Posture & Etiquette
姿勢と礼法
Modern Otome-ryū
現代の御留流
Private Budo Training
for Family Office Principals
and Next-Generation Leaders.
― ファミリーオフィス・成人後継者の方へ ―
Yoshinkan Honke is a modern Otome-ryū ― a private and discreet Japanese budo program for adults who carry responsibility in business, family, or society. Through traditional martial arts practice, we cultivate discipline, composure, judgment, and the spirit of those entrusted with legacy.
私 ・ 御 ・ 留 ・ 流
— AT A GLANCE
Yoshinkan Honke is a private Japanese budo programme for adults who carry responsibility in family, business, and society.
Its lineage descends from the practical Shotokan stream of Okano-ha, Jigenkai, Sagami Gym, Nozaki Kaikan, and Yoshinkan.
Public dōjō activities are maintained separately as part of Yoshinkan’s open-practice record.
Our Manifesto
We do not teach martial arts
merely as a sport.
We teach budo as a discipline
for those who must carry responsibility.
merely as a sport.
We teach budo as a discipline
for those who must carry responsibility.
私たちは、武道を単なるスポーツとして教えるのではありません。
責任を背負う立場の人が、自分の身体と心を整え、
相手や場を読み、冷静に判断する力を養う ―― そのための稽古として、伝えます。
責任を背負う立場の人が、自分の身体と心を整え、
相手や場を読み、冷静に判断する力を養う ―― そのための稽古として、伝えます。
— What is Otome-ryū
Not given
to everyone ―
which is why
it is given.
誰にでも渡さない、から伝わる。
Otome-ryū (御留流) refers to a martial tradition once transmitted only within a domain, to a select few. Yoshinkan Honke continues this tradition in the modern context ― not as a closed system, but as a highly selective practice rooted in the responsibility of the teacher.
The lineage we carry ― from Shotokan Okano-ha, through the Jigenkai (Sagami Gym) under the late Katsumi Nagatomo, to Nozaki Kaikan, and into Yoshinkan ― is one of weight. It is not something that can be equally given to anyone. The student's posture, intent, character, social responsibility, and the trust between teacher and student must all be considered before transmission begins.
Today, Yoshinkan Honke serves as an exceptionally rare modern Otome-ryū, primarily for family office principals, founder families, executives, legal and medical professionals, educators, and next-generation leaders ― those who, by their position, must carry responsibility into the future.
— What This Is Not
Motivations not suited to Otome-ryū. ― 向き合わないもの ―
Yoshinkan Honke (Otome-ryū) is not the right place for the following motivations. This is not exclusion ― it is an honest acknowledgment that the practice and the motivation must be aligned.
i.
Display of Strength
For those seeking to demonstrate personal strength, or to win for the sake of winning. Otome-ryū is not training for display.
ii.
Sport & Competition
For competitive participation, tournament victory, or athlete development. General dojos and competitive federations serve those purposes better.
iii.
Fitness Goals
For weight loss, conditioning, or general fitness as primary objective. Those goals are more efficiently met elsewhere.
iv.
Collecting Techniques
For those wishing to acquire techniques quickly. Otome-ryū requires time, trust, and the gradual unfolding of practice.
— For Whom
Who Otome-ryū Is For. ― 伝えるべき方 ―
The program is designed for adults in positions of responsibility ― those who, through their role in business, family, organization, or society, must cultivate their own foundation, judgment, and inner discipline.
家
Family Office Principals
— Stewards of Lineage
Those responsible for the succession of assets, lineage, and legacy. A training environment built on privacy and confidentiality.
継
Adult Successors
— Heirs of Founder Families
Adult successors of founding and owner families. Training that cultivates the spirit of those who inherit the family business, assets, and name.
経
Executives · Founders · Investors
— Decision-Makers
Those who bear decision-making responsibility. Training to embody judgment under pressure, distance with adversaries, and self-discipline.
次
Next-Generation Leaders
— Heirs of the Future
Those who will carry the next generation of family business, organisation, and society. Preparation for forming one's own axis and accepting responsibility.
