KUNIKAZU YAHAGI SENSEI
(矢作訓一 二代宗家)

SEISEIKAN KANCHO, KOBUDO HANASHI (9th DAN) – RYUSHIN SHOUCHI RYU

HACHIDAN (8th DAN) – IMAF (INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION)

SHICHIDAN (7th DAN) – ALL NIPPON KENDO FEDERATION

NIDAN (2nd DAN) – KODOKAN JUDO

Originally from the Katsuka district in Tokyo, Yahagi sensei began practicing Kendo at the age of 10 and holds a rank of 7th Dan from the All Nippon Kendo Federation.

He also studied Judo at the age of 12 and now holds the rank of 2nd Dan from the Kodokan school. He joined Ryushin Shouchi-ryu (at the time Tenshinsho Jigen Ryu) when he was 30, under Kawabata sensei.

Yahagi sensei is now the Soke of Ryushin Shouchi-ryu and is accredited a rank of 8th Dan from the IMAF (International Martial Arts Federation) and is also an active board member.

The New York Budo Association studies Ryushin Shouchi-ryu directly under Yahagi Sensei, who guides our training. He usually visits us in New York for our annual RSR Seminar (about once a year) or we travel to the Honbu in Tokyo. Inspired by the efforts of NYBA to continue our practice during the global pandemic, Sensei now offers RSR members online classes (which we help organize) once per month (only open to RSR and NYBA members).