Aoki Kikuo Soke

8th successor of Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu

Aoki Kikuo Sensei (1887-1969) was the eighth soke (successor) of Miyamoto Musashi's Sensei Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu and fourteenth successor of Sekiguchi Ryu Iaijutsu.

Aoki Soke started practicing Niten Ichi Ryu with 6 years old, under the seventh soke, Santo Shinjuro Kiyotake. Succeeded his master in 1908, with 21 years, becoming the eighth successor of Miyamoto Musashi Sensei.

Aoki Soke was a teacher, being extremely popular among students. He was also a marathonist and a swimmer. He practiced a style of swimming using Yoroi(full samurai armor). Erudite, was also fluent in several languages, played violin and a profound student of Zen Buddhism.

Between 1920 and 1947 he lived in Taiwan, where he continued teaching Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu. Returned to Japan after the Second World War.

In 1951, after the end of the prohibition of martial arts practice, imposed by the USA to Japan in the surrender treaty, he returned in teaching Niten Ichi Ryu and Sekiguchi Ryu. It was at this time that he began to teach the disciples that would eventually succeed him, masters Kiyonaga Tadanao and Gosho Motoharu, both from Usa, in the Oita Prefecture. In 1967 Kiyonaga Sensei succeeded him as ninth Soke of Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu, and Gosho Sensei as Soke Daiken ( adjunct successor) and Shihan (Master) in both styles.

Aoki Soke passed away in 1969, with 84 years old. His successors continue with his legacy. Yoshimochi Kiyoshi, son of Gosho Sensei, is the current successor of the style.

Bibliography:
-"Tales of famous Iaido practitioners", Ikeda Seidai

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