9 Ryu Nin-po Densho.


Takamatsu received his Menkyo Kaiden from Toda in 1909 when he was 22 years old. Toda died that same year on the 6th December, 1909. Toda once told Takamatsu, "Even when you are faced with death, die laughing" . Other pieces of advice he had given him were:
1. Even when you are standing in front of defeat, do it smiling.
2. Never talk about your knowledge, it might make it disappear.

In the 1950's, Takamatsu took on a new student, called Hatsumi Yoshiaki, a young man in his 20's. Hatsumi traveled 15 hours almost every weekend for 15 years to study with O'Sensei. Hatsumi said that when he first met Takamatsu he was frightened of him, that he was a powerful and frightening teacher.

Takamatsu said to his other students, "I decided to leave everything in the hands of Hatsumi. I think he is the most suitable person in martial arts. I am now able to repay Toda Sensei, Ishitani Sensei, and Mizuta Sensei for their kindness. I intend to continue my studies into the secrets of nature." One year before his death, Takamatsu told Hatsumi that he had taught him everything that he knew. Later, when training with Takamatsu, Hatsumi saw him stumble and fall onto one knee. Hatsumi Sensei said that it was then that he realized that perhaps Takamatsu's life was drawing to an end. Hatsumi took several students to meet and train with Takamatsu.

O'Sensei Takamatsu died on 2nd April 1972, aged 85. Though he stopped training at the age of 80, he had still continued to oversee Hatsumi's personal training. O'Sensei is buried in the Kumedra cemetery near Nara, Japan.

Two things O'Sensei really enjoyed were walking and painting. He liked to walk every day for approximately one hour (he said that he was a very bad time keeper), covering approximately 8 miles. He would usually take his dogs (he had 20 Spitzes) with him on his walks. Just for his own pleasure he would paint everyday, simply because he enjoyed it and found it relaxing.

He will be remembered always.................