What is Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan ?

What is Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu ?

大東流合氣柔術

Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu (大東流合気柔術), originally called Daito-ryu Jujutsu, is a Japanese martial art that first gained widespread recognition in the early 20th century under the leadership of Takeda Sokaku. It is considered one of the oldest and most influential styles of jujutsu.

Key characteristics of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu:


  • Aiki: The core principle of Daito-ryu is "aiki," which emphasizes blending with an attacker's energy to neutralize their force rather than meeting it head-on.
  • Joint locks and throws: The art features a wide range of intricate joint locks, throws, and takedowns to control and subdue opponents.
  • Weapons training: Daito-ryu includes training with traditional Japanese weapons like the sword (ken) and staff (jo).
  • Self-defense focus: While historically used in warfare, Daito-ryu today is primarily practiced as a form of self-defense.
  • Historical significance: Daito-ryu has had a profound influence on the development of modern martial arts, particularly Aikido, which was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, a student of Takeda Sokaku.


Minamoto no Yoshimitsu



Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu: An Ancient and Noble Japanese Martial Tradition


Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu traces its roots back to a distant and glorious past, dating back to 1087, when Yoshimitsu Minamoto (1056-1127) founded this noble school of bujutsu. For centuries, its precious combat techniques remained a closely guarded secret within the Takeda Clan, intertwining with the very history of Japan.The aikijujutsu techniques practiced within the school are a priceless treasure, handed down through the centuries by the legendary bushi of the Minamoto Clan (1100), then by the Takeda Clan (1500), and finally by the Aizu Clan (until 1868). The Takeda family has preserved these techniques to this day, ensuring the continuity of a thousand-year-old martial heritage.The mission of the Daito-ryu Renshinkan School is clear: to faithfully transmit the teachings received by Takeda, passed on to Matsuda and in turn to Maeda, inherited by Takase Kancho, the 38th successor of the school.

What is Daito Ryu Renshinkan ?

大東流合氣柔術練心館

松武会 - 士道会


Matsuda Den Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu is a lineage of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu transmitted by master Matsuda Hosaku Toshimi, who received the kyoju-dairi certificate from Takeda Sokaku, the founder of Daito Ryu, in 1929. Master Matsuda taught his style to Maeda Takeshi, who founded the Renshinkan, an organization dedicated to spreading Matsuda Den Daito Ryu in Japan and worldwide. The Renshinkan is currently led by master Takase Michio, who inherited the lineage from Maeda.


Matsuda Den Daito Ryu emphasizes the use of joint locks, throws, chokes, strikes, and weapons to neutralize or incapacitate an opponent, with a particular focus on aiki, the internal power that allows one to control an opponent without relying on physical strength. Matsuda Den Daito Ryu is considered an effective and realistic style, suitable for both self-defense and spiritual development.


In Italy, Matsuda Den Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan is represented and taught by Master Alfonso Torregrossa, an eighth-dan Hanshi Soden Shihan who is certified and recognized in Japan. He serves as the national technical director for Jujitsu Antico CSEN and Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan. Master Torregrossa's school, asd Samurai Dojo, located in Caltanissetta, Sicily, offers training in Matsuda Den Daito Ryu.

"At Renshinkan, we are a diverse group of instructors united by our passion for Daito Ryu Renshinkan . Each of us brings a unique set of experiences and knowledge, enriching our community. The beauty lies in our lack of competition; instead, we celebrate each other's successes as if they were our own. This collaborative spirit allows us to grow continuously, always remembering that we are lifelong learners, eager to learn and improve. Our shared goal is to spread and promote Daito Ryu Renshinkan worldwide."


