Hello,
Years ago I attended a seminar by Teruo Kono sensei, Wado ryu 8th dan, who advertised himself as being a Shinto Yoshin ryu 8th dan. When I asked him about Shinto Yoshin ryu techniques he told me it was basicly the same as Wado ryu. This didn't make sense but I took his word for it. Then I found a list of techniques on Mr Shingo Ohgami's website that included a treasure trove of Shindo Yoshin ryu techniques not included in any Wado ryu I've ever seen. This was a very disappointing discovery. I felt Mr Kono had decieved me.
Then, I recently attended a seminar with Mr Toby Threadgill of Takamura ha Shinto Yoshin ryu. What an experience! I was absolutely blown away by this mans technical skills and ability to explain jujutsu theory. He is amazing!
I always wanted to understand what Shinto Yoshin ryu looked like so I could better grasp the qualities that linked Shinto Yoshin ryu jujutsu to Wado ryu. When Kono sensei refused to answer my questions he was obscuring something of great value. These questions were answered in so much detail by Mr Threadgill that I walked away more satisified with his seminar than any I've ever attended. It will take me months to digest all I learned. I'm even thinking of attending his seminar in Palma, Mallorca this weekend to get another dose!
I'm a newbie here so I have several questions that maybe someone here can answer. I looked in the archive but could find very little info.
Was there a reason, perhaps cultural for Mr Kono to not answer my questions?
I now understand that Mr Threadgill studied Wado ryu for a time and held black belt rank. Does any one here know who he studied Wado ryu with?
I understand Mr Threadgill has been in contact with Mr Shingo Ohgami in Sweden for many years. I even heard that Mr Ohgami has attended some of Mr Threadgills seminars as a participant. I think it is fantastic that a Japanese Shihan has demonstrated such openmindedness. Are there any other Japanese Wado shihan regularly in attendence at his seminars learning Shinto Yoshin ryu?
Is Mr Threadgill in contact with Jiro or Kazutaka Ohtsuka.
Has anyone seen the Shinto Yoshin ryu of a man in Japan named Fujiwara? He is listed in a book I own as the head of the Shinto Yoshin ryu in the Japanese Budokan Kobudo Federation.
Were Mr Fujiwara and Mr Threadgill's teacher, Mr Takamura associated?
I hope Mr Threadgiils contact with the Wado ryu community goes deeper than I know as he seems to be an amazing resource for knowledge we have neglected for too long.
Will Bauer