Kuroda Han Den, Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, Heiho, Aratsu-Kai
( Australia Shibu (Australian Branch) )
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Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu is a traditional Japanese sword style which has a well documented, highly distinguished, and very honourable history, dating back well over 600 years.
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Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu was chosen by the last 3 Shoguns (warlords) of Japan, as the number 1 sword style.  
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The book titled "The Life-Giving Sword" has many historical documents translated, telling the story, history, and lineage of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu.
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Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu sword-masters were sent to Lord Kuroda, Lord Of Kyushu, as advisors and personal bodyguards, to prepare his castle fortifications, and to train his troops for battle.  
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Due to our sword style's connection, and strong link to Lord Kuroda, we have been granted official official permission to proudly perform demonstrations under Lord Kuroda’s official Mon (family crest).
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Paul Araki-Metcalfe
Shihan (master teacher)

 Currently, the only international representative, granted official permission to teach Kuroda Han, Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, Heiho, Aratsu-kai outside of Japan.
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Featured in Blitz Australasian Martial Arts Magazine October, and December, 2011.
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The word "ShadowSword" is a fully registered and protected trademark, and is the sole property of Paul Araki-Metcalfe Sensei.

The word "ShadowSword" cannot be used in any way, shape, or form, without Paul Araki-Metcalfe Sensei’s express permission and written consent.
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Many decades of studying Aikido in New Zealand and Australia, also ten years living and studying sword and Aikido in Japan, has contributed greatly to my deeper understanding of Japanese budo.  
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Subsequently, the Japanese sword has contributed immensely to my Aikido evolution.
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​O-Sensei (the founder of Aikido) also studied Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, as he morphed the Takeda family style of Ju Jutsu into the Aikido we all know today.  Being a Shihan of this same sword style, has given me a greater insight into the more subtle, intricate, flowing yet powerful movements of Aikido.

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