Budo Q&A 2021

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

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

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

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

Enjoy, learn, train! List of Questions (1)

Your name Your dojo Your country Your question Can you explain how your Kendo teachers introduced a scientific approach to budo training and how that differed to Andy Watson Ryoshinkan UK what you experienced elsewhere? With his long experience of Budo in Japan; I would like to ask Louis sensei's view on the different social/financial/education/political leanings between the practitioners of Kendo, Judo, Kyudo, Karate etc. that he Jock Hopson Eishinkan U.K observed in Japan. Dear Vitalis sensei, How should you stand / sit during an Iaido seminar when an explanation is given by a Japanese sensei. During the Ishido cup I saw many variants. What to do when you have sat down in seiza and the explanation takes longer than your legs can handle. If standing is allowed, how do you hold your hands? Hans Pillen Kiryoku Zoetermeer The Netherlands Has reiho influenced the fundamental techniques of budo? Do koryu contain certain body movements as a consequence of court etiquette such as the Ogasawara ryu? John Kennedy Dublin Kendo Kobukai Ireland About the name of 'Hasso no kamai'... 'Eight directions' just refers to visibility 'all around'? Or is there a theorical Xavier Kodokan Netherlands explanation for the eight directions? Dear sensei, Thank you very much for the opportunity, you gave to us, to ask questions. I would like to ask how we can further develop our perception and practice around concepts such as Reiho and Zanshin. Kind regards Yannis Papadopoulos Asunaro Kai Greece Yannis Why is the side of the tsuka, instead of its edge, used to strike Teki in ZNKR Iai kata Ju Ponme - Shihogiri? My question George R. Beck Sei-Zan Kai United States has so far been unanswered at multiple seminars; so, I look forward to Vitalis Sensei's answer. Jock Hopson Eishinkan U.K how should we understand the concept of do-chu-sei and sei-chu-do in both Iaido and Kendo training List of Questions (2)

Loui Vitalis Sensei, thank you for reading a questions and my apologize for them. A question about iaido meaning in ZNKRN kata, learning mae gives us opportunity to stop to kill person (kasoteki) if he (she) would give up (in our imagination and meanings). Other kata doesn't give us possibility to stop (make person to give up) or persons to do that. With some aggressive or dangerous persons and situations we can be sure for some reasons. First question, could be techniques adapted in future to use sharp side and non lethal sword side (not related the beginning of kata 4, 8, 10, zuki or ...) to change situation and meaning of what we are practicing. Second, is there any techniques that have non lethal (that brings kasoteki some wound, scare, or just run away) situation. And third question, what you most loved and still care and love in Japan (not meaning of territory, but in people, in culture, in nature), what is hidden that only you and some people can see and feel there. Thank you very much for reading. Dank u well. Alexey Alchin KaiSeiKan Bulgaria My apologize for questions again. Sumimasen. Loui Vitalis Sensei. Thank you for reading a questions and I am apologize for them. In the whole history of All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) how communication and interaction between schools (ryu) developed (especially inside committees)? How it was at the beginning and how it is happened nowadays? How the members of committees and all hachidan's Senseis from different schools interact to each others in cultural way? What they thought (told) and think (telling) about non Japaneese students along the whole history of ZNKR? And last question How to behave and what to do it not meeting Senseis from Japan (any advices)? Alexey KaiSeiKan Bulgaria Sumimasen. Our sensei’s, you included, make no financial profit out of your lifelong commitment to budo. Why is that? What is behind this choice? Many martial artists choose to finance their activities, or their life, by paid lessons or workshops or Inti Suarez Yushinkan Netherlands whatever financially rewarded budo-related activity that can possibly be invented. Why don’t we do that too? Over the years have you seen a change on how our three budo are being practised?

Not looking at specific techniques or kata, but for example attitude of the Japanese sensei or the atmosphere in the dojo David Smits Yushinkan The Netherlands or at seminars. List of Questions (3)

