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  • DOSHU - RICHARD SALMON | Budokan World

    1960- 2023 Message from Doshu 2021 Hello to all our BUDOKAN and adjoining Martial Arts family members. Here we are at the close of another year and what a year it has been for us all, but firstly back to our BUDOKAN WORLD. I have to say, as I'm sure you will join me in agreeing, I am just so proud of Kyoshi David for his efforts, hard work and dedication in moving forward with his dream of building BUDOKAN WORLD into an honorable internationally recognized martial arts institution, encompassing many arts and a wide variety of respected leaders from around the world. Some from our original Budokan of years ago, and others of different systems, thus forming an organisation for all to be proud of. What makes me personally so proud and humbled is that after just on 60 years since my forming of the original BUDOKAN SA, Kyoshi David, who has been with me for nearly that long and has never strayed from the ethics and beliefs I formed at that time, HONOR, DUTY, RESPECT & HUMILITY... "STRONG IN HAND, KIND IN HEART", of this I can't tell you all what that means to me personally, for Kyoshi David followed all I believed in and dreamed of, and has taken it to a higher level and for this he has my lifelong respect and gratitude. I cannot ask for more than he has given. I do believe that those of you fortunate enough to be under his personal guidance in life and on the floor, no matter what the art, you have to know you are guided by the best. The martial arts and its Great Masters of the many systems I was privileged and honored to train under back in the 1960s defined my life, and with their teachings I went out into the world to try and make our only home, Earth, a better place for all who share it with us. Recently I read a passage I would like to share with you, written by that great philosopher "Thomas Paine" who I felt well defined my profile, he wrote : THE WORLD IS MY COUNTRY...ALL MANKIND ARE MY BRETHREN AND TO DO GOOD, IS MY RELIGION. In this regard I want to share the following with you. Regarding the worldwide events of this year, as martial artists following our Budokan path, I ask you to make the following part of your path forward. I am saddened by what we have become as the human race; never have politics been so far down in the gutter, never have we had so may conflicts, prompted mainly by religion. Never have we had so many needy people, mostly children, without countries, shelter, food and water plus the criminal suffering of millions of children that goes unattended, and it just seems to become worse. My plea to you is to make it your mission this next year to offer whatever help you can to those in need in your areas, no matter how small; every little bit helps those in need and they need to see there are people who care and, perhaps through your generosity, they will find hope for better life in the future. In closing may I wish you and your families all you could wish for yourselves for the future. May you have success in life, love and much happiness and may the Power that protects us, keep you from harm on the road you may travel. Yours in the spirit of our BUDOKAN... Doshu Richard Salmon 2019 New Year message 2018 New Year message from Richard Salmon Greetings to you all as we move toward the end of yet another year. I hope that 2018 has been a good one for you and your loved ones and that you have achieved all you wished for. On the BUDOKAN front, I have to say once again how impressed I am with the work KYOSHI DAVID PASSMORE is doing in developing the story of BUDOKAN past and future, and of what BUDOKAN really is and means. When I see this, as my journey and path moves towards the top of the mountain [slowly I hope?] it gives me great hope that our BUDOKAN will be in good hands in the future, for there will be no excuse following his leadership and all he has shared. You have no finer Sensei to show you the way. In this troubled world, if we can follow our BUDOKAN KUN of HONOuR, DUTY, RESPECT AND HUMILITY and truly practice STRONG IN HAND, KIND IN HEART and share this code with others, we can, through our training, help make our World a better place for those that share it with us. That's my challenge to you. I have always taught : " THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT IN LIFE, IS WHEN YOU DISAPPOINT YOURSELF" Now for some well deserved news : My responsibility as DOSHU/FOUNDER of BUDOKAN is to ensure our Members and Leaders receive the rewards they deserve for THEIR YEARS OF DEDICATION TO AND PERFECTION OF THE ART, LOYALTY AND SERVICE TO THE ORGANISATION and in that regard, on this day of 27th November, 2018, It is with HUMILITY, THE GREATEST HONOUR AND PRIDE that I award “KYOSHI” DAVID PASSMORE the well deserved rank of 7th DAN KARATE Finally as we move towards the end of this year, may I wish you and your loved ones all you could wish for yourselves for 2019, happiness and above all, be safe. Yours in BUDO, RICHARD SALMON DOSHU BUDOKAN TO ALL "BUDOKAN UK" MEMBERS. As we approach the end of still another year, I wanted to share with you all a little background and history of your SENSEI DAVID PASSMORE, for he was with me from the very beginning of his "BUDO JOURNEY". and I know, perhaps more than any others, how far he has traveled. It was some 50 years ago that as a young man he stepped onto the floor in my original "BUDOKAN' dojo in the city of Durban to start a journey that even he, had no idea would take him to great heights in our ART OF KARATE-DO. From the very beginning he showed the potential and dedication that would be needed to take him to the top. Training five or six times a week, in the dojo, on the beach or in the mountains at training camps, he gave it his all to become one of the finest students I ever had the privilege of teaching. His standard and technique soon became the standard for others to follow. In competition he represented our "BUDOKAN" Natal Provincial Team on many occasions in both Kata and Kumite with good results. A highlight I believe we shared together as Sensei and Student. was in 1969, when he teamed up with me to present a weapons demonstration at the first South African Games, the equivalent of the South African Olympics, which was put together after South Africa was expelled from the Olympics for it's Apartheid policy . At the games Sensei David also represented the "ALL STYLES TEAM" in Kata and Kumite that represented the Province of Natal against a team from the UK. His departure for the UK was a great loss for me, for he was an inspiration to the newer students of what could be achieved with dedicated training, and he had become one of few I believed could go all the way, which is what he has done. On leaving South Africa and developing his own "Budokan UK" he took with him everything I had tried to instill in all who trained with us, HONOUR, DUTY, RESPECT & HUMILITY and STRONG IN HAND & KIND IN HEART. and dedication to training and understanding the different and deeper aspects of our ART and he did that but took it to a higher level, for which I am so proud. So with this little background, you, his students, have a slightly better understanding of the man you are training under, a TRUE "BUDO" MAN who has a complete understanding of what it means to be a "complete Karate-ka and Martial Artist". As his students you could not ask for a better leader, not only in our Art, but in life's journey itself. I am privileged to call him my friend. As we move forward to the NEW YEAR, I wish you and you family all you could wish for yourselves, love, success, happiness and above all, safety. Finally I would like to offer you an old African Blessing : MAY THE POWER THAT GUIDES AND PROTECTS US, ALWAYS STAND BETWEEN YOU AND HARM ON THE ROAD YOU MUST TRAVEL. Sincerely, Richard Salmon DOSHU BUDOKAN Richard Salmon Founder - Doshu - Budokan More Than One Life By Richard Salmon This is a fascinating book on the life of an extraordinary person. The beginning covers his early life in Durban and his schooling, his Naval life and his marriage to his lifelong partner and wife Dot and the birth of his two sons Grant and Robin. Richard started off his career by learning the art of Judo and later became interested in other Japanese Martial Arts. Through sheer tenacity in trying to gain knowledge of these unknown arts in South Africa the author takes us on an experience that is difficult to comprehend. Him standing wharfside and shouting to attract attention of Japanese fishing trawler crew members to inquire if anybody knew anything about Karate that they might be able to teach him.Through these contacts Richard traveled to Sao Palo in Brazil to learn from one of the masters that lived there. This vast knowledge that he gained prompted him to open his own Dojo and hence Budokan was born. The sport quickly became very popular and spread throughout South Africa Richard also traveled extensively in Japan to study and train with some of the great masters of Karate. This pioneering spirit went on to become one of the largest karate Dojos in S.A. Now some sixty years later Budokan is a worldwide organisation and still going strong. Richard always believed that by educating the youth about environmental issues it would later have an impact on the world we live in. The Mountain Youth Leadership School was started in the Eastern Orange Free State mountains and later the Youth Leadership School at the famous YO Ranch in Texas. Richard was a member of the World Wildlife Organisation and was also a personal friend of Prince Phillip Bernard of the Netherlands. The book takes us on his travels around the world teaching conservation and youth leadership to young people. Richard has met Presidents. Prime Ministers, Kings, Queens Billioners Popes and Paupers in his quest to make the world a better place to live in. Salla gahle umfundi Shihan Dix Wridgway

