Budo Q&A 2021 March/April/May/June By Louis Vitalis Introduction

• Budo is more than techniques training; • Shape your character, knowledge, position within (budo)society • A pandemic shouldn’t stop us from training those other aspects • So let’s ask our highest grade European sensei!

Louis Vitalis sensei – kyoshi 7th dan kendo, -- kyoshi 7th dan jodo, -- kyoshi 7th dan iaido Guidelines for the Q&A

• MUTE! So we can all enjoy Vitalis sensei’s talk • Questions: • Put them in the Google Form so we add them to the list for Vitalis sensei • Slides will be shared after the meeting, please handle with care

Enjoy, learn, train! KATEI ENMAN 家庭円満

• Katei = Household, Ones home • Enman = Peaceful • Although this is not specific Budo terminology, it’s the first concept that my Kendo teacher Edo Kokichi taught me in 1979, during my second visit to Japan. • Wether your target in Budo is winning gold medals or obtaining higher dan grades, you will not be successful unless your home situation is stable. Additional stress will make it more difficult to focus on Budo. GEI NI ASOBU 藝於游 Kodokan building in Mito City, Ibaraki Ken GEI NI ASOBU 藝於游

• Gei = Art (as in Martial Art) • Asobu = Enjoy • The Kodokan was a kind of General University, where Samurai of the Region received Education in both Martial Arts and other arts and sciences. This saying was favoured by the 9th Daimyo of the Mito Han, Tokugawa Nariaki (1800-1860). • By this time, Martial Arts were no longer needed to kill an enemy, but it was already shifting from Jutsu to Do as we now know it. The main theme was “Bun Bu Ryodo”: The two ways of Study and Martial Arts. • Simply put, if you want to continue the study of any art for a long time, you will need to enjoy doing it. • If you can read Japanese, here is a nice explanation: https://note.com/kotofumi/n/ne84f08ca1622 SEITO & DESHI 生徒と弟子

• Seito = Student • Deshi = Disciple • According to Google translate this is the difference between Seito and Deshi. In Budo we can easily translate it as follows. • If you participate in an open Seminar, where a certain teacher is the head Sensei, or when you practice a few times at a Sensei’s Dojo, you might call yourself a student of this Sensei. • However, the Sensei-Deshi relation goes much deeper, and is a relation build on 100% trust. You can only call yourself a Deshi from a certain Sensei if that Sensei has actually confirmed that relation with you in person. • I.e. Ishido Sensei has only 6 Deshi in Europe. It doesn’t mean that a Deshi is better than a Seito, but the relation with the Sensei is built on the fact that the Sensei allows you to represent him in teaching. Budo and Scientific Research

Can you explain how your Kendo teachers introduced a scientific approach to budo training and how Andy Watson Ryoshinkan UK that differed to what you experienced elsewhere? Budo and Scientific Research (1)

• Let me start with Kendo. In Judo we had Kano Sensei, in Aikido we had Ueshiba Sensei, in Kendo we had Takano (Sasaburo) Sensei. His book “Kendo” was still written in a sort of classical Japanese, and not easy to understand by modern day Japanese. One of his senior students, Mistuhashi Sensei, was the first one who made a modern version of this book in 1972, with a kind of scientific approach which was completely new to Budo. • Because Kendo is so large in Japan, even compared to many Western Sports, there are now many Universities where scientific research is done on Kendo, but Mitsuhashi Sensei and Edo Sensei were the forerunners of this trend. • This is a page from his book, featuring his most senior student, Edo Kokichi Sensei (my lifelong Kendo teacher). Budo and Scientific Research (2)

• There are many kinds of Scientific approaches to Kendo, the main ones: • Statistical Research, ie what kind of points are scored the most, what kind of techniques are more successful. • Trainig Method Research. Comparing training methods of very successful Kendo Teams, including physical training, power training. • Medical Research. Some universities even study how the brain works during some Kendo situations! • Historical Research. There is a lot of old literature on Budo, so there is a lot of topics to do research on as well. • Bio Mechanical Research (see pic). Budo and Scientific Research (3)

• Is there no Scientific Research for Iaido and or Jodo? As far as my research goes, there is only one book I could find called “Iaido no Kagaku” (Science of Iaido), but this is purely based on Literature Study, not on Biomechanical or Medical research. • Also Ishido Sensei’s study in his early thirties was based on Literature Study. • However, Ishido Sensei did study how to do Physical and Power training which is suitable for Iaido, but I assume this was mostly self taught. • Some modern Iaido Sensei do use a more easy to understand way of teaching, which is influenced by modern teaching methods of Physical Education, so in that sense there is a clear influence of Science on Iaido and Jodo as well. Social background of Budo population in Japan vs Overseas

With his long experience of Budo in Japan; I would like to ask Louis sensei's view on the different social/financial/education/political leanings between the practitioners of Kendo, Judo, Kyudo, Karate etc. that he observed in Japan. Also I would like to ask Louis Sensei his view about how budo in Europe generally attracts the liberal/arty/left-leaning people whearas in Japan more people seem to Jock Hopson Eishinkan U.K be the traditionalist/conservative/right of centre members of society. Social background of Budo population in Japan (1)

• Although I lived in Japan for more than six years and speak, read and write the language reasonably well, I only practiced Kendo, Iaido and Jodo, so it’s a bit difficult for me to compare the other Budo disciplines. • The following remarks are purely based on my personal experience and opinion, there is no scientific truth in it! • Kendo, Judo and Karate all share the competitive element, with a so-called “real” free fight as a form of competition. Iaido, Jodo, Kyudo have competitions, but you don’t really fight each other. Except Tomiki Aikido (which was conceived by a Aikido Sensei who was also a high grade Judoka), Aikido doesn’t favour competition. • The top players in Kendo don’t show any interest in “Traditional” Budo such as Iaido and Jodo, and the Top Iaido and Jodo Sensei may have a grade in Kendo, but they are never in the top Kendo league. Social background of Budo population in Japan (2)

• I cannot comment on the political leanings of groups of people in Japan, but I do think there is a social and financial background difference. Kendo, Judo, Karate populations in Japan are very big, so you will find poor people and rich people doing it. You will find them in Metropolitan Areas as well as in the country side. • In my personal experience I find Iaido and Kyudo Sensei usually of a more affluent background than Kendo, Judo and Karate people, but this is not based on scientific research! • There are still many prefectures in Japan where the Iaido population is extremely small, so this will lead to a more “Elite” type of people practicing it. • Jodo is even worse, there are still many Prefecture where Jodo is almost non-existent. I.e. Ibaraki Ken, which has a very big Kendo population, has almost no Jodo people, even if they are so close to Tokyo! The reason may surprise you: “why should we import a Budo from Fukuoa Ken, if we have our own famous Kendo/Kenjutsu schools?” therefore you will not see Jodo demonstrations on their official Kendo Tournaments, which is a custom in most other Prefectures. In stead you will see Hokushin Itto Ryu from the Mito Lineage, which was practiced in the Kodokan Samurai School in Mito. Social background of Budo population in Japan vs Overseas (1)

• In my opinion, this can only be explained by a difference in history. The Budo population in Japan is, generally speaking, more conservative than progressive. For many young people, Kendo is old fashioned, because it is literally OLD! • The fact that REIGI SAHO (etiquette and correct manners) is such an integral part of Kendo/Iaido/Jodo, is for many young people a part of traditional Japan, which they compare to more modern European and American societies. • Another part that may influence young Japanese is the fact that Kendo/Iaido/Jodo is associated with Militaristic Japan of the 1930’s and 1940’s by some people. • However, I would not like to generalize too much. All my personal Sensei are very relaxed and openminded personalities, and certainly not old fashioned. If they were really conservative and traditionalist, they would never have taught Budo to a weird Gaijin like me in the first place! Social background of Budo population in Japan vs Overseas (2)

• I have noticed big differences in Budo Groups in Japan. For example Kendo at Police, Army, and some traditional Universities are quite strict and old fashioned. But many Universities and Companies with Kendo Clubs are much more open and relaxed. Guess which kind of Kendo Clubs I always went to? • The Iaido population in Japan I find more conservative than Kendo, just look at the many old fashioned customs that still exist among Iaidoka. • As a contrast, the Aikido community in Japan is much more on the “Alternative” side of things, and if you study Ueshiba Sensei’s philosophy it’s easy to understand why. • The Budo population outside Japan is first of all made up of people who are curious to look into other cultures. You won’t find many hard core nationalists in this group. • I would not generalize Japanese Budo population and Overseas Budo population in Right Leaning vs Left Leaning, but I would argue that there are more old fashioned people in Japanese Budo groups than in overseas Budo groups. How to Stand or Sit during a Seminar

Dear Vitalis sensei, How should you stand / sit during an Iaido seminar when an explanation is given by a Japanese sensei. During the Ishido cup I saw many variants. What to do when you have sat down in seiza and the explanation takes longer than your legs can handle. If standing is allowed, how do you hold your hands? Hans Pillen Kiryoku Zoetermeer The Netherlands How to Stand or Sit during a Seminar

• My first advice would be: don’t draw the attention of the Senior Sensei, especially when they are Hanshi from Japan ☺. • Personally I never sat in Seiza during an explanation from a Japanese Sensei (are they ever short?), but if you do want to remain seated, just make sure your feet are not sticking out to the front, with your hands on the floor! You can do that on the beach, but not in the Dojo. • If you stand, don’t cross your arms and don’t lean on your weapon. • The pic shows a ZNKR seminar in Japan, some people are standing, some are sitting. Do you recognize the Sensei? (山崎) Influence of Reiho

Has reiho influenced the fundamental techniques of budo? Do koryu contain certain body movements as a consequence of court etiquette such as the Ogasawara ryu? John Kennedy Dublin Kendo Kobukai Ireland Influence of Reiho

In many Iaido schools Seiza is very common. If you look at the older Iaijutsu Schools that still survived, you will not find any Seiza, because that is not suitable for the battlefield. Ogasawara Ryu of Reigi is actually from the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) and was later formalized in the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is not Court Etiquette, but Buke (Samurai) etiquette, according to Japanese Wikipedia. Influence of Reiho

• So there is no doubt that the Seiza position is a kind of artificial Ogasawara Ryu way of sitting, which leads to sword drawing techniques which are unique to Seiza. • Even in modern Japan, Ogasawara Ryu Reiho is still widely known and if you don’t know anything about this in practice, you’ll surely never make a big career in a Major Japanese Company! Hasso no Kamae

About the name of 'Hasso no kamai'... 'Eight directions' just refers to visibility 'all around'? Or is there Xavier Kodokan Netherlands a theorical explanation for the eight directions? Hasso no Kamae (1)

• Hasso does not refer to eight directions, but when you look from the front, both arms are simply looking like the Japanese figure 8: 八. • Hasso no Kamae according to ZNKR is fixed, but it used to be very different according to the Ryu one belonged to. • According to Takano Sensei’s explanation, it is in between the “Moku no Kamae” , whereby Moku means Tree, from the Itto Ryu, and the Hasso no Kamae from the Shinkage Ryu. • Please see Takano Sensei’s Hasso no Kamae, of about 1930. It’s very different from the ZNKR one. Hasso no Kamae (2)

• Hasso no Kamae has various other names, but depending on the Ryu the explanation differs. • One explanation that I liked personally is that with Hasso no Kamae your arms don’t get so tired as with Jodan or Chudan. Especially on the battlefield this seems to make sense. Also, this Kamae is easy to use in a crowded battlefield, or in case you wear a traditional Kabuto helmet or when there is not enough space above your head to take Jodan. • According to Takano Sensei, Hasso no Kamae is not an attacking position, but a position from where you can observe your opponent, and quickly change to an attack if needed. • The pic on the right is the Hasso no Kamae from Yagyu Shinkage Ryu also called Kasumi no Kamae. Today’s topics April 2nd

