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
STRONG IN HAND. KIND IN HEART.
BUDOKAN MANTRA KANJI
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and
this is what it will look like on the new Kamiza
for all
Budokan Dojo
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Original Budokan Mantra Kanji
by Will Butcher
Within Budokan our mantra is "Strong in Hand. Kind in Heart." (Kokoro ni Tsuyoi te) and was formulated by Budokan SA many moons ago.
But what does this mean to you?
For some time, this has occupied my mind quite a bit.
So, here goes.
"Strong in Hand. Kind in Heart" is a phrase that implies having a powerful, confident demeanour or ability to handle challenging situations while also maintaining a compassionate and empathetic nature towards others.
This expression suggests that someone possesses both physical or mental strength, as well as a gentle and generous disposition. It reflects the idea of being able to handle responsibilities and difficult circumstances with determination and effectiveness, while treating others with kindness, understanding, and empathy.
Comparing my thoughts on the subject to a few major, main line Japanese martial arts we will see a similar theme. For this I have chosen Aikido (AikiKai Foundation / International Aikido federation), Kendo (All-Japan Kendo Federation), Iaido (All-Japan Kendo Federation), Jodo (All-Japan Kendo Federation), Naginata (All-Japan Naginata Federation), and Shotokan Karate (Japanese Karate Association).
Iaido (All-Japan Kendo Federation)
It is a "Way" in which practitioners seek to train the mind and body through developing a spiritual appreciation of the relationship between life and death, movement, and stillness.
Kendo (All-Japan Kendo Federation)
The concept of kendo
The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (sword) (Koken-Chiai)
(KO = associate, KEN = swordsmanship, CHI = wisdom/knowledge, AI = means to love/care for)
I have also heard Koken-Chiai meaning "through practicing swordsmanship with others we achieve the wisdom of understanding humanity".
The purpose of practicing kendo
To mold the mind and body. To cultivate a vigorous spirit, and through correct and rigid training, to strive for improvement in the art of kendo. To hold in esteem human courtesy and honour, to associate with others and sincerity, and to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
This will make one be able: to love his/her country and society, to contribute to the development of culture, and to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
Naginata (All-Japan Naginata Federation)
To introduce ways of enriching peoples', live through the training and perseverance required in practice and developing manners, commitment, and a will to live in the individual. Training in naginata also develops honesty, integrity, and a sense of what is right.
Jodo (All-Japan Kendo Federation)
Learning and studying Jodo is in effect training your mind and body. What one learns is not only dexterity of movement, but also development of the spirit.
The benefits derived from training are obvious, but the main ones thought to be of the greatest value are:
(1) Develop Courtesy, Truthfulness, Sincerity, and Patience.
(2) Through regular practice, the body becomes stronger and more active.
(3) Through practicing the techniques, posture becomes improved.
(4) You gain confidence and have a better sense of judgment in everyday life.
(5) Overall, you will have better relationships with others.
Aikido (AikiKai Foundation / International Aikido federation)
The goal of Aikido training is not perfection of a step or skill, but rather improving one's character according to the rules of nature.
Shotokan (Japanese Karate Association)
The dojo kun is a five-point statement of principle for the Karate practitioner's conduct:
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(Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto)
Seek perfection of character.
(Makoto no michi o mamoru koto)
Be sincere.
(Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto)
Put maximum effort into everything you do.
(Reigi o omonzuru koto)
Respect others.
(Kekki no yuu o imashimuru koto)
Develop self-control.
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To summarise "Strong in Hand. Kind in Heart. ", to me means the notion of having a balanced nature that combines strength, resilience, and assertiveness with compassion, empathy, and benevolence towards others.
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Darren Waghorne
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This s interesting.
Click the icon below and read the PDF
JAPANESE BUDO RESEARCH
We publish news stories, schoLarly articles and academic papers
from Aikido to Zen in all things Traditional Japanese Budo,
that we hope will be of interest to both teacher and student alike.
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All articles and papers will first appear here on the Homepage.
After that they will be posted on the Budo Research page under the name of the discipline or context.
When a single discipline reaches 12 or more articles or papers it will be given its own page.
All papers are the responsibility of each individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of budokanworld.com.
Just click on any of the links below to read more.
50% OF UK ADULTS SEE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS IN MEDITATION
This finding is not new and reveals that people are prepared to use techniques found in meditation and mindfulness to assist them in cases of mild depression and anxiety.
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And we at Budokan applaud that.
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However, we see pictures on the right all over the place online encouraging people to try it out.
And this posture does not look comfortable at all and comfort is key.
It doesn't matter whether you are sitting on a cushion on a floor, on the edge of a seat, your bed, or kneeling on a stool.
Your knees need to be below the line of your pelvis - to an angle of 5º/10º depending on your height, which as you can see from the diagram rotates your pelvis forward slightly.
This makes the lower lumbar vertebrae a little more concave and the muscles of your lower back a little softer.
Which allows you to raise your rib cage in a gentle upswing, making the lower lumbar even more concave.
Without moving your shoulders, extend the head slightly forward and then backward until a gentle stop is reached with a natural lowering of the chin.
Your thighs should not be at 90º to the upright body or above.
DOWN MEMORY LANE
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.
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 at a weekend workshop in Pembrokeshire in 1976.
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Read some memories from her son Lee here courtesy of Dave Wills our first male Black Belt.
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SO ITS NEVER TOO LATE TO SEND US YOUR MEMORIES OF YOUR BUDOKAN BLACK BELTS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY.
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PLEASE HELP US REMEMBER THEM.
JAMES BRYDEN TAKES HIS FIRST STEP
Lymington Dojo held a workshop on Sunday 16 April hosted by Shihan Mike Claphan during which James was awarded his Shodan.
The event was also attended by Shihan Darren Waghorne from Sussex, Shihan Roy Estabrook from London and Shidoin Keith Molyneux who drove all the way down from Mid-Wales.
Thanks to all who attended on the day.
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.
PASSMORE SENSEI'S TIPS ON SOME BASICS
Basic Karate Blocking techniques and Deflections.
A quick run through of some Aikido Basics
On the art of drawing the sword - Nukitsuke
Basic Karate Striking techniques
Basic Aikido wristwork and handling the Bokken
On the art of putting the sword in the scabbard - Noto