練心館では、私たちは多様なバックグラウンドを持つ教師たちで構成されており、大東流合気柔術に対する情熱で結ばれています。一人ひとりがそれぞれの経験と知識を持ち寄り、コミュニティを豊かにしています。最も素晴らしい点は、私たちが互いに競争意識を持たずに、むしろ他の人の成功を自分自身の成功のように祝うことです。この協力の精神が、私たちを絶えず成長させ、常に学ぶ姿勢を忘れさせません。私たちの共通の目標は、大東流合気柔術練心館を世界中に広め、より多くの人々に知ってもらうことです。

大東流合氣柔術、松田俊美伝を継承する練心館です。


Our Daito Ryu lineage traces back to Sokaku Takeda, through Toshimi Matsuda Sensei. Matsuda Sensei received the kyoju-dairi certificate from Sokaku Takeda in August 1929 and was a teacher of Takeshi Maeda Sensei. Maeda Sensei, inheriting Matsuda Sensei's lineage, established the Renshinkan (meaning "House for those that train with heart") school.Michio Takase is the current heir to the Renshinkan school. Renshinkan is unique among Daito-ryu schools, as it primarily incorporates the methods of two distinct lineages:- Shobukai - Daito Ryu Jujutsu and Aikijujutsu by Hosaku Toshimi Matsuda Sensei.- Shidokai - Jujutsu originating from Hakko Ryu Jujutsu founded by Okuyama Sensei.Another distinguishing feature of the Renshinkan is the study of ancient scrolls owned by Director Michio Takase Kancho, grandson of Takeshi Maeda Sensei. These scrolls provide valuable insights into the techniques and principles of Daito-ryu.Technically, the Toshimi Matsuda Sensei lineage encompasses numerous jujutsu methods, most of which belong to the technical arsenal of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu, with some originating from other jujutsu schools that Matsuda Sensei studied. Although Matsuda Sensei had a son, he did not continue his father's teachings. The preservation and propagation of the school were therefore ensured by Maeda Sensei, who continued to teach and disseminate the art, always maintaining its secrecy.



Within the Renshinkan system as it relates to Daito Ryu you have a chance to study the following systems:


  1. - Daitōryū Jūjutsu Shobukai 大東流柔術松武会
  2. - Daitōryū Aiki-Jūjutsu Renshinkan 大東流合気柔術練心館
  3. - Daitōryū Aiki-Jūjutsu Shidokai 大東流合気柔術士道会
  4. - Original Daitōryū Scrolls 古式大東流巻物


Our Kancho (president), Michio Takase Sensei, is a highly respected martial artist in Japan. Many masters from other disciplines visit his dojo to learn from him. In recent years, Takase Sensei has made these teachings available outside of Japan, allowing qualified students to earn both modern dan grades and traditional scrolls.





Takeda Sokaku had many students. Among them was Toshimi (Hosaku) Matsuda, who received his Daito-ryu kyoju dairi license around 1928. Matsuda was the first and primary Daito-ryu teacher of Yoshiji Okuyama (1901-1987). Research indicates that Okuyama studied with Matsuda sensei from approximately 1929 to 1939.

However, as recorded in Takeda sensei's Eimeiroku (ledger), Okuyama sensei also studied directly with Takeda Sokaku for a 13-day seminar in November 1939. This is significant because Okuyama did not return to Matsuda sensei after this time.

Okuyama sensei began teaching Daito-ryu independently at his new dojo, but the separation from Matsuda's Renshinkan presented numerous challenges. From 1940-1941, Okuyama sensei, along with his junior colleague and friend Maeda Takeshi sensei (the future successor of the Daito-ryu Renshinkan), began teaching a new Ryuha named Hakko-ryu Jujutsu in 1941/42.

Takese Michio sensei, the current soshi of the Daito-ryu Renshinkan, stated that the original Hakko-ryu scrolls contained 220 waza (techniques), including the traditional Daito-ryu Hiden Mokuroku, Aiki no jutsu, and Hiden Ogi. These were primarily Daito-ryu Renshinkan makimono (scrolls) renamed as Hakko-ryu. In the following years, the system was reorganized into the current system practiced today.







