United States Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu _Gennankai

Our Lineage

1. Tamiya Heibei Narimasa
2. Eda Gizaemon
3. Miyake Shui
4. Kurimoto Hanzo
5. Sanno Bangoro Takamitsu
6. Toyota Nakazaemon
7. Toyota Chikazaemon
8. Tsumaki Junjiro Motoaya
9. Tsumaki Nobuhira Motomoro
10. Tsumaki Heinojo Motoshige
11. Tsumaki Ataka Gensei
12. Tsumaki Kotaro Genko
13. Tsumaki Yoio Gensei
14. Tsumaki Seirin Genshin
15. Tsumaki Kazuo Genwa

Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu

Beginnings

Tamiya Ryū (Iaijutsu) has been passed down to the present day through various circumstances. Approximately 400 years ago, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (? c. 1546-1621), the founder of Shin Musō Hayashizaki Ryū, began to pass on his immediate teachings to Tamiya Heibei Shigemasa (Note: Depending on the text, the names Narimasa, Narimatsu, Shigetada or Shigematsu are used instead of Shigemasa). From among the pupils of Hayashizake Jinsuke emerged the founders of Mugai Ryū (Nagano Muraku Kinrōsai), Sekiguchi Ryū (Sekiguchi Hachiroemon Jushin) and Hoki Ryu (Katayama Hoki no Kami Hisayasu).

It has been said that Shigemasa, the founder of Tamiya Ryū, was born in the Kanto region (Note: On page 83 of Gordon Warner and Don F. Draeger’s text entitled Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice, it is stated more specifically that he was born in Iwamurata in Jōshū, or Gunma Prefecture as it is known today). Shigemasa first took lessons in Musō Ryū from Higashi Shimotsuke no Kami, and later pursued a course of study in Shin Musō Hayashizaki Ryū under the guidance of Hayashizaki Jinsuke himself, adding his own ideas to what he was taught. It is said that he then attained the secrets of Shin Musō Hayashizaki Ryū, but with regard to his physical appearance there are no details available.

However, there is an anecdote concerning the word: 長柄刀 (Nagaekatana, or Long-hilted Sword) that has been handed down from generation to generation to modern times. Shigemasa intentionally wore a sword with a longer hilt, explaining that:A longer sword is more advantageous. He continued, teaching that the strong point of the Nagaekatana lies in the fact that:One can anticipate a threefold benefit by virtue of having a hilt that is 8 Sun (or approximately 9.5 – 10.0 inches)“. Furthermore, in the section of The Record of Hōjō Sōun entitled The Secret Mysteries of Sōhō by Kubota Kiyone, the following explanation of this teaching is given:

“Given two swords that are the same in length, if the hilt of one is 2 Sun (or approximately 2.5 inches) longer there will be, in this case, the threefold advantage mentioned previously. First of all, it will be difficult for the opponent to reach me but it will be easy for me to reach him, resulting in an 8 Sun benefit altogether. Second, if the Nagaekatana is held overhead (in Jōdan no Kamae), it will be good for looking down at the opponent, while the opponent will have to look up some distance. Third, because the opponent must come closer, I have another advantage because conversely, I can reach the opponent without a need to come closer, so all in all, I have a threefold advantage. This is what is called Mikoshi Sanju Ri no Shinmyo Nagae Denju or The Mysterious Teaching of the Three Foreseen Advantages of the Long Hilt.”

Nevertheless, the Schools of Iai that existed during the Sengoku (Civil War) Period profited from the use of a long-hilted sword.

Ko Tamiya Ryu

Tamiya Ryū heir Tsushima no Kami Nagakatsu succeeded Shigemasa, and it is said that their style was first called Tamiya Ryū during this era. From childhood, Nagakatsu received his training from Shigemasa, during which time he was given the childhood nickname Mihira (or Mitsudaira). It has been said that Nagakatsu had a bad habit with respect to his front leg when he would draw his sword during the performance of Iai; a habit that he was unable to correct, despite all of his efforts. So Shigemasa, drawing a fine sword that he had received from the Shōgun, proceeded to prick Nagakatsu’s thigh each time he erred, and from that time forward, Nagakatsu’s bad habit was corrected.

