So it’s been a while since we posted on this page. Out lack on social media is actually a sign of our focus to our training. Over the last two years, our Sydney group was training for the first major grading for monjin (students) of Hyoho Taisha Ryu. This grading , held in Hitoyoshi, coincided with the 450th anniversary of the Ryu, founded by Marume Kurando.

In early 2022 the members of the Sydney group were informed along with the the rest of the Ryu that there would a significant grading to be held during the anniversary in September 2023. Those that had attained the standard required for their level were invited to participate. The gradings were to be held in Yatsushiro and Hityoshi, Kyushu. 

As such, members of the Sydney group became intensely focused on this grading to perform at their very best to honour the teachings of our founder Marume Kurando as well as our Soke Eriko Uhara and Sensei Yamamoto.  The training we conducted was detailed at a granular level, focusing on fundamentals, body control and pair kata for both Odachi (long sword) and Kodachi (short sword) as this would be the exams faced by the attendees from Australia. 

Many hours of personal training in our private time as well as our regular scheduled training on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings as well as the odd Saturday here and there made up the practice and study preparation. 

When finally the big week arrived and the entire Ryu’s membership converged on Yatsuchiro, it was a celebratory feeling as it was the first time the majority of the international student body was able to come together with our Japanese masters and fellow monjin to be as one big family.

Apologies for our absence and lack of posts. We will now post regularly to keep all who are interested up to date with the activities of Taisha-ryu Australia.