Soke Hayabuchi has been practicing iaido and kenshibu do since he was 4 years old, learning from his grandfather, the 15th Soke Miyuki Risho Hayabuchi. Soke became the 16th headmaster of Araki Muninsai Ryu in 1999, and the 3rd headmaster of Shinden Shinsei Hayabuchi Ryu Kenshibu Do in 2006.

When it comes to performing kenbu, Soke Hayabuchi has an enviable career record, having won the Japan kenbu championship twice. Soke Hayabuchi is now one of the judges for the Nippon Gin Kenshibu Federation competition for the Hyogo prefecture and Kinki area competitions, as well as the overall final.

Soke Hayabuchi’s interpretation of the Araki Muninsai technique places emphasis on speed and accuracy of movement. A technique that is too slow or wayward gives advantage to your opponent, and only through dedicated training can we achieve good technique at the right speed.

Soke teaches us that the practice of iaido, and the pursuit of budo, still have important benefits to us in modern society, and can help lead to a happier existence.