Category: Kobudo

The Institute of Budo Studies is pleased to announce the 2026 Annual Ryushin Shouchi Ryu European Seminar, to be held in Lyon, France, at La Mulatière, from April 13th to April 19th, 2026.

I am honored to have been invited to return as lead instructor for this year’s seminar. Building on the success of last year’s event, which welcomed more than 40 participants from across Europe and beyond, the 2026 seminar will once again offer an intensive week of focused training, technical refinement, and formal examinations within the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu tradition.

The seminar is open to all Ryushin Shouchi Ryu members, regardless of rank. Training will emphasize correct fundamentals, transmission of core principles, and preparation for examination where appropriate. As always, the goal is to provide a supportive yet rigorous environment that reflects the spirit and standards of the ryu.

Members interested in attending are encouraged to contact me directly for additional details regarding registration, schedule, and travel planning.

I look forward to training together in Lyon and continuing the growth of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu in Europe.

– Frank Nieves
Institute of Budo Studies

From April 26 to May 4, 2025, Frank Nieves, head instructor of the Institute of Budo Studies, led a Ryushin Shouchi Ryu seminar in Lyon, France. The event brought together over 40 participants from France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and the United States. Spanning seven days and offering more than 25 hours of intensive training, the seminar provided a rich opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and deep study of the art.

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Institute of Budo Studies held a Ryushin Shouchi Ryu rank examination. Congratulations to all participants on a successful exam!

Promotions:

• Heide Richardson – 2nd Dan
• Christian Ferrer – 1st Dan
• Roberto Piccolo – 1st Kyu
• Estevan Solis – 2nd Kyu
• Bernardo D’Carmine – 2nd Kyu
• River Richardson – 5th Kyu

From April 12–17, 2024, Frank Nieves, head instructor of the Institute of Budo Studies, led a Ryushin Shouchi Ryu seminar in Lyon, France. The seminar welcomed over 70 participants from across Europe for six days of focused training and cultural exchange. With an emphasis on technical precision and the underlying principles of the art, the event offered practitioners an immersive opportunity to refine their skills and deepen their connection to traditional Japanese swordsmanship.

From April 3–7, 2024, Frank Nieves, head instructor of the Institute of Budo Studies, led a Ryushin Shouchi Ryu seminar in Lignano, Italy. The event brought together over 80 participants from across Europe for five days of intensive training, technical refinement, and cultural exchange. The seminar provided a valuable opportunity for practitioners to deepen their understanding of traditional swordsmanship while strengthening connections within the international budo community.

During the Institute of Budo Studies’ Japan Tour, members had the honor of training under Yahagi Kunikazu, Headmaster (Sōke) of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu, at the school’s headquarters (Hombu Dōjō) in Tokyo. The immersive training sessions provided direct instruction from the source of the tradition, allowing participants to refine their understanding of form, spirit, and intent within Ryushin Shouchi Ryu. Practicing under Yahagi Sensei offered invaluable insight into the deeper philosophical and technical aspects of the art, reinforcing our commitment to preserving its lineage and standards with integrity.

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, the Institute of Budo Studies held a Ryushin Shouchi Ryu rank examination. Congratulations to all participants on their well-earned promotions and dedicated training!

Promotions:

• Raul Magadan – 3rd Dan
• Heide Richardson – 1st Dan
• Christian Ferrer – 1st Kyu
• Timur Rybiakova – 2nd Kyu