Kagami Production:

Executive Advisor:

Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi Advisor: Kagami Carl E. Long, Kyoshi The Newsletter of the Jikishin-Kai International/Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai Editor:

Erik A. Johnstone Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Volume 5, Issue 1

Assistant Editor:

Adrian Smith Training for Saya no Naka No Kachi by Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi

Inside this Issue: The phrase “saya no naka no kachi”, vic- tory while the sword is still in the saya, Hanshi’s Teachings 1 should be familiar to most practitioners of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu in the From the Editor’s 3 KNBK/JKI. In fact, the meaning of “saya Desk no naka no kachi” is one of the questions KNBK/JKI Organiza- 4 in the written portion of the test for sho- tional Procedures dan in Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu. Most eve- Official KNBK/JKI 5 ryone knows what translation of “saya no Shogo & Menkyosho naka no kachi” is; it sounds so good, so Roster “philosophical”, but how many really know what the concept of “victory while Gasshuku 2010 Report 6 the sword is still in the saya” means? Moreover, how do we train for “victory The Wara: A Different 8 while the sword is still in the saya”? How View of Gasshuku do we actualize “saya no naka no kachi” in our daily lives? Autobiography in Five 8 Short Chapters As indicated above, the translation of “saya no naka no kachi” is “victory while A Glimpse of Hei- 9 joshin? the sword is still in the saya”, meaning attaining victory without drawing and cut- An obvious example of this approach to Dojo Spotlight: New- 11 ting; defeating an enemy without killing; victory is found in the life of Miyamoto port victory without violence or confrontation. Musashi, probably the most famous A noble sounding view of budo ethics, it swordsman in the history of Japan. He Pay Attention! 13 nonetheless does not say much about how used a phrase “iwao no mi”, implying that one actually accomplishes such a lofty one’s body should be like a big boulder, goal, or how one applies this concept to referring to a large boulder seemingly pre- Only This Moment 14 the affairs of everyday interactions with cariously perched on the edge of cliff di- other individuals or groups. rectly above a mountain path on which he News and Announce- 15 and his disciple Jotaro were walking. Al- ments There are essentially two ways to obtain though in truth firmly embedded in the victory. The first and most obvious way is mountain and absolutely immovable, Upcoming Events and 16 train diligently to become highly skilled Jotaro was nonetheless fearful that the Seminars and to develop a strong body and very boulder would come crashing down and strong technique. With the development crush them. Musashi used this to illustrate of powerful, skillful technique comes a lesson to Jotaro: the key to victory for a strong confidence and presence; presence warrior is to be like the boulder on the that is palpable to others. cliff, immovable and containing great hid- den power, causing fear in anyone coming

continued on page 2 Page 2 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 2

Training for Saya no Naka No Kachi (continued from page 1) near. Musashi believed that the development of such Musashi, however, the snake recoils in fear and slith- strong technique and spirit that no one would dare ers into the brush. While Musashi had not moved, his attack him was the highest expression of training. fierce spirit was palpable to the snake, causing it to flee to the safety of the brush. Musashi, however, rec- This is certainly one way in which one may train to ognizing the difference in spirit between himself and develop the skill and spirit to dissuade others from Takuan, was both shamed and awakened by this ex- confrontation. However, “iwao no mi”, when not perience. He had trained for so long to cultivate such tempered by compassion, can lead to an overly ag- strong technique and spirit that no one would ever gressive mindset; the foundation of a worldview that dare attack him. He could defeat an opponent with- is rooted in violence. It is a mindset that often causes out striking a blow. However, he realized that he was one to see enemies everywhere, identifying anyone also a man that no one could ever be close to. But in else as a threat. As the old teaching goes, “with your Takuan, Musashi observed the result of equally ardu- thoughts, you create your world”. Therefore, if you ous training, but training that manifested as quiet, see someone or think of someone as an enemy, you calm strength and great peace; a spirit of naturalness are certain to cause them to become one. And if you that had a far greater power to affect others in a posi- see enemies everywhere, your life will be filled with tive way than his own fierce spirit ever could. conflict. This story provides keys concerning the second way Conversely, if you treat everyone well, you can create that we can train to manifest the concept of “saya no conditions that allow for a very peaceful mind. How- naka no kachi.” What we should strive for in our ever, the danger here lies in the possibility of being training waza that reflects properly tempered “iwao too passive in one’s dealings with others. While a pas- no mi” can provide for fertile soil from which truly sive mindset and interaction with others may engen- authentic heijoshin, peaceful mind, can grow. We der feeling of a peaceful mind, that feeling of peace is should most certainly train for strong martial tech- often illusory. Pacifism without strength is often a nique, we must develop a feeling of “iwao no mi” in recipe for exploitation or domination. An old samurai our iai, but we must also be sure to train with the maxim states that “only a warrior can choose paci- proper heart and spirit. This is what will lead to true fism; all others are condemned to it”. strength of spirit, which will in turn manifest as an authentic peaceful mind. This is how we can attain Unfortunately, we often see budo practiced in a very real saya no naka no kachi. This is what we are train- passive manner. Iai is a common example of this. ing for. While an art predicated on the concept of dealing with a sudden attack while the sword is still in the saya, it is often reduced to a mere sword drawing practice for “spiritual” development or aesthetic ap- preciation. It is often very pretty iai, with seemingly very “friendly” nukitsuke! However, there is abso- lutely no kihaku, no martial content. The reality is that focusing on “pretty” iai develops nothing.

What we seek in our budo training is the strength and confidence of “iwao no mi” tempered by compassion and wisdom.

