O Sensei Takamatsu Toshitsugu

Toshitsugu Takamatsu was born on March 10th, 1887 in Akashi. His birth name was Hisatsugu, but he later changed it to Toshitsugu. As a child he was frail and in poor health, and it was for this reason that he began practicing martial arts. He trained first with his grandfather in Shinden Fudo Ryu. Throughout his first year he was used as the uke (attacker), and his knees and elbows were frequently bloodied from the falls. In his second year he began learning technique, and at the age of thirteen received the title of master — considered exceptionally early. After Shinden Fudo Ryu his grandfather taught him further fighting styles.

In 1900 he studied Takagi Yoshin Ryu under the 15th Soke Yoshitaro Tadafuse. In 1904 the renowned master Ishitani Matsutaro Takekage arrived in Takamatsu's town and subsequently taught him Kukishinden Ryu happo hiken jutsu, Hon tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Gikan Ryu koppo jutsu, and Shinden Muso Ryu.

Takamatsu Sensei spent a considerable part of his life in China — it is held that this was a personal test of his mastery of the martial arts. During his time there he participated in numerous fights and challenges, none of which he lost. After various adventures in China and a period spent in the Japanese mountain wilderness, he returned home in 1919.

In his thirties he became unbeatable in battle and acquired great spiritual strength. His warrior name was "Mongol Tiger". He served as technical consultant for the film Shinobi no mono, worked as president of the Fighting Association for Japanese Youth, and received national recommendations from masters of Jujutsu and Bojutsu.

Takamatsu Sensei died on April 2nd, 1972, at the age of 85. He was cremated at a cemetery in Nara, and Hatsumi Sensei had the special honour of hosting the funeral.