  • DAVID PASSMORE | Budokan World

    DAVID PETER PASSMORE 16.04.46 - 23.10.24 It is with great sadness and regret that we report the passing of Saisho no Sensei, David Peter Passmore, who died on 23 October 2024 following a long battle with cancer. David began his martial arts career in 1962 when he joined Budokan South Africa. He successfully represented the province (county) of Natal at various tournaments and at the South African Games. In 1970 he founded Budokan UK in London and in 1974 began traditional Aikido training under Chiba Sensei. In 1975 he was placed under the guidance of Kanetsuka Sensei and acted as ‘uchideshi’ to him. David also trained under Ueshiba Kisshomaru, Sekiya Masatake, Tamura Nobuyoshi, Saito Morihiro, Yamada Yoshimitsu, Yamaguchi Seigo, Sekiya Masatake, and many other eminent Japanese and European teachers, across Europe in Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulon and Nice.In 1978 he began training in Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido under Ishido Shizafumi and Hiroi Sensei of Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei, under the tutelage of Vic Cook within the British Kendo Association. David was a student of Zazen and practised Shikantaza every day in the tradition of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism. To our knowledge he remains the only senior Western Teacher to introduce Zazen as the 4th discipline of Budokan, which became a formal part of its Teaching and Philosophy.At the time of his passing David held the title of Kyoshi with the Dai Nippon Butokukai (DNBK) in Kyoto, one of Japan’s oldest traditional martial arts organisations, and holds the ranks of 7 Dan Karate, 6 Dan Aikido and 6 Dan Iaido with them. Upon receiving the news of David’s passing Hanshi Hamada confirmed that, “based on his longstanding dedication and contribution to the development of Japanese traditional Budo in the Uk, the DNBK posthumously honour him as Hanshi Title and that the DNBK would conduct a Flag Ceremony in his honour at the forthcoming WBS in Kyoto Japan where he will be enshrined in the DNBK ID Martial Arts Hall of Fame. David is the founder of Budokan World which now has many international affiliates.David was a consummate teacher even whilst suffering greatly from cancer he used every experience to provide lessons to Shihonkai members so that they should learn from his teaching that death is not to be feared and that he expects to pass from this world into another where he looks forward to meeting us there. David is survived by his wife Katy and three Children, Caroline, Duncan and Tilly, Eight Grand Children, Eve, Hattie and Niah, Lowri, Aimee, Oliver and Joshua. We remember Torin who passed away January 2022 Shihonkai Budokan

  • BUDOKAN HOLLAND | Budokan World

    ZEELAND DOJO FOUNDED IN 1989 CLUBHOUSE AMMEKORE HERTENWEG 2 4455 TL TL NIEUWDORP ZEELAND NETHERLANDS TUESDAYS at 7.00pm TO 9.00 pm BEGINNERS WELCOME Classes are held in a vibrant atmosphere where students benefit from some of the highest quality tuition available in the Netherlands today. Disciplines KARATE - TRADITIONAL KYUSHO JUTSU - TRADITIONAL JU JITSU - KODOKWAN KORYU-JUJITSU Chief Instructor ROBERT ROHREY 5TH DAN rob@budokan-netherlands.nl www.budokan-netherlands.nl Dojo Assistant AUGUST MELIO 3RD DAN SHIHAN ROB ROHREY Here is Sensei Rob Rohrey on a few Kata - (more to come) - and some of the basic stances, punches, blocks, kicks and strikes he teaches his students in Zeeland - in the Deep South of the Netherlands. Pinan Shodan Ananko Stances Kicks Some more basics Some basics