Concerning Nagakatsu’s role at Sekigahara (c. 1600), he served Ikeda Terumasa (in power from 1584 to 1613 – Warner & Draeger, Ibid. p.84) and because of his remarkable service at the Ōsaka winter battle (1614) was praised to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is also said that he became a vassal of Tokugawa Yorinobu, the master of Hamamatsu Castle and received a stipend of 800 Tepposhū (musketeers), but I do not know if this particular fact is right or wrong. (Note: On page 122 of the text Miyamoto Musashi: His Life & Writings by Tokitsu Kenji, the following is mentioned: “Tamiya Nagakatsu, an Iai Master, received 800 koku from Lord Tokugawa of Hamamatsu Castle. His son, Tamiya Heibei, the founder of Tamiya Ryū Battōjutsu, first received 250 koku and then 800 koku when he succeeded his father.“) Later, in 1619 when Yorinobu moved to Kishū (present day Wakayama Prefecture), Nagakatsu followed him, and it was here that Nagakatsu’s son, Tamiya Heibei Nagaie, inherited the family estate.

Nagaie (the third successive generation of the line beginning with Tamiya Heibei Shigemasa), together with Kimura Jokurō (a pupil of Yagyū Munenori) and others, offered their respective Styles to Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa Shogun, for formal inspection on March 6 of the year 1651 (Keian Yonnen). In the work by Bōten entitled Daiken Inten Gojikki, there is an entry that is like the one that follows:

“Kimura Jokurō, a fencer of the feudal domain of Ki, and Iainuki practitioner Tamiya Heibei were summoned to the Imperial residence so that their arts could be inspected. Both men were given appropriate clothing and ten pieces of silver.”

This was, to be sure, a great honor for Nagaie, but for the school known as Tamiya Ryū, it can be said that it was an event of great consequence since the entire country came to know that name well.

Tamiya Sannnosuke Asanaru was the fourth of the Tamiya line and successor to Nagaie. However, in the year 1668 (Kanbun Hachinen) Asanaru, on top of having a weak constitution, suffered a series of physical misfortunes and was forced to spend the rest of his life in obscurity. It was then that the fifth heir of the Tamiya line, Tamiya Jirouemon Narumichi succeeded him.

Narumichi not only worked to restore the family’s fortunes, but also focused his efforts on guiding the pupils of Tamiya Ryū. Those labors were rewarded as the number of pupils grew and became many. Narumichi rose in prominence and in 1718 (Kyōhō Sannen) created a governing body of 10 persons.

Nevertheless, although the School continued for generations through a direct line of blood relatives, it was its fate to come to an end, as Narumichi was eventually struck down by illness. Both before and after this, Narumichi’s legitimate child was not able to inherit the family techniques handed down from father to son, also due to illness. So, in 1734 (Kyōhō Jyūnen) the family estate passed to the eldest son (a grandchild by Narumichi’s heir), but he was obliged to turn over the family art of Tamiya Ryū to pupil Nakamura Zeuemon.The fifth generation lasted about 100 years, guarding the lineage. Tamiya Ryū was also handed down during this period, but in an unexpected turn of events, ended up completely losing its legitimacy.

Kishu Tamiya Ryu

Nakamura Zeuemon, who inherited Tamiya Ryū after Tamiya Jirouemon Narumichi, changed his full name to Tamiya Chiuemon so that the Tamiya family name would not die out. However, the details concerning Chiuemon’s achievements have not been passed down, and the actual date of his death is not certain.