Concept of kan-kyu-kyo-jaku, how to apply it in jodo/iaido kata, and the relation with merihari. Emanuele Covino Seishinkan Bari Italy it is said that the Japanese sword is the symbol of "haja-ken-shou" (translation: smashing the incorrect opinion and Elaine van Ommen Kloeke Yushinkan The Netherlands announcing the correct one.). What does that actually mean? In light of samurai times and now for 'modern' budoka? Only a few mentions are found about female samurai (bugeisha or Onna-musha). For example Tomoe Gozen, Hangaku Gozen and Nakano Takeko. The first two even being generals. How did the role of women change over time within the samurai class up till modern times? Elaine van Ommen Kloeke Yushinkan The Netherlands (I realize this is a difficult one! Any info is welcome... or a book!) I would like to ask Louis Sensei his view about how budo in Europe generally attracts the liberal/arty/left-leaning people Jock Hopson Eishinkan U.K. whearas in Japan more people seem to be the traditionalist/conservative/right of centre members of society. Dear Louis sensei, Please tell us the origin of the shogo titles (renshi, kyoshi, hanshi) , the meaning of them in the "old times" and Norbert Bota Kiryoku Budapest Hungary nowadays. Hello! Because of regarding Koryu there is always said about tradition and succession, I would like to ask about the connection between the Ishido-sensei's line and Nakayama Hakudo (as founder of Muso Shinden Ryu). I was asked Leonid Karavaev Kaiseikan Bulgaria about it several times, but I don't know the answer and situation with it. Many thanks in advance!

When we see different koryu lineages of the same school (in our case - Muso Shinden Ryu), we see different "main" variants of a kata (hon-waza). I would like to ask, do I understand correctly that the head of the line set the hon-waza based on his personal preference, from the idea that this particular version of waza will help his students to understand Leonid Karavaev Kaiseikan Bulgaria it better? Thanks! List of Questions (4)

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

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

Emanuele Covino Seishinkan Bari Italy Books you suggest to read about budo? Not only technical, but also about history of philosophy of budo. Dear Sensei, the term OMOTE HANAMI and URA HANAMI is regarding to the movement of a horizontal cut or is it a part of the sword or both? (Omote means when the kurigata is visible if the sword is on katanakake, or when wearing in obi Sylvia Hakushinkai Steinbach Germany the kurigata is outside.) Thank you very much! my question is about the origin of the jodo kihon. The first eleven of them are basic for the execution of ZKR kata, whereas the twelfth kihon, taihazushi uchi, finds no place in ZKR jodo, but appears for the first time in ichi rei, the tenth kata of omote kata. Has Vitalis Sensei any opinion about the reason why Shimizu Sensei included this last kihon, fit for koryu kata, after the giovanni fiorucci sishinkan bari italy former eleven, fit for the twelve ZKR jodo kata he conceived?

In the Japanese culture there are many preserved documents, teachings, stories and even myths about the influences and relationships of traditional swordsmanship and zen. It would be valuable in our recent days of inner pursuits, Vitalis sensei to shed some light on the current day representation of this traditional preserved relationship. Hristo Yordanov Shinbukan Dojo Bulgaria Bulgaria Thank you advance, Vitalis sensei Dear Sensei, how we can improve Iaido reiho and tecnics with home training for beginner as me? and which kind of Stringano Nicola Seishinkan Bari Bari, Italy exercise we can do to do it? List of Questions (5)

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

Could you please explain about the different ryuha? How have them developed in Oliver Bischoff Germany Rokushikan Germany Tokyo/Kanagawa and which branch is Ishida sensei following?

How come a martial art with a weapon is now a martial art many/most people practise without Greet Suishin Dojo Belgium the purpose of ever using the weapon as such? When did that change? Taciser Sevinc Yushinkan Nederland What is the difference between reiho and saho?

No question but an annoucement for the book A lifelong of Budo Johan vd Broek Kiryoku NL nkr.nl/nkr350/phocadownload/MemoiresVitalis.pdf

In addition on the question how to attend an explanation from a Sensei (standing, sitting...etc) I like to ask one more detail. It is obvious one follows closely an explanation from the Sensei, however, I'm probably not the only one, I do have backspine issues that prevent me from standing still for a 'long' while. So normally I would nearly all the time shift my weight from one foot to the other. For the teacher, I guess it's not a very nice sight, and would he be offended? As it can seem that you are not patient enough to wait until his explanation is done. With a Japanese teacher that could be a problem, with a western one I could explain, in English, what the problem is. As Louis Vitalis Sensei told : don't draw a Japanese Senseis attention to you unnecesarely. Thank you for an answer and hopefully to the next session. With friendly Harald Lantermann Tamiza Kendo Kai Belgium greetings, Harald Lantermann List of Questions (6)

What is the sentiment in Japan about the future of Iaido and Jodo, especially if Matthew Sykes-Gelder Shin Ho Kan Bern Switzerland young people find it too traditional/not interesting?

Dear Louis Sensei,

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

Kindest Regards Ramtin Rezanezhad Ken Shi Kan Germany Ramtin

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

I would kindly ask Louis Vitalis sensei iff I may Translate the english anwers in Wim van Mourik Hakushinkai Berlin Germany German for our Dojo-members -met vriendelijke Groeten -Wim van Mourik KATEI ENMAN 家庭円満

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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