  • ABOUT | Budokan World

    ABOUT WE BELIEVE TRAINING SHOULD ALWAYS TAKE PLACE WITH QUALIFIED INSTRUCTION IN A DOJO. STUDY AND LEARNING NOW ALSO TAKES PLACE ONLINE - 24/7 - LEADING TO MORE TRAINING AT HOME. BOTH WORK BRILLIANTLY TOGETHER. Our organisation is made up of people with a wealth of Japanese Budo experience in various countries over many, many years. We all believe that people involved in traditional Japanese Budo deserve to be given the opportunity to have access to some of the best teachers available across all disciplines in the form of Dojo Leaders who have become part of our Dojo Community and other teacheers who have associated themselves with us. We operate a policy of inclusivity - we wish for your involvement in what we are doing. We respect the autonomy of all Dojo and their Teachers, Instructors and Dojo Leaders. We only serves to associate ourselves and all that we have to offer with those who wish to be associated with us. THE SHIHANKAI All activities within Budokan are managed and operated by its Shihankai. A small group of experienced people tasked with ensuring that the technical, educational and organisational standards set by Budokan in all of its operations and entitlements - see below - continue to be at the forefront of its thinking and planning now and for the future of Budokan. BUDOKAN MEMBER ENTITLEMENTS Username and Password access to the of www.budokanworld.com so that you can browse the entire content of the Budokan Library in words, pictures and video being taught covering each of the current disciplines on display, Karatedo, Aikido and Iaido, including the Practice of Zen. Listing on the Black Belt Register* Dan Grade Rank and Title Accreditation and Certification * If you run a Dojo you are entitled to inclusion in the Dojo pages section on the website, with technical and practical information, events, gradings and news content provided by you about your Dojo and your students. Access to our Online Programmes Practical Selfe Defence for Women Teach Yourself Practical Meditation The use of the Budokan Mon - (optional) Attendance at Traditional Japanese Budo National and International Events, Seminars and Workshops hosted by Budokan that will include Karatedo, Aikido, Iaido, Zen (Meditation), Kendo, Jiu Jutsu and Kodokan Judo and Kobudo. Virtual meetings of Sensei and Dojo Leaders to improve dialogue within Japanese Budo for the benefit of all hosted by Budokan. Our Teaching Methods and our Philosophy. Registration and recognition of Dan Grades and Titles by Dai Nippon Butokukai in Kyoto, Japan upon recommendation by Budokan. (There is a separate charge for this from DNBK) * subject to recommendation and approval. If you have any queries please send them to us at this address - david@budokanworld.com . For more information please click on any of the Headings below: ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATION GENERAL MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Come and join us. You will be made very welcome

  • OVERMATTER 2 | Budokan World

    BUXTON 2011 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.

  • WORKSHOPS 2022 | Budokan World

    WORKSHOPS DECEMBER WORKSHOP GO TO BUDOKAN LYMINGTON DOJO PAGE Budokan Karate We missed our workshop in 2019 but at last we were able to host it at the Lymington Dojo on Saturday 4 December. Thank you to those Budokan stalwarts who made it from Norwich, Shropshire, Sussex and London to come and join the locals for a workshop that focussed entirely on the fundamentals of our Karate. Budokan has a proud history, legacy and lineage going back 60 years. It has an impressive Black Belt Register, of over 200 people of which the majority come from the UK. Budokan has spawned over 70 Dojo in various countries and consequently a large number of Sensei too over the years. There are two additional elements both close to my heart that Budokan is also well known and respected for. The first is our mantra - “Strong in Had - Kind in Heart” - “Kokoro ni - Tsuyoi te”. The Japanese kanji for this will appear on all future Mon. The other is just as important and that is our reputation for high standards of technical competence. As the first SHO (as in Shodan or First Dan) or Founding Sensei and Chief Instructor, here in the UK, I take it upon myself to be the Guardian of technical competence at all levels across all Budokan Dojo. All Budokan Teachers and Instructors should be teaching the same fundamental and basic techniques in the "Budokan Way'. And all Budokan Black Belts know this way to be the "rigorous mental and physical training towards self-realisation in the tradition of Zen Buddhism". Alex and Tony working on their Ananko basics. Will B doing MaKeri during Ananko THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BASICS IN KATA BREATHING - Kokyu - The Power of Co-ordinated Breathing STANCES - DaChi - Right Length - Right Width - Right Angle POSTURE - Shisei - Upright - Head Balanced - Eyes and Shoulders level MOVEMENT - Balance - Rotation - Stillness POWER - Stopping, Starting and Release GLIDE WALKING - TsugiAshi - Smoothness from Point to Point JANUARY WORKSHOP GO TO LYMINGTON DOJO PAGE 1/1 Budokan Aikido We practise the aikido that emerged from the Aikikai in japan in the mid to late sixties. Chiba Sensei was chosen to bring it to theUK against his wishes. His brief was basically to beef up the aikido community here. And that is exactly what he did do. The style of Aikido at the Aikikai today has little resemblance to Chiba’s aikido at all. And with the emergence of all of the other styles of Aikido such as Yoshinkan, Tomiki, Ki Aikido to name a few - Chiba chose to refer to his Aikido as that closest to the original Aikido of the Founder and called it Traditional Aikido. And that is closest to the Aikido that we practice today and we retain the same name. Because here at Budokan we practice all of our disciplines in the same spirit of Budo that Chiba endorsed and that has become part of an already existing hallmark of Budokan. When Chiba went to live in the US, Budokan came under the influence and flair of the technically minimalist and highly effective Aikido of Tamura Sensei. Both contributed to what we refer to today as the “Budokan Way”. KokyuNage and the Art of Ukemi Kokyunage are generally described as breathing projections and so they are to be practised with breathing in both mind and body. That is coordinated and synchronised in both mind and body. So the practice of Kokyu Nage begins to be taught using the Kgeki Ho - what are generally referred to as the entire range of “attacks” used in aikido. Many students struggle with the idea that Ukemi in Kokyu Nage is no longer the response to the feeling of pain but the conscious choice to synchronise pure action in role play, Only pure action takes place One executes the action - the other takes ukemi. As pure action that requires blending into the flow of the technique and becoming a part of it. In other words there is no "attack" and no "defence". Which is completely alien to early stage aikidoka. Whilst taking ukemi is an essential and important part of the ability to become skilful in the practice of Kokyu Nage, there are however a few things that are more important to get right first. Breathing It is a basically simple premise - Breath in when receiving and breath out when projecting. Perception and Timi ng Students don’t naturally perceive potential danger in the dojo. But if you create the perception of dnager approaching and act accordingly you will move more smoothly and more importantly, at the right time . Maai Part of this perception is to establish the right distance at all times in an ever changing scenario. to limit the danger but more importantly to occupy the exact space at the right time. Sabaki And this is done using Sabaki - your angle of movement - particularly Irimi. And Ushiro Tenkan - especially when you need space - quickly.

