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

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 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

1960 - 2021 LOCKDOWN FUNNIES AND THE WINNER IS THE RUNNERS-UP WERE KEITH MOLYNEUX DIX FROM SA TOBY MELLOWS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO TOOK PART - GREAT FUN ALL ROUND! Strong in hand, kind in heart © David Passmore 2021 www.budokanworld.com Website created and built by David & Katy Passmore All rights reserved in all media HOME About New Page PHILOSOPHY OF BUDO New Page THE BUDO CHARTER BUSHIDO-BUDO DOSHU - RICHARD SALMON TTHE ART OF KARATE KATA KARATE GENEALOGY STORY OF BUDOKAN ARCHIVE ZEN DESCRIPTION DOWN MEMORY LANE TAMURA NOBUYOSHI ARCHIVE 10 DAN KARATE KATA WORKSHOPS 2022 New Page New Page General ABOUT ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATION MEMBERSHIP INFO New Page New Page New Page New Page MEMORIAM General IAN CARD LINEAGE BLACK BELT REGISTER DOJO AIKIDO PRETORIA BUDOKAN HOLLAND BUDOKAN LYMINGTON General BUDOKAN SOUTHAMPTON BUDOKAN LEOMINSTER BUDOKAN RANDBURG BUDOKAN ARUNDEL KARATE - JEFFREYS BAY BUDO KARATE SA New Page KODOKWAN ZAMBIA KYUSHINDO BUDOKAN NZ LARNE NI RIO GRANDE DO SUL SEISHIN SHINSEI RESEARCH LIBRARY Search Results

Taking care of ourselves, our families, our friends and our communities has never been more important in our lives, as we struggle with the everyday reality of what is happening around us, to us and to many whom we know. "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu We wish you whatever you wish for yourselves in the New Year of 2024 and we hope we can inspire you to keep head, heart and soul together for the benefit of those around you. "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall". Confucius

DAVID PASSMORE Began the study of Shotokan Karate in South Africa in 1962 with Budokan Founders Richard Salmon and Ray Ryan, two of the leading pioneers of Japanese Budo development in SA at this time. Attended seminars with Enoeda Sensei and Kanazawa Sensei. Regularly trained under Kimura Sensei with Budokan in SA as it changed its karate style and adopted the style of Shukukai Ryu Karate in 1963/4. Represented the County of Natal in numerous Karate tournaments in SA in the 60’s and also in the SA Games in Bloemfontein. He founded Budokan UK in 1970 when he was invited to take over an existing Kyukoshinkai Karate Dojo in North London. Trained briefly under Harada Sensei in Shotokai Karate in London . Began Traditional Aikido in 1974 in Chiswick London under Chiba Sensei. In 1975 he was placed under the guidance of Kanetsuka Sensei in his Albany Grove Dojo in North London and acted as an UchiDeshi to him at his home Dojo and was taught Shiatsu by him. Trained under Senseis, the likes of 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. He also attended Aikikai Summer Schools, Seminars and Workshops in London, Bristol, Liverpool, Stirling, Canterbury, Warminster, Sheffield and Cardiff. Founder Secretary of the British Aikido Board. In 1987, 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. He attended Workshops and Seminars in London, Brighton, Birmingham, Maresfield, Ipswich and Stockport. Served as the Chairman of the UK Martial Arts Commission, within the UK Sports Council. He attended a week long Zazen seminar at La Gendronnière near Blois in the Loire Valley in France, the Zen Buddhist temple founded by Master Taisen Deshimaru. He has attended Zesshins in Zen enclosures in the UK as a part of Japanese Budo seminars and workshops and practises 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. He currently holds 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 6 Dan Karate, 6 Dan Aikido and 6 Dan Iaido with them. He has attended and conducted many Budo seminars in the UK, France, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Bahrain and the US. He trained in all three of his disciplines at the first DNBK World Butokusai held outside of Japan in West Virginia in 1998, which was attended by all of the Hanshi Board of the DNBK and other eminent guest teachers and instructors. He attended other DNBK events held in Manchester England in 2000 and in Brussels in 2006. He trained in DaitoRyu AikiJujutsu, Iaido and Karatedo at the Butokuden in Kyoto, Japan, in 2002 and in 2008. Masters at these two events were Adachi Manabu – Kyudan; Kuwahara Takamichi - Judan; Hamada Tesshin- Hachidan; Takada Kanji - Kyudan; Takeda Yutaka – Hachidan; Nakada Takeo – Kyudan; Murata Nishi – Hachidan; Muira Takayuki – Kyudan; Masakatsu Tsujino, Hanshi, Judan and Shimabukuro Masayuki He founded budokanonline.co.uk with his wife Katy in 2006 - the first time Budokan had ever had a website. He was one of the hosts of the highly acclaimed First Open Traditional Japanese Budo Workshop held at the University of Derby Buxton on 17/18 October 2011. He was the organiser of two more successful Open Traditional Japanese Budo Seminars at Buxton in October 2013 and September 2014 in Ardingly, West Sussex. In 2018 he founded and created budokanworld.com a site which now holds what has become known as the Budokan Library and of which he is still the Publisher. This is the Foundation, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced content in words, pictures,/illustrations, audio and video that makes up the entire teaching manual and methodology from which all Teachers, Instructors and Students of Budokan Dojo take their lead. In 2018 he was graded to 7 Dan Karate.