Until Narumichi, the Style that continued to be handed down to the direct descendants of the Tamiya line was known as Ko Tamiya Ryū, but after Chiuemon it became known as Kishū Tamiya Ryū. In addition (according to popular opinion), Wada Hirasuke Seishō of the feudal province of Mito and a direct descendant of the Miwa family revived the art of Tamiya Ryū, calling it Shin Tamiya Ryū. Furthermore, Hirasuke himself wrote Yo ga Ichiban (To Give is Best), which can be found in an article by Yamada Jirokichi that was published in Kendō Sōsho (The Kendō Series). Hirasuke succeeded in establishing Tamiya Ryū for future generations, like Yamashita Yūbei. Collectively, these three lines are called Tamiya San Ryū.

The Style known as Kishū Tamiya Ryū spread to the feudal domain of Iyo Saijō (present-day Ehime Prefecture), and achieved great success as Tamiya Shinken Ryū (whose curriculum included both Kenjutsu and Iai).

The sequence of events that led to this development started in the year 1670 (Kanbun Jūnen) when Yorizumi, the second son of Dainagon Matsudaira Yorinobu of the domain of Kii, began to pass on Kishū Tamiya Ryū in Iyo Saijō Province, which was a branch of the Kishū family. This was accomplished through the efforts of Eda Gizaemon (a follower of Tamiya Tsushima no Kami Nagakatsu), who is considered to be the third (Sandai) of the Kishū Tamiya Ryū line beginning with the founder, Shigemasa (Shodai), followed by his son Nagakatsu (Nidai). By the way, the year 1670 is also the year in which Tamiya Heibei Shigemasa died.After that, the Style’s lineage continued with Miyake Shui; Kurimoto Hanzo; Sanno Bangoro, who was called ‘The God of War’; Toyota Nakazaemon and Toyota Chikazaemon so that, by the middle of the Edo Period, it had taken the world by storm.

Tsumaki Family and Tamiya Shinken Ryu

Then, in 1800 (Kansei Kyūnen) Tsumaki Junjiro Motoaya inherited the Tamiya Style, becoming the eighth (Hachidai) of the line. Since that time the Tsumaki family has protected and passed on Tamiya Ryū as a family art through the transmission of its secret teachings from father to son. Unfortunately, there are no facts regarding how Tsumaki Junjiro Motoaya came to inherit Tamiya Shinken Ryū, but as for the questions concerning 1) why, as Toyota Nakazaemon’s leading student, he came to be well known in the Han (Province) and 2) why there was no person in the family of Toyota Chikazaemon who was able to inherit this art, these two guesses might be made.

Tsumaki Junjiro Motoaya was born as the child of Ōkyūtamo Onuemon and later entered the Tsumaki family. He entered government service in 1780 (An’ei Kyūnen), receiving a hereditary stipend of forty koku. A frugal man, he later worked as both a District Magistrate and Construction Magistrate, while it also seems that he undertook a careful study of Uchida Ryū Hōjutsu (Gunnery). On April 24, 1822 (Bunsei Yonnen), Tsumaki Junjiro Motoaya died due to disease and on July 11 of the same year, Tsumaki Nobuhira Motomoro succeeded to the position of 9th Headmaster. Nobuhira was not Junjiro’s direct heir, but was the adopted son of another family with the Tsumaki name. In 1821, at the command of the Han, the young Nobuhira was specially chosen to travel to Edo in order to master Confucianism at the Yujima Confucian Temple. Nobuhira inherited Tamiya Shinken Ryū more than one year later and, it appears, was extraordinary with regard to his skills in scholarship and the martial arts. However, in May of 1824 Nobuhira died in Iyo Saijō due to illness.

Nobuhira’s successor was his younger sister’s husband, Washimi Kenjiro, who later became Tsumaki Heinojo Motoshige when the Tsumaki family adopted Nobuhira’s younger sister and took Kenjiro into the Tsumaki family as a son-in-law. The Washimi family served as chief retainers to the Han, achieving importance as a distinguished family and in December of 1834 (Tempō Yonnen), while in Edo, Kenjiro changed his name to Tsumaki Heinojo Motoshige.

There is, at the present time, a letter that was left to the Tsumaki family that was written by Heinojo’s father, Washimi Daizen Shinsei, and whose contents are said to include not only admonitions from father to son, but also knowledge of the School. I will try to introduce a part of this letter in the section that follows.