  • THE BUDO CHARTER | Budokan World

    The Budo Charter Budo Kensho The Japanese Budo Association was formed in 1987. The English version of their Budo Charter was produced in 2004 and is reproduced here for your interest. Their Philosophy of Budo was published in 2009 and will be posted up soon. Budo, the Japanese martial ways, have their origins in the age-old martial spirit of Japan. Through centuries of historical and social change, these forms of traditional culture evolved from combat techniques (jutsu) into ways of self- development (do). Seeking the perfect unity of mind and technique, budo has been refined and cultivated into ways of physical training and spiritual development. The study of budo encourages courteous behaviour, advances technical proficiency, strengthens the body, and perfects the mind. Modern Japanese have inherited traditional values through budo which continue to play a significant role in the formation of the Japanese personality, serving as sources of boundless energy and rejuvenation. As such, budo has attracted strong interest internationally, and is studied around the world. However, a recent trend towards infatuation just with technical ability compounded by an excessive concern with winning is a severe threat to the essence of budo. To prevent any possible misrepresentation, practitioners of budo must continually engage in self-examination and endeavour to perfect and preserve this traditional culture. It is with this hope that we, the member organisations of the Japanese Budo Association, established The Budo Charter in order to uphold the fundamental principles of budo. ARTICLE 1: OBJECTIVE OF BUDO Through physical and mental training in the Japanese martial ways, budo exponents seek to build their character, enhance their sense of judgement, and become disciplined individuals capable of making contributions to society at large. ARTICLE 2: KEIKO (Training) When training in budo, practitioners must always act with respect and courtesy, adhere to the prescribed fundamentals of the art, and resist the temptation to pursue mere technical skill rather than strive towards the perfect unity of mind, body and technique. ARTICLE 3: SHIAI (Competition) Whether competing in a match or doing set forms (kata), exponents must externalise the spirit underlying budo. They must do their best at all times, winning with modesty, accepting defeat gracefully and constantly exhibiting self-control. ARTICLE 4: DOJO (Training Hall) The dojo is a special place for training the mind and body. In the dojo, budo practitioners must maintain discipline, and show proper courtesies and respect. The dojo should be a quiet, clean, safe and solemn environment. ARTICLE 5: TEACHING Teachers of budo should always encourage others to also strive to better themselves and diligently train their minds and bodies, while continuing to further their understanding of the technical principles of budo. Teachers should not allow focus to be put on winning or losing in competition, or on technical ability alone. Above all, teachers have a responsibility to set an example as role models. ARTICLE 6: PROMOTING BUDO Persons promoting budo must maintain an open-minded and international perspective as they uphold traditional values. They should make efforts to contribute to research and teaching, and do their utmost to advance budo in every way. Member Organisations of the Japanese Budo Association Zen Nihon Judo Renmei (All Japan Judo Federation) Zen Nihon Kyudo Renmei (All Nippon Kyudo Federation) Zen Nihon Karatedo Renmei (Japan Karatedo Federation) Shorinji Kempo Renmei (Shorinji Kempo Federation) Zen Nihon Jukendo Renmei (All Japan Jukendo Federation) Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (All Japan Kendo Federation) Nihon Sumo Renmei (Japan Sumo Federation) Aikikai (Aikikai Foundation) Zen Nihon Naginata Renmei (All Japan Naginata Federation) Nippon Budokan (Nippon Budokan Foundation) ©2004 The Japanese Budo Association

