The 13th Soke Yagi Ikugoro Hisayoshi was the first to open a public dojo after he lost his position in the Ako-han and became a masterless Samurai or Ronin. His apprentice Ishiya Takeo Masatsugu became the 14th Soke of the school.

The 14th Soke Ishiya Takeo Masatsugu opened schools in several regions. Along with teaching the skills he compiled and organised the teachings of Hontai Yoshin Ryu-Takagi Ryu and along with this combined his own techniques called Ishiya-den. Takeo was said to have been a master of masters in the Edo period and is famous for the teachings; 1st Eyes, 2nd Speed, 3rd Courage, 4th Strength and also for the teaching of "Soft on the outside, hard on the inside".

The 15th Soke was Ishiya Matsutaro Masaharu, the son of Ishiya Takeo Masatsugu and it is believed that he left his home at an early age. It is thought that the 16th Soke Kakuno Hachiheita Masayoshi was actually a student of the 14th Soke Ishiya Takeo Masatsugu.

16th Soke Kakuno Hachiheita Masayoshi opened a dojo in Nagata-ku, Kobe city where he taught many students and also developed his own Kakuno style of technique which he taught separately from the main Hontai Yoshin Ryu-Takagi Ryu. Kakuno Soke is considered to be one of the main masters who contributed to the evolution and technical development of the ryu.

The 17th Soke Minaki Saburoji Masanori was born in 1906 (the 39th year of the Meiji era). He was also known by the name of Kosyu. Minaki Soke began his training with the 16th Soke Kakuno Hachiheita Masayoshi at the age of 16 in 1922 (the 11th year of the Taisho era). He was granted Menkyo Kaiden (complete transmission and permission to become independent) in 1933 (the 8th year of the Showa era).

Even though Minaki Soke only stood around 5ft tall and was not heavily built he is considered to be one of the most distinguished students of the school. There are many stories of Minaki pursuing tough training such as breaking natural stone with his bare hands.

Minaki opened a dojo in Ushigome, Tokyo where he taught many students and also travelled all over Japan with his master Kakuno Hachiheita, both demonstrating and testing the school's techniques. Minaki Soke was very active in introducing the school to the public.

In 1939 (the 14th year of Showa) when Kakuno passed away, Minaki returned to Kobe where he stayed for a while before deciding to go on a journey to pursue further training. Minaki entrusted Kakuno's school to Tsutsui Tomotaro.

On returning to Kobe, Minaki visited the Fumon waterfall as part of his training to develop his spirit. It was at this time that Tsutsui Tomotaro was declared the Soke of Takagi Ryu and Minaki became the Soke of Hontai Yoshin Ryu and Kukishin Ryu.

Kakuno soke and the young Minaki
Kakuno soke and the young Minaki

Minkai then renamed his renewed system as Fumon Yoshin Ryu, although he later renamed his new school as Hontai Yoshin Ryu and continued Kakuno soke's plan to organise and adapt the techniques of the ryu.

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