1. The relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo. 2. REIHO and ZANSHIN. 3. Hit with the Tsuka. 4. SEI CHU DO. 5. Meaning of Kata & what I love about Japan. 6. Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai & Relations between Sensei in Japan. 7. Making money from Budo. 8. Changes in Budo practice over the years. 9. KAN KYU KYO JAKU 10. HAGA KENSHO 11. ONNA SAMURAI Relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo (1)

• This is a topic about which I had many hours of conversation with Ishido Sensei, so maybe it is intersting for you as well. • In our opinion, these three Budo compliment each other perfectly, so doing all three of them is a great idea, although we fully realize that it is not easy to do. • Kendo is basically a free fight, within the set of rules to make it safe and to make it possible to decide win/loose. So you will learn to carefully watch your opponent, and try to figure out what he or she is planning to do. This is as close to Shinken Shobu (real fight) as it’s going to get. When Jolanda and I lived in Japan, in 2000, I was preparing for my 7 dan Kendo, and I would regularly have Jigeiko with Sensei on the Friday evening. Because we were really going for it like a real fight, we would make a lot of noise, sometimes Mrs. Ishido would come down to the Dojo to double check if we weren’t hurting each other! Here I found out that it was not easy to hit Ishido, even though he was more than 10 years older than me. • What we learn in Kendo is to launch a fast attack on the opponent, taking into account speed, distance and timing. Louis in Imperial Police Dojo, Tokyo, 1984. Nakakura Sensei is checking! Relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo (2)

• However, what you don’t learn in Kendo, is how to use a real Shinken, for this you’d have to study Iaido. • Two years prior to passing my 7 dan Kendo, Ishido Sensei had already helped me to pass 7 dan Iaido, which I took together with Jock Sensei in Japan, in 1998. • During our Iaido exam preparations of course Ishido Sensei was much younger than now, and he was very energetic in his teaching. It meant our training was pretty tough, and we had to repeat our Kata countless of times. • But, because both Jock and me have a Kendo background, we had no problem with imagining an opponent, “Kasoteki” 仮想敵. • If one only practices Iaido and no Kendo or Jodo, it will always be difficult to fight this imaginary opponent. Relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo (3)

• The great thing about Jodo is that you will learn things to further compliment your Kendo and or Iaido. • Besides learning the use of the Tachi, you will learn to use both left and right hand equally. • You will also learn left and right body movement, and Taiatari from various directions. • My Kendo teacher was a top player in the All Japan Kendo Championships, but he had already recognized the use of Jodo to complement his Kendo techniques. He would use Jodo like techniques with his Shinai, and with that he could disarm any Kendoka who didn’t understand Jodo. • Therefore our advise is to at least practice two out of three. Reiho and Zanshin 礼法と残心 (1)

Dear sensei, Thank you very much for the opportunity, you gave to us, to ask questions. I would like to ask how we can further develop our perception and practice around concepts such as Reiho and Zanshin. Kind regards Yannis Yannis Papadopoulos Asunaro Kai Greece Reiho and Zanshin 礼法と残心 (2)

• Reiho in modern Budo is mostly influenced by the Ogasawara Ryu of Reiho (see previous). • We can distinguish various Reiho. • Rei when entering the Dojo. • Rei for the Kamidana (small Shinto shrine) or Butsudan (small Buddhist Shrine) or Shomen/Main Stand in case of an Enbu in a large hall. • Rei for the Sensei. • Rei for the other students. • Rei for the Sword (Torei). • In Iaido you learn different ways of Rei for each situation, in Kendo and Jodo it’s little simpler. • The purpose of Reiho is to show respect to others, but also to maintain a calm frame of mind inside the Dojo. • The pic on the right is my first Iaido Sensei, Tanaya Sensei (Hanshi 8 dan), who taught me up to 4 dan level. After that I met Ishido Sensei who has been my teacher ever since. Reiho and Zanshin 礼法と残心 (3)

• The main aspects to Zanshin are as follows. • Migamae (Body posture) • Kigamae (Focus, Attention) • Sonkei (Respect) • In Kendo this is easy: if you don’t observe one of these, you’ll be easily hit, or your point maybe cancelled. • In Kata Budo it is a vital part of each Kata, and it is an important element in judging a match or a grading. • I think it’s important to achieve a Reiho and Zanshin to become your second nature. Hit with the Tsuka

Why is the side of the tsuka, instead of its edge, used to strike Teki in ZNKR Iai kata Ju Ponme - Shihogiri? My question has so far been unanswered at multiple seminars; so, I look forward to Vitalis George R. Beck Sei-Zan Kai United States Sensei's answer. Hit with the Tsuka

• In Tanaya Sensei’s book on Seitei Iai (1990), he doesn’t explain why you use the flat side of this Tsuka. • However, I don’t think many Japanese Sensei will give a clear answer to this question, for the simple reason that when they created Seitei Iai, they all agreed to use this technique. • Is this the only way to use the Tsuka to hit someone on the hand? Of course not. In other Ryuha there are surely many different ways, i.e. with one hand instead of two. • When they created Seitei Iai they simply agreed to use various techniques, from the most influential Iaido schools. • Shihogiri does not have a direct Koryu origin, but it is loosely based on Muso Shinden Oku Iai and Hoki Ryu sitting forms. Sei Chu Do 静中動

how should we understand the concept of do-chu-sei and sei-chu-do in both Iaido and Kendo Jock Hopson Eishinkan U.K training Sei Chu Do 静中動

• Sei = Quiet • Chu = Inside • Do = Movement • This is well known in Kendo, but is also used in other Budo, such as Kyudo. It means you should calmly (Sei) observe your oponent, but not stop your focus so that you can quickly change to a strong movement (Do) as the need arises. • The reverse is DO CHU SEI, meaning that even during strong movements (Do), your mind should stay calm (Sei), so as not to loose your ability to react to whatever happens. • In the case of Iaido one can show this element in the way one moves the eyes. I.e. if the eyes move left and right or up and down, not related to the movements in the Kata, it means the aspect of Sei Chu Do is not under control. Meaning of Kata形の意味

Loui Vitalis Sensei, thank you for reading a questions and my apologize for them. A question about iaido meaning in ZNKRN kata, learning mae gives us opportunity to stop to kill person (kasoteki) if he (she) would give up (in our imagination and meanings). Other kata doesn't give us possibility to stop (make person to give up) or persons to do that. With some aggressive or dangerous persons and situations we can be sure for some reasons. First question, could be techniques adapted in future to use sharp side and non lethal sword side (not related the beginning of kata 4, 8, 10, zuki or ...) to change situation and meaning of what we are practicing. Second, is there any techniques that have non lethal (that brings kasoteki some wound, scare, or just run away) situation. And third question, what you most loved and still care and love in Japan (not meaning of territory, but in people, in culture, in nature), what is hidden that only you and some people can see and feel there. Thank you very much for reading. Dank u well. Alexey Alchin KaiSeiKan Bulgaria My apologize for questions again. Sumimasen. Meaning of Kata形の意味

• The first two questions assume that ZNKR Seitei Iaido is a practical fighting art. • Please check the ZNKR philosophy: Kendo (Iaido/Jodo) is the way to improve as a human being, by learning the principles of the Japanese sword. • Because it is a “Do” and not a “Jutsu”, the ZNKR Kata will never change drastically, nor will you see techniques using the flat side of the sword. • My personal opinion (please feel free to disagree!) is that especially ZNKR Seitei Iai is not suitable for a real fight at all. It was designed to increase the knowledge about a Japanese sword for the ever growing Kendo population, who were only hitting each other with a bamboo sword. It is not designed as an actual fighting or killing art. • I would even argue that Kata from Seiza position are not realistic at all. Why would you sit in Seiza and attempt a fight in the first place? That’s why you won’t find Seiza in very old Ryu such as Katori Shinto Ryu, or modern fighting styles such as Toyama Ryu Iaido, using a Gunto. What I love about Japan

• My first trip to Japan was in 1977, as 17 year old boy. I met my lifelong Kendo teacher in that year, Edo Sensei, who is still my most important Kendo teacher. • In 1979 I met Edo Sensei’s senior Deshi, Iijima Sensei, and we became very close, I consider him to be my Kendo teacher but also my older brother. Because he lives in Ibaraki, I have learned to love the Japanese country side, even though Ibaraki Prefecture is always the least popular prefecture in Japan! • Because I learned the language, I don’t feel a stranger in Japan anymore, but of course I will always remain a Gaijin (literally outside person). • I worked as an expat in Tokyo for almost 4 years, so I have learned the life of “Sarariman” as well. • However, the best part is always to come back “home” to Iijima Sensei’s home in the country side in Ibaraki, and just live there as a local. The only way to really experience the local culture is to become a member of a family and develop a deep personal relationship. Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai

Loui Vitalis Sensei. Thank you for reading a questions and I am apologize for them. In the whole history of All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) how communication and interaction between schools (ryu) developed (especially inside committees)? How it was at the beginning and how it is happened nowadays? How the members of committees and all hachidan's Senseis from different schools interact to each others in cultural way? What they thought (told) and think (telling) about non Japaneese students along the whole history of ZNKR? And last question How to behave and what to do it not meeting Senseis from Japan (any advices)? Alexey KaiSeiKan Bulgaria Sumimasen. Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai (1)

• The original committee of 1968: • Masaoka Hanshi (Jikiden) • Yamatsuta Hanshi (Shinden) • Danzaki Hanshi (Shinden) • Kamimoto Hanshi (Shinden) • Nukata Hanshi (Shinden) • Sawayama Kyoshi (Hoki) • Yamatsuta Sensei (1887-1982) wrote a very detailed book on Muso Shinden and Seitei in the early eighties. He and the other Shinden people on the committee were direct Deshi from Nakayama Hakudo Sensei, the only other two Ryu Ha in this committee were Jikiden and Hoki. Yamatsuta Sensei was also a Hanshi in Kendo, so he was very influential. He is also the founder of Iaido organization in Kanagawa Prefecture. Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai (2)

• The committee agreed that the following should be in Seitei Iai: • Horizontal cut from Nukitsuke • Vertical Cut as a finish • Left and right diagonal cuts (Kesagiri) • Returning sword (Ukenagashi) • Crashing Sword (Tsuka Ate, Ganmen ate, Shihogiri) • Since 1968, the ZNKR has regularly appointed new members in this committee, and additions and changes to the Seitei Kata were made regularly. • Who gets on the committee is a purely political decision, and this is impossible for us Gaijin to really understand in detail. • This pic is from my first Iaido book, which I bought in 1979. The chapter on ZNKR Seitei Iai is performed by none other than Ishido Sadataro, Ishido Sensei’s father! Relations between Sensei in Japan

• In the last two decades, the relations between the different Ryu Ha have very much improved. • At one point, Ishido Sensei started to bring Sensei from Jikiden and Shinkage and these Ryu have meanwhile grown into powerful groups in Europe as well. This could only have happened because of their strong relationships in Japan. • How do they feel about foreigners doing Budo? During my first trips to Japan in the mid 1970s there were still very few foreigners doing Kendo, let alone Iaido or Jodo. Jock senpai and me were still considered rarities in those days in Japan. Now you will find foreigners in every major Kendo University, and in famous Iaido and Jodo Dojo in Japan, you will find plenty of Gaijin. • Although the Japanese society has gotten used to foreigners being there, the Japanese still have a strong sense of “Japanese Uniqueness”, which will lead to open racism in some cases, even within the Budo world. Making Money from Budo?

