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.
Category: Ryushin Shouchi Ryu
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Rank Examination – February 13, 2025
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
Institute of Budo Studies Demonstrates at Spirit of Japan Miami
From August 16–18, 2024, members of the Institute of Budo Studies took part in the Spirit of Japan event at the Miami Beach Convention Center—an immersive cultural festival celebrating Japanese heritage through food, art, performance, and traditional practices. Our team presented dynamic demonstrations in Kendo, Iaido, and Kobudo, sharing the precision, spirit, and discipline of Budo with an enthusiastic audience. The event welcomed over 4,000 guests, including many families with children. Thank you to everyone who helped bring volunteers and attendees—your support made this unforgettable experience possible!
Institute of Budo Studies Performs at Morikami’s Sunset Stroll
On May 23, 2024, members of the Institute of Budo Studies were honored to present a Japanese swordsmanship demonstration at the Sunset Stroll event hosted by the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida. This special evening event invites guests to experience Japanese culture in the serene atmosphere of Morikami’s illuminated gardens at dusk. Surrounded by music, art, and traditional performances, our demonstration offered a glimpse into the grace, discipline, and philosophy of the Japanese sword. With over 1,000 guests strolling through the museum grounds, it was a memorable evening of cultural appreciation. We are grateful to the Morikami staff and community for welcoming us and look forward to sharing Budo again in the future.
Frank Nieves Leads Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Seminar in Lyon, France
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.
Frank Nieves Leads Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Seminar in Lignano, Italy
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.
Training at Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Headquarters with Yahagi Kunikazu Soke
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.
Ryushin Shouchi Ryu Rank Examination – January 9, 2024
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