A legend surrounding Musashi and the Zen monk Takuan Soho once again serves as a model for this concept. In this story, a venomous snake creeps to- ward Takuan while he and Musashi are sitting zazen beside a stream. Fearing for Takuan’s safety, Musashi remains absolutely motionless as the snake moves up to Takuan, who merely faintly smiles as the serpent slithers harmlessly over his lap. Upon reaching Page 3 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 3

From The Editor’s Desk by Erik Johnstone, Shindokan Dojo

Welcome to the idea of living a long life and passing peacefully the Spring & away in old age. Instead, clearly understanding his Summer very real impermanence, he actualized that under- 2010 Issue of standing by striving to live each day expressing his Kagami. After fullest potential. The realization of the truth of the a long and transitory nature of life, of impermanence itself, unintended serves to instruct us to live each day well; to live em- hiatus, we bracing the beauty of everyday suchness and experi- have finally encing each moment with full attention. released this long overdue, The lotus is another flower that teaches us much although combined, issue. I began writing the mate- about living life well. The lotus, rooted in the dark- rial for this issue during the transition period from ness and mud at the bottom of the pond, reaches to winter into spring, which is reflected in the season- the surface and blooms in the full glory of the light, ally inspired content of this editorial. However, we unstained by the mud from which it grows. . are now past Labour Day as we finish writing and formatting this issue, the days are growing shorter In parallel to the wisdom that flowers offer us, our and the nights getting a bit cooler; the kids (some less budo, as we strive to realize, teaches us much about far happy about it than others) are back in school. the fleeting nature of life, much about living in this The leaves are changing to their fall colours. very moment. Look deeply at the flowers and look deeply at your budo. Embrace each day fully, for time We usually associate spring with rebirth and growth, swiftly passes by. Do not waste a single moment! but here in southern New England this spring brought with it the most severe flooding the region In closing, I want to apologize for the very long delay had seen in over 200 years. The flooding reached in the release of this issue of Kagami. However, I 500-year floodplain elevations and many lost homes have come to the realization that I cannot continue to and businesses; the economic ramifications of the produce this newsletter without additional participa- flooding will be felt for some time to come. tion from KNBK/JKI members. However, I do enjoy this role that I have been afforded, and unless I am However, as the floodwaters receded, we found the asked to do so, do not want to have to give it up. That region in the midst of the glorious explosion of buds being said, my current plan is to release TWO more and flowers that is spring here in New England. Per- issues by the end of 2010; a fall issue (shooting for haps feeling the essence of the re-emergence of life release in early November) and a Holiday Issue that is springtime, I thought of those flowers and the (shooting for the traditional post-Christmas/pre-New teachings that they offer us. Our lives are exactly like Year’s release). However, in order to produce two flowers; we emerge, bloom and fade away. Some- more issues that have substantial content, I will need times we fall in while still in full bloom. Like flowers, contributions from our readers. Please participate by life, and everything that is a part of it, is imperma- providing articles, nent. photos, art images, seminar informa- In Japan, the sakura (cherry blossoms), like the ones tion, etc. If you from this past spring pictured here in Carl Long, Kyo- would like your dojo shi’s dojo garden at the Sakura Budokan, are pro- featured in the Dojo foundly symbolic of the fleeting nature of life. They Spotlight, please feel are particularly poignant in that they fall at the very free to send some- height of their beauty, vividly revealing the very es- thing in to me. Your sence of impermanence. The nature of the sakura is assistance is greatly said to have mirrored the very nature of the way of appreciated. the samurai. Like the sakura, the samurai could ex- pect to fall at any moment; to fall at the height of his glory. Understanding the truth of his station in life, Sakura photo by Jeff Chopick of Sakura Budokan. Thank you to Carl Long, Kyoshi and Jeff Chopick. indeed of anyone’s life, the samurai did not attach to Page 4 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 4

New KNBK/JKI Organizational Procedures by Erik Tracy, Renshi As most everyone has heard and experienced by now, you are unsure of 2010 is a year of change for the Kokusai Nippon Budo this, please con- Kai/Jikishin-Kai International (KNBK/JKI ) . Many tact Long Kyoshi of the new organizational changes were presented who will provide and discussed at both the West Coast and East Coast clarification for Koshukai Seminars held last November in 2009. your affiliation.

The purpose and intent of these organizational Also, each dojo, changes is to provide a more consistent structure to whether an infor- our Organization that lays out clear lines of commu- mal study group nication and responsibility from the very top starting or a fully licensed with the KNBK/JKI West Coast Sogo Honbu Dojo Member Dojo, and all the way down to all of the study groups. must use the cor- rect Treasurer It is imperative that all dojo, from the smallest of Summary Form study groups on up to Kenkyukai, Member Dojo, and that lists the ap- even Shibu Dojo, follow the same rules of conduct, propriate fees and process, and communication. This ensures consis- dues based on their dojo status and affiliation within tent application of policy, instruction, and helps the KNBK/JKI . If you are unsure as to what your avoid misunderstandings or any perception of favor- Dojo status is (eg – Kenkyukai or Member Dojo) itism. please contact Long Kyoshi; he will help clarify any questions you may have about your Dojo status. As the Secretary Treasurer, it has been my responsi- bility to process all of the incoming information for Thank you for your patience and understanding in the 2010 Membership Renewals across the whole this. The KNBK/JKI strives to be a premier budo KNBK/JKI . In that role, I must ensure that all dojo organization and to clearly and accurately reflect and are following the intended process as in the past represent the teachings and philosophy of Shimabu- there has been some inconsistency and confusion as to the reporting process and overall dojo hierarchy. kuro Hanshi; your cooperation will help us all achieve this goal. For 2010 and going forward, all East Coast and Mid- Photo by David Loya and provided courtesy of Bakersfield Budo. Western dojo are under the direction of Carl Long Kyoshi at Sakura Budokan, which is formally recog- nized by Shimabukuro Hanshi and the KNBK/JKI Board of Directors as the KNBK/JKI East Coast Honbu. All East Coast and Mid-West Shibu and Member Dojo are to send any paperwork for dojo membership, individual membership, dojo rosters, Treasury Summary forms, promotion and license requests to BOTH East Coast Honbu and West Coast Sogo Honbu Dojo. However, all payments are to be sent directly to East Coast Honbu Dojo only; no pay- ments are to be sent directly to West Coast Sogo Honbu Dojo.

