BUDOKAN
1960 - 2023
STRONG IN HAND. KIND IN HEART.
The classical budo, or "martial ways" are not combat systems like their forerunner, bujutsu,
or "martial arts"; nor are they sports like modern judo, kendo, or karate.
They are first and foremost spiritual disciplines, whose ultimate goal, achieved through
the most rigorous mental and physical training, is self-realization in the tradition of Zen Buddhism.
Donn F. Draeger
Classical Budo
BUDOKAN OPENS FIRST DOJO IN WALES
Keith Molyneux 4th Dan Shidoin has notched up a first for Budokan.
He has opened a Dojo in the village of LLANGUNLLO.
Yes - a competition for the best pronunciation is in the pipeline!
For more information go to his Dojo Page.
OUR FIRST EVER UK FEMALE BLACK BELT
SANDI GROOM pictured here with her three children was a wonderful Mum and the very first female to be awarded her Budokan Black Belt by Ray Ryan in 1976.
Read some memories from her son Lee here courtesy of Dave Wills our first male Black Belt.
SO ITS NEVER TOO LATE TO SEND US YOUR MEMORIES OF YOUR BUDOKAN BLACK BELTS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY.
PLEASE HELP US REMEMBER THEM.
A JAPANESE GLOSSARY
FOR KARATE STUDENTS
First they published A Short History of Karate.
Now Michael Cowie and Robert Dyson are soon to publish another little gem early in 2023.
Budokan has been given a glimpse of their work and you can too by clicking on the image below.
And its not that little either!
Enjoy.
JAPANESE BUDO RESEARCH
For your convenience and interest
we have set up a section on the website where we will publish schoLarly articles and academic papers
from Aikido to Zen in all things Traditional Japanese Budo,
that we hope will prove valuable to both teacher and student alike.
Selected articles will appear on the homepage for a short time
and then be migrated to the BUDO RESEARCH page.
Just click on any of the links below to read more.
(NB The views of the authors depicted in these articles and papers listed are for information purposes only).
SCROLL DOWN TO SOME OF PASSMORE SENSEI'S TIPS ON BASICS
DOWN MEMORY LANE
RULES FOR BASICS
University of Derby Buxton 2011.
The scene of the First Open Traditional Japanese Budo 2 day Seminars in the UK for decades with Budokan heavily involved in the creation, organisation and management of the event with great back up from the University and from a legion of like minded people passionate about Budo,
like the very well known David Ansell who helped initiate the event and played an important part in its success.
BUDOKAN SELF DEFENCE
PILOT A SUCCESS
PREVENTION, PROTECTION AND SAFETY PROGRAM FOR WOMEN
A full Report on the Budokan Self Defence Pilot was provided to all the members of the Sensei Group for their meeting on Sunday 11 September 2022.
To provide a flavour of the course from the participants, we asked for one sentence “what did you think of your experiences during the Pilot” and this is what came in from some of the participants.
"The course was really well taught, and has given me increased (self) confidence to be able to defend myself, to more consciously intuit situations to react more precisely and powerfully, and believe in my abilities; it's also been a great way to de-stress and great fun"!
"David and his trainers, Mike and Toby provided a safe, non-threatening, physical contact space for women of varying ages, improving emotional/mental/physical health, enabling personal safety and expanding horizons".
"I've absolutely loved the classes and they've made me feel more empowered and stronger mentally and physically".
"I've really enjoyed the 6 weeks. I learned so much more than I expected and surprised myself with how powerful I felt doing the movements. Thank you so much for putting on the pilot, I do feel like I've learned a lot even though it was only 6 weeks".
TAKEAWAYS
All of the women presented were total novices to this genre.
All volunteered.
All were in the target social demographic age group of 25 - 55.
All applied themselves from day one.
All wore the Gi provided very happily.
All felt they were part of a team.
All were pleased with their individual and group progress.
All were amazed by the range of weapons that we have in our hands and arms.
All aspired to the strike power of the experienced men and raised their game accordingly. This was very interesting.
All were able - with a bit of encouragement - to use their Kiai to strike harder and with more intent.
All began with shallow breathing of the upper body and ended up using their diaphragm more effectively.
All felt that conscious breathing helped them to focus with intent.
All began to see and experience the logic of Strike First to Safety.
All felt that 6 weeks was too short but that 8 weeks would be better.
All believed that the physical side was demanding but enjoyable.
Most wished to continue something like the Pilot in the future and would be interested in Karate/Self Defence classes for Women.
All would require more time to practise anticipation, perception and speed of an oncoming male attacker.
All were pretty good at striking whilst evading but all would need quicker evasion capabilities in all directions.
PASSMORE SENSEI'S TIPS ON SOME BASICS
Basic Karate Blocking techniques and Deflections.
Basic Karate Striking techniques
A quick run through of some Aikido Basics
Basic Aikido wristwork and handling the Bokken
On the art of drawing the sword - Nukitsuke
On the art of putting the sword in the scabbard - Noto
This is an invitation to all Teachers and Instructors of Japanese Budo to give our readers the benefit of your skills and experience with your very own Rules for Basics of any of your disciplines that you believe students need to remember.
Forever.
By way of example Passmore Sensei asked Mike Clapham to write up his rules for Oizuki - a simple standing Karate punch.
See what he had to say on the Lymington Dojo page.