THE ART OF KARATE KATA Aesthetics and Power Kata in Japanese simply means form and their origin can be traced back to the relationship between China and Okinawa, during the early years of trading between the two countries. Performing and practicing Kata requires the complete immersion into body, mind and spirit - as all three have to be present in embu or performance, or the essence of what kata is all about, is lost. It is the combination of a range of body movements in a variety of different directions, made up of individual techniques that become progressively more flowing, appearing effortless to the untrained eye. They include simple hand and arm movements at first until balance is achieved based upon the use of correct stances. Being in the correct stance at every moment of any kata is THE principal requirement of balance and movement from one stance to the other. Without this element in place at every turn, the very foundation of each form is absent. And by stance is meant to be not only the height and length of each one that is done - which is critical - but the relationship of one foot to the other and the angles they are placed in to achive stability in the landing and lightness of touch and bounce in preparation for the next move. A good kata practitioner will eliminate all uneccessary footwork as a basic requisite for fluidity and the smooth flow of movement. A relaxed and not stiff upright posture is critical to this flow. Eyes level - chin tucked in just enough - head balancd on the torso - shoulders level at all times - chest slightly raised - lower back hollow - allowing movment reminiscent of a matador. At an appropriate point - once balance has been achieved on two feet - kicking techniques are incorporated and take time to master in the flow of a kata as balancing moves onto one leg. The key skill here being how to return the foot to the floor and keeping the flow of the kata alive. And then the kata comes ito its own as a "dance" (the term in this context is of Chinese origin), made up of a designated number of moves, which have been handed down over time. Kime is a commonly used Japanese martial arts term, meaning "power" and/or "focus," describing the instantaneous tensing at the correct moment during a technique, where a momentary stillness is observed. It is the timing of moments like this that "make" any Kata. It is here where power and control merge and if you lose the latter, the kata disintegrates into a shambles as too much power on poor stances distorts the shape of each and every movement. It is the biggest mistake that Karateka in general make when performing kata - for in the Embu or performance, the expression of power must be contained so as to maximise the aeshthetic appeal of the Kata. The combination of this seemingly effortless flow of movement along with perfect timing and pause, creates a series of sequences which tell the "story" to be found in each kata, interspersed with moments of immense power. It can only be described as breathtakingly awesome to behold and beautiful to watch, as this explosive form of ballet appeals aesthetically as the Art of Karate Kata. Practitioners of karate kata read the various sequences and turn them into practice drills called Bunkai - the practical application of various techniques with a partner or partners - which naturally leads on to the various forms of Kumite - or sparring. But first there is the Art of the Kata to master. David Passmore Kyoshi 2008

BUDOKAN DOJO THE HEART AND SOUL OF TRAINING There are thousands of dojo that practice Karate, Aikido Iaido and other traditional Japanese Budo or martial arts such as Kendo, Ju Jitsu, Kodokan Judo and Kobudo - mosltly small "houses" of martial ways. We would like to bring these dojo together via their Dojo Leaders in order to create and host all the content required to teach and learn traditional Japanese Budo in the manner in which they were originally intended, which has become part of our lineage. Including, should any dojo wish it, the teaching of the classical virtues of Japanese Bushido, with the practice of zazen or seated meditation. The OLINE LIBRARY will never replace the dedicated training required to acquire rlelvant skills in martial arts - but will serve as a complement to that effort as more teaching and learning takes place online, simply because it is more easily accessible at any time. It is intended that these DoJo Pages will also hold news, events, grading, social gatherings and views in words, pictures and vodeo of what Budo people, colleagues and friends are up to in the conduct of their daily lives wherever they are in the world. DOJO DIRECTORY RIO GRANDE DO SUL BUDOKAN HOMBU DOJO BUDOKAN SOUTHAMPTON BUDOKAN NETHERLANDS SHINSEI DOJO KODOKWAN JUDO ZAMBIA BUDOKAN JEFFREYS BAY AIKIKAI PRETORIA BUDO KARATE DO SA BUDOKAN IN NZ KYUSHINDO DOJO BUDOKAN ARUNDEL SEISHIN DOJO THE ZEN HUT BUDOKAN LARNE DOJO KENYOKAN DOJO NZ BUDOKAN LLANGUNLLO GOJU RYU KARATE KARATE AIKIDO IAIDO ZAZEN KARATE AIKIDO IAIDO ZAZEN KARATE KYUSHO AND KODOKWAN JUJITSU IAIDO KENDO KODOKAN JUDO AND JUJITSU KARATE AIKIDO KARATE KARATE AND SELF DEFENCE YANAGI RYU JIU JUTSU KARATE AIKIDO IAIDO ZAZEN KARATE KOBUJUTSU KARATE KENJUTSU KOBUDO ZAZEN KARATE AIKIDO GOJU RYU KARATE KARATE AIKIDO IAIDO ZAZEN

PORTO ALLEGRE - RIO GRANDE DO SUL Kata Master Arthur Sensei 7th Dan from Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul) performing Seisan in the Brazilian Championship in 2016 he sent us recently. His Kata are excellent and some video are on the way! Visit his Dojo Page YMCA Goju-ryu Karate-do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil Arthur Xavier de Oliveira Filho (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brasil) Brief Biography Arthur sensei (shihan 7th dan - Brazilian Karate Confederation / World Karate Federation) Karate-do Goju-ryu instructor at ACM RS (Young Men Christian Association of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) since October 1976. Today, still the sensei. The first black belt to reach 7th grade by FGK, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Chief Instructor: Karate-do Taniguchi-ha/ Brasil. Teacher graduated in Letters (Portuguese and Literature) 5th dan diploma from the Mahato Karate Association - Japan; F.A.J.K.O. 3rd dan diploma Akira Taniguchi student (deceased), 8th dan FAJKO Start at Karate in 1972 with Luiz Watanabe, World Champion in 72, Shotokan. Co-Founder of the Gaúcha Karate Federation and Graduate Director FGK Former kata athlete. Former judo practitioner. Intern and competing students in Japan (JKF Goju-kai) at 90, 92, 25, 26 and 99. Student Handel Dias Champion Kumite Open in Sasebo, Japan, in 96; student, and today instructor, Julio Cunha, 3rd. place at kumite Open Japan (JKF Goju-kai) Diploma Honor to Merit by the Porto Alegre City Council for its contribution to Porto Alegre society, 2012 The exchange took place. 43 years of Karate Goju-ryu at YMCA in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, October 26, under the general coordination of the entity's sensei: Arthur, in two shifts was trained kihon and kata goju, with other instructors. .holding the legacy of Akira Taniguchi Shihan... Honouring the legacy of Akira Taniguchi Shihan

PROGRAMS LIST PRACTICAL SELF DEFENCE FOR WOMEN - LEVEL 1 15 Teilnehmer Kostenlos Details ansehen ZAZEN 18 Teilnehmer Kostenlos Details ansehen IAIDO 15 Teilnehmer Kostenlos Details ansehen KARATE 27 Teilnehmer Kostenlos Details ansehen AIKIDO 21 Teilnehmer Kostenlos Details ansehen

PRETORIA AIKIKAI, SOUTH AFRICA Training is done in an energetic, friendly, safe and non-competitive atmosphere. Beginners and advanced students train as a close, integrated community and family unit in the same class. The pace varies according to the experience and seniority of each member. Beginners and visitors are always welcome. DISCIPLINE AIKIDO – Traditional INSTRUCTION Paul de Beer (6th Dan) Cell: +27 (0)83 636 1764 E-mail: aikido.pretoria@gmail.com Website: www.AikidoPretoria.co.za VENUE The dojo is situated in a basement on the western side of the Rembrandt hall in the LC De Villiers Sport Centre of the University of Pretoria, South Street extension (East), Hatfield, PRETORIA. GPS Coordinates: S25° 45.198 E28º 14.965 PRACTICE TIMES Mondays: 18:00 to 19:30 Wednesdays: 18:00 to 19:30 Fridays: 18:00 to 19:30 The dojo is closed on public, as well as certain University/School holidays. THE DOJO: The Pretoria Aikikai was established in 1979. It continues to play a central role in the training of instructors and the spreading of Aikido throughout South Africa. Tuks Aikido is situated in Hatfield and serves as the central dojo in Pretoria. It is run by Mr Paul de Beer (6th Dan, Aikikai, Dojo-cho) with the aid of assistant instructors. It has close ties with Aikido groups in Japan, Italy, Guam, Great Britain, Hong Kong, New Zeeland, Australia, Canada, China, Russia and Reunion. Seminars and exchanges take place at regular intervals. "Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear" - Mark Twain AIKIDO-A TOOL FOR SENSIBLE LIVING REDISCOVERING AIKIDO

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.