David Barber

Born 1972, Sydney, Australia. Enrolled at the Choy Lee Fut Federation, Sydney Chinatown, 1986 (age 14). Received Cantonese speaking instruction in Chinese kung fu & lion dance under the guidance of Sifu Mark Whelan & Sifu Chan Yong Fa, Ancestral Headmaster. Received additional instruction & grading from Sifu Chan Cheuk Fai, founder of the Australian Jin Wu Koon Academy (Chinatown). Began regular trips to Hong Kong & mainland China, 1990. Admitted to Jinan University, China, 1992. Relocated to Japan to pursue aikido studies, 1995. Settled permanently in Kamakura, Japan's ancient capital and the birthplace of samurai culture, 2000. Soon after, began studying Yagyu Shingan Ryu Taijutsu, a 400 year old samurai warrior tradition which was carried from Edo to Kamakura during the Meiji era. Direct disciple of headmasters Saito Satoshi (Negishi Ryu Shurikenjutsu / Yamamoto Ryu Iaijutsu), Kajitsuka Yasushi (Yagyu Shingan Ryu Taijutsu / Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Heiho) & Hayasaka Yoshifumi. Three decades living in Japan. Two decades of dedicated koryu study, via constant, direct transmission. Highest ranked non-Japanese practitioner of the aforementioned koryu traditions. One of only three people in the world to receive a Shihan license from the late Saito Satoshi-sensei. Member of the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai & Nihon Kobudo Shinkokai. Appointed Head of Negishi Ryu International. Founder of the Kamakura Renbukan Dojo.