Description

Japanese martial artist who founded Yoseikan dojo. Direct student of judo founder Jigoro Kano, aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, and karate founder Gichin Funakoshi, and of swordsman Hakudo Nakayama. First to teach aikido in the West (France 1951-1953). Holder of high dan ranks in multiple martial arts including 10th dan in Aikido, 9th dan in Jujutsu, and 8th dan in Judo.

Teachers (15)

• 
  Kanō Jigorō

  sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Explicitly mentioned in the Dragon Magazine interview as the judo master who enrolled him at the Kodokan in 1926 and later sent him to study with Ueshiba, Shimizu and Nakayama; two other sources corroborate it

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKodokan badge (1926–1930)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  4 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Explicitly mentioned in the Dragon Magazine interview as the judo master who enrolled him at the Kodokan in 1926 and later sent him to study with Ueshiba, Shimizu and Nakayama; two other sources corroborate it

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Je me suis inscrit au Centre Mondial du Judo de Jigoro Kano sensei en 1926.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “1929年（昭和4年）、嘉納治五郎の直接指導を受け始める。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info

  “Mochizuki was one of the direct students of Judo founder Jigoro Kano, Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate.”

  — Minoru Mochizuki - Wikipedialink history

  “after I started to take part in training in the classical arts I came to the attention of Kano Sensei. "You have the makings of a leader," he told me. After that I was to report to him once or twice a month on the progress of my training.”

  — Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1, Aikido Journal, November 2002link
• 
  Mifune Kyūzō

  sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Mentioned in the Dragon Magazine interview as becoming his live-in student after the famous well anecdote at the Kodokan, with detailed anecdotes about their relationship; the Karaté-Bushido interview records Mifune choosing him as assistant

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKodokan badge (1926–1930)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Mentioned in the Dragon Magazine interview as becoming his live-in student after the famous well anecdote at the Kodokan, with detailed anecdotes about their relationship; the Karaté-Bushido interview records Mifune choosing him as assistant

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “A partir de ce jour, j'ai habité chez Maître Mifune.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “1927年（昭和2年）、三船久蔵の内弟子となる。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info

  “From that day on I stayed at Mifune Sensei's house. In essence I became one of his dependents. At that time, there were hundreds of students who lived at his expense in order to learn judo”

  — Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1, Aikido Journal, November 2002link
• 
  Toku Sanpō

  sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  First-person accounts in both interviews name Sampo Toku as his judo teacher in Komatsugawa before the Kodokan; Kruyning lists Toku among his judo teachers. The interviews disagree on the start year (Karaté-Bushido and Kruyning: 1924; Dragon Magazine: 'the year before' 1926)

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1924–1926)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  4 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person accounts in both interviews name Sampo Toku as his judo teacher in Komatsugawa before the Kodokan; Kruyning lists Toku among his judo teachers. The interviews disagree on the start year (Karaté-Bushido and Kruyning: 1924; Dragon Magazine: 'the year before' 1926)

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “à 17 ans je me suis inscrit au Kendokan, le dojo du grand maître de judo Sanbo Toku.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “« Pour la technique c'est Mifune mais le démon du Kodokan c'est Sanpo Toku »”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “In 1924, while living with his sister in Tokyo, he started his training in judo at the dojo of Sampo Toku Sensei”

  — Kruyning, Edgar. (2009). The Art of Ju-Jutsu link info

  “1924年（大正13年）、徳三宝より柔道を学ぶ。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
• person
  Oshima Sanjuro

  sports_martial_artsGyokushin-ryū Confirmed

  Confirmed

  First-person account in the Dragon Magazine interview names Sanjuro Oshima as his Gyokushin-ryu teacher and describes how Oshima insisted he study so the art would not die with him; corroborated by Kruyning

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1924)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Dragon Magazine interview names Sanjuro Oshima as his Gyokushin-ryu teacher and describes how Oshima insisted he study so the art would not die with him; corroborated by Kruyning

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Le professeur de cette école, Sanjuro Oshima se désolait de constater que les styles classiques de Jujutsu disparaissaient. Il insista pour que je l'étudie avec lui afin que l'art qu'il enseignait ne meure pas avec lui.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “While training at Sampo Toku's dojo, Mochizuki also began training in an old style of ju-jutsu called gyokushin ryu.”