士
Professionals · Educators
— Bearers of Discipline
Lawyers, physicians, educators, and others holding expertise and responsibility. Training that refines etiquette, judgment, and self-control.
求
Serious Students of Budō
— Earnest Seekers
Adults who wish to study Japanese budō, etiquette, and the spirit of bushi society in earnest. Including those residing abroad.
— Core Training
What the practice cultivates. ― 稽古で重視するもの ―
The training does not aim merely at technique acquisition. Body, distance, judgment, etiquette ― these are integrated and transmitted, step by step, as a unified discipline of budo.
i.
ii.
Breathing & Composure
呼吸と心身の安定
iii.
Distance & Timing
間合いと距離感
iv.
Body Mechanics & Balance
身体操作と重心移動
v.
Reading the Opponent & Situation
相手を読む力
vi.
Calm Judgment Under Pressure
圧力下での冷静な判断
vii.
Avoiding Unnecessary Conflict
無理にぶつからず、局面を変える
viii.
Discipline, Responsibility & Self-Control
自己規律と責任感
— Programs & Customization
Training Programs.
Otome-ryū has no fixed menu. From three training formats chosen by position, experience, purpose, and family or organizational needs, the content is tailored through dialogue with the Grand Master (Sōke).
— Program i.
Private Budo Session
Individual
Training
Training
One-on-one training for adults. Through posture, etiquette, body mechanics, distance, fundamentals, and partner work, the essence of Japanese budō is conveyed step by step. This is the foundational format.
— Program ii.
Small Group Private
Small Group
Sessions
Sessions
Closed-door training for 2 to a few participants. For families, executive teams, or successor groups, content is composed according to purpose and relationships among participants.
— Program iii. ★
Family Legacy Budo
Family Legacy
Programme
Programme
A dedicated programme for founder families, owner houses, and family offices. Beyond budō training, the curriculum is composed as leadership education for adult successors, with discipline, responsibility, inheritance, and legacy as central themes.
Whichever format you choose,
your training is tailored to you.
Etiquette
礼法・所作
Body Mechanics
身体操作
Distance & Timing
間合い・距離
Fundamentals
基本技
Partner Training
対人稽古
Self-Protection
護身的応用
Philosophy of Budo
武道哲学
Judgment Training
判断訓練
— Training Locations
Where the training takes place. ― 稽古場所について ―
In addition to training at the Yoshinkan Honke (headquarters), on-site visiting training is available upon request. Family office locations, private residences, second homes, hotels, or international engagements ― the setting is arranged to your circumstances and needs.
本
— At Headquarters
Training at the Honbu Dōjō
本部での稽古
Training at the Yoshinkan Honke dōjō. A space prepared as a place of budo ― where etiquette, fundamentals, and partner practice are conducted with full seriousness. This is the principal setting for continuing study.
- Traditional dōjō setting (wooden floor, ritual implements)
- Quiet, focused environment
- Location disclosed after inquiry & review
- Private or small-group sessions, by appointment
出
— On-Site / 出張
On-Site Visiting Training
出張稽古
Visiting training at a location of your choice. Designed for those with demanding schedules, requiring full privacy, training with family together, or based overseas ― the setting is arranged to meet your situation.
- Family office, private residence, second home
- Hotels and private facilities
- International engagements, by arrangement
- Strict confidentiality and privacy
— Selection Process
The selection process of Otome-ryū. ― 御留流の審査について ―
Otome-ryū cannot be transmitted to every applicant. Following your inquiry, we read it carefully, conduct an interview and trial session, and arrive together at a decision as to whether to begin.
i.
— Inquiry
Make an Inquiry
お問い合わせ
Through the inquiry form, please share your background, position, motivation for study, and the specifics of your request as concretely as possible.
ii.
— Review
Careful Review
内容の拝読・検討
We read your inquiry carefully. A response may take some time, as we consider it with the seriousness it deserves.
iii.
— Interview & Trial
Interview & Trial Session
面談・試稽古
We arrange a meeting. We listen to your motivation, the path you have walked, and the responsibilities you carry forward. A trial training session may also take place.
iv.
