There is still a reknown secret scroll called “Takeda Ryu Aiki-no-Jutsu” (The harmony art with the energy of Takeda school) in which is even related a legend of AIKI tradition: “It is said that in 27 year of Keiko Emperor, Okumi-no-Mikoto prince get the mission to conquer the Kumaso territory. Before the battle, he followed for a few days a purification ritual (misogi), the one of meditation under the falls. He also trained himself under cold as ice water, flowing over him. Realizing that his adversaries are stronger and more numerous, he broke through disguised behind them, trying even to capture their leader. But this one felt him when he got into his room and got the sword trying to hit him, but Okumi-no-Mikoto was faster and through a sliding aside made his adversary losing his balance and falling into his own weapon, dying in that moment.” The same document mentioned that the prince didn’t stop at that level and continued to perfection his fighting method, passing it on inside the family.

Over 1,000 years ago…

      The one who systematized better the fighting methods specific to Takeda school is the general Saburo Minamoto-no-Yoshimitsu (1036-1127), who introduced all of these principles in the training program of all the samurais from Takeda clan, without allowing the spread of this method. It was kept and transmitted secretly, becoming extremely famous through the efficiency of its techniques. The Aiki Jutsu art principles, sometimes named Oshikuchi, were reserved to the elite of the Takeda Ryu school samurais. Aiki Jutsu is translated in fact the art of obtaining the victory through the bringing in harmony with the environment, especially with the actions of the adversary. Aiki means the union with the adversary Ki, the taking over and the control of it.

    The evolution of the school, the decline of Takeda family, the emerging of the two branches. The Takeda Ryu school has knew, beginning with the XII century a large notoriety in the entire Japan, due to the numerous victories of the samurais of this clan, not only in battles but also in challenges against another rivalry schools.
    Only in XVI century, because of the defeat at Tenmoku-Yama, the Takeda clan is divided for the first time in two main currents: Takeda Ryu and Daito Ryu. Daito Ryu was developed in the area of Aizu province and was transmitted by Tanamo Saigo, who has as a disciple the famous fighter Takeda Sokaku, the Morihei Ueshiba master – the founder of actual Aikido (through the expelling of the too tough or dangerous procedures).
    Coming back to the Takeda Ryu, this branch had been developed in the area of Kai province, inside a close environment, without getting out ouside the Takeda clan. Generation by generation, the old fighting techniques were transmitted till our century. The 42nd Soke (officially designated successor) was Kichio Nakamura, the first un-member of Takeda family, a special event in the school history. This one named Ichio Oba his successor, who died in 1959, without letting a successor. Hisashi Nakamura, at that time Shoden Kyohan, decides to take over the transmission of the school, helped by Shihans with a lot of experience, as Sensei Sofue. They set up the self method Takeda Ryu Nakamura Ha, and later he is recognized the 44th Soke of the originally Takeda Ryu school. This is the result of the promotion desire, an opening to the large public, even introducing the competition ideas in Jukempo, Aikijutsu and Jodo sections. He also promotes the name of Aikido Takeda Ryu, instead of Aikijutsu, probably for a stronger impact to the public.

    Takeda Ryu outside Japan

Later, in 1999, especially due to moral causes, Sensei Maroteaux is constrained to continue the school independently by Japanese branch. He was afterward recognized by IBA and in 2005 by the famous Japanese federation Dai Nippon Butokukai – recognized for the quality of the promoted martial arts.