“If you are excessive in scholarship, you will lapse into laziness; if you are excessive in the martial arts, you will become violently strong. When both ways are imperfect, it is also harmful. If a cart lacks one of its wheels, or if a bird loses one of its wings, you cannot be called a true warrior (makoto no bushi). Thinking deeply is essential. You must be careful not to allow your behavior to drift from the path of loyalty and filial piety, even for a moment. It cannot seem as if you are concealing your own illustrious virtue under a cover for the purpose of your own self-interest. Within the heart, safety in study is important. (Section omitted here.) In everything, there are two things: calmness and urgency. When facing calamities, if the heart is not calm, it will become afraid. In a case like that, calm the heart and if you can forgive the reason, be it right or wrong, your troubles will be few.” Heinojo died on August 12, 1863 (Bunkyō Ninen) in Iyo Saijō. His second son, Tsumaki Ataka Motonari (or Gensei), succeeded him after that.

Ataka showed excellent ability in both Spearmanship (Sōjutsu) and Swordsmanship (Kenjutsu), and later became a Gunjikata when mid-ranked and lower-ranked families were summoned in September of the first year of the Meiji Era (1866/1868). Please note that the term Gunjikata (lit. military person) is not used now, but has been replaced by the word Gunjikomon (lit. military adviser). During the Meiji Restoration, Ataka united the views of Iyo Saijō Han without bloodshed, as is stated in The Genealogical History of Iyo (Iyo Shifu).

Iyo Saijō Han was by no means inferior to the other Han with respect to its ardent promotion of the martial arts, and Tamiya Shinken Ryū began to be handed down by means of an unbroken family line. At the beginning of the Taishō Era, a counselor from Saijō by the name of Takahashi Hideomi made the following contribution to The Record of the Saijō Ho’onkai that I would like to mention at this time, expressing what he believed to be the spirit of Saijō. The title of his contribution is: ‘Saijō’: Its Unique Spirit!

In the Kanbun Era (1661), thirty thousand koku were invested in Saijō. The purpose of this action can be seen in the phrase: “Military power protects the Han, and military power grows by means of an indomitable spirit.” The ultimate result of this investiture was that the military arts were encouraged in the Han and, at last, the sentiment of the people turned in favor of military power.

Everyone belonging to the four classes in the Han excelled in the arts of sword, spear and unarmed combat; a custom that has come down to the present day and has not vanished at all. Moreover, it can be said that the deeper and more far-reaching reason for this turn of events was that it became their cultural foundation. For while Saijō Han was considered to be a small fief, as a branch of the Kishū family it took pride in being qualified to follow the Shōgun, and the retainers of Saijō were characterized as being “strong and stubborn in military affairs.”

After this, the Tamiya Shinken Ryū lineage continued with Tsumaki Kotaro Motoatsu (or Genkō) (twelfth generation), Tsumaki Yoio Gensei (thirteenth generation) and, in the present age, Tsumaki Seirin Motonobu (or Genshin) (fourteenth generation). In written tradition (Densho) there is a document entitled Kishū Tamiya Ryū: From the Authentic Biography of Tamiya Heibei Shigemasa.

On September 5th, 1988 (Showa 63), the Old Saijo Han Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Preservation Society first announced that Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu would be designated as an Intagible Cultural Asset (Mukei Bunkazai).

Tamiya Ryu Today

Tamiya Ryū possesses two scrolls, or volumes of techniques: Omote no Maki, or the First Scroll, contains 11 basic (Kihon) techniques, while Koran no Maki, the Second Scroll, has 14 advanced (Oku Iai) techniques. It should be noted here that, from now on, the name Tamiya Ryū will be used, as Ko Tamiya Ryū came to an end in the modern era, and Tamiya Shinken Ryū is no longer the name of the Style.