Our sensei’s, you included, make no financial profit out of your lifelong commitment to budo. Why is that? What is behind this choice? Many martial artists choose to finance their activities, or their life, by paid lessons or workshops or whatever financially rewarded budo-related activity that can possibly Inti Suarez Yushinkan Netherlands be invented. Why don’t we do that too? Making Money from Budo

• I have been doing Budo for 49 years. The first 35 years I have invested a large amount of money by flying to Japan every year, buying equipment, visiting many seminars and tournaments every year etc etc. I’m quite sure I could have bought a nice Rolls Royce from this investment, but of course I’m not complaining. • The last ten years I have adopted the policy that I will not spend money on Budo if I’m requested to teach. I’m not making any money on teaching Budo, but at least my expenses are covered. I do spend money every year when I travel to Japan for training or gradings. • If I could have assembled 200 students for Kendo/Iaido/Jodo, I would have chosen to become a professional, but that’s not even possible in Japan anymore, let alone in Europe. Changes in Budo practice

Over the years have you seen a change on how our three budo are being practised?

Not looking at specific techniques or kata, but for example attitude of the Japanese sensei or the David Smits Yushinkan The Netherlands atmosphere in the dojo or at seminars. Changes in Budo Practice (1)

• I can only speak on the past 49 years, I’m sure Jock Sensei could compare even longer than that! • In Europe, I was one of the first Iaido Shodan in 1977, so you can imagine how limited the level of knowledge was. The past 20 years has seen a big increase in higher dan grades, so automatically the level of knowledge has increased a lot as well. When I started Kendo, we had to learn Kendo techniques from a book, because we had so few contacts with Japanese Sensei. • Kendo: until the mid 1980s Kendo was much tougher, later it became much more athletic and fast. • When I came back from Japan in 1982, I simply copied the Japanese training that I was used to, and six months later all my students were gone……………… Changes in Budo Practice (2)

• Iaido: In the seventies there was not so much emphasis on correct form, even though Seitei Iai already existed. Nowadays it is much more important to execute the Kata exactly by the book, otherwise you won’t be successful in tournaments or exams. • When I took my Shodan Iaido in Japan in 1977, I was still very much a rarity in Japan. Even most of the foreign participants in the Kendo/Iaido seminar that I joined, did not do the Iaido exam. • The Japanese Sensei were so pleased that a strange young (I just turned 18) foreigner was trying their traditional Budo, that I passed my Shodan after two weeks of daily training at the Seminar. Most likely, I would not even pass 3rd Kyu according to present standards. Changes in Budo Practice (3)

• My first encounter with Jodo was when I was a student at Kanazawa University in 1981. Although Edo Sensei was a top Kendo player, he chose to learn Jodo as well, because he thought it would be beneficial to his Kendo. • Although Seitei Jodo already existed, most Jodo people were only doing Koryu Jodo, so Edo Sensei had to buy me a Seitei Jodo book (Hiroi Sensei’s book!) to teach me the Seitei Kata. Of course he could do all the Kata, he just wasn’t aware which Kata were in ZNKR Jodo! • I could never imagine that Jolanda and me would be training in Hiroi Sensei’s Dojo for a few weeks, just a few years later. Kan Kyu Kyo Jaku 緩急強弱

Concept of kan-kyu-kyo-jaku, how to apply it in jodo/iaido Emanuele Covino Seishinkan Bari Italy kata, and the relation with merihari. Kan Kyu Kyo Jaku 緩急強弱

• Kan=Slow • Kyu=Fast • Kyo=Strong • Jaku=Soft • Merihari means to find a balance between these four elements. It’s not specifically a Budo term, if you search it (i.e. yahoo.co.jp), you will find this relating to daily life as well. • One way to train this in your Iaido and or Jodo Kata is to train a Kata very slow and soft a few times, then very fast and strong a few times. Then do the Kata in what you think is normal speed. Haja Ken Sho 破邪顕正

it is said that the Japanese sword is the symbol of "haja-ken- shou" (translation: smashing the incorrect opinion and announcing the correct one.). What does that actually mean? In light of samurai times and now for 'modern' Elaine van Ommen Kloeke Yushinkan The Netherlands budoka? Haja Ken Sho 破邪顕正

• This is not specifically a Budo related terminology, it is a Buddhist term. • It means to deny false (evil) thoughts and promote correct thoughts. • It often happens that Budo schools adopt Buddhist terminology in order to promote a certain way of thinking or principle for that school. • Many (older) Budo Sensei have adopted this term because it refers to correct your way of thinking or behaviour by practicing Budo. • This term is not limited to Sword schools, also Kyudo schools are known to use it. Female Samurai 女侍

Only a few mentions are found about female samurai (bugeisha or Onna-musha). For example Tomoe Gozen, Hangaku Gozen and Nakano Takeko. The first two even being generals. How did the role of women change over time within the samurai class up till modern times? (I realize this is a difficult one! Any info is welcome... or a Elaine van Ommen Kloeke Yushinkan The Netherlands book!) Female Samurai 女侍 (1)

• I had to do some reasearch for this question! • Tomoe Gozen appeared in the famous “Heike Monogatari”, maybe the oldest romantic novel in the world? • However, in official records there is no mentioning of this person, which should have been written down if she was really a high ranking person. • There are many graves all over Japan that claim to be here grave. • This leads scholars to believe that she was a fictional person, not a real live female samurai. • I did not research the other ladies, but Tomoe Gozen is the most famous and popular female samurai. Female Samurai 女侍 (2)

• For this question I did not rely on the Internet, since I cannot judge what is correct or not. However, I found a book in my personal library about Female Kendo, and it has several chapters on the history of women in Bujutsu/Budo. • Women in the early Edo period. • They did indeed defend their own homes, mostly by using the Naginata, in which they were trained. • Women in Middle and Late Edo period. • Many writings describe how women lost all interest in practicing Naginata, and exercise in general. Female Samurai 女侍 (3)

• Women were required to live according to “Sanju no Oshie”: 三従の教え 1. When you live in your father’s house, obey your father. 2. When you are married, obey your husband. 3. When you get old, obey your children . • Even in official documents, it was clear that women with their own opinion were not appreciated! • Because Japan was very much a Feodal Society, even until WWII, the position of women was not very free. They were supposed to take care of the children, and were not supposed to leave the house much. • Because many aspects of daily life in this period was already written down in official documents, it is easy to study how women lived in Edo period Japan. Female Samurai 女侍 (4)

• One could argue that the fact that women can practice sports and Budo freely is thanks to the new Japanese Constitution, which was introduced by the Americans after the WWII. • Up to that moment, women could not participate in government, were not equal to their male partner in marriage, and were not equal to men in general. • On the 6th November 1945, Budo became prohibited by the Allied Powers. In 1952 first Shinai Kyogi was allowed, and finally in 1953 Kendo was allowed again. • Iaido was allowed again in 1954, but first it was organized under the Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei, which still exists. In 1956 most Iaido teachers decided to join the ZNKR. Female Samurai 女侍 (5)

• In the 1950s when Kendo was allowed again, it didn’t take long before women joined the Kendo trainings. However, according to interviews that I read with women who started Kendo in those early days, there was not much attention payed to the female Kenshi. There were very few tournaments for women, and the number of female Kenshi was extremely low. • I could not find data on Female Iaido of the 1950s, but I’m sure Kinomoto Sensei has told about female Iaido history? • The rule for female to follow “Sanju no Oshie”, was still very strong in Japan when I went there for the first time in 1977. I saw it with my own eyes when I visited an old Kendo Sensei’s house in Tokyo, and the way he ordered hiw wife to put the TV on channel 1 and bring him the newspaper are forever engrained in my brain. • Female Budoka are now much more common in Japan, but the fact that there are no 8 dan Kendo females, clearly shows that it’s not 100% equally devided yet! Clearly the Kendo people can learn something from Iaido and Jodo. 感謝 Today’s topics April 16

1. Why are there no female Kendo 8 Dan? 2. Origin of the Shogo titles. 3. Seme and Tame. 4. Our Budo lineage. 5. How Kata are passed on. 6. Invitations! 7. Books. 8. Hanami. 9. History of Jodo Kihon. 10. Budo and Zen. No female Kendo 8 dan?

• Boys who are high level Kendo fighters in High School or Uni, often are recruited for a famous police Kendo Dojo, such as Tokyo Metropolitan, Kanagawa, Osaka etc. • If they make it to the elite group (Tokuren), they will practice 6 hours a day, for many years, at a level that we can hardly imagine. • Many of these top players will achieve 8 dan Kendo when they’re 46 – 48. • From a young age on, Ladies only practice with ladies, hardly ever mixed. Tournaments are completely separated from the men. • The pass rate for Kendo 8 dan is less than 1%, and you have to be extremely fit and quick to pass. Physically this is so far an impossible barrier for female Kenshi. Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

Dear Louis sensei, Please tell us the origin of the shogo titles (renshi, kyoshi, hanshi) , the meaning of them in the "old times" and Norbert Bota Kiryoku Budapest Hungary nowadays. Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

• In the Edo period (1603-1868), there were many schools for martial arts, and they used a kind of Diploma system. The most common ones were Mokuroku and Menkyo. These still exist in classical Jodo, Ishido Sensei received his Menkyo from Hiroi Sensei. • At the end of the 19th century, Japan started to modernize, and also the way martial arts were trained became different. • In the early 20th century, Judo started to organize Dan Grades, and soon Kendo and other arts followed. 1937 list of Renshi Kyoshi Hanshi of Butokukai. Yellow Jojutsu, Red Iaijutsu Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

• In 1902 the Dainippon Butokukai (predecessor of ZNKR) established the Hanshi, Kyoshi and Seirensho. • Fun fact: in 1931 Shimizu Sensei received his Seirensho for Hojojutsu (policeman’s rope). • In 1934 Seirensho was replaced by Renshi. • IN 1953 the ZNKR established their Dan and Shogo (title) system. • Renshi: A person with good insight who understands the principles of the sword. • Kyoshi: A person with excellent insight, who is skilled in the principles of the sword. • Hanshi: A person with great character, perfect insight and full mastery of the principles of the sword. Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

Kendo Hanshi Nakayama Hakudo Kendo Hanshi Takano Sasaburo Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

Otofuji Brothers Shimizu Takaji Nakayama Hakudo Jojutsu Renshi Jojutsu Kyoshi Jojutsu Hanshi Nakayama Hakudo Iaijutsu Hanshi Seme and Tame 攻めと溜め

What are “seme” and “tame”? What role do they play in the outcome of an exam and or a match? Does the form of these concepts change with experience as your kendo evolves? For instance is seme for a beginner different than for a 5th dan?And how can you train/develop these concepts? Fleur Museido Netherlands Seme and Tame 攻めと溜め

• There are three types of Seme: • Kill the Sword 剣を殺す(ken wo korosu) • Push down, Hit, Sweep, Turn etc. • Kill the technique 技を殺す (waza wo korosu) • Prevent opponent to launch an attack, or invite an attack and counter • Kill the spirit 気を殺す (ki wo korosu) • Put so much pressure on the opponent that attacking becomes impossible • Main point is that in a Kendo fight your frame of mind should be offensive, not defensive or waiting. Seme and Tame 攻めと溜め

• Tame means a small amount of patience, between your first Seme, and the moment the opponent reacts. • I could not find this word in any Kendo book written by Edo Sensei or Mitsuhashi Sensei. • If you always observe a strong Seme before you make a hit, you will be more successful. • If you attack impatiently, without proper preparation (Seme) an experienced opponent can easily beat you. • Especially for high dan Kendo exams it is important to find a good balance between patience and not falling in the trap of “waiting kendo”. • If you are below 7 dan in Kendo, please do not bother to study this term too much, you won’t need it till your 7 dan exam☺. • FYI, I never talked about this term with Edo Sensei or Iijima Sensei in 40 years………….. Our Budo Lineage