Original Hiden Mokuroku

Koshiki makimono-waza:

The Ancient Art of Scrolls in the Renshinkan

Daito-ryu School

古式巻物技

The transmission of Daito-ryu techniques through scrolls (巻物, makimono) is an ancient and precious tradition. At our Renshinkan school, under the guidance of master Michio Takase, we keep this practice alive by awarding makimono, licenses (免許, menkyo), and dan certificates to qualified students.We are aware that in many modern Daito-ryu schools, the study of scrolls has become rare. However, at Renshinkan, we firmly believe in the value of this tradition. Makimono are not just a piece of history, but an inexhaustible


source of technical and philosophical knowledge.What are makimono?Makimono are scrolls containing the secret techniques of Daito-ryu, passed down through generations. Each scroll is a treasure trove of information, with detailed illustrations and explanations of techniques, principles, and the philosophy of martial arts.Why study makimono?The study of makimono offers numerous benefits:

  • Technical deepening: Makimono provide a deeper understanding of techniques, revealing details and nuances that might be missed during regular practice.
  • Connection with history: Studying makimono allows us to connect with the history and tradition of Daito-ryu, understanding the roots and evolution of martial arts.
  • Personal development: Reading and practicing makimono promotes personal growth, teaching us discipline, patience, and perseverance.

The tradition of makimono at RenshinkanAt Renshinkan, the study of makimono is an integral part of our curriculum. Qualified students receive scrolls as recognition of their progress and as a tool to continue their learning journey.We are proud to be one of the few Daito-ryu schools that still keep this ancient tradition alive. We believe that the study of makimono is essential to preserve the authenticity and depth of this extraordinary martial art.

Koshiki makimono-waza: The Ancient Art of Scrolls in the Renshinkan Daito-ryu School

Kyōju Dairi 教授代理 "representative instructor"

Kyōju Dairi (教授代理, "representative instructor") is a teaching certificate used by various Japanese koryū, or traditional martial arts.


Sōkaku Takeda, in the early part of his career, used the Kyōju Dairi to designate a high level of understanding of the Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu system. Later, he added a higher-level designation known as the menkyo kaiden. Some of Takeda's earliest high-ranking students, such as Yukiyoshi Sagawa, were only awarded the kyōju dairi. Others known to have received this certificate from Sokaku include Taiso Horikawa, Kodo Horikawa, Kōtarō Yoshida, Morihei Ueshiba, Takuma Hisa, and Toshimi Matsuda.


During his lifetime, Takeda Sokaku taught Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu to many people in Japan (around 30,000). However, only 30 people received the Kyōju Dairi master's degree certificate, confirming their right to teach Daito Ryu (instructor level, assistant teacher (sensei) in school).


Takeda Sokaku meticulously documented his activities as a martial arts teacher in documents called Emeiroku (student registration books) and Syareiroku (payment accounting books). These records, spanning forty-five years and exceeding 2000 pages, are preserved by the Takeda family. They provide documented confirmation of the students he taught, the locations, and the training periods.


The following students are documented as having received Kyōju Dairi certificates from Takeda Sokaku (the year they received the certificate is indicated in brackets):


  • Sato Kanmi (1902)
  • Shimoe Shutaro (1903)
  • Harada Shinzo (1903)
  • Mikami Tomiji (Mikami, Tomiji) (1907)
  • Sagawa Nenokichi (Sagawa, Nenokichi) (1913)
  • Yoshida Kotaro (1915)
  • Ueshiba Morihei (Ueshiba, Morihei) (September 1922)
  • Asano Seikyo (Asano, Seikyo) (1922)
  • Sagawa Yukiyoshi (1924)
  • Matsuda Hosaku (1928)
  • Miyano Hikojiro (Miyano, Hikojiro) (August 1929)
  • Matsuda Hosaku (August 1929)
  • Mae Kikutaro (Mae, Kikutaro) (1929)
  • Horikawa Taiso (Horikawa, Taiso) (January 10, 1930)
  • Sato Seishiro (Sato, Seishiro) (1932)
  • Sato Keisuke (Sato, Keisuke) (June 1935)
  • Hisa Takuma (Hisa, Takuma) (October 1936)
  • Yoshimura Yoshiteru (1936)
  • Yokoyama Eijiro (Yokoyama, Eijiro) (June 1936)
  • Nakatsu Heizaburo (1937)
  • 21 years. Akune Masayoshi (1937)
  • Kawazoe Kuniyoshi (Kawazoe, Kuniyoshi) (1937)
  • Takahashi Jun'ichi (February 27, 1937)
  • Kusumoto Koichiro (February 27, 1937)
  • Tonedate Masao (Tonedate, Masao) (1937)
  • Harada Jozaburo (1937)
  • Togawa Tadae (Togawa, Tadae) (1939)
  • Uchida Suematsu (Uchida, Suematsu) (1939)
  • Tei Kaichi (1939)
  • Yamamoto Kakuyoshi (1941).

