UNDERSTANDING THE KOBUKAN FOUNDATION
Kobukan Lineage & Martial Heritage
A living bridge from Takamatsu-den traditions to modern combative mastery — preserving authentic Japanese martial arts and evolving them for today’s practitioners.
Takamatsu Toshitsugu – The Source of Modern Ninpo and Master of Classical Japanese Martial Traditions
Takamatsu Toshitsugu (1889–1972) stands as one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the world of Japanese martial arts, serving as a bridge between Japan’s classical warrior traditions and their modern expressions. His life embodies the uncompromising spirit of the warrior — a man who not only inherited rare and ancient teachings but also lived them fully in both training halls and real-life challenges.
As the source of modern ninpo, Takamatsu was a master of numerous martial lineages, encompassing both ninjutsu and classical Japanese martial systems (koryu). These diverse lineages collectively formed a comprehensive warrior curriculum, blending armed and unarmed techniques, strategic movement, and deep philosophical principles. Through his teachings, he emphasized not only technical skill but also the cultivation of a resilient mind and indomitable spirit.
Takamatsu’s direct transmission to his senior students ensured that these classical traditions would not fade into history. His legacy has influenced generations of practitioners who continue to carry forward his lessons, adapting them for both self-protection and personal growth. In the Kobukan lineage and tradition, we honor Takamatsu not only as the source of our arts, but also as a true master of classical Japanese martial traditions. His teachings form the backbone of our approach: deeply rooted in authentic Japanese heritage, yet continually refined to meet the needs of today’s practitioners.
Takamatsu Sensei’s Senior Students
Takamatsu Sensei entrusted his knowledge to a number of exceptional senior students, each of whom played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting his diverse martial traditions. Among them were Sato Kinbei, Kimura Masaji, and Hatsumi Yoshiaki (Masaaki), as well as others.
While Mr. Hatsumi gained widespread recognition during the global “ninja boom” of the 1980s, other senior students dedicated themselves to safeguarding Takamatsu’s legacy in a less public approach. Out of respect, we’ll allow Mr. Hatsumi’s well-known history speak for itself and instead highlight the other senior students whose guidance and teachings help differentiate the Kobukan approach today.
In the 1980s, one dedicated practitioner sought to deepen his understanding by training with all three of these aforementioned students of Takamatsu Sensei. His aim was to embrace the full breadth of Takamatsu Sensei’s teachings and the classical ryu-ha they embodied. This rare, direct transmission integrated multiple perspectives and formed the foundation of what would eventually lead to the training contained with the Kobukan over 3 decades later.
Today, operating as an independent and unaffiliated organization, James Wright Kancho — after more than 30 years of intensive training in Japan — continues to share these arts through the Kobukan Kobudo Renmei. With a focus on transparency, openness, and the original intent of combative application, he seeks to honor the Kobukan lineage by offering a living tradition that honors the past while empowering modern practitioners.
SATO KINBEI SENSEI
Sato Kinbei was one of Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei’s most senior and dedicated students. A highly respected figure in the Japanese martial arts community, Sato Sensei inherited and taught a number of classical Japanese martial traditions. Beyond his deep technical expertise, he was also known for his quiet, private approach to preserving these teachings, focusing on authentic transmission rather than public promotion.
Sato Kinbei played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and original spirit of Takamatsu Sensei’s teachings during a time when martial arts were becoming increasingly commercialized. His approach emphasized subtle movement, precise body mechanics, and the cultivation of true martial character.
A memorable story highlights his kindness and humility: when a student arrived at Sato Sensei’s home for a special event, unaware of the formality and dressed in casual street clothes, he found himself surrounded by guests in suits. Noticing the student’s embarrassment, Sato Sensei quietly went to change into street clothes himself, ensuring that his student felt comfortable and included.
For those interested in the roots of true Japanese combative arts, Sato Kinbei remains an important figure — embodying the quiet strength and deep refinement that define classical koryu martial traditions.