The techniques that comprise Omote no Maki are: Inazuma, Oshinuki, Yokemi, Mawari Kakari (standing technique), Mune no Katana, Tsuka Hazushi, Tsuki Tome, Shiranami, Nigemi (standing technique), Oitachi (standing technique), and Chōjō. The techniques that make up Koran no Maki are: Tōgōsetsu, Mizu Kagami, Mojiri Tachi, Satetsu, Utetsu, Fujisan, Matsu Kaze, Yo Arashi (all standing techniques), Intengiri, Yōtengiri, Tsuki Kage no Tachi, Hichō, Myōi, and Murakumo. Each technique performs Jōdan Zanshin. Especially in Jōdan Zanshin, paying attention to the heart (kokoro) is considered to be a “serious custom”.

Technique characteristics of the Tamiya Style are that they are done in a large manner and precisely, paying attention to even the smallest of details. Furthermore, one must not forget to include “Nobility” and “Beauty”. In this Style, what was termed “Tamiya Nobility” and “Tamiya Beauty” in the Edo Period is regarded to be of the utmost importance, along with the other point mentioned. In written tradition, there is the following statement:

To begin with, this Style’s instruction, using the principle of natural spontaneity, seeks to have proper intuition within and correctness of body without, which leads to the harmony of body and energy.

This harmony is the primary justification for training and allows one to decide the outcome in a matter of minutes by means of drawing one’s sword.

United State Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu

Thunder in Yokohama

The history of the United States Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Organization begins in August of 1993 when Dianne and Michael Alexanian of East Lansing, Michigan made their first trip to Japan as delegates of the Michigan-Shiga Goodwill Mission Cultural Exchange. During that trip, they traveled to Yokohama, Japan and met the Goto family, who were good friends with Tsumaki Kazuo Genwa Sensei, the son of the current and 14th Headmaster of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu, Tsumaki Seirin Genshin Soke. At a special training session arranged by Mr. And Mrs. Goto, the Alexanians met Tsumaki Sensei for the first time and had an opportunity to be introduced to the art of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu, as well as demonstrate for Tsumaki Sensei a bit of the sword art they had been studying since 1987 (Toyama Ryu Iaido.) Note: For a more detailed description of this first meeting with Tsumaki Sensei, please refer to the article “Thunder in Yokohama”, found in the Articles Section of this website.

In 1994, after the death of Michael’s father, the Alexanians returned to Japan to seek inner peace and a new direction for their lives. During that time, with Mrs. Goto acting as their interpreter, they petitioned Tsumaki Sensei to become Deshi (formal students) of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. After consulting with his father, Tsumaki Sensei agreed to accept the Alexanians as the first American Deshi of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu and their training began in earnest.

After two years of diligent training on his own under the guidance of Tsumaki Sensei, Michael Alexanian took his first examination for rank in Japan in the Fall of 1995. It was at that time that Soke Sensei awarded him the combined ranks of Shodan (First Degree) and Nidan (Second Degree). Soke Sensei also took into careful consideration Michael’s previous seven years of training in Iaido when making this decision. In the Spring of 1996, after successfully completing the formal examination requirements for the rank of Sandan (Third Degree), Michael Alexanian was given a written commission by Soke Sensei to introduce the art of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu to North America for the first time in the history of the Ryuha (School). In September of 1996, on the occasion of the formal opening ceremonies for the Shakunage Cultural Center and Japanese Gardens, built on the grounds of the Alexanian’s home in East Lansing, Michigan, Tsumaki Sensei came to Michigan for the first time to participate in the ceremonies and dedicate the Culture Center as the very first Dojo for Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu in North America.

Since that time, Tsumaki Sensei has traveled to Michigan numerous times to conduct formal training and testing for Deshi of the United States Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Organization and to get to know them better on both a professional and personal level. In July of 1998, both Soke Sensei and Tsumaki Sensei came to Michigan to conduct seminars, formal training and testing for Deshi of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. Quite an accomplishment for Soke Sensei as he was 93 at that time! In 1999, 2002 and 2004, Deshi of the United States Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Organization journeyed to Odawara, Japan to participate in the All-Japan Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Koshukai and Shinsakai (Lecture and Testing Event) held every Spring and Fall.

