Well, not quite, but a stepping stone toward such a goal has been achieved. In truth all samurai schools are of importance, and if possible, all should be recorded and saved. At this point, the “mirror” of Mubyōshi Ryū is not fully clear, but it has without doubt been cleaned enough that we can see a reflection of the school. It is, of course, a shame that so much of the school has been lost, but equally it is a joy that much was recorded.
The tale of Hagiwara Jūzō and his struggle for revenge and survival can be seen in the devious tricks that he acquired and his focus on reprisal. It must be reiterated that Niki Shinjurō has an equal part to play, or is at least considered as a tutor to the founder. Together they formed a great school that lasted for generations and still clings to life today, albeit in a reduced fashion. The current grandmaster, Uematsu Sensei, has the difficult task of keeping it alive and also now trying to identify where the skills have been changed over time and whether or not to try to bring them back to their original form. Herein lies a great lesson for all those who study from old schools—a lesson that teaches that ancient lineage does not mean that the teachings remain the same, and that over generations, differences creep into the skills. Each ancient samurai school differs in the variations they have acquired, and each master will be responsible for trying to maintain the original teachings.
Without doubt, however, change has crept in. Mubyōshi Ryū can be classed as one of those schools where a larger portion of change has occurred, but it also benefits from multiple transcriptions and recordings of the skills involved. Above all, we should live with the satisfaction that a samurai under the threat of blood feud perfected these skills and fought off many enemies, and that we, alongside the current grandmaster, have the ability and—if it may be said—the duty to bring these skills back to life as they were once taught.
It is with great joy that these teachings have been left for another generation and that this book will create a foundation for future study. Such study must be directed toward reconnecting with how the skills were originally laid down and understanding the environment that they were created in. It is with absolute sincerity that I ask those who have been touched by this tale to take up the torch and help carry Mubyōshi Ryū into a new generation. The key is to spread the story of this school through social media as well as traditional avenues, bringing the teachings to a whole new audience. For those who have the strength of mind, I request that you study the school. Everything you need for a proper foundation is in this book, and all that is required is that you make contact with the main dōjō, first build a relationship, and then find a way to visit Japan to study with the current grandmaster. Good luck, and maintain the correct strength of mind.
Figure 17.1.