Remembering Inomoto Masaru Sensei (井本勝先生) – The Legacy of Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō

Remembering Inomoto Masaru Sensei (井本勝先生) Martial arts are more than mere techniques—they are a philosophy, a way of life, and a path to self-improvement. Among the great masters who embodied this spirit was Inomoto Masaru Sensei (井本勝先生), a dedicated practitioner of Chitō-Ryū Karate-dō (千唐流空手道) and the founder of Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō (直心流空手道). His profound influence on the martial arts world continues to inspire students across generations.
生涯と武道の道 (Life and Martial Arts Path)Key Dates (主な日付)

• Born: 1938, Kumamoto, Japan (1938年 熊本県生まれ)
• Traveled to Okinawa for Training: 1970s (1970年代 沖縄にて修行)
• Founded Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō: Post-1984 (1984年以降 直心流空手道創設)
• Passed Away: 2023 (2023年 逝去)

**Early Life and Training (幼少期と修行時代)Early Life and Training (幼少期と修行時代)Inomoto Masaru Sensei was born in Kumamoto, Japan (熊本県), into a family with strong martial traditions. From an early age, he displayed an interest in the martial arts, initially training in Jūdō (柔道) before shifting his focus to Karate-dō (空手道).
井本勝先生は熊本県に生まれ、武道の伝統が根付いた家庭で育ちました。幼い頃から武道に興味を持ち、初めは柔道を学びましたが、後に空手道に専念するようになりました。
Training with O-Sensei Chitose (千歳強直先生との修行)At the age of 17, Inomoto Sensei began training under O-Sensei Tsuyoshi Chitose (千歳強直), the founder of Chitō-Ryū Karate-dō. Unlike many students who trained from afar, Inomoto Sensei lived close to O-Sensei for the remainder of Chitose’s life, allowing him to receive direct and continuous instruction.
井本勝先生は、17歳の時に千唐流空手道の創始者である 千歳強直先生 のもとで修行を始めました。彼は師範の近くに住み、生涯にわたり指導を受け続けました。この特別な師弟関係により、千歳先生の技術と哲学を深く学ぶことができました。
Training in Ryūkyū Kobudō and Iaido (琉球古武道と居合道の修行)In addition to his karate training, Inomoto Sensei trained under Eisuke Akamine (赤嶺栄助), the successor to Shinken Taira (平信賢), mastering Ryūkyū Kobudō (琉球古武道). He also achieved high ranks in Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū Iaido (無雙直伝英信流居合道), further enriching his martial expertise.
また、井本先生は 赤嶺栄助先生 の指導のもとで 琉球古武道 を学びました。さらに、無雙直伝英信流居合道 の高段者として、武術の奥義を追求し続けました。
自衛隊での指導 (Service in the Japan Self-Defense Forces)Beyond civilian martial arts, Inomoto Sensei served in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (陸上自衛隊, Jieitai) as a Jūkendō (銃剣道) Instructor, teaching bayonet combat techniques. His experience in military training influenced his understanding of martial application and strategy.
武道の道にとどまらず、井本先生は 日本陸上自衛隊 に所属し、銃剣道 の指導者として活躍しました。この経験は、彼の武術に対する戦略的理解を深める要因となりました。
直心流空手道の創設 (The Founding of Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō)Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō continues today under the leadership of Inomoto Sensei's youngest daughter, Mami Inomoto (井本真美), who upholds and furthers her father's teachings.
Following the passing of O-Sensei Chitose, Inomoto Sensei established Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō (直心流空手道) in Kumamoto (熊本). His teachings integrated elements of Chitō-Ryū Karate, Kobudō, and Iaido, forming a comprehensive martial system.
直心流空手道の道場訓 (Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō Dojo Kun)

1. 礼儀を重んじ、常に敬意を示すべし。
   • Respect and courtesy must always be upheld.
2. 誠実をもって行動し、心を清らかに保つべし。
   • Act with sincerity and keep your heart pure.
3. 忍耐と努力を惜しまず、己を高めるべし。
   • Cultivate patience and perseverance to improve oneself.
4. 何事にも全力を尽くし、道を切り開くべし。
   • Dedicate yourself fully to all things, and the path will open.
5. 清潔を自とすべし。
   • Maintain cleanliness as a personal standard.

まとめ (Conclusion)The legacy of Inomoto Masaru Sensei lives on through his teachings and students. His philosophy of adaptability, internal strength, and lifelong learning remains a guiding principle for martial artists worldwide.
直心流空手道の精神を受け継ぎ、未来の世代に伝えていくことこそが、私たちができる最大の敬意の表し方です。