近藤勇
was born in Mito-han (now Ibaraki Prefecture). He was a master of the "Shintomunen-ryu" swordsmanship style. He was one of the original thirteen members of the Shinsengumi, together with Serizawa Kamo and Kondō Isami. He was originally one of the three commanders with Kondo and Serizawa but later he had his rank lowered to vice-commander.