My teacher Ken Tallack Kyoshi is the Canadian representative for the DNBK so I have heard of Hanshi Hamada. I don't know what ryu-ha he teaches but I do know he is held in high regard. A couple of the black belts from my dojo had the opportunity to attend a week of training with him in Virginia last summer and they described it as being the most intense training they have ever experienced. I believe if you were able to train with him, it would not be wasted time.
This coming October he will be at the Canada Rensai Taikai in Toronto. I am hoping at that time to be presented with my DNBK certificate for Shodan from him.
I know it's not much, but take it for what it's worth.
While we are on the topic, as a side note, I am looking for a copy of Hanshi Hamada's book Quintessence of Japanese Martial Arts: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives. Amazon.com says it is out of print, but if anyone knows where I could get a copy it would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
Bill Ecklund
"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought." - Basho