All East Coast Kenkyukai are to send any paperwork and payments to their Sponsor Dojo. Kenkyukai should not send any paperwork or payments directly to West Coast Sogo Honbu Dojo.

Exceptions to this would be any Dojo that has a pre- established affiliation to the KNBK/JKI through a Sponsor Dojo or other organizational affiliation. If

Page 5 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 5

KNBK/JKI Official Shogo & Menkyosho Holders: 2010 The following is an OFFICIAL and complete listing of those members of the KNBK/JKI that are actually cer- tified as Licensed Instructors. Anyone else teaching at this time is doing so as a study group leader under the supervision of one of these licensed instructors.

The following Shogo and Menkyosho were awarded by Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi at the West Coast Koshukai at West Coast Sogo Honbu Dojo in San Diego, California in November, 2009:

· Carl Long - Kyoshi - Kingston, PA · Erik Tracy - Renshi - San Diego, CA · Robin Ramirez - Renshi - Bakersfield, CA · Chuck Arnold - Doushi - San Diego, CA · Scott Chang - Doushi - San Diego, CA · Jeff Driscoll - Doushi - Pottsville, PA · Reuben Veliz - Shihan-dai - San Pedro, CA · Anthony Marquez - Shihan-dai - Glendora, CA · Bob Morris - Shihan-dai - Santee, CA · Patricia Heath - Shidoin– Pensacola, FL · Mark Shtayerman - Shidoin - San Diego, CA · Thomas Bengston - Shidoin - Sun Valley, NV · David Loya - Shidoin - Bakersfield, CA · Ron Taniguchi - Shidoin - Gardnerville, NV · Gerald Meade - Fuku Shidoin - Taylor Mill, KY · Alan Polsky - Fuku Shidoin - Santa Monica, CA · Bruce Sanders - Fuku Shidoin - Malibu, CA · Emil Soorani - Fuku Shidoin - Santa Monica, CA · Kip Freytag - Fuku Shidoin - Shingle Springs, CA · Benjamin Greve - Fuku Shidoin - Fair Oaks, CA

The following Menkyosho were awarded by Shimabukuro, Hanshi and Carl Long, Kyoshi following the East Coast Koshukai at the Eastern Honbu Dojo in Kingston, Pennsylvania in November, 2009:

· Erik Johnstone - Shihan-dai - Westerly, RI · Tsuyoshi Tanaka - Shihan-dai - Albany, NY · Karen Fetterolf - Shidoin - Kingston, PA · Michael Gunshannon - Shidoin - Kingston, PA · Forest Gillespie - Shidoin - Orlando, FL · Michael Robinson - Shidoin - Hagerstown, MD · Rick Alexander - Fuku Shidoin - Pottsville, PA · Pat Hunt - Fuku Shidoin - Hagerstown, MD · Tom Pavlick - Fuku Shidoin - Kingston, PA · Jeffrey Santman - Fuku Shidoin - Keene, NH

P ag e 6 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 6

Gasshuku 2010 Report by Robin Everett-McGuirl First of all, I would like to sincerely thank everyone again for making it possible for me to go on this trip. I did not think I was going to be able to make it out to San Diego this year, but I was surprised with a ticket at the last second. Several of the students in my study group, some of my old- est budo-friends, and some of my family and friends all pitched in for my birthday. It was foremost in my mind the whole time that I was there because of them all, and it added a lot of meaning and importance to my training while I was there.

Next, I would like to thank all of our teachers for...well...being our teachers. It is truly a pleasure and a humbling experience to learn from such talented people, and to have so many in one place was incredibly educa- tional for me.

The first day involved a fairly rapid run through all of the shoden waza, all done standing, and then on to tessen- Tracy Sensei for training with me for the entirety of the jutsu. Getting to watch so many yudansha perform shoden Tessen and Nito Ichi-ryu portions of the gasshuku. I defi- waza was spectacular, and I learned a lot about what I nitely learned a lot with his help! should be aiming for in my training by watching them. Following training, we immediately went to party! Shima- The tessen waza are fairly simple, but it was fun to run bukuro Sensei graciously hosted a barbecue at his condo- through them, and also to see the possibilities that those complex, and there was a ton of food and drinks and fun to "simple" waza imply. Someone who is trying to stab you be had. This was really great for me, because this was the with his wakizashi isn't going to just stop when you bop first time I was able to make it to Gasshuku, and as such, him once with a fan, so you would more likely string a this was the first time I was really meeting a lot of the peo- bunch of these waza together based on your encounter. ple there. The people we train with are really one of the things that keeps me motivated and working hard on my iai We then broke for lunch and had some tasty bento lunches, over the years, so it was great to see so many new people and ate outside in the beautiful San Diego afternoon. (new to me, not new to iai!). It was wonderful to meet and spend some time with some of the Left Coast people that I After lunch, we jumped into Chuden waza. We went hadn't had the opportunity to get to know. I really can't through all the Chudan waza from standing for the first emphasize enough how awesome everyone was, and I feel few, then, Shimabukuro Sensei made some changes to the like I made a bunch of friends that I'll have for a long time. order. He has decided that the Chuden Waza will be differ- ent if you are doing them standing or in tatehiza, and re- Day two was moved some of the waza he thought didn't make sense from shorter, and started a standing application, and replaced them with a few of the with Ono-ha Itto- waza from the okuden seiza waza, done standing. This way, ryu. We did kihon there are two separate sets of Chuden waza, one from drills and then the standing, and one from tatehiza, and either are acceptable. first two waza, but As someone with a permanent injury that prevents me from we did them a lot of getting into tatehiza at all, and severely limits the amount times, so we got of seiza training I can do, it was nice to be doing them from some good practice standing on purpose, and know that I was performing in. Itto-Ryu is one the waza the proper way. I'm still no good at any of it, but of the things in our that's a whole different story. curriculum that I find a little more After that, we did Nito Ichi-ryu for the rest of the day, difficult, so it was a which was a blast. I did my best to remember it all and good opportunity to write things down, so hopefully we'll be able to play with it spend a good chunk from time to time. The one thing that jumped out at me the of time on it, and most was the fact that I need to replace my big, heavy, old get some pointers. Iwama style bokken with one that is a little more reason- able. Trying to swing that log around one handed at the end A taikai featuring of the day wasn't working out so well! I would like to thank shizan was held in the afternoon. This continued on page 7 P ag e 7 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 7

Gasshuku 2010 Report (continued from page 6)

was a first for me, and I had a great time. We were divided up into teams of 3, and had to split up the cuts in rokudan giri between the three of us, 2 cuts each. I didn't have my own blade so we used the public cutter on my team, and I definitely mangled my first round cuts. I was not used to the weight, length, or balance of the shinken, and I most certainly didn't have the skill to compensate for that. The second time up, I made a better showing of myself, as I used someone different sword, but we our team still lost. Oh well! Guess I need more practice and to fix my own shinken.

That's about it for the quick recap of Gasshuku this year. In case you didn't catch it, I had a GREAT time, and hope to be back for many more in the future.

If you're interested, there are a number of photos (including the ones used in this article) taken by Jason Mi- zuno up on flikr, and you can see 'em here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/genthar/ sets/72157624552486401/

And here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/genthar/ sets/72157624684497028/.

Thank you to Jason Mizuno for the use of his photos in this article and elsewhere en this issue.

Page 8 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 8

The Wara: A Different View of Gasshuku 2010 by Rick Alexander Gasshuku 2010 again featured a taikai event on Sunday afternoon that gave 18 participants the chance to compete in a cutting competition as part of a 3 person team.

The experience levels of the participants varied widely from folks who had never cut to some with very good skills. The format involved each person performing two cuts from rokudan giri in order with Shimabu- kuro Hanshi, Long Kyoshi, and Ramirez Sensei judging.

At the end of the first round, Shimabukuro Hanshi stopped the action and asked Ramirez Sensei to talk with us. We had overlooked the re- quired rei to the wara before initiating our cuts. There was no ill intention on anyone’s part or deliberate disrespect. It was an error of omission and as Ramirez Sensei reminded us, “the wara sacrifices itself to enable you to improve your and technique. It is as worthy of your re- spect.”

And ultimately, this is the point of the article. How many times have we taken something for granted? How many times have we failed to appreci- ate our teachers who sacrifice themselves to make us better, the sempai who spends extra time with us to get us past a sticking point, the wife or husband that holds down the fort while we go off to train?

My wife reminds me constantly that I am too “mission focused”. She tells me that I miss so much because in my drive to get things done, I overlook things of beauty or of subtle importance that matter. She is correct.

I always thought of mission focus as admirable, a demonstration of dedication and commitment to the task at hand. And it that sense, it can be a powerful and positive trait. But like every virtue, it contains an element of vice. Beauty can easily be overlooked along with people, concepts, and ideas that are right in front of us if we are mindful.

So the next time you approach the lowly wara with shinken in hand and your upcoming cuts firmly etched in your mind, remember that it is worthy of your respect. It will gladly surrender itself and show you the quality of your swordsmanship. So does the rei that precedes it.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

Chapter One: I walk down a street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in I am lost… I am helpless....it isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. Chapter Two: I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don’t see it. I fall in again. I can’t believe I’m in the same place, but it isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out. Chapter Three: I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there; I still fall in. It’s a habit now. My eyes are open, I know where I am. It is my fault; I get out immediately. Chapter Four: I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. Chapter Five: I walk down another street.

From Portia Nelson’s “There’s A Hole in My Sidewalk”. Thanks to Bill Hayes, Shinshi for that one.

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A Glimpse of Heijoshin? by Robin Everett-McGuirl Heijoshin is usually translated as “constant steady mind”, and many people think of it as the ability to stare death in the face while operating at peak effi- ciency with complete clarity and total confidence. I would like to share how I feel it can apply to our modern lives in a very real and beneficial way.

It is common to think of heijoshin as having complete detachment from everything around you. That de- tachment is natural if a person considers himself dead already but I believe this misses the point. We should not be a group of nihilistic sociopaths, caring so little for ourselves that we can stare down the bar- rel of a gun or watch our homes burn down around our families without concern. This attitude lacks the most fundamental quality we are attempting to de- velop in ourselves: compassion.

The point of heijoshin as I see it is not to be so de- tached that nothing bothers you. We must still allow ourselves to feel emotions, care for our families and have enough self-worth to desire the preservation of our own lives. We have to be able to face down those situations that are difficult and emotion-filled with a clear head while operating in a reasonable way, de- spite our feelings. The situation could be as simple as looking objectively at an issue while arguing with a loved one so as to not say anything hurtful. Alterna- tively it could be something like my story. I have to thank my teachers, and their teachers, and their didn't want to say anything and scare her unnecessar- teachers, all the way back to the beginning of our ily in case this all turned out to be nothing. I looked lineage for passing down the knowledge that was able around quickly but there was nowhere to hide. Just to help me. I do not claim to be a master of heijoshin; then the van pulled up and stopped next to us. I still get mad and say stupid things or drive too fast when I'm angry. However, I feel that enough of the I could see the passenger's gun before he even got out lesson of heijoshin wore off on me that it was useful of the vehicle, so I put my hands up. He had a ban- in this situation. dana over his face. Then a second person got out of the van through the sliding door and pulled his shirt Late one night my girlfriend and I were walking to up over his face. This is when I believe my training my apartment from hers. We live in the college sec- began to help me. Initially of course I wanted to fight, tion of Providence, Rhode Island, and we were walk- but I couldn't take my eyes off the man with the gun ing on the Brown University and Rhode Island School and my girlfriend was behind me. If I started a fight of Design shuttle route. A van resembling one of the with the man with the gun, the other attacker could shuttle vans passed us, ineptly driven, but we didn't have shot her and I wouldn't have been able to do think much of it, as the shuttle drivers are notori- anything about it. I also couldn't see if there was any- ously incompetent. The van went through an inter- one else in the van besides the driver, or if the driver section and started to turn around, which was when had a gun as well. By this time, the man with the gun we started to get nervous. was patting me down, while holding his gun in a re- laxed way that sorely tempted me to grab it, but I have a bad leg, as I have mentioned in previous arti- again, there were too many things I didn't know, and cles, so I can't run. If I could have, I would have told I wasn't going to risk my girlfriend’s safety. my girlfriend that we should take off and hide, but I didn't want to send her running by herself. I also By now the man was trying to get my backpack off.

continued on page 10 Page 10 Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 10

A Glimpse of Heijoshin? (continued from page 6) a picture line up, as well as the van, the plate number and compact discs of mine that were in my bag when they took it.

The case is still ongoing, but I went to watch the gun- man’s sentencing a few weeks ago and he got fifteen years with eight to serve. The cases of the driver and the second attacker are still in the court system.

So, perhaps that was my experience with an aspect of heijoshin. In this case, it involved keeping my wits about me in a difficult and emotionally loaded situa- tion and maintaining calm in the face of danger or stress. It’s what we’re all striving for.

He was trying to speak and was gesturing with his revolver in a way that made me think he was on drugs, because I couldn't understand a thing he was saying. Interestingly, I also thought he sounded very much like a deaf employee I knew at my school. He unbuckled my bag and pulled it off of me, spinning me around. I came back around ready to defend my- self, thinking “ok, this is it, now there's no avoiding violence.” Luckily, our assailants had gotten back in the van and they were already pulling away. He stuck the gun out the window and as they rounded the cor- ner in their getaway he pulled the trigger and I heard the hammer click. The gun obviously wasn’t loaded.

Heijoshin had so far prevented me from doing any- thing stupid, allowed me to look at the situation in a calculating manner, and my girlfriend hadn’t been injured. Since they slowed down to taunt us with the gun as they were leaving, I was able to memorize their plate number and called 911, because our assail- ant had failed to take my phone when he patted me down.

In the end, staying calm helped in various ways. I had been right; the man who took my backpack was indeed deaf. The license plate number, as it turned out, belonged to a woman who lived with a deaf man who fit the description I provided, and he had a criminal record. I was able to identify the gunman in

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Dojo Spotlight: Newport Aikido by Paul White & Erik Johnstone The Dojo Spotlight for this issue of Kagami takes us dents at Newport Aikido under Apodaca Sensei and to a little corner of the United States known as Rhode Carvalho Sensei. Island and Providence Plantations, the smallest State in the Union! Although probably most known for its Iaijutsu classes are held three times a week. Ilgenfritz diminutive size (at least when not being mistaken as Sensei focuses on the Shoden Waza, Batto-ho and a part of New York...it’s a part of New England, Tachi Uchi no Kurai of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu. folks!), Rhode Island is also a first in a couple of However, the Chuden Waza and Okuden Tachi Waza other categories. The colony was established by are also periodically reviewed. Additionally, elements Roger Williams in order to protect religious freedom, of Ono-ha Itto-ryu are also practiced. thus becoming the first “protest colony”. Just over 100 years later, it the first of the original 13 colonies to declare independence from Great Britain, doing so in May of 1776.

But that is enough of the history lesson; what brings us to Rhode Island is Newport Aikido, which is lo- cated in Middletown on Aquidneck Island (the origi- nal Rhode Island) in the State of Rhode Island. New- port Aikido provides training in Muso Jikiden Eishin- ryu Iaijutsu, along with well established expert in- struction in Aikido. The dojo was established as New- port Aikikai in 1996 by Damon Apodaca Sensei, a long time practitioner and teacher of Aikido. After years of intensive Aikido training under legendary teachers such as of Masahiro Nakazono Shihan, Ka- zuo Chiba Shihan, Morihito Saito Shihan and Fumio Toyoda Shihan, Apodaca Sensei established an Ai- kido dojo in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He then relocated to Newport, Rhode Island to build a strong Aikido community in that small corner of the country. Hav- ing accomplished that mission, Apodaca Sensei now Newport Aikido lies in close proximity to other Koku- resides in his home state of New Mexico, where he sai Nippon Budo Kai/Jikishin-Kai International dojo currently teaches at Shiko Aikikai, his new dojo in in the region, including Johnstone Sensei’s dojo in Santa Fe. Upon Apodaca Sensei’s departure, Jay Car- Stonington, Connecticut and Robin McGuirl’s group valho Sensei, Apodaca Sensei’s senior-most student, (also training under Johnstone Sensei) at Main Street succeeded him as Newport Aikikai’s Dojo-cho, serv- in Providence, Rhode Island. Beyond ing as Chief Instructor of Aikido. Since that time, the these, Carl Long, Kyoshi’s dojo in Kingston, Pennsyl- dojo has been renamed Newport Aikido. vania, is a mere 4.5 hour drive. This proximity en- ables our Iaijutsu practitioners to takes advantage of Having practiced while studying Aikido under expert teaching and camaraderie that is a short drive Chiba Shihan, Apodaca Sensei established Iaido prac- away. tice at Newport Aikikai back in 1996. In an effort to practice koryu iai under solid guidance, Newport Ai- One such occasion took place in May when Newport kido became a member dojo of the Jikishin-Kai Inter- Aikido and Main Street Martial Arts held a joint national in 2005. The Iaijutsu classes at Newport Ai- tameshigiri event. Iai students demonstrated their kido are now led by Chuck Ilgenfritz Sensei, a senior cutting ability. Video was taken to help them analyze student of Erik Johnstone Sensei of Shindokan Dojo, their technique. with whom he has studied with since 2003. Ilgenfritz Sensei is assisted in this role by Paul White, Sensei, Of special note, Newport Aikido has been a regular who in addition to practicing Iai with Ilgenfritz Sen- participant in the annual Black Ship’s Festival that sei also trains under Johnstone Sensei. Both Ilgen- takes place in July in Newport. The festival com- fritz Sensei and White Sensei are also long-time, memorates Newport’s Admiral Perry’s visit to Japan skilled practitioners of Aikido, and are senior stu- in 1853 by demonstrating Japanese cultural and mar-

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Dojo Spotlight: Newport Aikido (continued from Page 11)

tial arts, including Sumi-e, Origami, Aikido, Iaijutsu and , , -do and Ninpo.

In addition to our earlier Iai practice, the group spent some time learning about sword appreciation, craftsmanship and furnishings from Rad Smith, who was the Japanese sword curator at the Boston Mu- seum. The members carved saya, tsuka, and hunted on eBay for sword furniture (e.g., tsuba, fuchi, ka- shira). The group quickly learned that tsuka maki (handle wrapping) is indeed a very difficult art.

Newport Aikido dojo maintains a sincere and friendly training atmosphere and our Iaijutsu group looks forward to training with other KNBK/JKI members or Aikido practitioners should you happen to be visit- ing the area; we’d be happy to have you join us! Until then, please visit us on the web at http:// newportaikido.com.

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Pay Attention! by Robin Everett-McGuirl Pay Attention! meaning in each and every waza, and we need to me- ticulously scrutinize our own technique to discover One thing I have been trying to focus on recently is, those hidden gems. to my mind, simultaneously one of the simplest and most complicated aspects of my training. Paying At- There are an infinite tention. It seems simple, but it actually is vastly more number of things to pay complex than it would seem. attention to in your life and in your training. The At a basic level, paying attention to your surround- more you pay attention ings is essential for a martial artist. You need to know to the larger aspects and how many bad guys there are, and what they are shapes of things, the planning on doing to you or your loved ones. You more the details will need to be paying enough attention to what's going start to make sense, and on to know what your getting yourself into, how to the more of the little get yourself out, and assess the situation for any re- pieces you put together, maining threats. If you engage with someone, you the more the bigger pic- need to pay attention to his friend that is circling ture will begin to reveal around to attack you from behind. To put it in a less itself. Pay attention to combative light: when you are training, you need to everything you say, eve- pay attention to what your training partner is doing rything you do, how you so you don't get hit in the face with a piece of oak if move, everything people they make a mistake. Likewise, you need to be paying say to you, everything the people around you do, how attention to what other people are doing around you, they all move. Pay attention to how far away you are so even if you aren't training with the person who from things and judge your distances, pay attention makes a mistake, you still don't get hit in the face to your posture and what you are projecting. with a bokken. Believe me, it isn't fun to be concen- trating on what you are doing and all of a sudden get Pay attention to everything, and you will be amazed clocked from out of nowhere. at how much more there is to see and how much you were missing. Bring that on to the mat and pay atten- This very basic concept goes very, very deep into our tion to everything there, too. Listen for your teacher's training, however. When your teacher is explaining voice and pay attention to whether they are talking to something in class, you should be paying attention to the group, to an individual, or to you. While you are what they are saying, that is obvious. On top of that, doing this, pay attention to how you are holding your you should also be paying attention to what they are sword, how you are standing, how much you are pro- not saying. There are many, many things to look for jecting, and what technique you are performing. Do in a swordsman who is better than you. If you pay all of this without letting your attention waver from close attention, you may be able to extract much your training partner, and how they are projecting, more from their example than they articulate ver- and look for openings in their technique. If we can bally. Similarly, if you are teaching a class, pay close constantly be aware of all of these things simultane- attention to your technique. It is very easy to miss ously, we are going a long way towards under- your own bad habits when you are training by your- standing concepts such as bushi no me and zan- self, but it's a lot easier to spot them when you see a shin. class full of people doing it wrong by your example!

Further still, we need to pay attention to our bodies and the feedback it is giving us. Sometimes a waza will just feel right, or feel wrong. There is a reason for that, but you need to pay very close attention to what you are doing in order to discover that reason. The more we delve into what we are doing each time we train, the deeper our understanding becomes of our art, and the more our training benefits our entire lineage. There are layers upon layers of detail and

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Only This Moment by Erik Johnstone, Shindokan Dojo

Training in traditional budo can mean many things Zooming out a bit to look at this idea from a broader for many people. As my own practice of various forms perspective, we see that being fully present in each of martial arts has matured over the years, I have moment of each activity of our lives enables us to live come to find that one of the most significant lessons with clarity and mindfulness. An exceedingly difficult that budo continues to reveal to me is that impor- condition to develop and maintain, it is an under- tance of living completely in each moment. If we look standing that must be expressed in one’s daily budo deeply, we can see that only each present moment is practice and applied to everyday life. Live each mo- “real”. The past, while containing the causes for con- ment fully, for each moment is exactly reality, an op- ditions that we experience from moment to moment, portunity to be fully experienced. no longer exists other than in memory. The future, although necessary to plan for by making the causes that will hopefully manifest or emerge as positive conditions, is only a concept. But we never really get to a “future” because it arises as the next present mo- ment; this moment. Therefore, there is only this mo- ment.

