kagami FALL/HOLIDAY 2013
1 KAGAMI Kagami: Contents
FALL/HOLIDAY:2013
WELCOME: FALL/HOLIDAY 2013 4 FIRST ANNUAL SHIMABUKURO MEMORIAL BUDO FESTIVAL 5 AN EVENING OF SHITO-RYU WITH LONG HANSHI-HO 9 TESSEN JUTSU SEMINAR at MAZURU-KAI 11 FANNING EMOTIONS 12 A DEEPENING PERSPECTIVE 13 EUROPEAN GASSHUKU 14 DOJO SPOTLIGHT: MAZURU KAI 15 NEW KAGAMI BOOK 16 NEW KNBK APP AVAILABLE 16 UPCOMING EVENTS 17
Cover Photo: Jessica McGuirl (www.firstpancakestudio.com) 2 KAGAMI HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE KNBK
Here are some photos from Long Sensei of the traditional Japanese decorations at Hombu dojo for the New Year.
“We decorate for good luck and good wishes to keep the evil out and welcome in the new year with Peace, Hope and Happiness.
Kagami Biraki/Keiko Hajime will be held at Sakura Budokan on Saturday, January 11th at 10:00.
Please join us for traditional food, drinks and the first official training and demonstration of spirit for the new year!
All are welcome to join us to watch, to celebrate or just sit and enjoy the camaraderie of the day!”
3 KAGAMI EDITORIAL WELCOME: FALL/HOLIDAY 2013 by Erik Johnstone, Doshi
for in life, our efforts are nonetheless finite. However, the truth of interdependence is always at work in support “Showing front, of those efforts. Our endeavors are brought to fruition not only through our individual effort, but equally through showing back, the support of innumerable and mostly unseen factors; limitless causes and conditions that enable us to realize our the falling maple leaf” aspirations in life. Some of those supporting conditions, -Ryokan such as the love and nurturing of our parents, the guidance of our teachers, and the support of our loved ones, are relatively obvious. But as you look more deeply into life, Welcome to the Fall/Holiday 2013 issue of Kagami! I always as you try to trace the events and conditions that have look forward to the last quarter of the year, especially here culminated in the life that you know and experience in New England, where we have experienced a particularly in this very moment, you can begin to see some of the glorious display of autumn foliage this past season. When supporting elements in the infinite network of causes, I started writing this, the maples, birch and beeches were conditions and effects that are the true nature of life itself. ablaze, shimmering with dramatic shades of red, yellow, orange and gold. And with the bright, sunny days that we Certainly, special times that are set aside for dedicated had here this fall, each day had been incredibly vibrant. observance of gratitude for the grace and compassion at work in our lives is important, offering us as they do an For me, with the onset of autumn and the transition opportunity for deep reflection. But such times should also into winter and the Holiday Season, the last quarter of be seen a reminder that each day brings innumerable gifts. the year also seems to bring with it a time of deeper With such recognition, we can approach each day, each reflection and introspection; a time when “spirit” seems moment, with the very same heart of gratitude. These times to pervade the very fabric of life itself. Here in the should serve to illuminate our lives, to lead us to cultivate northern hemisphere, we have entered into the dark the wholesome qualities that enable us to actualize the half of the year; the nights are rapidly growing longer highest potential in our lives, qualities that are inherently and colder as we tilt further away from the sun, moving present in the depths of our being. Through an awareness ever closer towards the long, dark nights of winter. of the reality of innumerable unseen factors at work in support of our lives, we can actualize a heart of gratitude Here in North America, autumn also brings the celebration and compassion in each day; we can directly experience of gratitude that is the Thanksgiving holiday, which the embrace of the infinite that supports and blesses us, is observed in both Canada and the United States. In benefiting us all in ways that we can never fully realize. the United States, Thanksgiving, taking place as it does on the last Thursday in November, also marks the beginning Now, as I review this once more prior to final publishing, of the Holiday Season, a season that despite occurring in Thanksgiving has already passed by and December now the darkest time of the year, is a one of infinite light and is upon us. The scent of wood-smoke is carried on the profound joy. It is so deeply important to have special times cold air; winter is almost here. And as we move closer during which we pause to express our gratitude for the to the Winter Solstice, the darkest night of the year, we beauty of this unrepeatable life; for the vast, interwoven also move deeper into a season that is filled with the network of causes, conditions and effects that give warmth of infinite light and boundless compassion; a meaning to and support our lives. But in our hectic and season that reminds us of the possibility of something far too often “me first” society, it can be so very easy to profound…the promise of peace in this world. overlook the truth of interdependence at work in our lives. And in the midst of the mad rush that this season often We live in a society that rightly values hard work and brings, we hope that you all find yourselves embraced by determined effort in our drive to build meaningful lives the warmth of that light and compassion; embraced by the for ourselves and our loved ones; however, the deep love of those you treasure deeply and wish all of you that reality is that nothing that we accomplish or realize in very same peace...for it is right here, in this very moment. our lives takes place in a vacuum. While it is certainly true that the efforts that we make as individuals set in motion the possibility of realizing goals that we strive