  • SHIKANTAZA | Budokan World

    SHIKANTAZA An aide memoire Shikantaza (just simply sitting) is objectless meditation, in which the practitioner uses the power developed in concentration to remain in a state of conscious awareness. There are a variety of different views on what sikantaza actially means. Some say shikantaza is described best as, "quiet sitting in open awareness, reflecting directly on the reality of life". Shikantaza is often termed a goalless meditation in quiet awareness, not working on any koan, or counting the breath. It is an alert condition, performed erect, with no trace of sluggishness or drowsiness. Som scholars have said that shi means tranquility, kan refers to awareness, ta means hitting exactly the right spot and za means to sit. For me it all comes down to "j ust simply sitting still in tranquil awareness ". Zen - meaning meditation - changes your spirit by reflection. What follows is a short travelogue of nudges, reminders and observations to help you on the road to the Shikantaza experience. On the left hand side you will see some figures in bold . These figures should be used as a rough guide to the aproximate times that should have lapsed during your preparation and each section of your parctice. The first figure is for less experienced maditators. The second figure is for experienced meditators. Everybody is different and you will find out what suits you from your own experience. After you have sat down and become aware that you are upright and comfortable - from that moment prepare yourself - it varies with each individual. Close your eyes lightly - and keep them closed for the entire "zesshin". Breathe from the lower abdomen - so it becomes "abdominal respiration". It also called diaphragmatic respiration. Do not use your upper chest for breathing and keep your shoulders level and relaxed. Place your tongue lightly on the roof of your mouth and try to keep it there. You can't easily breathe in via the mouth if the tongue is in this position for long. You must breathe in and out through the nose. Slowly breathe in through your nose to say 5 seconds. Slowly breathe out through your nose for say 7 seconds Where the CO2 exhaled from your lungs is greater than the oxygen you breathed in. Keep just this going for a while and establish a rhythm of diaphragmatic breathing which reaches an equilibrium of around 5 or 6 seconds and 5 or 6 seconds out. Interestingly, this has historical precedent in religious practices where 6 seconds is exactly the time it takes to accomplish certain Buddhist mantra's and it is also found the same exhalation is used whilst citing the Christian Rosary. ..................................................Now become AWARE. On a wide range of levels. Your stillness is critical so - DO NOT MOVE UNLESS YOU HAVE TO. From below the belt you are absolutely rooted to the spot you are sitting on. No movement there. Your heartbeat - feel it - really feel it. Your body is still and your muscles have nothing to do - so they soften. And soften they do as you take in more oxygen into your blood through the established rhythm of your breathing. As the muscles soften your joints begin to open. There is the rhythm of your lower abdominal nuscles. In the stomach area the Japanese call the Hara. And there you will find what is called the Tanden. The single spot in the lower abdomen - about an inch or so directly below your navel. It is your centre of gravity. As you breathe in - they expand out - not too much. As you breathe out - they contract - just a little more. Maintain the rhythm. Slowly and imperceptibly, your muscles have softened to the point where you have become aware of it and you have to micro manage your posture from time to time in 4 tiny movements. 1 Most peoples heads move a little forward, so every now and then you need to move your head back to the midline of your shoulders and tuck your chin in just a little at the same time. 2 Raise your ribcage - this is the area where most people begin to stoop from. 3 This will lead you to gently make your lumbar vertebrae a little more concave. 4 Allow both shoulders to drop evenly. You will need to continue to make micro adjustments to your posture, (as above) as it naturally changes and you become used to feeling it necessary to do so. Its not a thought process - its just a feeling. And it usually ends up being a lot more comfortable. So keep doing it please. Maintain your breathing ryhthm. And become aware of your senses. Move your attention to your eyes and slowly roll them a little. From there flare your nose a few times as you breathe in. Push your tongue gently up to the roof of your mouth. Become aware of your hearing. Move your fingers a little for touch. And now you sense of being.....here.....now.... Turn your awareness onto your brain. That houses the mind. The best difference between the two I have read is "The brain is indeed the physical structure. Neurons, axons, dendrites, neurotransmitters, synapses, discrete structures… All that and more. The “mind” (consciousness) is the “emergent property” of the activity of that brain". Quora Past , present and future thoughts - pop in and out all the time - as has already been happening to you. Let them come and go. Learn how to get back to your awarenes of what you are doing in the present. Let the past go and do not look to the future - always stay in the present - it is not easy but comes with practice. And the flow of thoughts will begin to slow down as they should have by now. By raising or slowing our brainwaves, we can altar how we think, feel and act. Meditation is the process of slowing our alerting beta brainwaves to the slower states of alpha and theta. Beta is the waking, thinking state. It is our normal state of mind in which we are the highly alert. Alpha is a slower state more indicative of relaxing and reflecting. Meditation is often practiced in the alpha state. Theta is an even slower state perfect for daydreaming and intuitive thinking. Deep meditation and prayer are practiced in the theta state. Delta is the slowest of the four states where sleep occurs. At the slowest delta level, sleep is deep and dreamless. Neuroimaging studies suggest that the normal resting state of the brain is a silent current of thoughts, images and memories that is not induced by sensory input or intentional reasoning, but emerges spontaneously "from within." This is what the Zen Buddhists from the Soto sect refer to as “silent illumination”. And that is what actually happens - as feelings come before thoughts. But here in this stillness of the body, the rhythm of the breath opens the way to a deep, visceral awareness. It is much like Metsuke - a much heightened form of conscious awareness than Zanshin when training in Budo, along with the physical manifestation of Kime when doing any Kata. The head, heart and soul of it all. Our thoughts, our desires and our experiences. It is the awareness of awarenesses. And it is here that you have to work hard at sliencing your inner monologue from trying to analyse or comment on what you see and experience. It is the point when your subjective experiences becomes objective observation. It is where subjective and objective meet. Which ever so slowly over time begins to evolve into a clearer perception of the world inside your head and the real world out there. Images appear and disappear in a kaleidoscope of colour. Some are quite quick and slow to disappear. Some just slowly emerge into recognisable images. Many are landscapes and vistas that are new to you. Some are people and faces you have never seen before. You can't hold on to them for longer than a few seconds - most try to and fail. Swirling cloud-like images float around and past you. Giving you an impression of movement. Slowly you reach a deep state of absolute stilness and silence. It is often referred to as the "void". It is as if you are at the edge of space. You are in awe for what you think is an eternity. .../.../.../.../.../.../.../.../.../.../.../../../../../../../../../../../../../../../.................. Einstein said "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; It is the source of all true art and science". How you emerge from this experience depends on the environment you are in. Always try to do so slowly if you can. Keeping your eyes closed for a few minutes more. Tuck your chin in to your chest - round your shoulders and your spine and gently stretch forward, as far as you comfortably can and hold for a minute. Sit up slowly and rotate your shoulders both ways by moving your arms. Move your head up and down slowly. And then to the left and the right. Sit still and upright for a moment with youe eyes open. Feel the moment. Lao Tzu said "Meditation is vital energy". And I do generally feel vitalised and full of energy in the immediate hours thereafter. But for me the chief consequence of doing 45 minutes or an hour of Shikantaza first thing in the morning, is the beautiful feeling of having tapped into my inuitive self aong with a sense of clarity that remains present with me for the rest of my day. Well, almost. It is not easy to practice Shikantaza every day - but the benefits are supreme. Each and every day thereafter. David Passmore Kyoshi At the beginning of 2021 DRAW A VEIL OVER THE FUTURE. LET GO OF THE PAST. EMBRACE THE PRESENT. 5-10

