Matayoshi Shinpo and Kimo Wall demonstrate kobudo at the Butokukai 1992

SHINPO’S ROYAL DEMONSTRATION Matayoshi Shinko (1888-1947) was not the only Matayoshi to perform in front of the Japanese Royal family. In 1992 Matayoshi Shinpo (then aged 70) also had the honour of being asked to perform at the Butokukai in Kyoto, Japan in front of the Emperor’s family. Master Shinpo asked Kimo Wall one of his oldest and most dedicated students to join him in the demonstration. Matayoshi Shinpo performed Kingai Ryu ‘Haku-Ho’, Kimo Sensei performed ‘Matayoshi Kama’ and ‘Suparenpei’. Matayoshi Shinpo was declared a national treasure by the Dai Nippon Butokukai and was awarded his 10th Dan by (His Royal Highness) Higashi Fushimi. Master Matayoshi and his family, friends and students were all immensely proud of him. He received the honour (the greatest a Japanese martial artist can attain) with typical humour and humility.