4 KAGAMI FEATURE ARTICLE FIRST ANNUAL SHIMABUKURO MEMORIAL BUDO FESTIVAL
An Unforgettable Experience by Erik Johnstone, Doshi
The flight has become quite familiar by now: the long are tucked into hillsides, golf course and palm trees become trip over the prairies; nothing but immense, perfectly clearly visible as we descend right into San Diego itself. rectangular or circular agricultural fields in various shades of greens and earth tones, until finally reaching the towering I had come to San Diego to take part in the First Annual Rocky Mountains. Heading further west by southwest, Shimabukuro Memorial Budo Festival, held in honour the Rockies are followed by the mesas and canyons of the of Shimabukuro Masayuki Hidenobu, Hanshi, the 21st southwest, blazing with incredible reds and golds. Far on Generation Soshihan of Masaoka-ha Muso Jikiden Eishin- the distant northern horizon, high peaks remain visible. ryu Iaijutsu and Kaicho of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai. Eventually, even the mesas give way to the vast expanse There can only ever be one “first annual” anything, and a of the empty Sonoran Desert. Eventually, we pass above memorial event is always significant, but this event was the Colorado River that marks the boundary between the especially meaningful as the first day of the festival was Arizona and California, the agricultural fields far below to take place on September 7th, the first anniversary so oddly out of place in the midst of the arid sands of the of Shimabukuro Hanshi’s passing. The second day of desert. The emptiness of the vast desert below is interrupted the festival was devoted to a special honno embu, a occasionally by now familiar peaks in the far distance. budo demonstration as a prayer offering to the spirit Here above the desert, the descent into San Diego begins; of Shimabukuro Hanshi. There would be a number of the terrain below becoming mountainous again, the once budo luminaries, representing both koryu and karate- sparse vegetation on the mountainsides increasing in do traditions, in attendance in honour of Shimabukuro density. We pass over a final high ridgeline and suddenly, the Hanshi. This was going to be a special weekend. shimmering Pacific lies ahead. There is an explosion of both greenery and development; perfectly ordered subdivisions I was met at the airport by Carl Long Hanshi-ho and 5 KAGAMI Sensei, with me serving as uke, also demonstrated bunkai (practical applications, which should really be read as “strategically applied pain at the hands of Long Sensei followed up with a big throw during which Sensei hit me with the planet!”) from select movements, inspiring all in attendance to look more deeply at their practice.
That session was only the beginning of a great long weekend of budo. Friday morning brought with it the West Coast Koshukai, held at the JKI/KNBK Socal Dojo, with intensive instruction and corrections provided by Long Sensei in Shoden waza and Tachiuchi no Kurai. The Koshukai was followed by a special tessen jutsu seminar, taught later that evening by Long Sensei at Mazuru Kai Dojo. The seminar drew more than fifty participants, including both KNBK members as well as practitioners from other dojo in the area. Sensei taught fundamental striking techniques with the tessen, as well as applied techniques and formal kata. I had the good fortune to once again serve as uke for Sensei, enthusiastically receiving his precisely applied and painful technique while he taught fundamentals and applied waza. The two-hour seminar was enthusiastically received by all in attendance. Participants were supplied with oak tessen, hand-crafted by Bob Morris Doshi of the JKI/KNBK Socal Dojo for this event. I was also fortunate enough to receive a finely crafted mahogany tessen as a gift from Morris Sensei; it will always serve as a memento of this significant weekend and the close bonds of our KNBK budo family.
The training sessions and seminars held on Thursday and Friday were fantastic lead-ins to the First Annual Shimabukuro Memorial Budo Festival itself, which began on Saturday morning. Saturday’s training schedule began Kako Lee Doshi. Already expecting a full weekend of with Batto-ho sessions lead by Erik Tracy Renshi and Robin budo training that I had expected to begin with the West Ramirez Renshi, followed by training in Shindo Muso-ryu Coast Koshukai on Friday, followed by special tessen jutsu Jojutsu, taught by Long Sensei. The afternoon included seminar on Friday evening, I was thrilled to be invited training in Tachi Uchi no Kurai and finished with preparation by Long Sensei to a Shito-ryu Karate-do session to be time and practice for the embu that would be held on held that very evening at the Japan Karate Institute (JKI)/ Sunday. However, the most significant part of the day KNBK Socal Dojo. Fortunately I’d come prepared, having came at 12:15 pm. Long Sensei had called for a pause in brought a karate-dogi and obi with me on this trip. our training and called for all in attendance to line up and to sit down in seiza. At precisely 12:15, exactly one year to I had gotten in early enough for a nice lunch with Lee the moment of Shimabukuro Hanshi’s passing, unified in Sensei at a