Lineage

Although the system is over 150 years old, it has never been shared outside of Japan until October 1983. The first, and the only person in America to earn the required license to teach the entire system is Mr. Calvin Lester. He earned his credentials after studying directly with Mr. Toshihiro Kubota, the current Master of the TenJin ShinYo Ryu, in Japan.

At the present time, Kubota Toshihiro is the Master of Tenjin Shinyo-ryu. Mr. Toshihiro, a student of Sakamoto Fusataro (of both Tenjin Shinyo-ryu jujutsu and Kodokan judo) received Shihan in 1975. He established the Tenyokai in June 1977 to continue Sakamoto’s teachings, holding a party at the Tojo Kaikan to commemorate the occasion.

The headmasters and senior exponents of many different koryu as a signal that they accepted the legitimacy of this position attended this event. Mr. Toshihiro has played an active role in teaching both judo and jujutsu over the past twenty-five years and been an active member of the Board of Directors of the Nihon Kobudo Shinkokai (Society for the Promotion of Japanese Classical Martial Arts) and the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai (Japanese Classical Martial Arts Society).

Sakamoto Hanshi, was the Master of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu who taught both Judo and Jyujyutsu to Kubota Toshihiro; the current Master of the Ryu and the teacher of Calvin Lester.

– Entered the Kodokan in 1905
– Started training in Tenjin Shinyo Ryu from Torajiro Yagi in 1906
– Received the Menkiyo Kaiden in 1913
– Received the Hachidan in Kodokan Judo in 1955
– Received the Kudan in Kodokan Judo in 1972

Having actively taught for over 60 years, Sakamoto Hanshi, left behind an incredible legacy of training, teaching, and practicing both Judo and the Jyujyutsu of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu.

Kubota Toshihiro, taught at Sakamoto’s dojo for two years before Sakamoto Fusataro passed away in 1978.