Matsuda Sensei (center) with his students. In the back row center is Jang and front row left is Ryuho Okuyaman 1938?

Toyosaku Matsuda

(Toshimi Matsuda)

松田敏美

Toshimi Matsuda (松田敏美, 1895-?) was born in 1895. He lived in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, during the same period that Takeda Sokaku was establishing himself in the area (c. 1910-1930). This era in Hokkaido saw many of the great Daito-ryu masters studying under Takeda.


Matsuda began his Daito-ryu training in June 1928 at the age of 33, as documented in Takeda's Eimeiroku (student ledger). He proved to be an exceptional student, earning the Kyoju-Dairi (教授代理) certification from his teacher. Notably, this license was the highest rank awarded by Takeda at the time. While dojo-cho (dojo leaders) were permitted to teach in their own dojos, a kyoju-dairi held the additional privilege of teaching in other schools.


Matsuda was Takeda's student concurrently with Kodo Horikawa, the founder of Kodokai. Seigo Okamoto, the founder of Roppokai, often mentioned Matsuda in conversations, highlighting his significance. Upon receiving the Kyoju-Dairi, Matsuda established his dojo in Asahikawa, the Shobukan Dojo (松武館道場), and founded the Shobukai (松武会). He instructed numerous students throughout his career, some of whom remained faithful to his direct lineage. Notably, Takeshi Maeda became his successor. Others eventually developed their own styles based on Matsuda's teachings.


Among Matsuda's notable students were prominent figures in various martial arts:

  • Takeshi Maeda (Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan),
  • Ryuho Okuyama (Hakko Ryu),
  • Masao Hayashima (Doin-jutsu),
  • Motonobu Takarada (Motonobukan), and
  • Jang In Mok (with connections to Hapkido).


Ryuho Okuyama


1901-1987
Founder of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu


Hakko Ryu Jujutsu was founded in 1941 by Okuyama Ryuho. Okuyama was an instructor of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu which he studied from two people: Kyoju Dairi Matsuda (Toshimi) Hosaku and later Takeda Sokaku himself. In 1938 Okuyama finished his studies with Takeda and published a martial art text called Daito-ryu Goshinjutsu (The Daito System of Self-Protection), later founded the Dai-Nippon Shidokai (Greater Japan Way of the Samurai Association) and began teaching what he called Daito Hiden Shido (Secret Daito-Ryu Way of the Samurai). Okuyama's first Dojo was located in Asahikawa and was called Nippon Shidokai Ryubukan. In 1939 he moved to Kanda and opened another dojo called Dai Nihon Shidokai. This marked the beginning of the split from Daito-ryu, as by this time Takeda was very old and his son Tokimune was still very young. Seeing no place for advancement in the Daito-ryu school, and being a skilled medical and martial person, Okuyama began to form his own system based on Daito-ryu Jujutsu and Daito-ryu Aiki no jutsu as well as his experience in other forms of bujutsu.

Okuyama Yoshiharu, a warrior soul forged between tradition and innovationBorn in 1901 to a family of former samurai in Yamagata Prefecture, Okuyama Yoshiharu (also known as Yoshiji) embodied the indomitable spirit of the warriors of the past. His thirst for knowledge led him to explore various disciplines, from martial arts to traditional oriental medicine, in a journey that would lead him to become a respected master and an innovator in the world of Budo.


After completing his studies at the prestigious Tokyo School of Government, Okuyama dedicated himself to the study of Daito-ryu Aiki jujutsu under the guidance of Toshimi Matsuda, one of the most talented disciples of Takeda Sokaku, the legendary founder of Daito Ryu. This experience was fundamental to his training, but Okuyama did not stop there.


His curiosity led him to explore other martial disciplines, such as Hasegawa-ko-ryu iaijutsu (the art of drawing the sword), shurikenjutsu (the art of throwing weapons), jojutsu (the art of the staff), kusarigama (the art of the chain sickle), Nito-ryu kenjutsu (the art of the double sword), sojutsu (the art of the spear) and kyujutsu (the art of the bow). This vast knowledge contributed to shaping his unique vision of martial arts.