Hello! Because of regarding Koryu there is always said about tradition and succession, I would like to ask about the connection between the Ishido-sensei's line and Nakayama Hakudo (as founder of Muso Shinden Ryu). I was asked about it several times, but I don't know the answer and Leonid Karavaev Kaiseikan Bulgaria situation with it. Many thanks in advance! Our Budo Lineage: Kendo 剣道の系統

• I have decided to answer this question for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo. • For Kendo the word for lineage in Japanese is “Keito”. • In the case of Kendo, the old Ryuha were basically abolished at the end of the 19th Century, when the Kenjutsu school of Keishicho (Metropolitan Police) was taking over. • However, I can trace my lineage back straight to Takano Sensei, one of the founders of Kendo. • Takano → Mitsuhashi → Edo → Louis Our Budo Lineage: Jodo 杖道の系統

• In the case of modern Jodo, we also talk about “Keito”, for lineage, however for the passing down of the traditional “Menkyo”, it is called Keifu 系譜, genealogy. • My first Jodo teacher (1981) was Edo Sensei, who was a student of Hamaji Sensei (Menkyo Kaiden), a Deshi from Shimizu Sensei. Shimizu Sensei was the teacher who decided to introduce Jodo to the ZNKR. • In 1983 Jock invited Hiroi Sensei and Ishido Sensei to the UK, and we have followed them ever since. • Hiroi Sensei (Menkyo Kaiden) was one of the most Senior Deshi of Shimizu Sensei. • Ishido Sensei has received his Jodo Menkyo Kaiden from Hiroi Sensei. Our Budo Lineage: Muso Shinden Ryu 夢想神伝流の系統

• We can distinguish two lines with Ishido Sensei: Muso Shinden Ryu and Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu. • Nakayama Hakudo Sensei (1872-1958) learned the two main styles of Iaido, Eishin Ryu Tanimura Ha from Morimoto Sensei and the Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu (Shimomura Ha) from Hosokawa Sensei. • Because the Menkyo of the Jushin Ryu was only going from One Sensei to One Student, he decided to modernize it into Muso Shinden Ryu so he could teach it to many people. • One of the persons he taught, was Suzuki Sensei, who was the teacher of Ishido Sadataro when he was a young child in Hyogo Prefecture. • The name Muso Shinden Ryu was only fixed by Nakayama Sensei’s senior Deshi in the 1960s, before that it used to be called various names such as Omori Ryu, Hasegawa Eishin Ryu, Muso Shinden Ryu, Tanimura Ha, Shimomura Ha etc. Our Budo Lineage: Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu 夢想神傳重信の系譜

• Ishido Sadataro and Shizufumi are also officially part of the Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu. Nakayama Sensei (18th Generation) taught this to Kimura Sensei (19th Generation), and up to this moment the lineage was a one on one relation. • The passing on via a signed document is called Keifu, genealogy. • Kimura Sensei was the first one to teach it to 5 people, one of them was Kubo Sensei (20th Generation). • Kubo Sensei has appointed 3 Deshi (21st Generation), Toyoda, Ishido father and son. • During the 40th aniversary seminar in Eindhoven, Ishido Sensei’s Deshi Morishima 8 dan gave a wonderful demonstration of Jushin Ryu. How Kata are passed on

When we see different koryu lineages of the same school (in our case - Muso Shinden Ryu), we see different "main" variants of a kata (hon-waza). I would like to ask, do I understand correctly that the head of the line set the hon- waza based on his personal preference, from the idea that this particular version of waza will help his students to Leonid Karavaev Kaiseikan Bulgaria understand it better? Thanks! How Kata are passed on (1)

• First of all, we have to acknowledge the big difference in pre-war Budo teaching and modern teaching. • Before the war, teachers would use very little verbal explanation. • In Kendo the teacher would keep beating you up, until you were strong enough to be able to hit him. • In Jodo and Iaido, the teacher would show you Kata, but with little verbal explanation. They would simply look disappointed, if you still did the Kata in the wrong way. • If you join a Iaido or Jodo seminar Japan now, you’ll notice that most of the Seminar time is spend on the verbal explanations of the Hanshi…….. How Kata are passed on (2)

• Secondly, kata will change over time, no matter how strict a teacher is in protecting the tradition. • A simple sample is the way people used to swing up the sword in the 1920s and 1930s, versus the horizontal furikaburi of present ZNKR Iaido. • Just look at old enbu of Nakayama Sensei’s Iaido or Shimizu Sensei’ Jodo and you’ll see a big difference, even if you can’t recognize the Kata. • Therefore, it is an illusion to think that the Koryu that we practice today is similar to that actual Kata of the Edo period. How Kata are passed on (3)

• To illustrate the complexity of the Budo traditions, please take a look at the Jodo genealogy. • We usually think there are only Tokyo Style and Fukuoka Style, but it’s not that simple! • Blue Arrow: Shimizu Tokyo Style • Red Arrow: Otofuji Fukuoka Style • Yellow Arrow: Nakayama Hakudo, direct student from Uchida Sensei, the founder of Tanjo! • Orange Arrow: Hiroi Sensei, who was in Europe many times to teach us. • Please check if you can even recognize the Kata: https://youtu.be/uKFVQDmPx9g Invitations!

As for navigating social obligations and communication in budo, I am wondering if Vitalis-sensei might have some advice regarding invitations and visits. When speaking with Japanese sensei, or Japanese budoka, how does one discern a genuine "please come and visit" (as in, they do mean you not only are welcome but SHOULD come visit, it is as near an order as it can get) from a politeness phrase (which might be more of a "we liked having you here"-comment)? The same goes for accidentally or genuinely inviting to one's own country/dojo/etc, how to communicate that sensei or budoka are welcome if they wish, but that the question is not meant as being the cause of an obligation ("please come visit this and that date" and they feel socially obliged to do so)?

I am sorry if my question is not the right one but I am not offended if it is not chosen! It is merely something I have Amanda Gydemo Östbom Kensei Kensan Kai Sweden been thinking about since many years. Invitations!

• Of course it can happen (not too often though) that a Japanese Sensei invites you to come over for a visit, but I would never go there without a proper introduction. • Especially if Japanese Sensei get very friendly at the dinner table (+ wine of course) and say “Sure why don’t you come to xxx City next time?”, please never take it too literally. • If you want to visit or invite a Sensei, please always make sure to do it via an intermediate, who is very close to that Sensei. In order to prevent embarasment, never do it directly, unless you are a well known 7 dan of course ☺. Ishido Sensei will only accept foreign people in his Dojo if they are introduced via one of his direct students. • Even though you have seen xxx Sensei ten times at a Seminar in Europe, it doesn’t mean you’re close enough to him or her to invite or visit. • We invited Edo Sensei to our wedding, but at that point I already knew him for more than 10 years. Books

Books you suggest to read about budo? Not only technical, Emanuele Covino Seishinkan Bari Italy but also about history of philosophy of budo. Books

• If you really want to learn all the details about Budo, please study Japanese. • This is just a small part of my 141 Budo Books collection, which I used for this presentation so far. (I actually counted them ☺) Books

• Just Kidding! • I don’t have many Budo books in English, but what I can recommend are the books of Don Draeger. • Finally the book of Suzuki about Zen and Japanese Culture is interesting as well. There are chapters on Zen and Samurai and Zen and Swordmanship. Hanami 刃並み

Dear Sensei, the term OMOTE HANAMI and URA HANAMI is regarding to the movement of a horizontal cut or is it a part of the sword or both? (Omote means when the kurigata is visible if the sword is on katanakake, or when wearing in obi Sylvia Hakushinkai Steinbach Germany the kurigata is outside.) Thank you very much! Hanami 刃並み(1)

• For this question I had to ask Ishido Sensei, because when I took my 7 dan in 1998, this word was not used at all. It is a fashionable word these days, but not really a widely known traditional terminology. • Basically Hanami (like Hasuji), is the angle of the sword when you cut. • When you make a straight cut vertically, it is explained in Japanese as “Hasuji wo Tateru”, meaning “keep a straight sword angle”. • However, when you make a horizontal cut, i.e. like Nukitsuke in Mae, the sharp edge is very lightly tilted downward, and this is usually referred to as “Hanami”. Hanami 刃並み(2)

• When the sword is in the Obi, the side of the sword which is facing outwards is “Omote”, the side close to the body is “Ura”. • When you do Nukitsuke, the Omote side is the side facing the floor. In this case, Hanami is also referred to as Omotehanami, but in most cases it is just called Hanami. • Even when you change the direction of the cut (i.e. from right to left), the Omote side remains the Omote side. History of Jodo Kihon杖道基本

my question is about the origin of the jodo kihon. The first eleven of them are basic for the execution of ZKR kata, whereas the twelfth kihon, taihazushi uchi, finds no place in ZKR jodo, but appears for the first time in ichi rei, the tenth kata of omote kata. Has Vitalis Sensei any opinion about the reason why Shimizu Sensei included this last kihon, fit for koryu kata, after the former eleven, fit for the twelve ZKR jodo kata he giovanni fiorucci sishinkan bari italy conceived? History of Jodo Kihon (1)

• The traditional thinking about Jodo basics is the same as in old times. • The way to win a fight is in your heart “kokoro” (心). Your mind setting has to be “Munen Muso” (無念無想). • In English: to reach a stage where one is free of all thoughts and desires. It’s a classical Buddhist term. • An old Jodo saying: don’t hit with the hands, don’t hit with the body, hit with the heart (kokoro). • In order to achieve this, it’s important to train Ki Jo Tai Itchi: unity of spirit, Jo and body, by training many hours and repeating the movements over and over. My two German Jodo Deshi Karl and Bernhard, both Kyoshi 7 dan. History of Jodo Kihon(2)

• When Shimizu Sensei started to teach Jodo to Kendo teachers, shortly after he had moved to Tokyo in 1931, he started with the Kata immediately. • The students asked him to find an easier way of teaching, so he picked 12 basic movements and created the Kihon. • Of course in this period, Seitei Jodo did not exist yet, so there was no issue. • Recently, Seitei Jodo is very popular for Gradings and Tournaments, and Koryu is only practiced inside each individual Dojo. Budo and Zen 武道と禅

In the Japanese culture there are many preserved documents, teachings, stories and even myths about the influences and relationships of traditional swordsmanship and zen. It would be valuable in our recent days of inner pursuits, Vitalis sensei to shed some light on the current day representation of this traditional preserved relationship. Hristo Yordanov Shinbukan Dojo Bulgaria Bulgaria Thank you advance, Vitalis sensei Budo and Zen 武道と禅

• The first time Iijima Sensei visited us in Amsterdam in 1980, one of the Dutch Kendoka asked him “Sensei, how can we achieve Zen enlightenment from Kendo?”. • I had never seen the eyes of a Japanese grow so big! • His answer was very honest: in modern Budo there is no clear relation between Zen and Budo anymore. • In Edo Sensei’s book “Practical Kendo”, there is the following question: “how to attain the state of Munen Muso”. • Reply: Basically, if you want to reach that state, you’d have to go to a Zen Monastery, and practice Zen there. • However, the famous swordsman from the Meiji period (1868-1911) Yamaoka Tesshu, did do Zazen training. • However, in order to become strong in Kendo, he used to fight 1400 fights without stopping (Tachikiri Geiko). • Therefore Edo Sensei argues that Yamaoka did attain Munen Muso from hard training, not from Zazen. 感謝 Today’s topics April 30

1. Tame (second time). 2. Hanami (second time). 3. Home Training. 4. Benefits of Budo. 5. Kanagawa Prefecture Iaido. 6. Change in Martial Art. 7. Machi Dojo. 8. Reiho and Saho. 9. Standing at a seminar. Tame 溜め

