Shiroi Bara Dojo is part of the Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu (HNIR) UK Shibu. The dojo has been practicing HNIR since the late 1980's when Mark Sykes Sensei stayed for an extended period in Japan and received instruction from Haruna Matsuo Sensei, Chief Instructor at the Musashi Dojo in Ohara, Okayama Prefecture
Shiroi Bara instructors have direct links to the HNIR Current and previous two Sohke (Headmasters). Imai Masayuki Sohke in 1996 gave permission to Shiroi Bara Dojo instructors (Martin Simpson, Colin Wood & Mark Sykes) to teach and promote Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu in Europe.
HNIR is the study and practice of the teachings of perhaps Japan’s most famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (full name - Shinmen Musashi Fujiwara no Genshin, 1584-1645).
Although HNIR is primarily a kenjutsu school, employing the use of long, short and two sword techniques. Musashi Sensei’s teaching also include Jutte-jutsu (truncheon), Bo-jutsu (long staff) and Yawara (unarmed combat).
Musashi Sensei’s as well as being a master swordsman is also considered as one of Japan’s finest artists producing many paintings, calligraphy and sculptures.
Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu is practiced under the ‘Dosokai’ concept – everyone is a student. There are no grades, there is just Sohke and everybody else.
Perhaps his most revered work is Go Rin no Sho (The Book of Five Rings), still studied in detail today as the definitive guide to the strategy of swordsmanship. His other works include - Dokkodo (the way of walking alone) and Hyoho Sanjukajo (35 articles of strategy)
For more detailed information about HNIR please use the following links
Hombu Dojo - Japanese home of HNIR
Hyoho.com - Website with lots of information about the school, Musashi and and indeed translations of his famous work.
HNIR UK Shibu - Facebook page
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