In 1936, became an apprentice to Sokaku Takeda, assisting him in the evolution of Aiki. During this period, Okuyama had the opportunity to study the secret techniques (Okuden) of Daito Ryu and to manage Takeda's entire heritage, an experience that allowed him to fully understand the complexity and richness of this ancient martial art.


However, Okuyama was not content to follow tradition. His brilliant and innovative mind led him to seek new paths, to create a system that reflected his personal vision of Budo. Thus was born the Shidokai, a system that combined the techniques of Daito Ryu with his knowledge of traditional oriental medicine.


Together with his friend and student Takeshi Maeda, Okuyama created Hakko Ryu, a scroll containing 200 selected techniques of Daito Ryu and Koho Shiatsu, a Japanese therapeutic art. This scroll, a true treasure of knowledge, was given to Maeda Sensei as a sign of esteem and friendship.


However, the creation of Hakko Ryu was not welcomed by Matsuda Sensei, Okuyama's teacher. Maeda, torn between loyalty to his friend and respect for his teacher, decided to return to the main line of Daito Ryu, eventually becoming the heir to Matsuda Sensei.


This story, rich in passion, dedication and difficult choices, teaches us the importance of following one's own path, of honoring tradition but also of daring to innovate. Okuyama Yoshiharu, with his indomitable spirit and his far-sighted vision, has left a precious legacy that continues to inspire martial arts practitioners around the world.


Today, the Renshinkan, under the guidance of Sensei Takase, carries on the teachings of Matsuda Sensei and Okuyama Sensei, offering students the unique opportunity to learn both systems. Alfonso Torregrossa, a senior student of Sensei Takase, is the only one in Italy authorized to teach both Shobukai (Matsuda's line) and Shidokai (Okuyama's system), ensuring the continuity of this extraordinary story.

Matsuda Sensei and Maeda Sensei

Takeshi Maeda

前田武 (1907-2001)


Sensei Takeshi MAEDA he inherited the Kyoju Dari teaching certificate from his teacher Toshimi MATSUDA. Matsuda's work gave him the opportunity to visit Tokyo frequently, so he took advantage of this circumstance to place regular advertisements in a newspaper about his lectures in Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu. One of the many who responded to the announcement was Takeshi Maeda 前 田 武, a pharmacist by profession, who decided to visit Matsuda to receive private lessons. Maeda, had only had experience of Kodokan Judo and had never attended Koryu schools.


So he slowly fell in love with Matsuda's techniques and asked him to be accepted as a formal student. Whenever Matsuda Sensei moved to the capital, Maeda therefore went to him regularly for private lessons at the Shobukan Dojo in Asahikawa. but through seminars and private lessons.


The forms of Daito-ryu that Matsuda taught Maeda were very similar to those that Takeda taught his other students. At the end of the war, Maeda settled in his hometown of Omama in Gunma Prefecture and opened the Renshinkan Dojo (練心館道場), where he taught Daito-ryu. During this time, Maeda spread Daito Ryu through seminars in Nagano, Gunma and Tochigi prefectures and also gave a demonstration of Daito-ryu to the Self-Defence Forces of Japan (自衛隊, Jieitai) in Gunma in 1963. Furthermore, Kenji Tomiki, student of Morihei Ueshiba, he went to see him to confirm that what he learned from Ueshiba was really Daito-ryu.

Study the past if you want to foresee the future.


A historic scroll found in the house of Sensei Takeshi Maeda, the former director of the Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan! This scroll was published in 1942, one year after the foundation of Hakko-ryu!
The Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan is a true treasure trove of knowledge.


This is the first scroll that Okuyama Sensei gave to Maeda Sensei. It contains much of the essence of Daito-ryu, including the techniques of the masters Horikawa and Hisa Takuma.


(Okuyama Ryuho (1901–1987) founder of the Hakkō-ryū (八光流). Was a senior student of Toshimi Matsuda one of Takeda Sokaku most prominent students. Originally he taught Okuyama Den Daito Ryu until he founded Hakko Ryu.)