• After my first explanation of Tame, I had a great discussion with Elaine (6 dan Iaido, Shinkage Ryu). • Even though I had never discussed this item with my teachers, Elaine told me that Matsuoka Sensei explained this as an important item in their training. • The basics of Matsuoka Sensei’s explanation is the same, i.e. a very small moment of checking when you launch an attack. • However, I still have serious doubts that people below 7 dan Kendo will understand this point, for the simple reason that you don’t have actual time in a real fight to actually “think” about your actions. • If your actions are not spontaneous, you’ll never win a Kendo fight, this is the real meaning of “Mushin”. • I promised Elaine that, when Pandemic is over, I will put her in a Kendo Bogu and let her hit one of my senior female Kendo students, so she can experience how it feels in a fighting situation. Hanami 刃並み

• Another topic I discussed in more detail with Elaine after the last session. • She found a more graphic explanation of this. • I remember seeing this explanation before, but I have serious doubts of the scientific correctness of this. • Just turn the “Kesagiri” angle 45 degrees so it becomes vertical. What do you think? • Until I see a super high speed camera recording of a horizontal or 45 degrees cut in Tameshigiri, proving this is the way the blade is actually cutting, I don’t believe this explanation. • If anyone can find this, please send an email to Eaine so we can use it for the next session. Home Training 自宅で稽古

Dear Sensei, how we can improve Iaido reiho and tecnics with home training for beginner as me? and which kind of Stringano Nicola Seishinkan Bari Bari, Italy exercise we can do to do it? Home Training自宅で稽古

• Unless your house is as big as a small Dojo, it will be difficult to do a realistic Iaido training at home. • For Jodo and Kendo you need an opponent, so that’s impossible during home isolation, unless the partner is your wife/husband ☺. • If you have enough space at home, and you are a beginner, I would recommend to do only the exercises that you feel comfortable with. • You can do Suburi at home as much as possible, add some push ups and sit ups, etc. • You can train your general condition by walking, running, cycling. • Most important lesson from Ishido Sensei: be patient! • Once you can go back to the Dojo, you’ll be in shape again before you know it. Benefits of Budo武道の利点

Which are, in your opinion and for your experience, the 2-3 best benefits that the prolonged practice of kendo can give to Giulio ARK - Accademia RomanaItaly Kendo an individual's life, in all its aspects? Benefits of Budo武道の利点

• When you practice any kind of sports, it has considerable benefits for your mental and physical health, this is not limited to Budo only. Below are my personal points. • Please check: nkr.nl/nkr350/phocadownload/MemoiresVitalis.pdf • Strength and Health “Genki” 元気 • Fighting Spirit “Kento” 健闘 • Concentration “Shuchu” 集中 • Stable Mind Set “Heijoshin” 平常心 • Read your opponent “Seme” 攻め • Awarenes & Respect “Zanshin” 残心 • Devotion to Training “Shugyo” 修業 • Lifelong Budo “Shogai Budo” 生涯武道 • Inheritance “Keisho” 継承 Kanagawa Iaido 神奈川県居合道部

Could you please explain about the different ryuha? How have them developed in Tokyo/Kanagawa and which branch Oliver Bischoff Germany Rokushikan Germany is Ishida sensei following? Kanagawa Iaido 神奈川県居合道部

• The Kanagawa Kendorenmei Iaido Division was established in April 1972. The predecessor was already formed in 1959. • Yamatsuta Sensei (see previous) was the first president of the Iaido Bu, Ishido Sadataro was the 4th president. • Because Yamatsuta Sensei was Muso Shinden Ryu (direct student from Nakayama Sensei), this is also the most prominent Ryu in Kanagawa. Of course most other Ryuha exist as well. • Ishido Sadataro, one of the founding members of the Kanagawa Iaido Bu, in this picture he is joking with Jolanda during one of the seminars in Europe. • Ishido Sadataro was a real old fashioned Budoka, proficient in various Iaido Ryu, Jukendo, Jodo, Kendo. • The history of Iaido in Tokyo is very similar, Sagawa Sensei (well known in Germany!) being the counterpart of Ishido Sadataro Sensei in the old days. Change in Martial Art 武道の変化

How come a martial art with a weapon is now a martial art many/most people practise without the purpose of ever using Greet Suishin Dojo Belgium the weapon as such? When did that change? Change in Martial Art 武道の変化 (1)

• Already in the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868) we can see many prints with the predecessor of Kendo, called Gekken 撃剣. • Of course in this period the old Ryu Ha still existed in their original forms. • At the end of the Edo period tournaments between Red and White teams were already organized, the predecessor Kendo can clearly be seen. • In the Meiji Period (1868-1911) the Samurai caste was abolished, and for a period of a few years Japan was more interested in Western Culture than its own culture, so a lot of the traditional knowledge was lost in this period. • Because swords were no longer a practical weapon, the traditional fighting arts were gradually becoming obsolete. • From 1877 Police Kenjutsu (Gekken) was getting more formalized, but it wasn’t called Kendo yet. Change in Martial Art 武道の変化(2)

• From 1911 Kendo was officially introduced in High Schools, and Takano Sasaburo Sensei introduced teaching methods to large groups of people. • In the Taisho period (1911-1925), Kendo tournaments were organized, with the fights in front of the Taisho emperor as highlights. • From this period on we can clearly see that Kendo had become a Budo sport, with rules, etiquette, philosophy, tournaments and organizations. • In this period it was still Iaijutsu and Jojutsu, after WWII this changed to Iaido and Jodo under the ZNKR.

Takano Sasaburo overseeing Kendo practice at predecessor of Tsukuba Univ Machi Dojo 町道場

At what stage in history was learning martial arts no longer the sole prerogative of the samurai class and, related to this, at what stage in history did professional martial arts teachers start to appear in the castle towns and start to teach ordinary citizens in "machji dojo " ? I ask this because one sees illustrations of ordinary townsfolk in the Edo era doing kendo in what looked like public dojo, and also we see illustrations of people doing tricks with katana at festivals and side shows etc (I hesitate to Jock Hopson The United Kingdom use the term Iaido though). Machi Dojo 町道場(1)

• I did some research for this question (剣道五百年史 ISBN4-88218- 058-8、A bilingual Guide to the History of Kendo ISBN978-4-7899- 0074-4）! • In the first part of the Edo period, Budo training was mainly done by doing Kata. This developed into extravagant forms! • In order to develop more realistic training, gradually Shinai and protective equipment became more popular from the middle of the 18th century, we can call this Shinai Kenjutsu. • Development of Budo was a very gradual process, but from the 1850s already City Folks and Farmers started training Shinai Kenjutsu in various Dojo, even teaching it! • These Machi Dojo were independent from the official Samurai Schools (remember Kodokan in Mito?). • In Edo (now Tokyo) there were the three great Machi Dojo: Gembukan, Rempeikan and Shigakkan. Machi Dojo 町道場(2)

• In 1853 Commodore Perry (USA) came to Japan with his modern war ships, and he demanded access to Japan. The French, British and Dutch soon followed. • In a reaction to this pressure from overseas, the Bakufu (Tokugawa Government) decided to rethink the national defences. • The Bakufu opened the first Kobusho 講武所 in 1857. The Kobusho was a Martial Arts Teaching facility, but not only meant for Samurai families. • The first Kenjutsu teacher in Edo was Odani Seiichiro, who was chosen for his high level of fencing, not because of his family background or Ryuha. • He standardized the length of the Shinai to 3.8 (117 cms), and so was a great influence on modern Kendo. • Because of these standardizations, the traditional Ryuha were abandoned, that’s why we don’t find Ryuha in modern Kendo. Odani Seiichiro Reiho and Saho 礼法と作法

Taciser Sevinc Yushinkan Nederland What is the difference between reiho and saho? Reiho and Saho 礼法と作法

• According to the dictionary: • Reiho=Courtesy • Saho=Manners, Etiquette • Almost all the Japanese books that I have, use the term Saho when they explain the various ways of etiquette, except my big Jodo book, which uses the word Reiho. • However, some websites use both (see pic). • The Ogasawara Ryu mentions Reiho, and Reigisaho, but do not clearly explain the difference. • I spent 15 minutes discussing it with Iijima Sensei, and we reached no final conclusion. • Kendo/Iaido/Jodo starts with Rei, end with Rei. Standing at a Seminar講習会での立ち方

In addition on the question how to attend an explanation from a Sensei (standing, sitting...etc) I like to ask one more detail. It is obvious one follows closely an explanation from the Sensei, however, I'm probably not the only one, I do have backspine issues that prevent me from standing still for a 'long' while. So normally I would nearly all the time shift my weight from one foot to the other. For the teacher, I guess it's not a very nice sight, and would he be offended? As it can seem that you are not patient enough to wait until his explanation is done. With a Japanese teacher that could be a problem, with a western one I could explain, in English, what the problem is. As Louis Vitalis Sensei told : don't draw a Japanese Senseis attention to you unnecesarely. Thank you for an answer and hopefully to the next session. With Harald Lantermann Tamiza Kendo Kai Belgium friendly greetings, Harald Lantermann Standing at a Seminar講習会での立ち方

• In all my years of Budo practice, I have never met a Sensei who will have problems with any physical issues of the student. • I don’t think the Japanese Sensei will expect everyone to stand like a statue, but if you feel uncomfortable, please ask someone to translate for you and explain your issue to the Sensei directly. I’m sure it will be fine! Cut with Kendo technique? 日本刀で剣道したら切れるのか？

• I found an interesting Japanese Youtuber, called 藁斬り抜刀斎 Warakiri Batto Sai. • He is 6th dan in Kendo and Iaido, but also a very accomplished Battodo practitioner. • He tried to use Kendo techniques with a Katana on a Wara, please check out the video, it speaks for itself, even if you don’t understand Japanese. • https://youtu.be/XrSlZgdj8eA 感謝 Today’s topics

1. Hanami (Third Time). 2. Future of Kendo/Iaido/Jodo in Japan. 3. Traditional Menkyo system. 4. Fundamental attitude in Budo. 5. Starting up a new Dojo. 6. Mental Training. 7. Passing on a Dojo. 8. Succes of Seitei Iai? 9. How to teach Budo? 10. Kaizen. 11. Cultural influences. Hanami (Third Time)

In the previous meeting I mentioned that I did not agree with the Hanami idea, especially for the 45 degrees diagonal cut. After the meeting I had an interesting discussion with Andy Watson (Iaido Kyoshi 7 dan) and he told me that he got a different explanation from Morita Sensei. He is also educated in techinal matters (physics), so he volunteered to make an explanation about how the angle of the blade should be used properly. Please access the following link, it’s a great Youtube presentation made by Andy. Thanks very much Andy! https://youtu.be/-5hSh2kpbDI Future of Budo in Japan日本で武道の将来

What is the sentiment in Japan about the future of Iaido and Jodo, especially if young people find it too traditional/not Matthew Sykes-Gelder Shin Ho Kan Bern Switzerland interesting? Future of Budo in Japan日本で武道の将来 (1)

• Because I don’t live in Japan anymore, I have interviewed Ishido Sensei and Iijima Sensei for this. • The key points from my discussion with Ishido Sensei: • Young people don’t look for Sensei-Deshi relation anymore, they’re fine with being a member of a Dojo. • Young people don’t look up to a Sensei in admiration anymore, this is mostly the Sensei’s fault! • Young Sensei’s in depth knowledge is getting less. Their reply to a question may be “that’s what so and so Sensei told me” but the reason behind it they can’t explain. • This is why the popularity of Budo in Japan is so much less than it was 30 years ago. Future of Budo in Japan日本で武道の将来 (2)

• This is Iijima Sensei as a Chukyo University Student: 4 hard years under Edo Sensei, who was just in his thirties and still fighting on the All Japan Kendo Championships. Edo’s nick name was “Oni”, devil. • Kendo population in Japan is quickly decreasing. Many high schools & universities are unable to assemble a team of 5, only the very famous Kendo schools are surviving. • Unlike Western sports, TV is not paying any attention to youth Kendo, so popularity is decreasing quickly. • Hard training like we used to do 30, 40 years ago is not popular anymore. There may still be Kendo at a school or Uni, but not in the form of a real Kendo Bu (school Dojo), just as a “Dokokai” (同好会）which is purely a hobby club. Traditional Menkyo System免許の伝統

Dear Louis Sensei,

could you please explain the ancient and traditional grading system in Budo (Man quo Kayden)? Stay safe!