Of the various forms of budo that one could practice, koryu iaijutsu and kenjutsu stand as superlative vehi- cles for training to live completely in a single mo- ment. As arts of the samurai, they are infused with the ethics, values and understandings that the samu- rai lived everyday. Among these understandings was the realization that, due to the very nature of his station, each day in the life of a samurai, indeed each moment, could very well be the last in this life, a potentially immediate manifestation of the principle of impermanence. This understanding of the entwined reality, the “interbeing”, of life and death manifested as an un- flinching acceptance of one’s own relentlessly ap- proaching end. However, rather than a leading to a fatalistic or nihilistic world view, this acceptance was a key to a deeper understanding of life, an under- standing that was most positively expressed through a heart and mind of living completely in each day, in each moment.

There is a feeling of immediacy in iaijutsu and ken- jutsu that, perhaps unlike any other form of tradi- tional budo, is palpable each time the sword is drawn. In Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, nukitsuke, said to be the heart of Iai, exemplifies the importance of being en- gaged in the present moment. As our teachers always remind us, when swords were drawn in the ages in which our arts were developed, someone died. When swords were drawn, there could be nothing other than that single moment. One’s mind could be no- where or nothing other than drawing and cutting in one single action, in that single moment, with no at- tachment to outcome. That is a powerful lesson, one that we try to learn viscerally through our waza.

Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 15

News and Announcements

Jeff Driscoll’s Ultimate Kempo a Must Read teaches in motion. Having trained with and taught alongside Driscoll Sensei in the past, and having had Although not specifically the pleasure of assisting him as uke during seminars directed towards the clas- and demonstrations, I can personally attest to Dris- sical Japanese Sword coll Sensei’s skill, the effectiveness of his technique, Arts, we want to bring and his polished ability to convey what is often very your attention to a note- confusing subject matter. worthy book by a good friend to, and colleague Please be sure to pick up a copy of Ultimate Kempo; of, many of us in the it is a valuable source of insight into the martial arts KNBK/JKI. and is certain to be a frequently referenced addition The KNBK/JKI’s own to your library. You can find it online, at your local Jeff Driscoll, Eastern Re- bookstore, or you can get it through Driscoll Sensei gion Director, has written himself. a book entitled Ultimate Kempo: The Spirit and Technique of Kosho Ryu , which was released this Shindokan Budo Public Demonstrations past Spring by Tuttle Publishing, a well-known pub- Shindokan Dojo has conducted a number of public lisher of martial arts books. In addition to his consid- demonstrations over the spring and summer, begin- erable skill in Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu, Dris- ning with a May Day festival held in beautiful down- coll Sensei is a highly regarded and talented senior town Mystic, Connecticut; the Relay for Life Festival, teacher of Kosho-ryu Kempo. Possessing a deep un- held in Westerly, Rhode Island in June; the Taste of derstanding of the principles that govern movement Mystic Festival, held in early September in Mystic; and their application within advanced martial arts, and most recently at the Fall Festival in Stonington, Driscoll Sensei has developed a teaching style and Connecticut. technical presentation that clearly communicates the principles and concepts that he teaches. After years of The demonstration format typically includes an embu study, he has produced a unique book that will help by the children and teens who train in Shorin-ryu practitioners from a wide range of martial arts to see Karate-do Reihokan at our dojo. After reiho, the pre- those concepts within their own arts and to develop sent an excellent demonstration of traditional Ka- the requisite skills to express them in their practice. rate-do and Kobudo, which stand in marked contrast to demonstration put on by other Karate schools in The book also our area. They always do an fantastic job represent- contains hun- ing their art and dojo so well. We are very proud of dreds of full col- them. The Karate portion of the embu is followed by our photos that segments featuring Iaijutsu, Kenjutsu and Jujutsu. clearly illustrate the subject mat-

ter in each sec- tion. It also in- cludes instruc- tional DVDs that parallel the or- ganization of subject matter in the book, ena- bling the viewer to see Driscoll Sensei’s expres- sion of the con- cepts and princi- ples that he Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 16

Upcoming Events and Seminars

Carl Long, Kyoshi in Pensacola, Florida general training to Big Green Drum is once again spon- “CERTIFIED” JKI yudan- soring a seminar with Long Sensei in October; please check sha who do not have cur- the Big Green Drum website for further details. All are wel- rent active instructing come! responsibilities but wish to prepare for instructor license. All JKI shibu-cho Dates: October 22nd - 24th, 2010 and assistant staff/ Instructor: Carl Long, Kyoshi; instructors are encour- Host: Big Green Drum Japanese Martial Arts aged to attend this special Contact: Patty Heath seminar. JKI Licenses Phone: (850) 479-1907 will only be awarded by E-mail: [email protected] application to Shimabu- kuro Hanshi on an indi- Carl Long, Kyoshi in Aruba vidual basis with set fees Long Sensei will be making and with recommendation a return visit for a seminar from Long Kyoshi. hosted by Iaijutsu Aruba! From Frank Navarette’s The fee for this seminar will be $200 per person and will Facebook page: “I have the include instruction for both days, Saturday lunch and Sat- honor of organizing the sec- urday evening banquet. If you are an instructor and would ond JKI Muso Jikiden Ei- like to attend, please send an email request to JKI Honbu shin Ryu Iaijutsu seminar at [email protected]. here in Aruba, our distin- guished instructor will be Kyoshi Carl Long, 7th dan On Sunday, in addition to Iaijutsu, Testing will be con- MJER. To be held Novem- ducted for JKI members Please bring your shinken and ber 13-18 2010. Instruction mats for cutting if you intend on testing. All test fees MUST will include MJER Iaijutsu, Ono Ha Itto-ryu Kenjutsu and, be paid in advance of taking the test. Sueomonogiri. Schedule Dates: November 13th - 18th, 2010 Sat. 10:00am to 12:00pm Training Instructor: Carl Long, Kyoshi; Sat. 1:00pm to 5:00pm Training Host: Iaijutsu Aruba Sat. 7:00pm to 10:00pm Dinner & Discussion Contact: Frank Navaratte Sun. 8:00am to 10:00am Testing for Yudansha Phone: (297) 568-2327 Sun. 10:00am to 12:00pm Training E-mail: [email protected] Sun. 1:00pm to 4:00pm Training

