Kamiizumi Nobutsuna

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Kamiizumi Nobutsuna (上泉信綱, 1508 – 1577?) a famous swordsman and teacher to Yagyū Muneyoshi following the Sengoku Period of the 16th century. Nobutsuna was previously known as Kamiizumi Hidetsuna. Nobutsuna's father was the commander of the Kamiizumi Castle and made sure that his son would receive the greatest of training in the art of Bujutsu. Nobutsuna then on became known as the master of the spear and sword when it came to his own right. Early throughout the career of Nobutsuna, he repayed his dept in honor to the lord of the Minowa Castle, which was under attack by the famous warlord of Kai, Takeda Shingen. Shingen soon on became very frustrated for how long the siege was taking, and due to this fact he led an all out assault. After the castle was finally sieged, the only region left was that of what Nobutsuna was protecting. Shingen was so impressed by Hidetsuna that he wished for his name to be changed to Nobutsuna. This name would tie Nobutsuna to the house of general, along with commanding him immense respect throughout the Takeda clan.

Nobutsuna declined the offer and requested the offer on setting out on a musha-shugyo (in which was a journey set out by a certain individual throughout Japan who would strive to increase their education and skills through great masters, and to partake in duels). A certain very famous event occurred in which Nobutsuna saved a young child who at the time was being held hostage in a certain house by a bandit. Nobutsuna did so by first shaving his head and dressing himself up as a priest. Nobutsuna followed in offering some rice balls to the bandit, and slew him when he was busy eating the food. A re-creation of this can be taken into account in the famous classic Seven Samurai.

Many throughout Japan were impressed by the skill of Nobutsuna, and he was even called to perform towards Emperor Ōgimachi (in which was a very rare honor). The emperor was impressed to the extent of ranking Nobutsuna to being ranked as that of a nobleman. Following this a certain monk set for Nobutsuna to duel that of Yagyu Muneyoshi. However, Muneyoshi became very upset when hearing that Nobutsuna sent his nephew, Hikita Bungoro in his place. Throughout the course of the duel, Bungoro struck Muneyoshi several times with his fukuro shinai which was the first time ever seen happen in attendance. Nobutsuna then came himself and was about to duel Muneyoshi, until Muneyoshi prostrated himself to become a student under Nobutsuna. Nobutsuna agreed towards this, and the Yagyū Shinkage ryū(柳生新陰流) fighting style was born through this.

[edit] Relatives/Students

• Yagyū Muneyoshi
• Hikita Bungoro
• Toyogoro