Our Kobujutsu Lineage
Traceable and Authentic Tradition.
Ryukyu Kobujutsu is the traditional weapons art of the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa. Ichigokai follows the teaching tradition preserved by Taira Shinken and developed and passed on by Motokatsu Inoue.
- Taira ShinkenPreserved and transmitted traditional weapons practice.
- Motokatsu InoueStudied under Taira and developed a systematic teaching tradition.
- Julian Mead ShihanStudied under Inoue in Japan and established the RKAGB.
- Mehar Brar · IchigokaiContinues his Kobujutsu study under Julian Mead Shihan and teaches the club’s regular classes.
For you, this line of teaching means a clear foundation, a syllabus to grow into and access to experienced teachers. You can see where the practice comes from and ask how it has been passed on.
The teacher behind the tradition
Julian Mead Shihan.
Julian Mead Shihan trained under Motokatsu Inoue at the Honbu dojo in Shimizu during six years of study in Japan. He established the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Association of Great Britain after returning to the UK.
His teaching carries that experience into courses and continued study. Ichigokai students can develop their regular practice with opportunities to learn directly from him.
Read Julian Mead Shihan’s biography on the RKAGB website ↗
Train with Julian Mead Shihan on 23 January 2027
More photographs of our teaching tradition
Association and standards
The RKAGB and your development.
For you as a student, a traceable tradition provides a structured direction for study: foundations to learn, techniques to refine and access to teaching beyond the weekly class. You can explore the source of the practice and ask how each stage fits into the wider system.
Our Kobujutsu association
Ryukyu Kobujutsu Association of Great Britain
Ichigokai is a member of the RKAGB. Our weapons study follows a structured tradition through Taira Shinken, Motokatsu Inoue and Julian Mead Shihan.
The RKAGB preserves and promotes Motokatsu Inoue’s teaching. Its syllabus, grading structure and courses give students a clear route for sustained study, from foundations to more demanding technical work.
For an Ichigokai student, this connects weekly training in Hounslow with a wider community of practitioners and opportunities for further learning.
Experience the tradition yourself.
Join our Monday class in Hounslow if you are aged 16+ and at least brown belt. You can be new to weapons; your first regular class is free.