In 2020, it’s been now seven years that I am a member of Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō.
Due to fateful circumstances, I got in contact with (at that time) Saikō-Shihan Lösch Markus Masatomo in February 2013. A few weeks later we met face-to-face in deep winter at the shores of Lake Constance.
Again a few weeks later I spent a few days in Munich and was introduced to the basics of Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō. At the end of that weekend I humbly asked about the possibility to join the ryūha and, to my delight, it was granted.
In addition, I was asked to built a training group in Switzerland and act as shibuchō for that country. I was aware of the big responsibility and needed a brief time of consideration.
Finally, I have accepted.
In January 2015 I have received the Hatsu-Mokuroku scroll from the 6th Sōke Ōtsuka Yōichirō Masanori.
In April 2017 I have received the Kajō-Mokuroku scroll from the 7th Sōke Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke Masatomo and with that as well the license as Shihandai.
It still amazes me how the teachings of my Sensei Ōtsuka Ryūnosuke enable me to use and apply the marvelous tactics and strategies of Hokushin Ittō-ryū Hyōhō in earnest fights freely! Something, I would never have imagined before.
In the past few years I was honoured to represent our ryūha at several occasions in different countries and also lecture about its history and importance as part of authentic japanese culture.
I am well aware of my shortcomings as a kenshi but will work on them to the best of my abilities.
Last but not least, I want to mention as well the many friendships formed with fantastic people throughout our ryūha. Especially, as many of these friendships have been forged through hard fighting!
schwert | gedanken 