  — Kruyning, Edgar. (2009). The Art of Ju-Jutsu link info
• 
  Ueshiba Morihei

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Sent by Kano to study aikijujutsu with Ueshiba in 1930, became uchi-deshi and supervisor of the other students, received the Daito-ryu transmission manuscripts in 1932 and the Okuden Inka diploma in 1933; mentioned as direct student in multiple sources

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKobukan dojo badge (1930)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Sent by Kano to study aikijujutsu with Ueshiba in 1930, became uchi-deshi and supervisor of the other students, received the Daito-ryu transmission manuscripts in 1932 and the Okuden Inka diploma in 1933; mentioned as direct student in multiple sources

  “That was back in 1930 when Ueshiba Sensei still didn’t have a place of his own and was teaching in the living room of a regular private house in the Mejiro area of Tokyo. But just after we started going there, we all moved to the newly finished Ushigome dojo (site of the present Hombu Dojo)”

  — Josh Gold. (2002). Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1. Aikido Journallink history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “C'était en 1930, Maître Ueshiba n'avait pas encore de dojo à lui et il enseignait dans le salon d'une maison privée du quartier de Mejiro à Tokyo.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “1930年（昭和5年）、講道館の四段位を授けられる。嘉納治五郎の指示により、植芝盛平に入門。合気道の修行を始める。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
• 
  Nakayama Hakudō

  sports_martial_artsKendo Probable

  Probable

  Both interviews state he studied kendo (and iaido) with Hakudo Nakayama during his Kodokan years; the period is not dated (start estimated from the 1926 Kodokan enrollment, end at his 1931 departure for Shizuoka); own account only

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  (1926–1931)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Both interviews state he studied kendo (and iaido) with Hakudo Nakayama during his Kodokan years; the period is not dated (start estimated from the 1926 Kodokan enrollment, end at his 1931 departure for Shizuoka); own account only

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “En parallèle, j'ai commencé à étudier également le Iaido et le Kendo avec Maître Hakudo Nakayama.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “De la même façon, il m'a fait étudié le Shindo Muso Ryu Mo Jutsu auprès de Shimizu sensei, et l'art du sabre avec le maître Hakudo Nakayama.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  sports_martial_artsIaido Probable

  Probable

  The interviews state he studied 'Iaido' with Nakayama Hakudo in the late 1920s, before Muso Shinden Ryu was formalised in 1933, hence the generic Iaido style; own account only

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  (1926–1931)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  The interviews state he studied 'Iaido' with Nakayama Hakudo in the late 1920s, before Muso Shinden Ryu was formalised in 1933, hence the generic Iaido style; own account only

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “En parallèle, j'ai commencé à étudier également le Iaido et le Kendo avec Maître Hakudo Nakayama.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “De la même façon, il m'a fait étudié le Shindo Muso Ryu Mo Jutsu auprès de Shimizu sensei, et l'art du sabre avec le maître Hakudo Nakayama.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info
• person
  Shimizu Takaji

  sports_martial_artsShindō Musō-ryū Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Both interviews state that Jigoro Kano arranged his study of Shindo Muso-ryu jojutsu with Shimizu; the Japanese Wikipedia article confirms the teacher as Shimizu Takaji (the interviews' 'Koji' is a misrendering) and dates the study to 1930; the period end is estimated from his 1931 departure for Shizuoka

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1930–1931)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Both interviews state that Jigoro Kano arranged his study of Shindo Muso-ryu jojutsu with Shimizu; the Japanese Wikipedia article confirms the teacher as Shimizu Takaji (the interviews' 'Koji' is a misrendering) and dates the study to 1930; the period end is estimated from his 1931 departure for Shizuoka

