Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu, translated as “Peerless, Direct Transmission, True-Faith Style”, has been practiced for about 450 years and is the second oldest martial art form in Japan. Eishin-Ryu claims an unbroken line of transmission from it’s founder, Hayashizaki Jinsuke, through twenty-two generations to the present day successor, Ikeda Takashi soke.

Today, Eishin-ryu is practiced in Japan, with many more dojos appearing all over the world. The administration of the system is primarily handled by the Eishin-Ryu Traditions Association, led by the soke (the headmaster), and by the All Japan Iaido Federation, which oversees competitions and promotions in different iaido styles.

Lineage of Headmasters of Eishin Ryu
1. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto Shgenobu Founder
2 - Tamiya Heibei Narimasa
3 - Nagano Muraku Nyudo Kinrosai
4 - Momo Gumbei Mitsushige
5 - Arikawa Shozaemon Munetsugu
6 - Banno Dan-Uemon-no-Jô Nobusada
7 - Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Eïshin
8 - Arai Seitetsu Seishin
9 - Hayashi Rokudayu Morimasa
10 - Hayashi Yasudayu Seisho
11 - Oguro Motoemon Kiyokatsu
12 - Hayashi Masu-no-Jô Masanari
13 - Yoda Manzo Takakatsu
14 - Hayashi Yadayu Masataka
15 - Tanimura Kame-no-Jô Takakatsu
16 - Goto Masasuke Magobei
17 - Oe Masamichi Roshu
18 - Hokiyama Namio
19 - Fukui Harumasa Tekkotsu
20 - Kono Minoru Hyakuren
21 - Fukui Torao
22 - Soke Ikeda Takashi Seiko