Southeast Michigan Branch Opens

The year 2004 saw the beginning of the expansion of the United States Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu organization with the establishment of its first formal Study Group in Clarkston, Michigan under the leadership of Brent Eastman Sensei (Tamiya Ryu Sandan). Through an arrangement with the Clarkston Parks and Recreation Department, Eastman Sensei was able to arrange for a superb training facility and the opportunity for those in the eastern side of the state to study Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu became possible.

2004 also saw the temporary suspension of all Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Taikai (conventions) and Shinsa (formal testing) due to the advanced age of Soke Sensei, who found that he was no longer able to attend these events due to a decline in his mobility, hearing and eyesight. Group training sessions supervised by Fuku Soke continued in anticipation of the day when the Taikai and Shinsa would resume once again.

In the summer of 2005, Fuku Soke Tsumaki Kazuo Genwa Sensei, accompanied by his Assistant, Endo Tsuyako Gentei Sensei, returned once again to East Lansing, Michigan. During this 2005 visit, he conducted various training sessions for USTRI Deshi of all levels, as well as led an Open Seminar for the general public introducing the basic elements of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. On Thursday, July 14, Fuku Soke presided over the 3rd Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Michigan Taikai, conducting group training classes in the morning and supervising the formal testing for rank in the afternoon. Following the formal testing (Shinsa), Fuku Soke issued promotion certificates to those who passed their examinations. This year’s group of Shinsa Candidates was the biggest yet, with twenty-four Deshi testing for ranks ranging from Ikkyu through Nanadan.

The next day, the Sensei traveled to Guelph, Ontario, Canada to participate as Instructors at the annual Guelph School of Japanese Sword Arts, held every third weekend of July. The trip to Canada concluded with the Sensei visiting Niagara Falls, accompanied by driver Ken Young (Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Sandan) and Michael Alexanian (Gennan) Shihan.

Also during this visit, the decision was made to upgrade the status of the Clarkston Study Group to that of an official Branch (Shibu), with Brent Eastman Sensei being promoted to Branch Manager (Shibucho). Enrollment in the Clarkston Branch (now known as the Southeast Michigan Branch) continued to increase and a very cohesive group began to develop.

Passing of a Generation

In May of 2006 a contingent of 8 USTRI members, along with Alexanian Shihan and Karwowski Sensei, traveled to Japan for the purpose of researching the “roots” of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. They went first to Wakayama City, where the line known as Kishu Tamiya Ryu originated, and had an opportunity to tour Wakayama Castle as well as enjoy a joint training session with the Tamiya Ryu Wakayama Branch. The group then proceeded on to Iyo-Saijo on the island of Shikoku where Matsudaira Yorizumi, the second son of Kishu Dainagon Yorinobu, introduced Tamiya Ryu to the area. Iyo-Saijo is also where the Tsumaki family eventually inherited Tamiya Ryu and where the family cemetery of the Tsumaki family is located. Following a formal demonstration of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu by Alexanian Shihan and Karwowski Sensei at the Saijo Shrine, the entire group made a special stop at the Tsumaki family cemetery to pay their respects and present fresh flowers in memory of the Tsumaki clan. Other places of significance to the history of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu that the group visited were Himeiji Castle, Seki City in Gifu prefecture for a demonstration of traditional Japanese sword-making and various places in the old capital of Kyoto.

