Risuke_Otake
Risuke Otake
Japanese martial artist (1926–2021)
Risuke Ōtake (大竹利典, Otake Risuke) (10 March 1926 – 7 June 2021)[1] full name Ōtake Risuke Minamoto no Takeyuki (大竹利典源健之, Ōtake Risuke Minamoto no Takeyuki), was a Japanese martial artist. He was a long time shihan (Teaching Master) of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū bujutsu,[2][3] which he learned as a disciple of the previous teaching master Hayashi Yazaemon (1892-1964) from the time he entered the school in 1942 at the age of 16.[4] In 1967, when Otake-sensei was 42 years old, he received gokui kaiden, the highest level of attainment in the tradition, and at the same time became the school's teaching master.[5] He lived and taught in rural location near Narita city, in Chiba Prefecture of Japan. The teachings of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū were designated an Intangible Cultural Asset of Chiba Prefecture in 1960, with Ōtake designated as guardian of the tradition.[6]
He authored Strategy and the Art of Peace, as well as an earlier three-volume set of books on the tradition entitled The Deity and the Sword: Katori Shinto-ryu.
He was a member of the Chiba Prefecture Board of Registrars and Appraisers for Muskets and Swords; a position he held since 1979.[citation needed] Ōtake shihan died on 7 June 2021.