Korean noodle house that that Lee Sensei spirit and intention, we observed a moment of silence in suggested, which I wholeheartedly agreed to; the honour of of the life and legacy of Shimabukuro Hanshi. staggering availability and variety of Asian and Mexican food options are one of the things that I miss most about Sunday was devoted to budo demonstrations. However, the West Coast! Lee Sensei then dropped me off at the performing embu on this day was not about demonstrating now nostalgic California Suites, located right next door one’s budo skill; rather, each embu was an expression of to the dojo, where I was able to enjoy a Karl Strauss Red heart and sincerity. This was honno embu, embu performed Trolley Ale or two and spend little time by the pool before as prayer, as offerings of gratitude to Shimabukuro training later that evening. However, I apparently had Hanshi’s life and spirit. The budo embu was attended by too much time; my VERY early start on the East Coast (on Shimabukuro Hanshi’s immediate family as well as notable three hours of sleep) caught up to me and I fell asleep, budo dignitaries, including, among others, Fumio Demura completely disregarding the reality of the intensity of the Hanshi of the Shito-ryu Genbukai and Tomohiro Arashiro sun at the somewhat lower latitudes of San Diego! So, Kyoshi of Ryuei-ryu Karate-do, two of Shimabukuro despite an admittedly fading base tan, I had acquired a Hanshi’s very close friends and colleagues. The day was blazing sunburn just in time for the Shito-ryu session. filled with wonderful embu, starting with Harai no Gi performed by Long Sensei and followed by high calibre During the session, Long Sensei focused on the rigourus performances of Shito-ryu Karate-do, Ryuei-ryu Karate- practice of a number of not-so-frequently taught kata. do, Okinawan Kobudo, Suio-ryu Iai Kenpo, Toyama-ryu 6 KAGAMI Batto-do and of course, Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iai-Heiho. gift from Shimabukuro Hanshi to be shared on a significant occasion. Upon Long Sensei’s completion of the story The four days of training, practice and embu associated behind this special gift, we all raised our glasses together with the Shimabukuro Memorial Budo Festival was in honour of the life and heart of Shimabukuro Hanshi. It is certainly an unforgettable experience. However, moments such as these that live forever in our own hearts. the long weekend was equally unforgettable for the camaraderie and the fellowship with which it was Over the course of the evening, our happy group dwindled filled. Thursday and Friday evening found many of us as our budo family members departed, sometimes in groups, at Hinotez, an “official” KNBK hangout, enjoying each sometimes one by one, as the sun set somewhere over others’ company over great Japanese food and sake the Pacific. Good-byes in the KNBK can take a while. Given well into the night. A banquet was held on Saturday the significance of the weekend and the special time that evening, with a wonderful meal provided by Ichiro’s, we all shared together, such was certainly the case on this another well-established official KNBK meeting place. particular Sunday eveningin San Diego. There were many long and heartfelt hugs, followed by walking those taking However, I think the most significant time together off leave out to their vehicles, sharing a final hug and waving the training floor took place around the table on Kako Lee until the vehicles carrying dear friends disappeared from Doshi’s backyard patio on Sunday afternoon. It was here site. The evening crept on bit by bit, until, with a late night that many in attendance that weekend gathered to close out flight to catch, it was my turn to leave. This time, it was I who such a meaningful event. It was here that we shared much would be accompanied out to the car that would take me to laughter, heartfelt gratitude and many memories. It was the airport, with others standing and waving until we drove here that deep bonds of friendship and family were shared out of view. I felt a tinge of sadness knowing that I would and strengthened. And we had fun. We shared a wonderful be leaving those to whom I had grown so close to over the meal provided by Lee Doshi and relived the events of the years, leaving people that had come to feel like family. But I weekend. We laughed uproariously as we experienced David would be seeing them again very soon. And far away on the Lee Roth’s enlightening commentary while watching his other end of the continent, my family, my beloved wife and “Iaido” videos on Youtube. And, with a glass in the middle of children, were awaiting my arrival home in the coming dawn. the table for Shimabukuro Hanshi, we shared a very special bottle of 18 year-old scotch; a bottle that had been a gift from Long Sensei to Shimabukuro Hanshi, presented to him at my dojo in Stonington, Connecticut in June of 2012. This bottle found it’s way back to Long Sensei, a returning