Kindest Regards Ramtin Rezanezhad Ken Shi Kan Germany Ramtin Traditional Menkyo System免許の伝統 (1)

• In the Edo period, each Ryu Ha had its own system, but usually the highest level was called “Menkyo” or “Menkyo Kaiden”, which means license. • In the case of Kendo, the Menkyo were abolished when the different Ryu Ha were unified under Gekken in 1877. From 1911 we talk about Kendo, so Kenjutsu only survived in a few traditional schools, i.e. Katori Shinto Ryu. • In the case of Iaido, Nakayama Hakudo decided to stop the classical Menkyo system, because it was mostly transferred from one Sensei to one Student. Of course more than one student were training in the Dojo, but only one would receive the Menkyo. • However, the Iaido schools that did survive, such as Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu, have passed on Menkyo till recent times. Ishido Sensei’s Iaido Menkyo Traditional Menkyo System免許の伝統 (2)

• The Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo has the following licenses: • Okuirisho • Shomokuroku • Komokuroku • Menkyo • The Menkyo can only be received from a Sensei who has the Menkyo level. • In the case of Jodo, the Menkyo can be transferred to more than one person, after the 4 secret forms (Gokui) have been transmitted. The Jodo licenses of Kaminoda Sensei Fundamental Attitude in Kendo/Iaido/Jodo 基本的な態度

Dear Sensei! Could you please explain what the fundamental attitudes in Jodo are that the Jodoka should observe, where do they come from, and how do they reflect / are challenged in the different Koryu Series from Omote through Chudan, Stephan Otto Ken Shi Kan Berlin Germany Ran Ai and further? Fundamental attitude in Kendo/Iaido/Jodo 基本的な態度

• I don’t think there are different fundamental attitudes in Jodo practice in different Koryu Series, but I would like to reply in General. • There are three points that you have to observe: 1. Keiko 2. Keiko 3. Keiko • There is a simple Japanese saying: ichi nimo ni nimo keiko. • Kei = think about • Ko = old, the past • Therefore Keiko is not simply training or practice, it means thinking about the past and know what to do to improve. Mental Training イメージトレーニング

1. Once you spoke about the importance of "playing" mental kendo keiko or shiai, outside normal practice. Could you please explain again how that can help to one self- improvement? Is it about reviewing / re-playing of our real matches, in order to reflect on the mistakes? Or is it, on the other hand, about projecting ourselves into how we would like to be performing? 2. As a follow-up, do you think that during these times of restrictions, a special focus should or could be put into this or do you think you really need to combine it with the real physical practice? Luis Coelho de Sousa Museido / Mokuseikan Netherlands Thank you. Mental Training イメージトレーニング

• Edo Sensei used a very “Japanese” phrase to talk about this topic: Image Training, imeji toreningu. • He took this concept from modern Western sports, because it is not a traditional Japanese method. • Basically you use your mental focus to imagine actual situations in Kata, Keiko or Shiai. • The best way to make this effective is to imagine positive thoughts, i.e. that particular Men strike that you successfully hit on a very strong opponent, or the Kata that you did during a grading that you passed. • Of course it should always be combined with actual practice, but during lockdown I would advice to stay physically fit by training, and stay mentally fit by Image Training. • Motor imagery is a mental process by which an individual rehearses or simulates a given action. It is widely used in sport training as mental practice of action, neurological rehabilitation, and has also been employed as a research paradigm in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology to investigate the content and the structure of covert processes (i.e., unconscious) that precede the execution of action. Starting a new Dojo 新しい道場の開始

At the moment, according to rules in Europe, one start can start an own Dojo from Shodan. Of course in Japan this is impossible, but what minimum grade would Louis advise? Luc Steenmans Tsurukai Belgium Starting a new Dojo 新しい道場の開始

• Basically I don’t care what grade a certain person is, anybody can start a Dojo. • Whether students will come, that’s another matter ☺. • Depending on the location you’re in, a beginner could start a Dojo, together with other beginners and jointly try to improve. • Inviting a guest teacher from other locations is easy to do. • This is how we all started Budo in Europe in the 1960s and 1970s, I don’t see any reason why people should have a high Dan grade in order to start a Dojo.

Iijima Sensei in Museido Amsterdam, 2018 Dojo Inheritance 道場の世代交代

I wonder how in modern Japan is passing dojo from sensei to his successor being peformed. Does it have any "rituals"? Any rules? Thank you. Dojo Inheritance 道場の世代交代

• I have asked Ishido Sensei how it went when he took over the Dojo from Ishido Sadataro Sensei. • In the case of Ishido Dojo, it is a family hereditary system, which means that Ishido Sensei’s son can inherit the Dojo, if he choses to do so. • When Ishido Sadataro passed away, Ishido Shizufumi inherited the Dojo. • There was no ceremony, and according to Ishido Kotaro a ceremony in this case is not usual practice in Japan. Success of Seitei Iaido? 制定居合道が成功したか？

You mentioned that one of the reasons for the creation of Seitei Iai was to teach kendō people how to use a sword. How successful do you think it has been in achieving this Aurélien Nacrour Shimbukan Ishidō Dōjō Japan goal? Success of Seitei Iaido? 制定居合道が成功したか？

• After the WWII was ended in Japan, all martial arts were prohibited for a few years, but when Kendo was allowed again in 1952, it became very popular. From small children to senior age people, at its height Kendo had millions of practitioners. • Because Kendo uses a shinai, and tournaments became very popular, Kendo was developing into a sport, and hitting became the main theme. • In order to promote the knowledge about the actual use of a sword, it took the ZNKR until March 1969 to form the first seven (!) Seitei Kata. In 1980 the forms 8,9,10 were added and in 2000 the last two were added. • The basic idea was to promote “Ken I Itchi” 剣居一致, but mainly for High Grade Kendoka. • How successful was it? Depends how you look at it ☺. How to teach Budo? 武道の教え方

How to train older people As you said before that you were applying what you learned in Japan to European people, and you ended up with an empty dojo, this is also relevant when it comes to hierarchical system in a dojo. Kendo, iaido, jodo or another budo education is always based on the Japanese way of teaching/learning, which is naturally assuming that sempai is older and kohai is younger. Even in Kitamoto foreign kendo leaders’ seminar, they teach to gaijin kendoka how to teach, based on the idea that we are teaching only to children or at least to younger people. This situation is very different in the western countries, where people start a budo in any age, go on as long as their life choices allow (not family or society), therefore it is very common that younger people teach to older people, where it gets complicated to apply the concepts of obedience, taking orders and executing them without questioning. How do you think the younger teachers and older students should find balance in this relationship?

Taciser Sevinc Yushinkan Iaido & Kendo Netherlands How to teach Budo? 武道の教え方

• After my first disaster as a young teacher, which left me with an almost empty Dojo, fortunately I did learn to teach properly! (I think………☺) • My main motivation as a young teacher was to always train at least as hard as my students (many of them were older than me), so I would always stay on top of them in a Kendo fight. • I also spend a lot of time and money to train in Japan and keep my skill and knowledge up to date. • You cannot use the Sempai/Kohai concept when teaching to Europeans, you have to develop a natural authority. • My advice to young teachers: don’t let them refer to you as “Sensei” when you are below 7th Dan and make sure your skill and knowledge are always ok. Kaizen 改善

Sensei , some weeks ago on Discovery Channel I heard the Japanese term 'Kaizen' in regard of the way a Japanese Firm does business but as I understood it this term could also be applicable on Budo Training or am I mistaken ?? Luc Steenmans Tsurukai Belgium Kaizen 改善

• For 30 years I have worked for a large Japanese Company (Nippon Express), so I am very familiar with the concept of Kaizen. • The literal meaning is “improvement”, but you can find many books in Japan on how this topic can be treated in companies to improve internal processes. • The fact that we try to improve ourselves through Budo practice, is automatically a form of Kaizen. • However, there is no concept in Budo called Kaizen, as far as know. Shinken 真剣

Dear Sensei, could you please talk about how the distinction between Shinken and Iaito developed and how it relates to Iaido? What rules or customs are observed in Japan on this and how did the custom appear that a Shinken is a must in Gradings from a certain level on? Would you mind sharing your own experience with Shinken? Thank you! Stephan Otto Ken Shi Kan Berlin Germany Shinken 真剣

• Please don’t laugh at my Iaido in the 70s! I was one of the first Iaido Shodan in 1977 in Europe. • In those days it was possible to buy an Iaito, but the quality compared to present day Iaito was very poor. • With help of Ishido Sensei I bought my first Shinken in the early eighties. I still have the small scar on my left hand little finger ☺. • In Japan from 6th Dan ZNKR gradings the use of Shinken is compulsory this has always been the case. • Up to 5th Dan each Prefecture is responsible for the gradings, so rules may differ per area. Influence of Culture 国の文化の影響

Dear Louis Vitalis Sensei, thank you for answering the questions and helping us to understand more in budo and in our life. Apologize for my questions again. Sumimasen kudasai. Influence of traditions, norms, culture (also languages) and climate of country and society on developing of Japanese budo inside country. Any relevant dependence on how it helped or not. For example, in the Netherlands people get used to ride bikes (such culture you have), that means they got strong feets and perfect respiratory system of the body, and that should help in practicing martial arts, I suppose. Same questions do success in martial arts dependent (influence by) of practicing other arts (musician, painting, sport arts and so on). Any examples when practicing other arts helps and especially when it doesn't. What the difference between kendo and kumdo? Jodo and aikijo? And how they could coexist together inside people who practicing both martial arts (for example jo and aikijo)? Thank you very much Sensei. Dank u well. Once again apologizing for questions. Alexey Alchin KaiSeiKan Bulgaria Influence of Culture 国の文化の影響

• Basically I don’t think a country’s climate or culture will influence Budo practice. Even in countries such as India and Indonesia, which are very far from Japan in terms of Climate and Culture, we can find Kendo, Aikido, Judo, Karate etc etc. • To be successful in Budo it will help to start at a young age. Doing other sports or arts will not influence your Budo career. The more hours you can spend doing Budo, the better you will become. • Kendo and Kumdo are almost the same but have some striking differences. My good friend Professor Yoshiko Oda of Kanazawa University, wrote a whole book about it! (Please study Japanese and read it? ☺). • Jodo and Aikijo are completely different and not related, although some Aikidoka also practice Jodo, just as some Kendoka practice Jodo. 感謝 Today’s topics

1. Kihaku. 2. The use of “Sensei”. 3. Favorite stories. 4. Motivation to train. 5. Avoid pitfalls. 6. Nihon Kendo Kata. 7. Jodo Kata left/right. 8. Refereeing. 9. Tenouchi. 10. Koryu kusai. Kihaku 気迫

Dear Sensei! In gradings for yondan and higher, there are four grading points that become increasingly important: calmness, metsuke, kihaku, and ki ken tai ichi. Of course, all of them are difficult to understand but for me, kihaku is the greatest mystery from all. Can you please explain the concept of kihaku. How do I recognize kihaku in the performance of another iaidoka? How can I improve my own Dirk Hagemann Gei Shin Kan, Mannheim Germany kihaku? Thanks and best regards, Dirk Kihaku 気迫

• If you translate Kihaku in Google Translate you will get 21 different terms! • The ones that are close to my understanding of this are: • Spirit • Energy • Force • Character • Temperament • Kihaku is not only important for Iaido, it is equally important for Kendo and Jodo as well, both for Shiai and Gradings. • In the case of Kendo and Jodo Kihaku can easily be measured by the Kiai. Only with real Kihaku will the Kiai make a proper and convincing sound. • In the case of Iaido it can only be judged from body posture, sharp movement and facial expression. • Personally, my way of judging Kihaku in Iaido is simple: would I be afraid of this person if I would be in front of him/her? The use of “Sensei” 先生の呼び方

Vitalis Sensei, I would like some advice. In karate we call our trainer "Silvi Sensei" or "Carlos Sensei". If I interpret the Etiquette correctly, it should mean "Molina Sensei". How do I address the sensei correctly? Part 2 of the question is: If, for example, Furuichi Sensei and Silvi Sensei are in the same room, how do I address both of Thomas Buntrock Shoushikai Doitsu Germmany them? Is Furuichi then O Sensei? The use of “Sensei” 先生の呼び方

• First of all, I would never use the word Sensei in connection with a first name. Although Japanese would call me “Louis Sensei”, that’s only because my last name is too long and difficult to pronounce for a Japanese ☺. • The word O Sensei is only used in very rare cases. I remember Isdhido Sensei’s father would be called O Sensei only after reaching a very high age and after he passed away. • Senseis like Ishido or Furuichi would never be called O Sensei in Japan, for the simple reason that they are far too young for that. • I think people in Europe want to be called Sensei at a much too young age or a much too low dan grade. • Even though Edo Sensei is well in his eighties now, no one will call him O Sensei in Japan. Favourite Stories?

