Shodai Soke: Someya Chikatoshi

Someya Chikatoshi (1924-1999) was the ryuso, (流祖) founder, of Meifu Shinkage ryu.

From a young age, Someya-sensei had a passion for samurai culture, and traditional Japanese martial arts. This passion lead to him enrolling in Tenshin-shoden Katori Shinto Ryu in 1940. He remained a life-long member of the ryu, mastering all aspects of it's curriculum; including shurikenjutsu.

Someya-sensei developed a special interest in shurikenjutsu, and other kakushi-buki, (隠し武器) hidden/concealed weapons. He researched the weapons, and techniques, of many traditions. In the case of shuriken, Someya-sensei carefully studied the flight characteristics of the different blade; noting the subtle differences based upon length, shape, and weight.

After many years of study, Someya-sensei developed a throwing method adaptable to any type of shuriken. He founded a new school based on his discoveries, and chose to name it Meifu Shinkage Ryu (明府真影流):

Meifu (明府) implies an organization/gathering of people with a clear purpose; to become knowledgeable/wise.

Shinkage (真影) refers to the ability to distinguish between truth (真, shin), and its shadow (影, kage). There is also a deeper meaning of concealing ones intent, strength, and technique, until the moment it is required.

Ryu (流) means a current, stream, or flow. When used as a suffix by traditional Japanese schools, it implies a living tradition, passing from one generation to the next in an unbroken lineage of teacher/student relationships.

In addition to teaching Meifu Shinkage Ryu, Someya-sensei published two books: Shurikenjutsu Nyumon (1980); and Kakushibukijutsu Nyumon (1983). Together they represent a wealth of information on a little known aspect of Japanese martial culture.

Nidai Soke: Otsuka Yasuyuki

Otsuka-sensei is the current representative (宗家, soke) of Meifu Shinkage Ryu. As soke, he is the embodiment of the tradition, and tasked with passing it on to the next generation.

In his youth, Otsuka-sensei studied karate, with his father, and kendo, in school. He had a natural affinity to throwing objects and, as a teenager, spent hours throwing shuriken on his own. He did not have a teacher, so figured out a way that worked for him.

In 1980, while studying at university, Otsuka-sensei found the book "Shurikenjutsu Nyumon" by Someya-sensei. He was pleased to see that his own approach to throwing shuriken was similar to the method described in the book. Inspired, he continued to practice on his own until he could officially join Meifu Shinkage Ryu (1985).

Training was held every Sunday afternoon at Someya-sensei's house. Otsuka-sensei threw himself into the training, and was licensed as shihan (師範, master instructor) in 1991. He was one of four people to receive this license. However, by the time Someya-sensei passed away in 1999, Otsuka-sensei was the only active teacher.

Following the example of his teacher, Otsuka-sensei continued to study, and research, shurikenjutsu. In 2004 he published his first book, "Shurikenjutsu no Susume" (手裏剣術のススメ, Recommendations for Shurikenjutsu), and a DVD, "Hiden! Shurikenjutsu" (秘伝! 手裏剣術, Secret Transmission! Shurikenjutsu). He is currently working on a new English edition of a privately published book "How to Learn Meifu Shinkage Ryu".

In 2009, the family of Someya Chikatoshi officially recognized Otsuka-sensei as Nidai Soke, (二代宗家) second generation head, of Meifu Shinkage Ryu. Otsuka-sensei continues to work tirelessly to promote Meifu Shinkage Ryu; both in Japan, and abroad. In addition to teaching weekly classes in Tokyo, he monitors the training of a number shibu (branches), and keikokai (study groups), and travels internationally to teach seminars.

In an effort to introduce authentic Shurikenjutsu to people around the world, Otsuka-sensei maintains two websites; English and Japanese. He also has a youtube channel, with some short clips from classes, and demonstrations. In August 2012, Ostuka-sensei gave a lecture on shuriken at the Royal Armories Museum (Leeds, UK).