7 KAGAMI 8 KAGAMI FEATURE ARTICLE AN EVENING OF SHITO-RYU WITH LONG HANSHI-HO by Erik Johnstone, Doshi My recent trip to San Diego to take part in the First Shito-ryu Karate-do is a very special school of Karate- Annual Shimabukuro Memorial Budo Festival was a do, a tradition in which the Founder systemized kata, four-day whirlwind, filled with rigourous budo training techniques and methods encompassing nearly the under Carl E. Long, Hanshi-Ho, budo embu and the entire spectrum of Karate, including Shuri-te, Tomari- wonderful fellowship and camaraderie of our Kokusai te, Naha-te and White Crane, as it was practiced in the Nippon Budo Kai family. Given the significance of Okinawa of his day. Over the years, it grew in popularity the event and that particular weekend, I had been to become one of the four major schools of Karate-do determined to be there. With my travel arrangements in mainland Japan, and is the dominant style in the set for arrival in San Diego on Thursday morning of Kansai region. Despite its popularity in Japan and its September 5th, I expected that my training schedule growth on the west coast of the United States, largely would begin with the West Coast Koshukai on Friday through the efforts of notable figures such as Fumio at the Japan Karate Institute/KNBK Socal Dojo, Demura Hanshi and Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi, followed by a tessenjutsu seminar at Mazuru-kai, Lee its presence is less significant elsewhere in the United Sensei’s dojo, later in the evening. The Shimabukuro States, and is entirely unknown in certain areas. Memorial Budo Festival itself was to begin on Saturday, September 7th, one year to the day from the passing of This general lack of familiarity with Shito-ryu in Shimabukuro, Masayuki Hidenobu Hanshi, with training the martial arts community is actually, although held on Saturday and Budo Embu held on Sunday. unintentionally, somewhat reflected within the KNBK itself. With the KNBK housing as it does the lineage- However, there was a surprise addition to my training holder of Masaoka-ha Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu, itinerary. Upon arrival in San Diego, I was greeted by our branch of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu has been seen Long Hanshi-Ho and Kako Lee Doshi. In the car on the by many as the core tradition of the KNBK. Given this way to lunch, Sensei, in his very “innocent” way, asked prominence, coupled with the fact that the KNBK if I had any plans that evening. I, being in somewhat of also houses Shindo Muso-ryu Jojutsu and also offers a fog after a very late night, even earlier morning and fully authorized access to training Ono-ha Itto-ryu a full day of travel from New England, assumed that Kenjutsu, it has become a world-wide respected source Sensei was pleasantly inquiring about my interest in for superlative training in authentic koryu arts. The socializing with our KNBK family later that evening. koryu traditions are what typically draw budoka to the Perhaps I was already just too focused on a tall glass of KNBK. This is of course something which we should all Red Trolley Ale, one of my favourite San Diego brews! be very proud of. Unfortunately, this has also resulted However, I quickly found out that I was being afforded in the Shito-ryu lineage that the KNBK houses having the opportunity to take part in a special Shito-ryu Karate- been somewhat relegated to the background. do session to by Sensei later that evening. I jumped at the chance. Fortunately, I came prepared and had brought With a deep sense of responsibility for the lineage dogi and obi for Karate-do training…just in case! of Shito-ryu that he has inherited, Long Sensei has been determined to bring Shito-ryu as practiced in the I have had the great fortune to train in Karate-do KNBK back into a position of prominence in the Karate- seminars and workshops with Long Sensei in the past; he do community, a position that he wants to parallel has a deep knowledge and understanding of the depth the KNBK’s prominence in the koryu community. and breadth of classical and traditional Karate-do, and the principles on which it rests. His ability to express This is one of the major reasons for Long Sensei’s those principles through applied waza, or bunkai, is scheduling of the Thursday evening Shito-ryu training superlative. It can also be (and usually is) startlingly session at the Japan Karate Institute/KNBK Socal painful! Holding Hachidan in Shorin-ryu (Shobayashi- Dojo. Long Sensei wanted to gather KNBK Karate-do ryu) Karate-do and Rokudan in Shito-ryu Karate-do, yudansha for an evening of training that would serve to he is a hidden treasure of the Karate-do community recharge and renew the Karate-do branch of the KNBK. here in this country. In short, he is eminently skillful. Additionally, the timing of this special workshop, taking In addition to his long years of study of Shorin-ryu place as it did on the Thursday evening before the First and Shito-ryu under his immediate teachers, John Annual Shimabukuro Memorial Budo Festival, served Nash Sensei and the late Masayuki Shimabukuro as an “opening act” for such very significant weekend. Hanshi, respectively, he has received instruction from a number of well known Karate luminaries, both Our training took place on what turned out to be a here in the United States and in Okinawa. Among very humid evening, weather that is quite unusual for these noted masters are Eizo Shimabukuro Hanshi, San Diego, which had been duly noted by just about the Founder of the Shobayashi branch of Shorin-ryu; everyone that I had encountered that day. It seems the late Taika Oyata, the founder of Ryu-te; and the that people in San Diego have about a ten degree late Kenzo Mabuni Soke, the son of the legendary comfort range; anything below 75 degrees Fahrenheit Kenwa Mabuni Shihan, the founder of Shito-ryu. is too cold and anything above 85 is too hot!
9 KAGAMI An older photo Carl Long Hansh-ho with the late Kenzo Mabuni, Soke, An old photo of the some of the Jikishin-Kai Shito-ryu yudansha with Shito-ryu Karate-do Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi.
