In my article entitled “Rembukan Admittance” the text reads that Shimizu Sensei was counted as the 25th lineal descendant of that Ryu (Shindo Muso Ryu).
 
In Matsui Kenji’s new book published May 2011, "Jodo Uchidachi Nyumon  - Entry to JODO" UchiDachi as an Invitation to Koryu) the topic of the genealogy is discussed on page 122.  Matsui writes that from Muso Gonnosuke to Shiraishi Hanjiro (ONE GENERATION BEFORE SHIMIZU, OTOFUJI) there were 25 menkyo kaiden holders in the Densyo while also noting that the lineage is not always cooperative in being in a perfectly neat line.  There are overlaps and gaps that leading to counting brother deshi as being part of the same generation.  The fact is that there has always been ambiguity when counting the generations and this can lead to controversy.

I have always appreciated Kanji, otherwise known as ideograms and described as pictographs.  Rich in texture, when beautifully executed the brush work is fine art.  Indeed in Asia, calligraphy must be mastered before being considered an accomplished artist.  Complex thoughts are expressed and the message often provides a deeper level of communication than a simple alphabetic symbol could achieve. 

We know language is a vibrant living thing.  Words are added.  Others atrophy into disuse and fade away. Others have their original meanings hijacked and are known forever within a new context.   I’m old enough to remember when the word “gay” meant happy but today it is used to describe a life style. 

Musashi's life is being re-examined within a more historic and academic context today.

​It is in vogue to look back on what is known of Musashi’s life and ask why he did not duel some of his more renowned contemporaries, men whom were also great swordsmen of the day?

One response to this question paints Musashi as a braggart that inflated his reputation allowing his followers to amplify his exploits as a devise for marketing. Certainly he had followers who were zealous protectors of his reputation that would do anything to perpetuate him.[1]

Staff weapons according to Dwight Jon Zimmerman's The Book of Weapons, were among the "earliest weapons in history." We might probably take this for granted as well as the fact that blades would eventually be attached to make other weapons such as spears. It is interesting to note that quite commonly the staff or bo was very long, often in excess of 6 feet in length.  Spears may have originated as early as 400,000 B.C.E.

In Japan, weapons have always been revered along with the symbols of the sacred mirror, sacred jewel and sacred sword symbolizing the creation myth of Japan. Zimmerman mentions the story of the "3 Great Spears" known as Otegine, Nihongo, and Tombogiri created by the legendary swordsmith Masozane and used by Honda Tadakatsu, a famous general and hero.  It is interesting to note that "tombogiri" means to cut a dragonfly.  Legend had it that the blade was so sharp that when a dragonfly landed on the blade the dragonfly was severed in half.

By Donn Draeger
Strength and Health Magazine
March 1962 
 Takaji Shimizu “world’s outstanding Exponent and teacher of Bojutsu
Summarized by Rick: