David Barber

Born 1972, Sydney, Australia. Enrolled at the Choy Lee Fut Martial Arts Federation, Sydney Chinatown, 1986 (age 14). Received Cantonese speaking instruction in traditional southern Chinese kung fu, weaponry & lion dance under the guidance of Sifu Mark Whelan & Sifu Chan Yong Fa, Ancestral Headmaster of the 200 year old family tradition. Received additional instruction & grading from Sifu Chan Cheuk Fai, founder of the Australian Jin Wu Koon Academy (Sydney Chinatown). Began regular trips to Hong Kong & mainland China, 1990. Admitted to Jinan University, Guangzhou China, 1992. Relocated to Yokohama, Japan to pursue aiki-budo studies, 1995. Purchased property & relocated permanently to Kamakura, Japan's ancient capital and the birthplace of the first Samurai Shogunate. Discovered the Araki-do organization, a 400 year old school of traditional (Yagyu clan) samurai military arts which had relocated from Edo to Kamakura during the Meiji era. Began studying Yagyu Shingan Ryu Taijutsu (battlefield arts) & Yagyu Shinkage Ryu (swordsmanship) in 2004.  David is a direct disciple (jiki-deshi) of Saito Satoshi (5th Soke of Negishi Ryu & appendant schools) & Kajitsuka Yasushi (11th Soke of Yagyu Shingan Ryu Taijutsu / Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Heiho). 40 years experience in martial arts. Three decades living permanently in Japan. Decades of dedicated koryu study via constant, direct transmission. Highest ranked non-Japanese practitioner of the aforementioned koryu traditions. One of only three people in the world to receive a Shihan license from the late grandmaster, Saito Satoshi. License holder in Negishi Ryu, Shirai Ryu & Yamamoto Ryu Iaijutsu. Member of the illustrious Nihon Kobudo Kyokai & Nihon Kobudo Shinkokai. Appointed Head of Negishi Ryu International. Founder of the Kobudo Renbukan Dojo in Kamakura, Japan.

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Shihan Lineage: 

①Negishi Shorei > ②Tonegawa Magoroku > ③Naruse Kanji > ④Saito Satoshi > ⑤David Barber  (5th Generation Shihan)

※ 現宗家 早坂義文