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “C'est Maître Jigoro Kano qui m'a choisi pour aller étudier l'Aïkijujutsu avec Maître Morihei Ueshiba, et le Shindo Muso ryu Ju jutsu auprès de Maître Koji Shimizu.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “De la même façon, il m'a fait étudié le Shindo Muso Ryu Mo Jutsu auprès de Shimizu sensei, et l'art du sabre avec le maître Hakudo Nakayama.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  “清水隆次にも入門し、神道夢想流杖術の修行を始める。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
• person
  Tamai Narimichi

  sports_martial_artsTenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū Confirmed

  Confirmed

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Tamai (70 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKodokan badge (1928–1931)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Tamai (70 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Des 4 experts venus au Kodokan, Tamai sensei, 70 ans, Kuboki sensei, 50 ans, Ito sensei, 45 ans, et Shiina sensei, 38 ans, chacun avait une technique différente.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  “His teachers in various sword styles included Hakudo Nakayama, Kuro Daicho and katori shinto ryu master teachers Tamai, Kuboki, Ito and Shiina.”

  — Kruyning, Edgar. (2009). The Art of Ju-Jutsu link info
• person
  Kuboki Sozaemon

  sports_martial_artsTenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū Confirmed

  Confirmed

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Kuboki (50 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKodokan badge (1928–1931)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Kuboki (50 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Des 4 experts venus au Kodokan, Tamai sensei, 70 ans, Kuboki sensei, 50 ans, Ito sensei, 45 ans, et Shiina sensei, 38 ans, chacun avait une technique différente.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  “His teachers in various sword styles included Hakudo Nakayama, Kuro Daicho and katori shinto ryu master teachers Tamai, Kuboki, Ito and Shiina.”

  — Kruyning, Edgar. (2009). The Art of Ju-Jutsu link info
• person
  Ito Tanekichi

  sports_martial_artsTenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū Confirmed

  Confirmed

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Ito (45 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKodokan badge (1928–1931)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Ito (45 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Des 4 experts venus au Kodokan, Tamai sensei, 70 ans, Kuboki sensei, 50 ans, Ito sensei, 45 ans, et Shiina sensei, 38 ans, chacun avait une technique différente.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  “His teachers in various sword styles included Hakudo Nakayama, Kuro Daicho and katori shinto ryu master teachers Tamai, Kuboki, Ito and Shiina.”

  — Kruyning, Edgar. (2009). The Art of Ju-Jutsu link info
• person
  Shiina Ichizo

  sports_martial_artsTenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū Confirmed

  Confirmed

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Shiina (38 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKodokan badge (1928–1931)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview names Shiina (38 years old) among the four Katori Shinto-ryu shihan who taught the Kobudo Kenkyukai at the Kodokan; Kruyning lists the four shihan as his Katori teachers

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Des 4 experts venus au Kodokan, Tamai sensei, 70 ans, Kuboki sensei, 50 ans, Ito sensei, 45 ans, et Shiina sensei, 38 ans, chacun avait une technique différente.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  “His teachers in various sword styles included Hakudo Nakayama, Kuro Daicho and katori shinto ryu master teachers Tamai, Kuboki, Ito and Shiina.”

  — Kruyning, Edgar. (2009). The Art of Ju-Jutsu link info
• person
  Kudaka

  sports_martial_artsShuri-te Probable

  Probable

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview: Mochizuki became Kudaka's student in Mongolia and based the Happoken kata on his method; the style is recorded as close to Shuri-te

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  (1938–1945)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview: Mochizuki became Kudaka's student in Mongolia and based the Happoken kata on his method; the style is recorded as close to Shuri-te

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Je suis devenu son élève, et c'est lui qui m'a enseigné le karaté. Il pratiquait un style proche du Shurite. Je me suis basé sur sa méthode pour créer le kata Happoken”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info
• 
  Funakoshi Gichin

  sports_martial_artsKarate Confirmed

  Confirmed

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview: three months of Gichin Funakoshi's courses in Tokyo, though Mochizuki adds he does not really consider himself Funakoshi's student; corroborated by the Hiroo Mochizuki interview and Black Belt magazine