KNBK/JKI Eastern Shidosha Koshukai Testing will be available for current paid JKI members. A The KNBK/ JKI EAST COAST Honbu will be hosting a spe- recommendation from your sensei and payment of a test cial Instructor Only Training Seminar on Saturday/Sunday, fee will be required prior to testing. November 20 & 21. This special instructor seminar is to focus on JKI organizational changes along with adjunct Dates: November 20th and 21st, 2010 training for instructors in Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu and kenjutsu Instructor: Carl Long, Kyoshi; for the purposes of what and how to teach in accordance Host: Sakura Budokan - JKI/KNBK East Coast Hombu with Shimabukuro Hanshi’s plan for 2010 -2011. Contact: Carl Long, Kyoshi Phone: (570) 288-7865 The planned JKI organizational structure includes different E-mail: [email protected] licenses to establish instructor credentials to better the JKI quality of instruction. Attendees wishing instructor certifi- To Register and Make Payment for this Seminar cation should be prepared to demonstrate Eishin-ryu waza Please Click the Link Below: as part of their evaluation on Sunday morning testing. https://www.sakurabudokan.com/news/seminar- This special seminar is for JKI shibu-cho and their assis- registration tant instructors, or any JKI certified yudansha member who is actively responsible for leading or instructing “Registered” JKI students. This seminar is also open for

Kagami - Spring/Summer 2010 Page 17

Upcoming Events and Seminars

The Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai/Jikishin-Kai International and Bakersfield Budo Present:

Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iai-Heiho: A seven seminar series with Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi

Bakersfield Budo is proud to present, Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi, Hachidan, in an unprecedented seven seminar series on Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho. The seminar series will be replacing the KNBK/JKI Winter Gasshuku held annually in Bakersfield.

The Series is designed to explore in greater detail the entire Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai/Jikishin Kai Intl. - Eishin Ryu curriculum through Yondan level, the seminars will be held on Saturdays approximately 5-8 weeks apart.

A video podcast of each session will be made available for download from a private URL. Only subscribers will be given access to all recorded and printed online mate- rial. A question and answer dialog sheet of each session will also be downloadable, any subscribers not in attendance can ask questions via email and have the re- sponses either posted in the next dialog Q&A sheet or during the next session. We are considering webcasting the sessions, pending a review of technical ability and privacy.

Gathering together with Shimabukuro Hanshi frequently will provide a more uniform technical base. In- structors and students come together a few times a year and receive varied responses to questions concern- ing kata, application and form. Unfortunately responses can vary in such degree the student is further con- fused, resulting in frustration and disappointment.

The certified Honbu, regional or dojo instructors do their best to accurately reflect Shimabukuro Hanshi’s technique and spirit, this process will not prevent any differences of technique or interpretation, but it will bring a better defined and cohesive organization.

Participation will be conducted in a subscription process: If you subscribe to attend the series: The fee will be $50 per session attended. The session fee is reduced to $25 if you are absent. Non-subscribers are eligible to attend any single session for $100. If a person decides to subscribe after the series has started they will be asked to match the subscriber monetary participation as absent for previous sessions.

July 24th 2010, 10am – 1pm

Etiquette and Principles, Reiho/Reishiki as it applies to our Budo Foundations and principles: Muso Ji- kiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho Kamae, Iaigoshi, Metsuke and Osame-gata Elements of Iai (nukitsuke- furikaburi-kirioroshi-chiburi-noto) Question and review

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Upcoming Events and Seminars (continued from page 17)

September 18th 2010, 10am – 1pm

Eishin Ryu Batto Ho: Fundamentals of kata practice Eishin Ryu Batto Ho (w/implied bunkai) Kumitachi for the Batto syllabus Questions and review

November 13th 2010, 10am – 1pm

Batto Ho (review) Omori Ryu: Fundamentals of Shoden Waza Shoden / Seiza no bu (seated) Shoden / Tachi Iai (standing/walking) Questions and review

January 15th 2011, 10am – 1pm

Shoden Waza, Tachi Iai (review) Tachiuchi No Kurai: Fundamentals of Tachiuchi No Kurai Understanding shi kata and uchi kata Tachiuchi No Kurai: Questions and review

February 26th 2011, 10am – 1pm

Shoden, Seiza no bu (review) Hasegawa Eishin Ryu:Fundamentals of Hasegawa Eishin Ryu Philosophy and differences from Shoden Waza Chuden Waza, Tate Hiza No Bu (w/implied bunkai) Chuden Waza, Tachi Iai (standing/walking) Questions and review

April 16th 2011, 10am – 1pm

Okuden Tachi Waza:Fundamentals, what makes these kata “Oku no kata” Okuden Tachi Waza Bangai no bu Questions and review

June 4th 2011, 10am – 2pm

Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho: Eishin Ryu Batto ho Omori Ryu – Shoden Waza Tachiuchi no Kurai Chuden Tatehiza no bu Okuden Tachiwaza

For registration information, please contact Robin Ramirez, Renshi

Dates: Ongoing through 2010 into 2011 Instructor: Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi Host: Bakersfield Budo Contact: Robin Ramirez, Renshi Phone: (661) 661-2100 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]