Takamatsu Toshitsugu, the 27th Soke of the Gyokko Ryu, was the most influential teacher in the life of Hatsumi Masaaki.

Often refered to as the 'Last true ninja', due to the fact that he put his skills to the test in war-time, this amazing man led a long and eventful life. Offered here is an important essay on the study of Ninjutsu, and a rough timeline, found below, of Takamatsu Toshitsugu's life.

"Essence of Ninjutsu"

The Life of Takamatsu

• 1889
  • Mar 10: Takamatsu Toshitsugu is born (22nd year of Meiji Era).
• 1898
  • Takamatsu (Age 9) was sent to live with his Grandfather, Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu, by his father.
  • Takamatsu (Age 9) begins training in Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu under Toda.
• 1899
  • Takamatsu begins training in Sumo.
• 1902
  • Takamatsu (Age 13) was granted Menkyo Kaiden in the Shinden Fudo Ryu by Toda.
  • Toda tells Takamatsu (Age 13) to stop training Shinden Fudo Ryu.
  • Takamatsu (Age 13) begins training in Koto Ryu Koppojutsu and Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu.
  • Takamatsu (Age 13) has fight on bridge in Kobe with 3 men.
  • Spring: Takamatsu (Age 13) begins training with Mizuta in Takagi Yoshin Ryu in Akashi.
• 1904
  • Takamatsu (Age 15) returns to Toda’s dojo to visit. He fights duel with students of Mushashi Ryu Jujutsu. His right ear drum is ruptured.
• 1906
  • Takamatsu (Age 17) graduates from English school and returns to live with father and work in his factory.
  • Takamatsu (Age 17) meets Ishitani Takeo Masatsugu at his father’s match factory.
• 1909
  • Ishitani dies on Takamatsu’s lap.
  • Takamatsu is done training with Toda, Mizuta, and Ishitani. He spent a total of 12 years training with them.
• 1910
  • Japan invades the Korean penisula and then pushes further up into mainland China.
  • Takamatsu (Age 21) fails Army entrance medical exam due to problem with right ear.
  • Takamatsu (Age 21) goes to China for first time.
• 1911
  • Takamatsu (Age 22) returns from China sick with Tuberculosis and tapeworms. He spends the year in seclusion on Maya Mountain in Kobe. (Story from Sensei says he had Beri Beri.)
• 1912
  • Takamatsu (Age 23) returns to China for second time.
• 1919
  • Takamatsu (Age 30) returns to Japan and opens hotel in Kashiwara-shi, Nara.
  • Takamatsu ordained as a Tendai priest.
• 1920
  • Takamatsu (Age 31) copies Kuki family makimono.
• 1945
  • Kuki family scrolls are destroyed in World War II fire-bombing.
• 1949
  • April 4th: Takamatsu Toshitsugu returns copies of the Kuki scrolls to the Kuki family.
• 1957
  • Hatsumi Yoshiaki begins training with Takamatsu.
• 1972
  • April 2nd: Takamatsu Toshitsugu (Age 83) died (47th year of Showa Era).

Copyright ©2000 Jeff Mueller