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview: three months of Gichin Funakoshi's courses in Tokyo, though Mochizuki adds he does not really consider himself Funakoshi's student; corroborated by the Hiroo Mochizuki interview and Black Belt magazine

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “à Tokyo, j'ai suivi pendant 3 mois les cours de Gichin Funakoshi sensei, mais je ne me considère pas réellement comme son élève.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  “Elève de Jigoro Kano, qui l'avait envoyé apprendre l'aïkido auprès de Morihei Ueshiba, Minoru Mochizuki avait aussi travaillé avec Gichin Funakoshi. [...] Mais il se trouvait un peu faible du point de vue des atémis, qu'il avait pourtant étudié avec Funakoshi”

  — (2016). Hiroo Mochizuki: Échapper au conditionnementlink history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Minoru Mochizuki holds the distinction of being the only living man to have studied with aikido founder Morihei Uyeshiba, judo founder Jigoro Kano, and "the father of Japanese karate," Gichin Funakoshi.”

  — A Man of Many Budo (interview with Minoru Mochizuki), Black Belt, Aug 1989.link
• person
  Takebe

  sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō Probable

  Probable

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview: began judo at Takebe's dojo in Tokyo in 1912 at age five; the Dragon Magazine interview adds that he interrupted after about two years when the family moved again

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  (1912–1914)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview: began judo at Takebe's dojo in Tokyo in 1912 at age five; the Dragon Magazine interview adds that he interrupted after about two years when the family moved again

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “C'est là que j'ai commencé à pratiquer le judo en 1912, chez maître Takebe : j'avais 5 ans.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info
• person
  Ōnaga Kurō

  sports_martial_artsKendo Probable

  Probable

  The Japanese Wikipedia article records Mochizuki entering the Bushukan dojo of Onaga Kuro (Rikishin-ryu) in 1918 to begin kendo; the Shizuoka Kendo Federation history confirms the master and dojo. The Dragon Magazine interview instead places his kendo start in 1924 at Komatsugawa with an unnamed teacher

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  location_onBushukan badge (1918)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  The Japanese Wikipedia article records Mochizuki entering the Bushukan dojo of Onaga Kuro (Rikishin-ryu) in 1918 to begin kendo; the Shizuoka Kendo Federation history confirms the master and dojo. The Dragon Magazine interview instead places his kendo start in 1924 at Komatsugawa with an unnamed teacher

  “1918年（大正7年）、大長九郎（力信流）の道場・武修館に入門し、剣道を習い始める。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info

  “大長九郎は、静岡市富士見横町に武修館道場を創設し、剣道を含め力信流居合の指導を行う。”

  — 静岡県剣道史（昭和以前） - 静岡県剣道連盟link history info

Lineage

• Kōdōkan JūdōMifune Kyūzō ← Yokoyama Sakujiro ← Kanō Jigorō · 3 generations
• Shindō Musō-ryūShimizu Takaji ← Shiraishi Hanjirō Shigeaki · 2 generations
• Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryūShiina Ichizo ← Iizasa Shuri-no-suke Morisada · 2 generations

Ranks (13)

• sports_martial_artsGyokushin-ryū

  receipt_longShoden Confirmed

  Confirmed

  The Dragon Magazine interview says the license came 'at 19' (i.e. 1926); the Aikido Journal interview says after about six months of study with Oshima; the Japanese Wikipedia chronology dates the Gyokushin-ryu study and the kirigami to 1925.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Menkyo Licence System (1926)

  granted by Oshima Sanjuro

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  The Dragon Magazine interview says the license came 'at 19' (i.e. 1926); the Aikido Journal interview says after about six months of study with Oshima; the Japanese Wikipedia chronology dates the Gyokushin-ryu study and the kirigami to 1925.

