THE MASTERS WHO TAUGHT FINN SENSEI

Master TAKJI  SHIMIZU (1897 - 1978): Last Grand Master of Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu. He studied under Grand Master Shiraishi Hanjiro, receiving Menkyo Kaidan in 1920 at the age on 23. He came to Tokyo in 1927 to promote Jojutsu. He became the head of police training, especially Riot Control. In 1969 the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei brought Jodo under its umbrella when he developed Seitei Jodo.  

Master ICHITARO KURODA (1911 - 2000): Held menkyo kaiden in Shindo Muso Ryu and was master Shimizu’s senior student. He held 8th dan in Jodo - Iaido - Kendo - and calligraphy at the time of his death. He often said that his first love was calligraphy. He began calligraphy at an early age, it was when he joined the police that he took up Kendo.

Master SEIKO SUZUKI (1936 -   ): Holds menkyo kaiden and is 8th dan in  Shito Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo. He studied under master Ryusho Sakagami, he also studied directly under master Shinken Taira , father of present day Ryukyu Kobudo. He was Master Sakgami’s ‘right hand man’, as well as a renown exponent in his skills. In 1993 he founded the Suzuki-Ha Shito-Ryu Nihon Karate-Do Seiko-Kai.

Master SUMIYUKI KOTANI (1903 - 1991): Is a noted Judo master, attaining 10th dan in 1984. He studied Judo directly under the founder, Master Jigoro Kano. He was a professor of Tokai University, as well as vice president of the All Japan Judo Federaion. He promoted Judo throughout the world, and a key figure at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo.

Master TOMOAKI DANZAKI (1906 - 2003): was originally a Sumo wrestler, but gave this up to study under Master Nakayama Hakudo. Master Hakudo was soke in the line of Shimomura ha, perpetuating Muso Shinden Ryu. Danzaki sensei was one of the founders of the All Japan Iaido Federation, later to become chairman. Danzaki sensei held 9th dan in Iaido.

Master HIDEO OBA (1910 - 1986) He worked closely with the founder of Tomiki Aikido, KENJI TOMIKI (1900 - 1979). Oba sensei developed many of the Tomiki Aikido Ko-ryu (old school) forms, these ranged from the ‘Dai-ichi to the Dai roku’. Both he and Tomiki sensei were deshi of Morihei Usehiba, the father of Aikido. In 1970 Oba sensei was awarded 9th dan in Aikido. Mike Finn trained under both Master Kenji Tomiki and Master Hideo Oba.

Master DONN DRAEGER (1922 - 1982): Was a noted exponent, author, and historian on martial arts. He was a senior ranking officer in the American Marines, On leaving the Marines his base became Japan. Since his early life he trained and qualified in martial  arts. He became highly qualified in Japan and was greatly respected among his peers. In later years he was the director of the International Hoplology Society. This is a subject he founded at Hawaii University.

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