# Hontai Yoshin Ryu Ilfracombe

Hontai Yoshin Ryu is the official UK home of an authentic Japanese koryu (traditional martial arts school) with training locations in both Ilfracombe and Chelsea. Founded around 1660 by Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi, this martial arts organisation preserves and teaches a comprehensive system of traditional Japanese combat disciplines that have been refined over centuries.

The school serves both beginners eager to learn martial arts and advanced practitioners seeking to deepen their mastery. Students train in five distinct disciplines: traditional jujutsu (unarmed combat), bojutsu (staff techniques), hanbojutsu (half-staff techniques), kodachijutsu (short sword techniques), and iaijutsu (sword drawing and cutting). This multi-disciplinary approach distinguishes Hontai Yoshin Ryu from typical martial arts clubs, offering a complete classical Japanese bujutsu education.

What sets this organisation apart is its commitment to authenticity and lineage. Led by Soke Inoue Kyoichi Munenori, the school maintains traditional teaching methods and demonstrates at prestigious events, including the 42nd All Japan Kobudo Demonstration. Rather than prioritising commercial expansion or sport competition, Hontai Yoshin Ryu focuses on preserving genuine koryu traditions and training serious students in authentic techniques.

The organisation provides regular, structured training sessions accommodating different experience levels, making classical Japanese martial arts accessible to UK practitioners whilst maintaining the highest standards of traditional instruction.