Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iai-Do

The Iaido association of S.A.

Hokushin Shinoh Ryu

SUSEKI SHIHAN GOHO WONHO CHONG 8TH DAN

Suseki Shihan GoHo Wonho Chong 8th Dan is the Kaicho of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Ohgokai. He is a direct student of Grand Master Kimura HekiHo 9th Dan of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu So-Honbu and he also has a Shodan qualification in Hokushin Itto Ryu Kenjutsu. In 1986, he received a Sandan qualification from the Zenkoku Iai-Do Renmei (The National Iai-Do Federation of Japan).

He has established dojos in Australia & New Zealand and is committed to the promotion of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iai-Do in South Africa and recently the U.S.A.

A major high point of his life has been as organiser of an event commemorating Australia's 200th Anniversary.

"THE GRAND MASTERS"
International Ancient Martial Arts and Cultural Exhibition
6th, 7th, 8th August, 1988 Adelaide, South Australia.

For over twenty-four years Shihan GoHo Wonho Chong and his family have worked tirelessly to promote and teach Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iai-Do. The students of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Ohgokai appreciate the time Shihan has put into teaching them Iai-Do and are proud to have him as their teacher.

Following are details of Suseki Shihan GoHo Wonho Chong's Qualifications

8th Dan received Showa 60th year, Sept 19 (1985)

Suseki Shihan title, Heisei 9th year, Jan 8 (1997)

Men Kyo Kaiden from Soke, Heisei 9th year, Jan 8 (1997)

Hokushin Itto Ryu Dan certificate, Heisei 3rd Year,June 25 (1991)

Zenkoku Iaido Renmei 3rd Dan, Showa 61 year, june 15 (1986)

Martial Arts Name: GoHO from Grand master, Showa 60 Sept 19 (1985)

The following questions are from a series of interviews with Shihan GoHo.

HOW DID YOU MEET GRAND MASTER KIMURA HEKIHO?

" In 1976, I received a grant from the Australian government to do research on traditional Japanese swordmaking and its history in general. The Japanese Ministry of Cultural Affairs referred me to the Nippon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (Japanese Sword Preservation Society) where I was introduced to the Director, Dr. Sato Kanzan.

Dr. Sato Kanzan was personally responsible for giving me access to the best swordsmiths in Tokyo (Yoshiwara Yoshindo, Yoshiwara Yoshikazu) as well as Seki City (Takaba Hidetada, Fujiwara Kanefusa) and Nara (Gassan Sadakazu). It was while I was in Seki City that I first met Grand Master Kimura HekiHo. I was very fortunate to become a direct student of his and I have studied Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iai-Do from him for many years now."

~ ¤ ~

DID YOU MEET ANY FAMOUS SWORDMAKERS IN JAPAN?

" In 1977, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ando Satsuo of Chiba prefecture, who is a Grand Master of sword fitting makers. He is famous for making Tachi sword fittings for a sword that was offered by the Emperor to the Ise Shrine. The Tachi sword blade was made by "Living National Treasure" Master Swordsmith, Miyairi Showhei (Yukihira). I was honoured to be given the opportunity to learn from Ando Satsuo Sensei the traditional way of alloying metal, inlaying and other venerable techniques."

~ ¤ ~

WHY DID YOU STUDY HOKUSHIN ITTO RYU?

" I was deeply interested in researching the origins of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iai-Do and knew that our founder (Shinoda OhHo) had studied and mastered that form. I sought permission from my Grand Master to study Hokushin Itto Ryu for a short time and was again, very privileged to train as a direct student of Soke Konishi Jujiro Nariyuki of Hokushin Itto Ryu Kenjutsu. I am very grateful to the Soke of Hokushin Itto Ryu for allowing me to gain an insight into the ancient origins and traditions of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iai-Do and of course, I am indebted to my Grand Master for allowing me to do so."

~ ¤ ~

This information is provided courtesy of Goho Wonho Chong,
Suseki Shihan, Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Heiho Iaido of Nagoya, Japan.

Email : hokushin email