前田先生が1番最初に奥山先生から与えられた巻物です。この巻物はほとんど大東流と同じ内容です。堀川先生系や久琢磨先生系のテクニックもこの中には入っています。

Honbucho Michio Takase Shihan

38th Generation Daitoryu Successor


Michio Takase

高瀬道雄

(1964)

Michio Takase was born in 1964 in Gunma, Tochigi Prefecture. As a young man, Michio was defiant and eager to learn and try new things. He often competed with others and did not shy away from confrontation. His mother, concerned about his tendency to resolve conflicts physically, brought the 19-year-old Michio to his uncle, Maeda Sensei.


Maeda Sensei was a quiet, friendly man who ran a successful pharmacy in Omama and was well-respected in the community for his helpful nature. He was also a skilled martial artist who operated a small dojo. Over the following years, Maeda Sensei successfully transformed his nephew into a young martial artist. Michio learned quickly and possessed exceptional speed in thought and action. It became evident that Michio was not an ordinary boy; he was exceptionally intelligent and perceptive. Maeda Sensei trained his nephew intensively, imparting techniques and initiating him into the secrets of Daitoryu.


Years passed, and Michio matured into a man. When his uncle Maeda Sensei passed away in 2001, Michio was 36 years old. Despite the difficulties and the loss of his mentor, Takase Sensei resolved to follow the path of his uncle wholeheartedly. Today, Kancho Takase is the 38th successor of the centuries-old martial art Daitoryu and serves as the Director of Renshinkan International (Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan). With venerable licenses and scrolls, the legitimate techniques of Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan have been passed down through Takeda Sokaku, Matsuda Toshimi, Maeda Takeshi, and Takase Michio.


Kancho Takase teaches original Daitoryu Jujutsu and Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu based on a comprehensive range of Daitoryu materials. He has released several instructional DVDs and has been featured in renowned martial arts magazines. Following his uncle's death, Takase Sensei opened the doors of Renshinkan to foreign students, with Italian martial artist Alfonso Torregrossa being his first international student, trained in Japan.


With the establishment of the first official Italian branch under Sensei Alfonso Torregrossa in 2017, the school expanded internationally to Italy, Brazil, Korea, Spain, America, and beyond. Some instructors even traveled to Japan to learn directly from Sensei Takase. Today, the school has a global presence in Europe, America, Asia, and other regions.


Before the entry of Sensei Torregrossa there was not much news about Renshinkan so Sensei Torregrossa thanks to his studies in Japan with Takase has published various articles in specialized magazines and articles on the net and also published in books in order to better spread the roots of the Renshinkan school. A very important asset for Japanese Budo.

My purpose in teaching Daitoryu

Kancho Michio Takase


My work is for Aikido and Daito-ryu practitioners 50 or 100 years from now.

First of all, I am the successor to the historic Daitoryu. Renshinkan teaches Daitoryu in 20 countries worldwide, continuing the tradition of Sokaku Takeda. I started a Facebook page to create successors worldwide.

What I teach my students includes the old scroll from Sokaku Takeda. I cover techniques from his successors, including Mr. Matsuda's, Mr. Maeda's, and the Daito-ryu techniques of Okuyama, the founder of Hakkoryu.

There have been questions about the scrolls. Successors often create their own scrolls. For instance, Mr. Sagawa created a scroll on the art of arms, Yoshida made many scrolls on sticks and shuriken, and Mr. Yamamoto developed his own Goshinyonote. Dr. Okamoto also produced his own scroll. I have categorized these into four systems and created scrolls for each. Ultimately, however, I will issue an original scroll from Takeda Sokaku.


My goal in teaching Daito-ryu is to share the original scrolls with the entire world, as I believe everyone must understand them. These include:

- Daitoryu Jujutsu Hidenmokuroku
- Aiki no Jutsu
- Daitoryu Jujutsu Hiden Ougi
- Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu Hi Ougi
- Daitoryu Aiki Nitoryu Hiden
- Soden (11 books)


I aim to teach all of these to my students openly. While it is often considered a virtue in Japanese martial arts to conceal information, I believe that hiding knowledge is shameful. Therefore, I am committed to revealing everything to my students in modern times.