  • TAMURA NOBUYOSHI | Budokan World

    TAMURA NOBUYOSHI The body, core of the practice The major architect of the development of Aikido in France and Europe Writtenby Eric Grousilliat Tamura Nobuyoshi, born in 1933 and deceased in 2010, was undoubtedly the major architect of the development of aikido in France and Europe. Entered as an uchi deshi at the Honbu dojo of the aikikai on August 5, 1952, he stayed there until his departure for Europe in October 1964. He was a privileged partner of Ueshiba Morihei, particularly with the weapons, and served as otomo (assistant) during his trip to the Hawaiian Islands in 1961. 5th dan at the time, Tamura sensei quickly made a name for himself among Hawaiian aikidoka, who nicknamed him the “stone wall” because it was impossible to move him. Settled in the south of France for almost 50 years, he had the reputation of an efficient aikido, despite his small size, and while he taught two days a week in his Shumeikan dojo, he spent the rest of his time teaching in large workshops, often gathering 400-500 people, both in France, Europe, and also in other countries. At the time when he was uchi deshi, Tamura was described by his fellow students as a “carbon copy of the founder”, because gifted with a deep sense of observation, he had perfectly understood that in the world of Budo, one must be able to “steal the technique”. Tamura sensei’s credo was that the first goal of the practice was to order the body, i.e. to remove the useless, to adopt a correct posture, to pose the breath. After that, once the body orders, the mind follows. That’s how he understood the words of Ueshiba Morihei: “Aikido is misogi”. From his beginnings in Europe in November 1964 until his last training course in France in March 2010, Tamura sensei’s practice was in constant evolution, always trying to purify his movements, to find the right gesture. This concerns his practice of Taijutsu of course but also the practice of weapons and preparatory gymnastics, the junbi dosa. At the time Tamura sensei entered the Honbu dojo, the morning class began with Ame no torifune, and then the technical study came immediately afterwards. With the development of aikido to a wider audience, it was decided, mainly under the leadership of Tohei Koichi, to introduce Junbi dosa. Ueshiba Morihei also became older and was interested in different healthy systems. Tamura sensei said: “It is a tradition that existed in Aikido, at the time of O sensei. The Makko-ho, the health system of Katsuzo Nishi Sensei or the method of Kenzo Futaki (Misogi no Renseikai). O sensei would try certain things himself and if he found it interesting, he would ask his students to do so. He would say, “It’s good” or “It’s not good” (Laughter). He would make us do that, but he would say, “Stop if you feel something is wrong. I still do some Nishi sensei exercises every morning Tamura sensei introduced when he arrived in France, the junbi dosa learned at the Honbu dojo, starting with Amenotorifune, followed by taisabaki, tekubidosa, ukemi, breathing exercises, shikko, etc…they are often referred to as aikitaiso. It is a practice that is quite well known by aikidoka around the world and I will not dwell on it. However, it can be said that in accordance with the founder’s conception, Tamura sensei did not see these exercises as a kind of warm-up but as aikido. He said: “Practicing Aikitaiso is already practicing Aikido” Tamura sensei was a Budo researcher, curious about everything. In his book “Aikido”, he said: “To practice martial art, you study dietetics, anatomy, psychology, meteorology, astrology, geology, sociology, etc.”. For combat, these studies are essential, they are necessary. ” With this state of mind, his practice was in constant evolution, in constant research, especially in the domain of the body. It was therefore quite natural that Tamura sensei proposed to her students certain methods to both strengthen the body but also improve health. At a young age, he was already interested in the macrobiotic diet, meeting Sakurazawa Yukikazu, the founder of the method. It was through this method that he heard about aikido and met Yamaguchi Seigo. It was the latter who convinced him to become uchi deshi. Still in the prime of life, he first became interested in Jikyo jutsu, a set of 31 movements, combining joint gymnastics, breathing exercises and also acupuncture point pressure. Tamura sensei used to repeat movements 1, 2 and 15 after the complete series. At the time Tamura sensei entered the Honbu dojo, the morning class began with Ame no torifune, and then the technical study came immediately afterwards. With the development of aikido to a wider audience, it was decided, mainly under the leadership of Tohei Koichi, to introduce Junbi dosa. Ueshiba Morihei also became older and was interested in different healthy systems. Tamura sensei said: “It is a tradition that existed in Aikido, at the time of O sensei. The Makko-ho, the health system of Katsuzo Nishi Sensei or the method of Kenzo Futaki (Misogi no Renseikai). O sensei would try certain things himself and if he found it interesting, he would ask his students to do so. He would say, “It’s good” or “It’s not good” (Laughter). He would make us do that, but he would say, “Stop if you feel something is wrong. I still do some Nishi sensei exercises every morning Tamura sensei introduced when he arrived in France, the junbi dosa learned at the Honbu dojo, starting with Amenotorifune, followed by taisabaki, tekubidosa, ukemi, breathing exercises, shikko, etc…they are often referred to as aikitaiso. It is a practice that is quite well known by aikidoka around the world and I will not dwell on it. However, it can be said that in accordance with the founder’s conception, Tamura sensei did not see these exercises as a kind of warm-up but as aikido. He said: “Practicing Aikitaiso is already practicing Aikido” Tamura sensei was a Budo researcher, curious about everything. In his book “Aikido”, he said: “To practice martial art, you study dietetics, anatomy, psychology, meteorology, astrology, geology, sociology, etc.”