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “A 19 ans, j'ai reçu un diplôme appelé le Shoden Kirigami Mokuroku, équivalent à une ceinture noire premier dan de judo. Ce fut la fin de mes relations avec Sampo Toku”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “1925年（大正14年）、玉心流柔術を修行し、切紙を授けられる。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info

  “After about six months I received a license called the Shoden Kirishi Mokuroku which would be roughly equal to a first degree black belt in judo.”

  — Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1, Aikido Journal, November 2002link
• sports_martial_artsDaitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu

  receipt_longOkuden Confirmed

  Confirmed

  The Karaté-Bushido interview records the 1933 Daito-ryu Okuden Inka diploma with teaching authorization; the Dragon Magazine interview and Kruyning describe the two transmission manuscripts given in 1932 - the same event described differently

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Menkyo Licence System (1933)

  granted by Ueshiba Morihei

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  4 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  The Karaté-Bushido interview records the 1933 Daito-ryu Okuden Inka diploma with teaching authorization; the Dragon Magazine interview and Kruyning describe the two transmission manuscripts given in 1932 - the same event described differently

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “En 1933, Ueshiba sensei m'a remis un diplôme, le Daïto Ryu Aïki Ju Jutsu Okuden Inka, la plus haute distinction de cette école; et m'a donné l'autorisation d'enseigner.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “C'était en 1932, il me donna deux manuscrits de transmission de sa méthode [...] Le plus grand était intitulé Goshinyo no te et l'autre portait l'inscription Hiden ogi no Koto. Je ne pense pas qu'une autre personne au monde ait reçu du Maître ce genre de certificat. Tomiki Sensei avait reçu son manuscrit un peu avant moi.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “Apart from Tomiki Sensei (founder of Tomiki aikido and also a close student of Jigoro Kano) no one else received such certificates from Ueshiba.”

  — Kruyning, Edgar. (2009). The Art of Ju-Jutsu link info

  “It was about that time that he gave me the scrolls for the menkyo kaiden (master teacher's license). One of them is about two meters long and the other about three meters in length. The longer one is entitled 'The Self-defense of Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu' while the other has 'The Innermost Teachings of Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu' written on it.”

  — Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1, Aikido Journal, November 2002link
• sports_martial_artsKōdōkan Jūdō

  military_tech1 dan Probable

  Probable

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview dates his first judo dan to June 1926 at age 19

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System (1926-06)

  granted by Kodokan

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Karaté-Bushido interview dates his first judo dan to June 1926 at age 19

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “J'y ai obtenu mon 1° dan en juin 1926, à 19 ans.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  military_tech2 dan Probable

  Probable

  First-person account in the Dragon Magazine interview dates the second dan to January 1927

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System (1927-01)

  granted by Kodokan

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  First-person account in the Dragon Magazine interview dates the second dan to January 1927

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “je reçus le 2ème dan de Judo, exactement en janvier 1927.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  military_tech4 dan Probable

  Probable

  The Japanese Wikipedia chronology records the Kodokan 4th dan in 1930, the year he entered Ueshiba's dojo

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  granted by Kodokan

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  The Japanese Wikipedia chronology records the Kodokan 4th dan in 1930, the year he entered Ueshiba's dojo

  “1930年（昭和5年）、講道館の四段位を授けられる。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info

  military_tech7 dan Probable

  Probable

  The Japanese Wikipedia chronology records the Kodokan 7th dan in 1959 on the recommendation of Mifune and others

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  granted by Kodokan

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  The Japanese Wikipedia chronology records the Kodokan 7th dan in 1959 on the recommendation of Mifune and others

  “1959年（昭和34年）、三船久蔵らの推薦により、講道館より柔道七段位を授与される。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info

  military_tech8 dan Probable

  Probable

  8th dan in Kodokan Judo mentioned in Wikipedia biography along with multiple other high dan ranks in various martial arts

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  granted by Kodokan

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  8th dan in Kodokan Judo mentioned in Wikipedia biography along with multiple other high dan ranks in various martial arts

  “Minoru Mochizuki (望月 稔, Mochizuki Minoru; April 7, 1907 – May 30, 2003) was a Japanese martial artist who founded the dojo Yoseikan. He was a 10th dan in Aikido, 9th dan in Jujutsu, 8th dan in Iaido, 8th dan in Judo, 8th dan in Kobudo, 5th dan in Kendo, 5th dan in Karate, and a 5th dan in Jojutsu.”

