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What is the International Iaido Federation Hougyokukai?

The largest organization of Mugai-ryu Iaido
About International Iaido Federation Hougyokukai

The largest single nationwide organization of Mugai-ryu Iaido, led by Soke

The International Iaido Federation Hougyokukai is the largest single, nationwide organization of Mugai-ryu Iaido, led by Hougyoku Takeda, 17th Soke of Shiokawa / Niina Den Mugai-ryu.
Around 350 years since its founder, Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi. The techniques and spirit of Mugai-ryu—passed down through the Tsuji, Takahashi, Nakagawa Shiryu Shin’ichi, Ishii Gotsugetsu Zenzo, Shiokawa Hoshou Terusnari, and Niina Gyokuso Toyoaki lineages—are transmitted to the present and future generations across dojos nationwide.
Hougyokukai aims for more than just memorizing kata.
Students learn comprehensively: ancient Iaido Kata, Yakusoku Kumitachi for studying timing and principles with an opponent, Jiyu Kumitachi® to compete in instantaneous offense and defense, and Tameshigiri to actually cut with the first strike of kata according to the true principles of Iaido.

The late former Soke for Hougyokukai: Niina Gyokuso Toyoaki, who transmitted “Cutting Iaido” to the world

Former Soke Niina Gyokuso Toyoaki inherited Mugai-ryu as a direct disciple of Soke Shiokawa Hoshou Terushige and widely promoted it both in Japan and overseas. His Iaido did not seek mere aesthetic beauty in kata. Preserving the traditional principles as a koryu (ancient school), it was “Cutting Iaido” capable of actually cutting with the first strike of kata.
Hougyoku Takeda joined Mugai-ryu in 2005. For about 20 years since 2006, under the direct guidance of the late former Soke Niina, he studied Iaido Kata, Naiden/Okuden, Yakusoku Kumitachi, Jiyu Kumitachi, Tameshigiri, and the philosophy of the founder Tsuji Gettan.
Passing down the techniques and spirit inherited from former Soke Niina to current and future generations is the mission of Hougyoku Takeda, 17th Soke of Shiokawa / Niina Den Mugai-ryu, and the International Iaido Federation Hougyokukai.

Meishi-ha and Shiokawa / Niina Den Mugai-ryu

After inheriting the Mugai-ryu headship from Soke Shiokawa Hoso Terushige, former Soke Niina Gyokuso Toyoaki established “Mugai-ryu Meishi-ha” as his own branch in 2004.
What Hougyoku Takeda inherited from former Soke Niina was not the branch name or organization called Meishi-ha. It was the Menkyo Kaiden (full transmission license), the master-to-disciple transmission of Mugai-ryu passed down from founder Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi to Soke Shiokawa and Soke Niina, and the 17th Soke.
Therefore, his official title is not “17th Soke of Mugai-ryu Meishi-ha”, but Hougyoku Takeda, 17th Soke of Shiokawa / Niina Den Mugai-ryu.

17th Soke Hougyoku Takeda: Bringing ancient traditions to the present, and to future generations

Hougyoku Takeda entered Mugai-ryu in 2005. For about 20 years from 2006, he received direct instruction from former Soke Niina Gyokuso Toyoaki. Along with mastering Iaido Kata, Naiden/Okuden, Yakusoku Kumitachi, Jiyu Kumitachi®, and Tameshigiri, he absorbed the philosophy of Mugai-ryu inherited from founder Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi and the resolve of a martial artist.
On July 4, 2026, he was granted Menkyo Kaiden by former Soke Niina and succeeded as the 17th Soke of Shiokawa / Niina Den Mugai-ryu.
While preserving ancient techniques and spirit, he passes Mugai-ryu to the next generation as a living martial art today through Jiyu Kumitachi®, three All Japan championships, nationwide dojos, and online training.

A nationwide organization developing people and connecting Mugai-ryu to the next generation

The International Iaido Federation Hougyokukai is not a collection of independent entities. Under the 17th Soke, Hougyoku Takeda, it is a single nationwide organization united by shared philosophy and training systems.
Operating as a corporation with headquarters, it manages branches and dojos nationwide. It trains instructors and establishes an environment where members across regions can learn the same techniques and spirit of Mugai-ryu.
A single master alone cannot preserve a tradition for the future. Disciple practitioners training together, instructors leading the next generation, and three All Japan championships to verify the fruits of challenge—all of these support Hougyokukai’s inheritance.
Protecting what should be protected, changing what should be changed. Hougyokukai continues to nurture people and organization to transmit Mugai-ryu to the next century.