. For combat, these studies are essential, they are necessary. ” With this state of mind, his practice was in constant evolution, in constant research, especially in the domain of the body. It was therefore quite natural that Tamura sensei proposed to her students certain methods to both strengthen the body but also improve health. At a young age, he was already interested in the macrobiotic diet, meeting Sakurazawa Yukikazu, the founder of the method. It was through this method that he heard about aikido and met Yamaguchi Seigo. It was the latter who convinced him to become uchi deshi. Still in the prime of life, he first became interested in Jikyo jutsu, a set of 31 movements, combining joint gymnastics, breathing exercises and also acupuncture point pressure. Tamura sensei used to repeat movements 1, 2 and 15 after the complete series. The Jikyo jutsu, which could be translated as the “technique of developing one’s own strength”, was created in 1916, under the efforts of Nakai Fusagoro ( / 1878-1931 ), as the first Japanese gymnastics for the promotion of health. Within the context of Budo, of course, improving one’s breathing capacity, flexibility and relaxation, muscle tone, is something of very important, in perfect accordance with the practice of the techniques. Regarding Jikyo jutsu, Tamura sensei said: “After doing the Jikyo jutsu exercises, I am instantly able to hold myself in a natural and relaxed posture, which is very effective when you are not feeling well. It’s difficult when you practice with a partner, but when you practice them alone, you become able to see inside yourself. As Tamura sensei became older, he gave up this practice for himself, but he always invited his students to do so. He then practiced several kinds of methods inspired by his knowledge of Chinese and Japanese practices, a series of self-massage to relax and energize or a series of stretches that were both complete and relaxing. The latter method was particularly useful for correcting the body’s posture, rather than forcing on the body’s muscles, the emphasis was on maintaining different positions. Chinese method of Qi Qong It was in the early 2000s, when I used to go regularly to the Shumeikan dojo, that sensei presented for the first time his method called the eight pieces of brocade, which is part of the Chinese method of Qi Qong. This was the beginning and afterwards he made some slight changes to the exercises. Far from the dynamism of Aikitaiso or Jikyojutsu, the eight breathing movements were slow, but also with great mental concentration. In this way, the coordination between movement and breathing was refined, and in this way, we became closer to the work of aikido. Tamura sensei described her evolution of the Junbi dosa as follows: “Before, I used to start with Ame no torifune. Then followed other educative ones such as Ikkyo undo. These are movements that O’Sensei practiced and are perfect for young people. The children also like them a lot. Now I’m older and more sensitive to my body. I feel that it is good to do this or that exercise depending on the moment and I change the preparation. I say it often, but these are things that I have discovered over time and that make me feel good. I currently practice a kind of Chinese gymnastics that I find very interesting. It’s a suggestion that I make to people. Everyone has to look for what works for them. You can do the exercises with a health perspective at the beginning but after a period of time, it should become a work of introspection on the body. If we really pay attention to each gesture, an exercise that we thought we were doing correctly will seem difficult the next day. The body is an extraordinary thing and we must learn to listen to it. Anything that is not natural imposes constraints on the body. Positions that may appear comfortable to us superficially are often incorrect and do not allow the body to function naturally. The most correct positions are the best for health. They do not use any force and do not tire, no matter how long they are held. If your shisei is correct, the breath is settled and the body is relaxed. That’s why kokyu ho exercise is extremely important. One finds there the same type of research as in zazen or yoga. Budokas should have the posture that yogis or Zen monks have. This work of posture, of shisei, constitutes in my opinion the basis of the bases. As long as the shisei is not established, it is useless to think about movement. It is something that I think is particularly missing in today’s aikido world. But the meaning of shisei does not only refer to an external attitude: a good form, a style, a good posture, but also, an inner force visible from the outside in its manifestation. The sword, forge of body and mind It is usual to say that aikido comes from the sword…this was especially true in the work of Tamura sensei. Everything, in his gestures, in his attitude, in his eyes was placed under the sign of the sword. Experiencing a technique from him was like feeling a cut. Tamura sensei’s father was a kendo instructor, trained at the Budo senmon academy (), and it was one of his friends who trained young Nobuyoshi in kendo. During the same period, he started judo. It is around 20 years old, after becoming uchi deshi of the honbu dojo, that he was initiated to iaido with the very famous Haga Jun’ichi, a formidable swordsman, pupil of Nakayama Hakudo. It was probably for a short period of time, as his tasks as an uchi deshi were very strenuous, but a passion for the work was born. Tamura Semsei ‘s lecture about bokken So when he started in France as an aikido teacher, he quickly realized that just working with the bokken and the jo, which he had learned from O sensei, made it hard to fully understand the real sword work, especially for a western audience. He therefore proposed the practice of iaido, devoting part of the training courses to this practice. In 1977, on the advice of Chiba Kazuo sensei, who is very involved in the practice of Iaido, Tamura sensei invited Mitsuzuka Takeshi, an expert from the Muso Shinden Ryu school, the last generation of Nakayama Hakudo’s students, to teach during the aikido workshops. At the same time, during the Shodan’s examinations , Tamura Sensei required the knowledge of the first four Iaido kata of the Muso shinden ryu school. Tamura sensei’s Iai As with the Junbi taiso, the practice of Iaido becomes an important part of Tamura sensei’s training. As a passionate person, Tamura sensei’s practice was in perpetual evolution, he tried out new things, keeping what he thought was useful, discarding the rest. The sword was at the heart of his practice, in his way of executing the techniques, in his way of walking, getting up, doing ukemi, etc.. At the end of the 90s, something pushed his practice further in this direction. He discovered the incredibly fine work of Kuroda Tetsuzan, met her, and introduced important changes in his practice, such as the way of making ukemi, holding the sword or moving while doing the techniques. For his own training he worked on the kata of iaijutsu demonstrated by Kuroda sensei, for his students he proposed to work on the first sword suburi presented by Kuroda sensei. Of course, Tamura sensei also proposed exercices with partner using the bokuto or the jo, but this was based on a rather simple but fundamental work, looking for opening, weakness in the partner’s guard, while avoiding offering it oneself. Again, a deep and profound work on the shisei, concentration, observation. There was no separation in his practice, Taiso, Buki waza and Taijutsu corresponded to the same study, a study on oneself. One of the most important principles of Tamura sensei’s sword was the absence of blocking. The sword does not make contact with the partner’s sword at any time, it seeks the opening in the guard and cuts directly into the center. Facing Tamura sensei, it was really hard to initiate an attack, at the slightest movement, you were “cut”. Similarly, with my bare hands, at the slightest grasp of Tamura sensei, it was impossible for me to move. On the contrary, to try to attack Tamura sensei was to immediately find oneself “cut off”, i.e. unbalanced without really understanding why.