KIMURA MASAJI SENSEI
Kimura Masaji was another distinguished senior student of Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei, known for his powerful technique and strong presence. Kimura Sensei received extensive transmission in a number of classical ryu-ha. His dedication to preserving Takamatsu Sensei’s legacy through rigorous practice helped maintain the purity of these martial traditions.
Unlike some of his contemporaries who focused on larger public demonstrations, Kimura Sensei concentrated on direct, personal transmission to a smaller circle of serious students. His teachings were renowned for their emphasis on precise timing, structural power, and the seamless integration of weapon and unarmed techniques — hallmarks of true classical Japanese budo.
Kimura Masaji’s legacy continues to inspire martial artists around the world who value authentic, non-commercial budo, and his contributions remain a vital link in the preservation of Takamatsu-den classical warrior arts.
KAMINAGA SHIGEMI SENSEI
Kaminaga Shigemi is a lesser-known but respected figure within certain circles of Japanese classical martial arts. While not widely documented in public sources, he is often associated with lineages and teachings derived from the Takamatsu-den tradition — the body of martial knowledge transmitted through Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei.
Kaminaga Sensei’s connection to Takamatsu-den is most frequently referenced through his time as a student of Ueno Takashi (also known as Ueno Chosui), another student of Takamatsu Toshitsugu. He is particularly linked to specific ryu-ha such as Asayama Ichiden Ryu and others. It is understood that Kaminaga Sensei maintained a relationship with Ueno, and through this connection, he gained access to elements of the Takamatsu-den curriculum.
The Kobukan Path
Building upon the teachings and guidance of these respected senior students as part of the Kobukan lineage, James Wright Kancho dedicated his life to embodying and evolving this rich martial tradition. His decades-long journey in Japan was driven by a commitment to fully internalize and carry forward the depth of Takamatsu-den classical arts, while also preparing them for the demands of modern combative contexts.
JAMES WRIGHT KANCHO
James Wright Kancho stands as a living bridge between classical Japanese martial traditions and modern combative realities. After studying Judo at a young age, he committed his life to martial arts training, moving to Japan and training there for over 30 years. There, he immersed himself deeply in the classical ryu-ha (traditions) that form the core of the Takamatsu-den arts. His journey included attending seminars led by senior figures such as Sato Kinbei Sensei and Kaminaga Shigemi Sensei, and having the honor of demonstrating arts like Rokushaku Bojutsu and Takagi Yoshin Ryu in front of Kimura Masaji Sensei.
Beyond formal kata, Kancho’s early years in Japan were marked by intense randori — live, unscripted sparring. He regularly engaged in Judo-style grappling, tanto sabaki, muto dori, and fukuro shinai sparring, often wearing kendo kote and do to train real striking under pressure. He also developed strong bojutsu application skills, defending against sword attacks from any kamae in controlled yet demanding scenarios. These experiences forged a spirit of true adaptability and combative realism that continues to define the Kobukan approach today.
Kancho’s path did not stop with traditional arts alone. Seeking to create a comprehensive and functional martial system, he integrated modern combative methods into his training, including Israeli military Krav Maga (with a focus on firearms and knife defense) and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, as well as various tactical applications through private training with trusted instructors.
His personal conditioning regimen reflected an unwavering commitment to the warrior spirit: daily concrete push-ups, heavy bag striking, weight training, 5-kilometer runs, and more than 1,000 Daken Kihon strikes each day, on top of regular dojo training. This relentless physical and mental discipline embodies the true essence of fudoshin — the immovable spirit.
Today, as the head of the independent and unaffiliated Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, James Wright Kancho carries forward this rich heritage with a focus on transparency, openness, and the original combative intent of the arts. His mission is to preserve the integrity of classical traditions while ensuring they remain practical and relevant for modern practitioners. In doing so, he offers a living tradition that not only honors the past but empowers each student to become part of an evolving story.
Note: The Kobukan Kobudo Renmei is an independent organization. While our founder trained with various senior students connected to Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei, the Kobukan is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any other individuals or organizations mentioned.
注記：古武館武道連盟は独立した団体です。館長は高松寿嗣先生に関わる複数の高弟から指導を受けましたが、ここで言及されている他の個人・団体とは公式な提携関係や承認関係はございません。