  — Minoru Mochizuki - Wikipedialink history
• sports_martial_artsJūjutsu

  military_tech9 dan Probable

  Probable

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “9° Dan de Jujitsu 8° Dan de Judo 8° Dan de Iaïdo 8° Dan de Katori Shinto Ryu 5° Dan de Karaté 5° Dan de Kendo”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info
• sports_martial_artsIaido

  military_tech8 dan Probable

  Probable

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “9° Dan de Jujitsu 8° Dan de Judo 8° Dan de Iaïdo 8° Dan de Katori Shinto Ryu 5° Dan de Karaté 5° Dan de Kendo”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info
• sports_martial_artsTenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū

  military_tech8 dan Probable

  Probable

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “9° Dan de Jujitsu 8° Dan de Judo 8° Dan de Iaïdo 8° Dan de Katori Shinto Ryu 5° Dan de Karaté 5° Dan de Kendo”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info
• sports_martial_artsKarate

  military_tech5 dan Probable

  Probable

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported)

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “9° Dan de Jujitsu 8° Dan de Judo 8° Dan de Iaïdo 8° Dan de Katori Shinto Ryu 5° Dan de Karaté 5° Dan de Kendo”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info
• sports_martial_artsKendo

  military_tech5 dan Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported); the Japanese Wikipedia chronology records kendo 5th dan in 1956

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Dan-Kyu System

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Rank listed in the ranks sidebar of the Dragon Magazine interview (self-reported); the Japanese Wikipedia chronology records kendo 5th dan in 1956

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “9° Dan de Jujitsu 8° Dan de Judo 8° Dan de Iaïdo 8° Dan de Katori Shinto Ryu 5° Dan de Karaté 5° Dan de Kendo”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “1956年（昭和31年）、剣道五段位、杖道五段位を授与される。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
• sports_martial_artsShindō Musō-ryū

  military_tech5 dan Probable

  Probable

  The Japanese Wikipedia chronology records jodo (杖道) 5th dan in 1956, alongside the kendo 5th dan

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Dan-Kyu System

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  The Japanese Wikipedia chronology records jodo (杖道) 5th dan in 1956, alongside the kendo 5th dan

  “1956年（昭和31年）、剣道五段位、杖道五段位を授与される。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info

Students (2)

• 
  Mochizuki Hiroo

  location_onYoseikan badge

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Son and principal student of Minoru Mochizuki, who taught him kendo, judo, aikido and kobudo from a young age; the 1987 Karaté-Bushido interview names him as the one perpetuating the teaching alongside Floquet

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Outre, bien sûr, mon fils, Hiroo Mochizuki, je considère Alain Floquet comme celui qui perpétue mon enseignement.”

  — Bénoliel, P.. (1987). Minoru Mochizuki - entretien (Karaté-Bushido no. 139, septembre 1987, pp. 28-35)info

  “Hiroo Mochizuki commence le kendo, puis le judo, l'aïkido et le Kobudo avec son père.”

  — Hiroo Mochizuki - Wikipédia (FR). Wikipedia (French)link history info
• person
  Jim Alcheik

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  The English Wikipedia article on Yoseikan budo describes Alcheik as a student of Minoru Mochizuki and records his death in 1962

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  The English Wikipedia article on Yoseikan budo describes Alcheik as a student of Minoru Mochizuki and records his death in 1962

  “Introducing karate in France in 1957, he returned to the country after the death of one of his father's students Jim Alcheik in 1962 and took over the large following that was growing for the art in that country.”

  — Yoseikan budō - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English) link history info

Sources

Identifiers