Long Sensei, assisted by Robin Ramirez Sensei of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai membership guidelines, Bakersfield Budo, began the session with a review of instructor certification requirements and other the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai membership guidelines, organizational information. This was information to instructor certification requirements and other which some of the Shito-ryu instructors in attendance organizational information. This was information to had not previously been exposed. Kevin Harness Sensei, which some of the Shito-ryu instructors in attendance Dojo-Cho of JKI El Cajon, stated that “it was informative, had not previously been exposed. Kevin Harness Sensei, necessary, and let us know the scope of where the Dojo-Cho of JKI El Cajon, stated that “it was informative, KNBK has been, and where it’s endeavoring to go.” necessary, and let us know the scope of where the KNBK has been, and where it’s endeavoring to go.” Upon completion of the discussion, Long Sensei launched into an intensive training session, which Upon completion of the discussion, Long Sensei included instruction in three kata, including Kensho and launched into an intensive training session, which Kenshu, two of the three so-called “K” Kata series (the included instruction in three kata, including Kensho and third being Kenpaku), which we repeated innumerable Kenshu, two of the three so-called “K” Kata series (the times. This was followed by Wanshu, a very dynamic third being Kenpaku), which we repeated innumerable kata from the Tomari-te lineage. One of the signature times. This was followed by Wanshu, a very dynamic techniques hidden within the kata is a turning lift and kata from the Tomari-te lineage. One of the signature throw, which is immediately preceded by a kyusho techniques hidden within the kata is a turning lift and (vital point) strike. Affording me the honour of serving throw, which is immediately preceded by a kyusho as uke, Long Sensei demonstrated this sequence with (vital point) strike. Affording me the honour of serving the eminent skill and precision (and the pain that as uke, Long Sensei demonstrated this sequence with accompanies it) that I have experienced before. the eminent skill and precision (and the pain that accompanies it) that I have experienced before. In closing, I’ll borrow Harness Sensei’s words to sum up that fantastic evening of training: In closing, I’ll borrow Harness Sensei’s words to sum up that fantastic evening of training: “Long Sensei conducted a great seminar! Despite the hot and humid night in San Diego we trained with “Long Sensei conducted a great seminar! Despite enthusiasm and asked many questions which Sensei the hot and humid night in San Diego we trained with answered in great detail! Quite wonderful! Last, we enthusiasm and asked many questions which Sensei all went over a kata that I didn’t even know existed answered in great detail! Quite wonderful! Last, we apart from the mainstream kata by the same base all went over a kata that I didn’t even know existed name: Tomari Wanshu. Icing on the cake. Lots and apart from the mainstream kata by the same base lots of icing. Long Sensei, with Erik Johnstone Sensei name: Tomari Wanshu. Icing on the cake. Lots and assisting as uke, demonstrated several dynamic bunkai lots of icing. Long Sensei, with Erik Johnstone Sensei / oyo for Tomari Wanshu that caused participant assisting as uke, demonstrated several dynamic bunkai gasps, jaw drops, and nearly a thunderous applause. / oyo for Tomari Wanshu that caused participant It was glaringly obvious that this was Shimabukuro’s gasps, jaw drops, and nearly a thunderous applause. top student all the way around, and he was ours for It was glaringly obvious that this was Shimabukuro’s two and a half hours. To all this I say: ENCORE!” top student all the way around, and he was ours for two and a half hours. To all this I say: ENCORE!” 10 KAGAMI FEATURE ARTICLE TESSEN JUTSU SEMINAR at MAZURU-KAI by Kako Lee, Doshi
On the eve of the First Annual Shimabukuro Budo Festival, which took place in San Diego this past September, a very special Tessen- Jutsu (鉄扇術) seminar, taught by Carl E. Long, Hanshi-Ho, was held at Mazuru-kai Dojo on Friday September 6th, 2013. In addition to the many Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai members in attendance, the tessen jutsu seminar attracted many people from various martial arts backgrounds. Although space and safety considerations required us to close the registration early, we still had over 50 participants in attendance, including many of the KNBK instructors who had taken part in the West Coast Koshukai held earlier that day.
Long Hanshi-Ho began the session by providing instruction in the fundamental manipulation and striking methods for the tessen. He also taught primary targets and the appropriate strikes that were typically applied to those targets. Long Hanshi-Ho taught applied combative techniques demonstrating how the tessen is not only a powerful weapon for uchi waza (striking techniques) and tsuki waza (thrusting techniques) but it is also very effective for applying pressure to nerve points or for kansetsu waza (joint-locking techniques) and shime waza (strangulation techniques). Following the practice of applied techniques, Long Hanshi-Ho moved on to the focal point of the seminar, which was the instruction in formal kata of tessen techniques from Yanagi-ryu and the Seitei set.
We received lots of compliments from the participants, best expressed in their words:
“This was so cool! When are we having the Tessen Seminar again?”
“I loved Long Sensei’s teaching style!! When is he coming back?”
“It was great! This is so practical that I’m carrying my wood tessen in my backpack now.”
“People in those skirts (hakama) were so patient and kind!! They just laugh…even after I accidentally jabbed them!!”
It was wonderful to receive so much positive feedback to the first event sponsored by Mazuru-kai and we look forward to visits from Long Hanshi-Ho again soon!
In closing, Mazuru-kai would like to express our gratitude to the following people who made the event successful: Long Hanshi-Ho for his continue leadership, guidance and generosity to share his time and knowledge to each one of us; to the KNBK members for your support and friendship; and finally to Bob Morris Doushi for his generosity with his time and skill in crafting by hand all the wood tessen that were provided as part of the seminar fee.
11 KAGAMI FEATURE ARTICLE FANNING EMOTIONS by Ji Song, UCSD Karate Club
When I hear about an upcoming seminar that peaks my fun; Long Sensei was awesome. There is no other way to interest, I experience many emotions at once. It’s like I’m explain it. The way he explained and demonstrated made a dart board and getting hit with feelings of excitement, an ordinary fan look so cool. It explained why Mulan could curiosity, nervousness, and apprehension. The process defeat her enemy with a fan! The best part was that he would is always the same. First there are the initial thoughts walk around the room, give pointers, talk to the participants, of “Cool! I’ve always wanted to take a seminar with that and add humor and a personal touch to what he was trying Sensei!” and “I’ve always wanted to learn that kata or to teach us. What was obvious was that this man, who was that weapon!” Then, if you are an introvert like me, you clearly respected and full of knowledge, was willing to share start to think, “Wait... it’s not hosted by my dojo? I have what he knew with the rest of us freely, without hesitation. to go to where?” and “Will my friends also be there?” People may have come to the seminar excited or perhaps When I heard about the tessen seminar, the usual with apprehension. We had to partner with people we didn’t thoughts like those above ran through my head, along know…but got to know fast as we hit and jabbed each other with an extra dose of apprehension caused by so many with fans. Ironically, despite a roomful of people carrying unknown factors, which caused me to also think, “Will fans, the room was extremely hot, and I hope I wasn’t the I stick out if I wear my gi?” I’m the type that likes to be only one sweating at that seminar. But that temperature prepared, to do research; an excellent person to plan a may have been fueled not just by that crazy heat wave that vacation with if you want timetables…not so excellent a day, but by the genuine effort all of us were putting into person to go to a seminar by myself! The apprehension learning as much as we could at that moment. And that was didn’t really go away when my gi-clad self walked into a sea worth all the apprehension, hakama envy, and sweating. of people sporting hakama. I could see some of my fellow gi wearers, but they were scattered around, swallowed in the midst of the hakama people. A thought flash through my mind: “am I going to be that awkward person that makes that awkward small talk with the stranger next to me?” Let me tell you, this is an introvert’s nightmare!