Can you share any favourite stories of your time as a student Dan Silk Mugenkan UK of Ishido sensei? Favorite stories?

• The most memorable event of all is that Jock Hopson asked me to help translating at the BKA Iaido/Jodo Seminar in the UK, where I first met Ishido Sensei, 38 years ago! • A very nice event was Ishihdo Sensei and the whole group (Hiroi, Aoki etc) joined Jo and me on our Honeymoon. • Even though our Honeymoon trip was two weeks BEFORE our actual wedding, we all went by train to Germany and did a Rhine Cruise and visited Romantische Strasse. • Especially Hiroi Sensei, the usually very serious and strict Jodo teacher, was extremely funny during this trip! • One of the most famous stories was when Hiroi Sensei was getting tired of standing the whole day at the seminar, and decided to lean against the wall for a bit, to take a break. • Only to find out that it wasn’t a wall he was leaning on, it was a curtain separating a storage area from the hall. Ishido Sensei and Aoki Sensei joined our Honeymoon • Can you try “not to laugh” when a Hanshi falls on his back like in a slapstick movie, with 80 participants all watching? in Germany in 1988. Motivation to train 動機

Has your motivation to train changed throughout your budo Dan Silk Mugenkan UK career? Motivation to train 動機

• If you really want to keep practicing Budo for a lifetime, keeping your motivation is maybe the most challenging thing there is. • Although I have never stopped training unless I was recovering from a surgery, I did experience difficulties with my motivation, especially when I was around 5th Dan kendo/iaido/jodo. • Please remember my very first slide “Katei Enman”: without a stable home situation, serious training is not possible. • Motivation to train will be different according to age. • When I was young I wanted to win tournaments, then when I passed 35 I wanted to pass 7th Dan, now I’m in my sixties and I’m happy to transfer my knowledge to the younger generation. Avoid Pitfalls 落とし穴を避ける

It's often observed that budo can magnify both the best and worst in people. Do you have any advice for the next Dan Silk Mugenkan UK generation about pitfalls to avoid as they rise in seniority? Avoid Pitfalls 落とし穴を避ける

• Great question! • I cannot comment on someone’s character, but here’s from my own experience: • Stay loyal to your Sensei. • Always remain willing to learn and study. • Always observe self reflection, never assume that you have fully mastered a technique or Kata. This is especially important for us Europeans because we’re not with a great Sensei all the time who will correct us. • Always remain humble. • Always remember the time when you were a beginner yourself. • Always train according to your age, and your physical capabilities. In other words, don’t keep pretending you’re still in your twenties ☺ • Always remember these six points………☺ Louis fighting Edo Sensei early 80s Nihon Kendo Kata 日本剣道形

Kendo kata has 3 kodachi kata. In the older attempts (to my knowledge) with kendo kata there are no kodachi kata. I was wondering how they became a part of the kendo kata, where do they come from and why they are a part of the kendo Tijs Dingerdis Museido Netherlands kata. What should they teach us? Nihon Kendo Kata 日本剣道形

• The origin of Nihon Kendo Kata was the Dai Nippon Butokukai Kenjutsu Kata, formed in 1906 by a committee of the most influential Hanshi of the time. These Kata never became very popular. There were only three Kata: Chudan, Jodan, Gedan. • In 1911 Kendo and Judo became part of the Junior & High school program, so the need to form a general Kata was getting much more attention. • Japan was divided into 11 regions (Taiwan was one of them!) and from each Region a Kyoshi or Hanshi became member of the Kata formation team, in total 25 persons. • Takano Sasaburo Sensei and Nakayama Hakudo Sensei were part of this committee. • In 1912 they formed the Dai Nippon Teikoku Kendo Kata, Great Japan Imperial Kendo Kata, consisting of 7 Tachi and 3 Ko Dachi Kata. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2ZRpl9WoPQ • These forms were the basic of the Nihon Kendo Kata, established by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei in 1952. • The Kodachi Kata were added because the most influential Ryu Ha were all fighting to get their own Kata included. • Because the Kodachi is so much shorter, you need to learn additional Taisabaki and feeling of distance to beat the long sword. Nihon Kendo Kata 日本剣道形

• My lineage of Nihon Kendo Kata is as follows: • Takano Sasaburo→ Sato Ukichi → Edo Kokichi → Louis. • Edo Sensei learned the Kata directly from Sato Sensei, so that is very close to the source! • When I trained Kendo and Jodo in Kanazawa for a year in 1981/82, Edo Sensei taught me these original Kata personally, and I was the only student who was brave enough to paractice Kata directly with him. • You can find the way he taught me in the following video (Japanese only): • https://youtu.be/S5sCeRH-KLo • https://youtu.be/_QSfNScyvkQ • https://youtu.be/hWp-pl-l7KY • Even if you don’t understand the Japanese language, you can clearly see how Edo Sensei’s movements are different from modern Kendo Kata. Jodo Kata left/right

Dear Louis Vitalis Sensei, with Jodo we practice both sides in the Kihon (left and right handed). Is/was there a Dojo in history that performed the kata in Jodo both left and right hand side? In other Budo sports they practice both the left and the right hand side. Do you expect this to change as Claude Mampaey Mudan at Kendo Kai HigashiThe én Netherlands Kodokan Jodo has been changing since 1931. Jodo kata left/right

• Not sure if I understand this question correctly. • Of course it is possible to do any movement with the Jo with either the right hand or left hand in front. • The Tachi side of Jodo will never change left hand and right hand, so this automatically limits the number of possibilities. • If you look at the Jodo Koryu Kata, you will see that the Jo side is approaching the Tachi side from both left and right direction, so I don’t see this changing either. • Since the Seitei Kata have been established, only very minor changes have been made and I am not expecting to see any drastic changes during my life time. Referee Preparation 審判の準備

Although it is quite a rare occasion that I am asked to judge, I am interested in what I can do to prepare myself. I note that there are lots of references to being impartial in the referees manuals for iaido and jodo. How can one address one’s own unconscious bias when judging iaido or jodo shiai? Ed Marshall Ryoshinkan UK Referee Preparation 審判の準備

• I have refereed Kendo world championships finals, and Iaido and Jodo European championships finals so I do have some experience on this topic. • The first point I want to make: it’s never too early to start with Refereeing. Even if you’re only a 3rd Dan, please start to practice Refereeing, so that the movements as a Referee become second nature. • The more experienced you will be, the less you will feel the need for a biased opinion. A good Referee can always explain his/her decision with good arguments. • Especially in the case of Iaido and Jodo Refereeing it is easy because in most cases it involves Seitei Kata, which are strictly regulated. If you know the details of the Kata and if you have practiced as a Referee, it will be easy to make a judgement. • Kendo Refereeing is a whole other matter, the players are moving in a free fighting situation, so judging a valid strike requires a lot of Referee practice. Tenouchi 手の内

Dear sensei, Tenouchi has described as the overall control of the sword by the hands. Different senseis, use to hold the sword in different ways and place the base of their thump, on the mune of the tsuka, in a different way. Would you be so kind to give some details on this topic ? Also, what is the definition of a right cut ?

Yannis Papadopoulos Asunaro Kai Greece Thank you! Tenouchi 手の内

• Basically I don’t care what other Sensei say about Tenouchi, I follow my teachers on this subject. • For Kendo I follow Edo Sensei and Iijima Sensei and for Iaido and Jodo I follow Ishido Sensei. For this kind of detailed teaching it is better not to listen to too many teachers, it will only complicate your training. • Please see the page from Ishido Sensei’s books on Muso Shinden Ryu about Tenouchi of this Ryuha. • Top Right hand side: Nukitsuke. • Top Left hand side: Chiburi. • Middle: Kirioroshi. • Below: angle of 30 degrees gives the best power grip. • The definition of a correct cut in the case of Seitei Iaido is simple, just cut as is described in the explanation. Koryu Kusai 古流臭い

I have heard Japanese Sensei say {Koryu kusai } when watching someone's Iaido. What do Jock Hopson United Kingdom they mean by this? Koryu Kusai 古流臭い

• The term Koryu Kusai is often used in Iaido or Jodo. • Koryu = Old Style, as opposed to Seitei. • Kusai = Smell, Stench. • If someone does Seitei Iai or Jo and uses Koryu movements within the Kata, this is referred to as Koryu Kusai. • Because Seitei is fixed in great detail, it is usually easy to spot the moments when Koryu technique is used, and because many Sensei don’t appreciate that, they refer to it as “stench from old style”. 感謝 Jodo Fuzoku Budo 杖道付属武道の順番

At what point in the Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu syllabus should the associated weapons (Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu, Tanjo, Jock Hopson United Kingdom Kusarigama, Jitte etc.) be introduced ? Jodo Fuzoku Budo 杖道付属武道の順番

• The order that Ishido Sensei learned from Hiroi Sensei: • Omote → Uchida Ryu Tanjo → Chudan → Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu → Ranai, Kage → Jutte → Samidare, Gohon no Midare, Okuden → Kusarigama • After Kusarigama follows Hojojutsu, but this is only done in Police Dojo, such as Keishicho. It is not done in Ishido Dojo, although Hiroi Sensei did tie me up in 1989 ☺. • Hojojutsu is usually translated as “policeman’s rope” and is part of Shimizu Sensei’s tradition of teaching at the Tokyo Metropolitan police. Shimizu Sensei received his Renshi Hojojutsu diploma from the Dai Nippon Butokukai in 1931. • Ishido Sensei is now in the process of teaching his Senior students the details of Jodo Koryu, but he is not paying attention to the traditional order of the Kata groups anymore. Jo & Louis learning Jodo Koryu from Hiroi Sensei in Ishido Dojo 1989 Order of practice 稽古法

Dear Sensei, could you please talk about ways to balance repetition and depth on one hand and keeping the memory of katas alive on the other hand in the practice? For instance, if one has 90 minutes for training Jodo, is it better to do all the 30 + x Seitei and Koryu Katas one currently knows once or twice (keeping the memory) or is it better to do a few katas with more repetition and depth? Is there any theory used by Budoka regarding this and what is your experience? Thank Stephan Otto Germany you! Order of practice 稽古法

• The first basic principle that I learned was 体で覚える karada de oboeru = learn with your body. • In order to learn Budo, your body needs time to memorize the movements. This process is much slower than learning with the brain only. • This means that you need more time to learn new Kata, but once your body has memorized the movements, it will remain in your system for a long time. • Once your body has memorized ALL kata (this will take years of course!) you can simply repeat in the order of the Kata.

