Sugino, Yoshio – Martial Arts Legend

Sugino, Yoshio (12/12/1904 to 06/13/1998)

While I never had the opportunity to train with this man, or see him live in action, from everything I’ve read, or heard about from others, his skill in the Japanese martial arts was legendary.

Besides his 10th Dan Hanshi ranking in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu, during his 75 years of training Sugino Sensei also attained rankings in Judo, Kendo (under Master Shingai Saneatsu, one of the initiators of the kendo reform), Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu, and Yoshinki Ryu Jujutsu.

He is also known for being the fight choreographer of Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" as well as many of Kurosawa's later movies. In addition, he was one of Toshiro Mifune’s primary marital arts instructors.

For years I’ve known that there was a video available in which Sugino Sensei demonstrates various forms of Iaijutsu and Naginata. He completed this film when he was 90 years old.

Available at Mugendo Budogu for $49.95

However, while I knew the video existed, the price has always been more than I could justify. And, to be honest, I was never sure what I would actually get for my money.

Well, while checking out some of the videos posted on Youtube.com, I came across the below movie clip which shows Sugino Sensei in action.




His technique is flawless. Watching the movie clip, I can see why so many people speak so highly of his technical abilities. It is also really refreshing to witness Iaijutsu as opposed to Iaido.

Now, I’m the first to admit I have a strong predisposition when it comes to my opinion of Iaido. For the most part, I don’t believe that Iaido—the way it is presented to the public and propagated today—resembles the actual swordsmanship employed by the Samurai. That is, I do not think that the way Iaido has developed since the Meiji Restoration reflects how samurai used swords prior to the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Given my baises, I found this movie clip very refreshing since Sugino Sensei does not do any kneeling draws from seiza (sitting posture). The emphasis on draws from seiza is one of my biggest issues with modern day Iaido, and one of the main reasons I feel Iaido as taught today is not traditional swordsmanship. (For more info on this debate, see this thread.)

Sugino Sensei draw his sword from tatehiza (iaigoshi — kneeling posture). To be honest, this makes a lot more historical sense than draws made from seiza do. In addition. Sugino Sensei does not perform any overly broad cutting motions or large elliptical movements, two elements often seen in modern Iaido forms.

In fact, in contrast to many Iaido forms I’ve seen, Sugino Sensei’s forms look a lot more like real swordsmanship. The movements are short, crisp and to the point. There is no wasted motion and there are no overly extended body parts. His movements are swift, controlled, and absolutely precise—just like a true swordsman should be.

While I’m not sure I’m ready to invest $50.00 to buy Sugino Sensei’s video I will reconsider that option. Until then however, I hope more video clips of this legend are posted on the Internet.