When 2007 arrived, significant changes occurred that would impact not only USTRI, but the entire organization as well. At the beginning of June, while in the midst of making plans for the bi-annual visit from Fuku Soke and Endo Sensei, the USTRI Michigan Honbu Dojo received word from Fuku Soke that his father, Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu 14th Soke Tsumaki Seirin, had gone to his eternal sleep at the age of 102 years old. The decision was then made to make the 2007 Tamiya Ryu Michigan Taikai a Memorial Taikai in Soke’s honor. The Taikai was a great success and many special activities were conducted in memory of Soke Sensei. There was a silent prayer for Soke Sensei at the beginning of the Taikai, as well as a memorial video presentation showcasing Soke Sensei in his later years. All those in attendance received a copy of the memorial video as a way of having something of Soke Sensei that they could keep with them forever. Another important change during the summer of 2007 was the introduction of the Kenshibu (traditional Japanese dance with sword and fan) component of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu to the USTRI curriculum. During their stay in Michigan, Fuku Soke and Endo Sensei introduced the Kenshibu piece Kawanakajima to the members of USTRI during a special seminar held during the Taikai. Kenshibu has now become an integral part of the USTRI monthly training schedule, with the last class of each month being devoted to becoming more proficient in the movements of this particular piece.On Saturday, September 22, 2007, a meeting was held at the Citizens Hall in Fujisawa City, Japan, to decide the future of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu in the wake of Soke Sensei’s passing. It was at that time that Fuku Soke Tsumaki Sensei was unanimously declared as Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu 15th Headmaster (Soshi) and President (Kaicho) of the new organization known as the Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Genwakai. With that decided formal Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Taikai and Shinsa resumed in Japan once again on November 23, 2007 under the auspices of the Genwakai.

A New Generation

In January of 2008, the Executive Branch of the Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Genwakai embarked upon one of its most significant projects to date. Genwakai President Tsumaki Soshi, Vice President Abe, Operations Director Sugizaki and Soshi Assistant Endo began a task which Soshi Sensei describes as follows:

“The Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Genwakai has made a plan to standardize the techniques of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu for transmission to future generations.” For six months, this group reviewed notes written by 14th Soke Tsumaki Seirin Genshin and developed a set of standardized procedures for the performance of both Reishiki (Etiquette) and the 11 Kata that comprise the Omote no Maki, or First Volume, of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu techniques and formally introduced them to the Japanese Branches on June 22 of 2008. These Standardized Techniques, or “Touitsu Jikou”, were introduced in lecture format to the US Branches at their Closing Class on June 28, 2008 and in full practice format at their Fall All-Member Practice Session on September 6, 2008. Since that time, the members of USTRI have been learning to incorporate these Standardized Techniques into their regular practice of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu under the guidance of their Shidosha, or Instructors.

On November 24, 2008 an 11 member delegation, including Alexanian Shihan, attended their first Genwakai Taikai in Japan. Six USTRI Deshi in the Delegation took their Shinsa (Examinations) in the morning and, at Soshi Sensei’s request, the USTRI Delegation performed their Inaugural Enbu (formal demonstration) during the Taikai afternoon program. Following the Taikai there was a social gathering at a traditional Japanese restaurant for all Taikai participants. Prior to attending the Genwakai Taikai, the delegation stayed in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture and spent about 5 days visiting various points of interest such as the Grand Shrine at Ise, Mt. Hiei and Enryakuji Temple, famous castles of Shiga and notable temples of Kyoto, etc. The Delegation returned to the United States on November 26 (Please refer to the Student Views section of this website for some of the trip participant’s impressions of their time spent in Japan).

Then, on March 29, 2009, following the Shidosha, Kodansha and Honbucho Lecture in Yokosuka, Japan, a meeting of the Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Genwakai Board of Directors (Rijikai) was held. With Vice President Abe acting as the leader, there was a discussion concerning the succession of Tsumaki Kazuo Genwa Soshi to 15th Soke of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. With very strong support from the Executives (Kanbu) and Directors (Riji) of the Genwakai, the result after deliberations was that he should indeed succeed to the position of 15th Soke of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu.

Finally, as a result of the recent unfortunate economic downturn that has deeply affected both America and Japan, a joint decision was made in 2009 between 15th Soke Tsumaki Kazuo Genwa Sensei and the USTRI Board of Directors that the 2009 visit to Michigan by Soke Sensei and his Assistant, Endo Tsuyako (Gentei) Sensei, as well as the 2010 USTRI trip to Japan should be postponed until the economic climate improves. If all goes well, the regular schedule of exchanges will resume in 2011 when Soke Sensei and Endo Sensei visit Michigan and the USTRI Delegation attends the Genwakai Taikai in Japan in 2012.