Nakakura Sensei WKC 1988 Paris Feint Attack フェーント

Dear Louis Vitalis Sensei, I have a question about the status of the feint attack in Iaido and kendo (and jodo). In western olympic fencing, the feint attack is the bread and butter of fencing and a fencer who is not able to make a convincing feint will not rise above club level fencing. The feint is explicitly taught and if they ever were to make a set of 10 kata's, feints would perhaps feature in more than half. In seitei Iaido there is (to my knowledge) no feint attack present. In Kendo at my level it seems not commonly taught. Language may be a problem though, since a feint attack maybe what 'breaks the kamae' and creates an 'opportunity for striking'. But the feint as such does not receive the same amount of attention as in fencing. The timing of the direct attack seems to take much more space in the curriculum. Could you elaborate on the status of the feint attack? Also a related thought concerning tame: can tame be compared to the check a western fencer does when feinting: there is a small moment when the attacker observes (or tries to) wether the feint is successful -and thus changes the line of attack- or not -and therefore presses the attack in the same line. The succes of this check determines wether a (feint) attack is parried and fails, is hesitant, or drives home with determination. symke haverkamp yushinkan netherlands Feint Attack フェーント

• In Kata Budo the Feint Attack is not used, but in Kendo it is very important. • Already as a beginner I learned the importance of a good feint attack in Kendo, and there are endless ways to use it. • The one important element all Feint Attacks in Kendo share is: make the Feint as convincing as possible. • Every experienced fighter in Kendo knows how to use it, so they will immediately punish a soft Feint by hitting your weak side. • As I explained in the chapter on Tame, if you use Tame to check your opponent, even for a very short moment, you’ll be easily hit by a young and quick opponent. How many Ryuha 流派の数

How many koryu ryuha (incl lines within) exist to date? and how many say 50-100-200-500 years ago. I have a feeling koryu ryuha are disappearing (lines die out) when no successors are found... so can we see koryu extinction through time (perhaps even mass extinction ;p due to Elaine Yushinkan The Netherlands particular events)? How many Ryuha 流派の数 (1)

• I consider two groups of Koryu: • 1 As part of the ZNKR • 2 As part of the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai • In the ZNKR there are: • Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo. • Iaido Ryuha: Muso Shinden, Eishin, Jushin, Tamiya, Shinkage, Hoki, Sekiguchi, Shindo Munen, Mugai, Kanshin. • 50% is Muso Shinden, 30% is Eishin, the rest is all the remaining Ryuha together. • In Kendo we don’t recognize Ruyuha anymore. • I don’t think these lines are dying out, they’re getting Haruna Sensei visited Europe many times smaller, that’s for sure. and was important in the development of Jikiden Ryu (Eishin) in Europe. How many Ryuha 流派の数 (2)

• 2 As part of the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai • Jujutsu: 17 Ryuha. • Kenjutsu: 22 Ryuha. • Iaijutsu/Battojutsu: 10 Ryuha. • Sojutsu (spear): 4 Ryuha. • Jo/Bo jutsu: 3 Ryuha. • Naginatajutsu: 5 Ryuha. • Karate/Okinawa Kobujutsu: 6 Ryuha. • Taijutsu: 2 Ryuha. • Hojutsu (artillery): 2 Ryuha. • Others: 6 Ryuha (i.e. Bow and Arrow on Horseback). • The biggest extinction was in the Meiji period, when the Samurai caste was abolished. It is said there were several hundreds of Koryu in the Edo period. Budo in the world 世界に於ける武道

In Europe we are mostly exposed to budoka from Europe and Japan, rarely from other continents. What is your experience with other continents? is budo as large as in Europe? Elaine Yushinkan The Netherlands Interpreted in a different way or very similar? Budo in the world 世界に於ける武道

• There are 59 countries joined in the FIK (Kendo/Iaido/Jodo). 12th WKC Glasgow • Asia: • Japan and Korea are by far the main countries, but in many countries in the region there is at least Kendo and Iaido. Jodo is not yet practiced in every country. Ishido Sensei is also teaching a considerable group of Chinese students • Taiwan used to be a Japanese colony, so they even had a place in the Kata Who’s committee before WWII! this guy? • North America • USA and Canada have a very long Kendo history, for the simple reason that there are so many Japanese immigrants who moved there in the early 20th century. They even have Kendo 8 dan! • Iaido and Jodo do exist but in smaller numbers compared to Europe. • South America • Brazil is the same as USA and Canada: there is a big population of Japanese descendants, so Kendo has been popular for many years. • Iaido and Jodo are very small. • Africa • Basically Africa region falls under the EKF, but the level is low and the number of participants is small compared to Europe. Muri, Mura, Muda 無理 斑 無駄

Can you please explain the importance of Muri, Mura and Ali S. Malhas JKF Jordan Muda and at what stage they ought to be introduced ? Muri, Mura, Muda 無理 斑 無駄

• Muri: 無理 • Mura: 斑 • Muda: 無駄 • Muri is “impossible”. It is not a real Budo terminology, it is used when the movement is either done too hard or is done in the wrong direction. • Mura: Thanks Taciser for checking this Kanji! It means unevenness. I have never come across this term in my Budo career, but it is probably the opposite of Heijoshin, a stable mind. • Muda: “useless”. Also not a real Budo terminology, it is used when you make an unnecessary movement. • Muri and Muda are important during your whole Budo career. On the left: Muri & Muda. On the right: perfection! Using Shinken 真剣の利用

How important is it to start using a shinken in your Iaido practice in order to raise your level? Should using an iaito when reaching a high dan (4th, 5th 6th dan) be sufficient, or is it important to switch to the instrument that Iaido was Mohammad Nasereddin Jorden Kendo Federation Jordan originally created for? Using Shinken 真剣の利用

• The country/region that you live in will determine when you must use a Shinken for your grading. • In some countries, the use of a Shinken during a Iaido Seminar is not allowed. • I started using a Shinken when I was 4 dan Iaido, and I guess that’s a proper level to start with it. • The only thing a Shinken does, is to make you more careful and aware of what you are doing. If you use a correct mindset during Iaido training, you can make a nice progress, even when you only have an Iaito. • Remember, a wrong Tsuki in Tsuka-ate hurts just as much with an Iaito ☺. How to become an accomplished Budoka どうやって達人になるのか？

NIKOS ILARIDIS IAIDO HERAKLION CRETECREΕCE What would it require to become an accomplished budoka? How to become an accomplished Budoka どうやって達人になるのか？

• What’s your definition of an accomplished Budoka? Iijima Sensei Edo Sensei • Although I am 7 dan in three disciplines, I would never consider myself an accomplished Budoka. Compared to my three Onshi, I’m just a complete amateur. • If your definition of accomplished is the number of Gold/Silver/Bronze medals, then Jolanda is by far more accomplished than me! • I consider my three Onshi accomplished, because they: • Are lucky enough to have grown up in Japan. • Have practiced at extreme high level when they were young. Ishido Sensei • Have shown 100% devotion. • Have a very strong and healthy body and very good eye-hand coordination. • Have a high level of intelligence for Budo. • Have remained very kind and polite human beings, even after winning tournaments at All Japan level. The use of Kamon 家紋の利用

Dear Sensei, This is going to be a long multiple part question about Kamon (Family crest): The use of kamon in iaido is quite common with higher grades on the montsuki. In kendo I sometimes see it as a small sticker on the Do. In jodo it is even more rare to see the use of a Kamon. I am wondering why the use of Kamon is so rare in kendo en jodo. Could you please explain a bit more about why that is. In iaido I obsevered the use of different kamon. Some people use the kamon of their teacher , others use a kamon given by their teacher and some use a kamon they picked or designed by themselves. This made me wonder about the customs and rules using a kamon. Can you explain more about the use of kamon and is there a difference between Japanese and non- Japanese? Tijs Dingerdis Museido Netherlands Thank you. The use of Kamon 家紋の利用

• In Kendo it is very usual to have your Kamon on your Do. I am not Japanese, so I’m using Iijima Sensei’s Kamon on my Do. • In Jodo the only location to put your Kamon is the Koshi-Ita of the Hakama, but that’s quite rare. • There is no rule concerning Kamon, every Japanese family has one. I don’t think young Japanese people are very interested in this topic. • I have never heard of people designing their own Kamon, at least not in Japan. • I have not done scientific research on this topic, so I may be completely wrong, but the reason why Kamon use is more popular in Iaido compared to Kendo/Jodo is: • Iaido people have more feeling for aesthetics. They like to spend money on beautiful things, like Shinken, Sageo, Montsuki, Sword-bags etc etc. • Then, showing off your beautiful stuff at the Kyoto Taikai, is the highlight of many Iaidoka’s career ☺. About Breathing 呼吸について

Can you discuss the use of breathing when doing iaido waza enbu, kendo kata, and kendo keiko? How do you interpret the Hosoko section 6 of the iai Kaisetsu-sho stating that "As a general rule, start each waza upon the third inhalation/各技に移るときは原則として三呼吸目を吸い 込んだときに動作を始める。?" Do you know of any Japanese text that cover this important topic as it pertains to all aspects of reiho and waza? Robert Stroud Idaho Kendo Club USA About Breathing 呼吸について (1)

• I my Iaido books there is very little written on Breathing. Most of them mention the Third breath for starting a Kata. • Only in the Iaido book of Yamatsuta Sensei (ISBN4-7502-0160-x c0075) there is a whole chapter on Breathing. • The key points are: • Use the same breathing technique as in Zen meditation, i.e. exhale slowly, only using the abdomen. • This method is called 丹田息 tanden soku, and Yamatsuta Sensei advises this breathing method before doing an Iaido Enbu. • This breathing will make you one with the surroundings and gives a sense of calmness. • After finishing one Kata, take three breaths before continuing with the next. This is a teaching of breathing in Iaido since old times. • Then you keep your breath until the Noto. In the case of long Kata you have to regulate your breathing by yourself. • Because there is no Kiai, like Kendo, you keep your breath in the Tanden when hitting or thrusting. About Breathing 呼吸について (2)

• In the book of my Sensei’s Sensei (Mitsuhashi) there is also a full chapter on breathing. • He distinguishes three methods: • Breathing when in Kamae. • Breathing when hitting. • Breathing when attacking or when being attacked (Seme). • When in Kamae, breath quietly and small, using the abdomen. • Opponent cannot measure your breathing. • You can attack/defend at any moment. • Your decision making will be better. • When hitting, stop your breathing after you exhale. • You can make fast hits with optimal concentration. • You can make precise hits. • When doing Seme or the opponent is doing Seme on you, quietly stop breathing. • You can make fast movements. About Breathing 呼吸について (3)

• Breathing for Kendo Kata was taught to me as follows. • When you take the starting Kamae, breath in with the abdomen and hold it. • When you shout Ya or To, make a loud enough Kiai, but don’t push out all of the air for 100%. • Stop the breath after the Kiai. • Inhale again when you move into to Chudan no Kamae. If you cannot make that, inhale when you are as far from the opponent as possible. • Breathing for Kendo Shiai and Keiko. • According to Iijima Sensei, he is basically using Mitsuhashi Sensei’s breathing method, although he never thinks about it. • However, when I see Iijima Sensei’s Keiko against younger people, I’m sure his instinct tells him exactly how the opponent is breathing. Because he has been active in Kendo Tournaments far into his 60s, he has developed such a perfect timing, that I’m convinced he feels the opponent’s breathing and uses it to his advantage. A very young Iijima Sensei scores Katate Men