Looking back, it seems so silly to have worried. I may not have been familiar with the “hakama people”, but they were incredibly nice. They all introduced themselves; they talked to me and other “gi people” and made us feel at home. This was good for me, because there were a lot of people in that seminar and so there was no real room to stand off in a corner away from people and act anti-social; so we had to get friendly fast. And we had to partner up quickly, so there was no long courting period of picking our partners. Plus, the “hakama people” had cool outfits.
And it wasn’t just the cool outfits that made the seminar
12 KAGAMI FEATURE ARTICLE A DEEPENING PERSPECTIVE by Jacob Crowl, Mazuru-Kai
Hello to everyone of you and hope you are all training training. 300 hours that at the end of your life you to your fullest. I am a student of Kako Lee Doshi at Mazuru will give anything to get back. So I thank you for Kai in San Diego and have been given the honor to write spending this time with us. And from the bottom of my about my experience of a KNBK seminar from the point heart when you get home; thank your family, friends, of view of a new student. When I was approached by loved ones, or significant others for me. Thank Lee Sensei, I was a little surprised that she would ask you for the time sacrificed from them for you to be here.” me to take on this task. Then I thought about another instructor and what was said to me one time. I think that will stay with me the rest of my life. “ There are types of people training. There are students So in short, I had a wonderfully enlightening and there are customers. Which one are you going to be?” time. I will strive to help keep the art alive. To be honest until the 2013 memorial seminar in honor of Shimabukuro Masayuki Hidenobu, Hanshi, I considered myself more of a customer more than a student. After four days of training with new people from all over and after experiencing different ways of teaching, I now consider myself a student.
It was a pleasure to listen to all the people who stood up to share their experiences of a man who literally brought life to all the arts he touched. I also now understand my sensei’s desire and willfulness to pass on not just the art itself; but to keep alive the compassion for the deeper meaning behind the art.
The part of the seminar the struck in my heart the most, was Carl Long sensei’s closing speech that Saturday. He said to the best of my recollection;
“ I want to thank all of you for training and being a part of this weekend. There are 52 of you here and just trained roughly 6 hrs. This is over 300 hours of 13 KAGAMI FEATURE EUROPEAN GASSHUKU by Jason Hulott
I have just returned from a very eventful and fun-packed It was great to get much needed instruction in the week in Belgium where I attended both the Kokusai Nippon Tachi Uchi no Kurai set; Long Sensei brought us to a Budo Kai European Koshukai and Gasshuku, taught by deeper understanding of our practice of katachi, a Carl E. Long, Hanshi-Ho and Soshihan of the KNBK. depth few of us had previously experienced. Long Sensei ensured that we were able to work with several As this was my first experience at a KNBK Instructors different partners which meant we got to work on kiri- Seminar, I was initially unsure as to what that would ma and practice with different timings. Always fun! involve. The good news was I was totally amongst friends The four days seemed to literally fly by and as I have trained a number of times with all of the other before we knew it we were saying goodbye. European instructors over the last few years. We had instructors in attendance from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Spain, as well as from the United States. Congratulations:
The event was held at a new sports centre in Wetteren , A note of congratulations to all those who graded or Belgium, (Thanks for arranging that Kenneth; I would love were awarded titles, with two special standouts: to my to have this as my home dojo) they have a fantastic matted “brother from another mother”, Marc Mebis Doushi, dojo which came in very useful during the Omori-ryu who was promoted to Godan (and puts up with me (Shoden Waza) instruction; my knees and I were grateful. The crashing his events every year!), and to Kako Lee, now group was a small group which meant we moved at a good Doushi, who received that shogo title during her visit. pace and had very good feedback on our individual practice. All grades and titles received were very well deserved. Long Sensei provided instruction in quite a range of the A few of us took a trip on the last day of Sensei’s KNBK Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu syllabus, including: visit to Amsterdam, but like Las Vegas, what happens in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam! o Batto Ho Suffice to say it was a great day and evening! o Omori-ryu Many thanks go to Mebis Sensei for organising another o Chuden Waza (five were covered) flawless event and ferrying everyone around. I am still o Okuiai Tachiwaza not sure how you did all that driving around in the middle o Tachi Uchi no Kurai of the night and still managed to train. And thanks to our teachers who flew half way around the world to train I found the instruction from Long Sensei invaluable us and break bread with us each night. Those “fireside” as ever and have taken a lot of things away with chats are just as important and rewarding as the keiko. me to work on over the coming year. Also working I am already really looking forward to next tai sabaki with Kako Lee Sensei was a great help; year’s event and have it in the diary already! Domo arigato gozaimashita, Lee Sensei!