— Acceptance
Mutual Acceptance
ご縁の判断
On the basis of the inquiry, your bearing, and the interview, both parties decide whether to begin. If we begin, we then design your training together.
Note: Depending on the content of the inquiry, the bearing of the applicant, and the conversation during the interview, we may not be able to accept the student. This is not exclusion ― it is the judgment of those who must carry the responsibility of teaching this tradition. In some cases, publicly available group training — operated separately from this site — may be a more appropriate path, and we may suggest that instead.
— Five Virtues
The five virtues we ask of every student. ― 稽古者に問う、五徳 ―
To transmit technique is, at its heart, to transmit character. These are the five virtues that Yoshinkan Honke asks of every student, and seeks to cultivate together with them.
— Cultivated through the practice, beyond the practice. —
— i
志
Intention
志 ・ こころざし
For what purpose do you learn? The clarity of one's reason.
— ii
姿
Bearing
姿 ・ すがた
The posture of learning. One's conduct, presence, and form.
— iii
節
Restraint
節 ・ せつ
Measure. The greater the power, the deeper the restraint.
— iv
責
Responsibility
責 ・ せき
Social responsibility. Awareness of one's position and influence.
— v
信
Trust
信 ・ しん
Trust. The thread that runs through all relationships ― teacher and student, peer and peer.
— Heritage
A lineage of real combat.
Yoshinkan Honke stands within a distinct lineage of Shotokan karate ― one that, instead of confining itself to traditional competition, entered the ring. From the Shotokan Okano-ha in 1942, through Jigenkai (Sagami Gym, founded 1972) under the late Katsumi Nagatomo, to Nozaki Kaikan and onward to Yoshinkan, this lineage tested the techniques of Shotokan in the realities of professional kickboxing, Muay Thai, and fullcontact competition.
This heritage is not displayed for its own sake. It is the foundation upon which the discipline, judgment, and bearing taught in Otome-ryū are built ― tested in the most honest of arenas, and refined into a contemporary practice for adults of responsibility.
— The Mainstream Lineage
Gichin Funakoshi (1930) → Shotokan Okano-ha (1942) → Jigenkai · Sagami Gym (1972, the late Katsumi Nagatomo) → Nozaki Kaikan (1982) → Yoshinkan Honke (2000s ―)
船越義珍 → 松濤館岡野派 → 自顕会・相模ジム → 野崎会館 → 揚心館本家
— Private Inquiry
Knock at the gate.
Please share with us your background, position, and your reason for wishing to study. We will read your message carefully before responding. For international inquiries, both English and Japanese are welcome.
― Who This Is Not For
This Place ・ Is Not For Everyone
Otome-ryū is not a place that welcomes all.
We would not be a fitting match for those described below.
×
Martial-arts collectors and enthusiasts
Those who treat technique and lineage as knowledge to be collected
are pursuing a different aim from ours.
Otome-ryū is not a place to "know" —
it is a place to carve into the body and bear responsibility.
×
Those who collect rank and instructor credentials as decorations
Ranks and credentials are, by nature, byproducts that arise naturally
through the process of training — they are not the purpose itself.
For those who seek them as a "collection",
we regret that we cannot meet your expectations here.
×
Those whose aim is competition and tournament victory
For those seeking athlete development, competition participation, or tournament victory,
another venue would be more suitable.
Otome-ryū is not a place for contest ――
it is a place for life itself.
Those we welcome are ——
those in positions of responsibility who approach budō as a part of their lives,
and who seek that particular bond.
— HOW AN ENGAGEMENT BEGINS
- Private Inquiry
Initial inquiries are reviewed individually. We ask about the student’s background, purpose, responsibility, and desired format. - Interview or Introductory Session
When appropriate, an interview or introductory private session is arranged in Tokyo or by special appointment. - Programme Design
Training may be arranged as one-to-one instruction, small-group family training, a successor programme, or an international private engagement. - Confidentiality
Training details, venue, and schedule are confirmed individually after review.