It is often said that I promote my students at varying speeds; some advance very quickly, while others progress slowly. Initially, I issued scrolls and mokuroku, but I later introduced dan ranks at the request of my students. In my view, scrolls and mokuroku are more significant than dan ranks because they certify the knowledge and skills I have taught.

Individuals who have practiced martial arts for 20 or 30 years have likely mastered about 70% of what I teach in jiu-jitsu. During Sokaku Takeda's time, there were many other jiu-jitsu masters, which may have contributed to faster promotions. My teaching approach mirrors Takeda Sokaku's: if you demonstrate excellent technique, you will advance more quickly. I aim to avoid the inefficiency of taking 20 or 30 years to achieve mastery, as many people may grow old in the process.

If a student can demonstrate the required knowledge for my curriculum they will pass. In fact, my teaching pace may have increased since I had a stroke five years ago. This is because I want to impart as much knowledge as possible while I am still healthy.


Regarding teaching methods, , we send instructors from Japan to other locations, and we invite students to come to Japan for intensive training. We use both approaches simultaneously. However, for Aiki-Jiu-Jitsu, we require students to come to Japan for one-on-one training.

Honbucho Michio Takase Shihan and Alfonso Torregrossa

Japan



Alfonso Torregrossa
アルフォンソ・トッレグロッサ

(1971)


the first foreigner to be accepted as an uchi-deshi in the Renshinkan


Since 1975, the year I discovered my passion for martial arts, I have dedicated my professional life to the practice and teaching of classical Jujutsu. Thanks to rigorous training in Japan, I have become a national reference point for this discipline, holding the position of National Technical Director. My commitment is to promote ancient Jujutsu as a tool for personal growth and well-being, highlighting its cultural and historical aspects. All my certifications have been issued in japan guaranteeing the authenticity of my skills and my adherence to the highest quality standards

For over forty-five years, Master Alfonso Torregrossa has been a pillar in the martial arts landscape. His journey in jujutsu, which began many years ago, led him on a path of exploration and deepening that brought him to Japan in 2002, where he discovered Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan. This encounter marked a decisive turning point in his career. With humility and tenacity, he dedicated years to the study of this ancient discipline, making numerous trips to Japan and becoming, in 2017, the first foreigner to be accepted as an uchi-deshi in the Renshinkan.


Today, with the prestigious rank of Hanshi 8th Dan, obtained through an examination in Japan under Takase Sensei, he is internationally recognized as one of the foremost experts in this martial art. His mission is to share the authenticity of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu with new generations, transmitting its fundamental principles both through direct teaching and through the publication of numerous books.



Takase Sensei awards the 8th Dan diploma to Torregrossa


BECOME A MEMBER OF RENSHINKAN !


We love the Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu, we love the practice, we love the environment, the atmosphere, the spirit that you breathe, we love the tatami that is filled with sounds, colors, flavors that are transmitted day after day, we love to wear the gi, tighten our belt, no matter what color it is, we love to see the passion of young people growing, their commitment and the desire to follow the example of the older ones, because our happiness is every day, every evening, after work or school, in the dojo when fatigue and stress are felt but then everything passes, you are happy to have made that little effort to go to training and fall asleep calm and satisfied, at peace with the world and with yourself themselves.
It is this passion that has grown inside us, first slowly and then more and more overbearing, until we almost feel ourselves bursting with love for the Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Renshinkan, which is not just an art, but a life choice that life has chosen. for us.
All of us, who feel Renshinkan as a second home, in which to practice, organize, discuss, discuss, and we would really like it to be like this for everyone and who, little by little, in this house we have settled, adapted and now not we would leave for no reason.
This is what we want for those who choose to experience the Daito Ryu Renshinkan with us, a large family that acts exclusively for the interest of practitioners and enthusiasts, in which to measure the value of people it is enough to look into each other's eyes, in which the contradictory is between people who esteem and row in the same direction, for the same objectives.


It is our pride that, little by little, day by day, with the contribution of all we are succeeding.
Please, for any clarifications contact us.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF RENSHINKAN
(if not already represented your country) write to:
daitoryurenshinkan@yahoo.co.jp
https://daitoryuaiki.web.fc2.com/

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