14 KAGAMI DOJO SPOTLIGHT DOJO SPOTLIGHT: MAZURU KAI by Kako Lee, Doshi Ever since I first began training under Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi, I’d always dreamt about opening my own dojo. During the summer of 2012, fate intervened when friend approached me with an opportunity to teach Iaido at his dojo. At the time, Shimabukuro Sensei was very ill and sadly was unable to make any clear decisions; as such it was impossible to ask him for his blessing. However, several years prior, I had askedShimabukuro Sensei’s permission to open a dojo,so in my heart, I felt that Sensei would approve. Regardless of this fact, I felt guilty about planning for my own future endeavors while Sensei was battling cancer.
The traditional forty-nine day mourning period following Shimabukuro Sensei’s passing was a difficult time. I told me that she felt guilty and inadequate because she struggled with a rollercoaster of emotions. Without any clear felt like she was not doing her part to help her family. direction in my budo training, I was simply going through Although she volunteered to go, she was rejected the motions until Carl Long Hanshi-ho, the new Soshihan of because she was not considered “pretty” enough. My the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai, reminded us that we all have grandmother remained at home and worked hard to the obligation to pass on what our teachers have taught support her parents and her two younger brothers. us to the next generation (kodomo no tameni/ tsugi no During World War II, she was injured and lost her hearing sedai ni). Although I may not be the greatest Iai instructor, but she continued to support the family even though I know that I have the will and desire to share the legacy she was raising four children on her own. These stories of Takeyuki Miura Hanshi and Shimabukuro Hanshi with really shocked and saddened me. I was never aware of others, from heart to heart. This is Jikishin (“直心).” I then the hardships my grandmother and great aunties had knew it was the right thing to teach Iai at my friend’s dojo. to endure for the family. They never spoke about it or gave any inclinations as to what happened. I remember Our classes were to begin in Janauary 2013, but I still them as sincere, compassionate, loving and hard- needed a name. After much deliberation I chose to name working women. They all continued to support each my dojo Mazuru-Kai (真鶴会). The word Mazuru [真鶴 – other till the end. I am proud to be part of their family. True Crane] has a special deep meaning in my life. On the maternal side of my family, it has been a longtime In Japan, as you may know, the crane is held in reverence tradition to name the oldest girl Mazuru. I’m not sure when as a symbol of good fortune and longevity.According the tradition started within my family, however, I know to folklore, its life span is thousands of years long. of one Mazuru from 200 years ago who was my great, Additionally, because Japanese cranes mate for life, they great, great grandmother. My great uncle told me she also symbolize loyalty and fidelity. Finally, as one finds was a compassionate, independent and hard-working in the ancient Japanese fairy tale “Tsuru no Ongaeshi / woman. When her husband died, she became a single 鶴の恩返し,” cranes were also believed to remember mother. Although she received many marriage proposals any acts of generosity or kindness that they received. and offers from patrons to take care of her, she chose to remain single, independant and raise their two sons on her Due to the grave circumstances that my family members own. She needed to work to support her family. It must silently endured, to me, Mazuru truly does represent have been hard for her to find employment because back loyalty, strength and sincerity. Therefore, I chose Mazuru- then women were not only expected to stay at home and kai to be my dojo’s name, not only as a humble token to take care of their families but it was also rare that women honor and remember my family members, but also out would venture out of the household and compete with of respect for all those who have unselfishly made great men for jobs. I can’t imagine what kind of pressures and sacrifices in their lives to do the right thing. It is my desire hardships she endured as she went against the norms of and hope that each member of Mazuru-Kai will strive to that time. My impression is that she did what she firmly become a “true crane” and carry on the legacies that our believed was the right thing to do for her children. teachers have bestowed upon us. With values such as loyalty, strength and sincerity as our foundation, we too In Okinawa (as was common in other Asian countries), will endeavor to move forward and do what is right. family members often sold their children into indentured servitude in order to support the family. This was still in Iaijutsu classes at Mazaru-Kai are currently held on practice until the mid-1940s. I recently learned that my Thursday evenings from 8:00-9:30. We have plans to grandmother’s three sisters (my great aunties) became add Jojutsu and Kenjutsu classes early in 2014. indentured servants at young ages. My grandmother 15 KAGAMI NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW KAGAMI BOOK
The Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai is pleased to offer *Kagami* by Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi. This book, available in a hardbound volume or as an eBook, is the collection of all articles by Shimabukuro Hanshi that appeared in Kagami from the first issue in 2006 through the summer of 2012. Now, they are all in available in one volume. The production of these books was conceived of and spearheaded by Bob Morris Doshi of the JKI/KNBK Socal Dojo in San Diego, with the approval of Carl E. Long, Hanshi-Ho and Soshihan of the KNBK. The forward to the book was written by Erik Johnstone Doshi, Editor of Kagami: The Newsletter of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai, who collaborated on this series of articles with Shimabukuro Hanshi.
