
He was famous in the sword world of Japan, and was held in the highest regard. Not just as a swordsman, but a historian and writer on the subject. He dedicated the rest of his years to passing on the teachings of Oe Masamichi, through the vehicle of the Roshukai. The Roshukai has spread through Japan but Iwata Sensei feared that the Koryū (classical sword style) would die out with the event of modern sport IAI introduced in the mid 50s.
The Roshukai offers instruction in the classical style to any sincere student irrespective of what association or group they may belong to and is in much demand in Japan.
The Eikoku Roshukai (English Branch) is neither an organisation or association but is based on a traditional family school that has its roots in Japan that go back over 500 years.
OE MASAMICHI
Born 1852 – Died 1927
17 th Generation Soke
Muso Jikiden Ryu
Founder
Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu
OE SENSEI was also the 15th Generation Soke of the Shimomura-ha which was formed, together with the Tanimura-ha after the 11th Generation Soke Oguro Kiyokatsu Sensei died in 1790, OE SENSEI was also known as SHIKEI and as ROSHU, hence the name ROSHUKAI.
OE SENSEI brought together the Hasegawa Eishin Ryu and the Omori Ryu and combined it with the Tanimura-ha into the 43 forms that we now know as Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. OE SENSEI was of strong character and clearly defined the requirements for training in the Ryu. His methods were greatly influenced by actual combat based on his experiences in one of the last sword based wars in Japan called the Hamaguri Gomon no Ikusa (The Clam Gate War) fought at the very end of the Tokugawa Era between 1865 and 1867 at the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.
This political war greatly influenced OE SENSEI in developing meaningful Iai techniques. As well as a great swordsman, he was a great teacher and produced many students who went on to distinguish themselves as swordsmen in their own right. He also attracted many Deshi (followers, or disciples) who may have been “masters” in their own right in other styles and Ryu.
