Nobuo IMAI learned the Kyushin school of Jujutsu (classical Japanese martial art, usually referred to as fighting without a weapon) from Jujutsu master Shigekatsu KUBOTA, and learned the Jikishinkage school of swordsmanship from Kenkichi SAKAKIBARA at the Kobusho (shogunate martial arts gymnasium).
講武所の柔術師範だった窪田鎮勝から扱心流を習い、榊原鍵吉から直心影流剣術を習った。