Long Hanshi-Ho recently offered the following comments regarding this new collection:
“ I cannot think of a better word to describe this collection of insights and prose. The word “Anthology” comes from the Medieval Latin “anthologia”, literally: a “flower gathering.” This collection of thoughts blossomed from the minds and practice of the Samurai Warrior traditions and have been preserved here in a collection of articles and wisdom imparted by a 21st SoShihan of the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu school of swordsmanship.
Wisdom is priceless.”
On behalf of Long Hanshi-Ho, Morris Doshi, and the KNBK, we are proud to offer “Kagami” to all of our members. The following links will allow you to preview and purchase the book:
- To preview and purchase the hardcover edition, please visit:
http://blur.by/1aTtnYm
- To preview and purchase the eBook, please visit:
http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/453063-kagami
We hope that you all enjoy this volume and benefit greatly from the teachings contained within its covers. Please join us in thanking Morris Doshi for his dedicated effort in making this book possible and Long Hanshi-Ho for his support. And we thank all of you for your support in the ongoing project that is Kagami. NEW KNBK APP AVAILABLE
This is an application that provides access and information regarding the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai.
The application includes updated information from the official KNBK websites and Facebook pages. It also provides authorized members access to the DMS Login in order to access the KNBK Dojo Management System (DMS).
The KNBK events, photos and contact information can all be acquired directly through this app.
Click Here to get it from the App Store Click Here to get it from Google Play Click Here to get it from Amazon 16 KAGAMI UPCOMING SEMINARS AND EVENTS 2013 UPCOMING EVENTS Carl E. Long, Hanshi-ho at Fumio Demura Hanshi’s Goodwill Tournament – February 22nd, 2014
Long Sensei, along with members of the KNBK, will be in attendance at the annual Goodwill Tournament in Santa Ana, California in support of Fumio Demura Hanshi and the Genbu-kai Interantional. The Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai has a very close relationship with Demura Hanshi and the Genbu-kai, a relationship rooted in the many years of friendship between Demura Hanshi and Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi. Long Sensei has stated on numerous occasions that the relationship that the KNBK has with Demura Hanshi is special, and as such, the KNBK will continue to strive to support Demura Hanshi in the preservation and propagation of authentic budo wherever possible. Demura Hanshi was in attendance as a guest of honour in support of the First Annual Shimabukuro Memorial Budo Festival held in San Diego last September.
As many of us know, Fumio Demura Hanshi is a world renowned teacher of Shito-ryu Karate-do and Kobudo. Demura Hanshi studied Shito-ryu under the legendary Ryusho Sakagami of the Itosu-Kai, himself a direct student of Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-ryu. He also studied Kobudo under the Shinken Taira and Toymam-ryu Batto-do under Taisaburo Nakamura. Holding the rank of 9th dan, he is the founder and director of the Japan karate-do Genbu-Kai Interantional. Demura hanshi is the author of many well known books on both Karate-do and Kobudo and has appeared in many movies, most notably as the stunt double for Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi) in the Karate Kid series of films.
For more information about the Goodwill Tournament or the Genbu-kai International, please visit the Genbu-kai website at http://genbu-kai.com.
Carl E. Long Hanshi-ho at Mazuru-kai Dojo in San Diego. CA – February 23rd, 2014
Kako Lee Doshi and the Mazuru-kai Dojo will be hosting their first Iaijutsu seminar with Carl Long, Hanshi-ho on Sunday, February 23rd, 2014 in San Diego, California. This full-day seminar follows Long Sensei’s first visit to Mazuru-kai, during which he taught a very well received tessenjutsu workshop, held last September on the eve of the First Annual Shimabukuro Memorial Budo Festival.
For registration information for this seminar, please contact Lee Sensei at [email protected].
17 KAGAMI CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: As ever, we at Kagami welcome and encourage the active involvement in and contributions to Kagami by all members of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai. Submissions could be in the form of articles, announcements, dojo and instructor profiles for the Dojo Spotlight section, event announcements and reports, appropriate media reviews, or photos and images. Please feel free to send in materials at any time; we will do our best to include them in as early as possible, but we are also always happy to have a surplus of content, especially in the form of feature articles, photos, artwork, and Dojo Spotlight profiles (if your dojo has not yet been featured in Kagami, please feel free to send in a profile. Don’t forget to include photos!). Kagami is YOUR publication, so please do not hesitate to contribute material. We can’t do it without you. Kagami: A Publication of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai Kagami is published by the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai. Advisor: Carl E. Long, Hanshi-Ho ; Kaicho & Soshihan Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai Editor-in-Chief: Erik A. Johnstone, Doshi Assistant Editors: Robin McGuirl; Stephen Ferraro Graphic Design: Robin McGuirl Photos Courtesy of: Carl E. Long, Hanshi- Ho, Jason Mizuno, and Jessica McGuirl
Kagami Contact KNBK Contact Information: Information:
Erik Johnstone KNBK Hombu Dojo Shindokan Dojo Sakura Budokan 829 Stonington Rd. 390 Tioga Ave. Stonington, CT 06378 USA Kingston, PA 18704 USA Phone: 401-474-2568 Phone: 570-288-7865 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.knbk.org © 2013 – All rights reserved 18 KAGAMI