  • PETER BUSH | Budokan World

    PETER BUSH My initial involvement in the martial arts started in August 1958 when I was 7. My Father enrolled me in the Ladysmith Health & Strength Club Gymnasium situated at 37 Keate Street, Ladysmith, Natal, South Africa, to learn Judo. In 1960 after I had just attained my junior 6th Kyu (green) belt, my Father was transferred to Durban. I never continued practicing judo in Durban and it wasn’t until 1971 that I reconnected with the martial arts. At that time I was working for the Department of Justice, Durban, having just completed my compulsory one year of military service. The chief financial officer, “Hank” (Herman) van Niekerk “Sensei Van” invited me to train at Budokan, Russell Street Dojo. On my first day there I was introduced to Sensei Ray Ryan, Sempei Vic Sykes, Sempei John Sinden and two junior black belts, Alan Haig and Alan Davies. Whilst with Budokan Russell Street, I attained the grade of green belt (6th Kyu). In January 1974 I enrolled at university to start a Bachelor of Arts degree. Because of my studies I was having difficulties attending training and almost stopped karate, however, I fortuitously ran into John Reece (3rd Dan Kodokwai) who was training the Natal University Karate Club. This was a branch of Kodokwai (JKA) which John ran together with Phil Mumford. I knew John from Grosvenor Boys High School where we went to school. He invited me to train at the University club where I had the pleasure of training under Sensei Robby Ferrier. I trained with Kodokwai from 1974 to 1976 eventually attaining my blue belt (5th Kyu). I represented the university in several annual inter varsity karate championships from 1976 to 1980. In 1976 I happened to bump into Sensei Vic Sykes. He had opened his own dojo called Ninja SA a club which he had started with Albie Frazer. Sensei Vic invited me to join Ninja SA. I was honoured to do so. On 13th March 1976 I was graded to Second Brown belt (2nd Kyu). Later in March of 1976 I travelled to the UK and whilst living in London trained with Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, (9th Dan) until I returned to Durban. I then carried on training at Ninja SA and on 19th June 1976 I was graded to First Brown (1st Kyu). In 1978 as a 1st Kyu brown belt I won the South African Karate Association All Styles Kumite Championships brown belt division. In 1979 I was graded to Shodan together with Hennie van der Merwe, Mickey Scofield, Alan Haigh and Alan Davies. Our grading panel consisted of among others, Ray Ryan, Derrick Wridgeway, Larry Foster and Vic Sykes. In November 1980 I married and moved to Matubatuba where I ran my own dojo affiliated to Budokan. I was transferred to Darnall and opened a dojo there as well, also affiliated to Budokan. On 8th October 1983 was graded to Nidan. In 1984 I returned to Durban and continued to train with Budokan both in Durban and Westville. In 1984 and 1985 I took part in Springbok trials and although selected, never actually got the opportunity to earn my Springbok Colours. South Africa was excluded from international sport because of apartheid. In the years that followed a number of competitions were held throughout South Africa. These were sponsored by Sportsman’s larger and although I achieved some success in kumite no national recognition resulted from these tournaments. In 1989 I was graded to Sandan. Sadly this was the last grading attended by Sensei Ray Ryan who died shortly after. At the 1989 grading Terry Bosch was appointed as head of Budokan SA by Ray Ryan. Terry’s gym in Umbilo then became Budokan Hombo Dojo. I continued to train with Sensei Terry until March 2008 when I moved to the United Kingdom. During my karate career I have had the pleasure of training under Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, Sensei Shigeru Kimura, Sensei Chojiro Tani, Sensei Yashitatsu Fukawa (Kendo) and Sensei Hasui Sasaki (Kendo). Sensei Hasui Sasaki was the head of the Kyoto Riot police and was invited to Durban by Sensei Ray Ryan. In 2003 I became an Advocate (Barrister) and a member of the Society of Advocates of KwaZulu Natal. I continued to train with Sensei Terry Bosch in Umbilo and with Sensei Vic Sykes in Hillcrest. In 2008 I moved to the United Kingdom where I was called to the Bar as a member of the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple. I digress to mention that when leaving for the UK in 1976, Sensei Ray Ryan had urged me to contact Sensei David Passmore whilst I was there, however, I could not find him. Fortuitously, I discovered that he was training in Lymington and visited him at Budokan UK dojo in around March of 2014. In February 2015 Sensei David Passmore “convinced” me to train with at the Budokan Lymington dojo. On 12th December 2015 I was graded to Godan (5th dan) and received the rank of Shihan. I have subsequently been given the rank of Renshi. 2018 and 2019 were wasted years because of the pandemic. I currently train at the Amazon Gym in Shropham, mostly doing kata and zazen. I have a Zen Garden at home where I practice zazen. I practice iaido at home primarily because I don’t like spectators around me when doing sword work. I remain an active member of Budokan UK as the Registrar and member of the Shihonkai.

  • PHILOSOPHY OF BUDO | Budokan World

    The Philosophy of Budo Budo, the martial ways of Japan, have their origins in the traditions of bushido—the way of the warrior . Budo is a time-honoured form of physical culture comprising of judo, kendo, kyudo, sumo, karatedo, aikido, shorinji kempo, naginata and jukendo. Practitioners study the skills while striving to unify mind , technique and body; develop his or her character; enhance their sense of morality ; and to cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour. Practised steadfastly, these admirable traits become intrinsic to the character of the practitioner. The Budo arts serve as a path to self-perfection. This elevation of the human spirit will contribute to social prosperity and harmony, and ultimately, benefit the people of the world. Written on 10 October, 2008 by the Japanese Budo Association (Nippon Budo Kyogikai) English translation approved on 1 May, 2009 ©2009 The Japanese Budo Association

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Saisho Sensei

First Teacher

最初の先生

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Strong in Hand, Kind in Heart

Kokoro ni Tsuyoi te

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