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JULIE TULLIS Julie Tullis (née Palau) (15 March 1939 – 6/7 August 1986) was a British climber and filmmaker who died while descending from K2 's summit during a storm, along with four other climbers from several expeditions, during the "Black Summer" of 1986. Julie was born to Erica and Francis Palau. Her early life was disrupted by the outbreak of World War II . In 1956, she began climbing near Tunbridge Wells , where she met Terry Tullis. In 1959, they were married and spent the following years running various small businesses. They also continued climbing, in addition to which Julie studied traditional Japanese martial arts, under David Passmore in the Budokan school, Tunbridge Wells. She occasionally practised karate forms in traditional hakama when climbing. Tullis met Austrian climber Kurt Diemberger in 1976, and by 1980 they were working together on lecture tours. In 1981, Diemberger hired Tullis as a technician for an expedition to Nanga Parbat , and their high-altitude filming career began. It would include, in the following years, expeditions to the North ridge of K2 and the unclimbed North-East ridge of Mount Everest . In 1984, Tullis and Diemberger climbed Broad Peak , and after more film work they went on an expedition to climb K2, in 1986, becoming part of the 1986 K2 disaster . Although Tullis and Diemberger finally made the summit on 4 August 1986, making Tullis the first British woman to do so, they were exhausted from spending several days above 8,000 metres; 26,000' (known as the death zone ). On the descent, Tullis slipped and fell; although Diemberger's belay successfully saved them both, it is likely that Tullis suffered internal or head injuries that began to affect her vision and co-ordination.[citation needed ] Arriving at Camp IV they were trapped in their tents by a storm that lasted for several days. All the trapped climbers deteriorated physically and mentally, lacking food, sleep, oxygen and, once the gas for the stoves ran out, the ability to melt snow and produce water. This, in turn, made them vulnerable to pulmonary or cerebral oedema , which in Tullis' condition would have been rapidly fatal. Tullis died on the night of 6/7 August (the accounts of Diemberger and another climber present, Willi Bauer, differ on the date) and was buried on the mountainside. * wikipedia More on her Japanese Budo life to come.

1960 - 2021 Kancho Mamoru Miwa is the Master and Founder of the Tenshinkan Style. He is a 10th Dan Black Belt Master and holder of a Masters Degree in Kobu-Jitsu, Aiki-Jitsu and Karate. Kancho Miwa’s Grandfather was a Samurai (Emperor’s Warrior). His father also was a Shogun Samurai Guard to the Emperor until his retirement. Kancho Miwa started Martial Arts training at the age of five. Kancho Miwa trained in Aiki-do, Ju-jitsu, Goshinjitsu, Kobudo and Bushido (Ninjitsu). Kancho Mamoru Miwa is extremely proficient in kobujutsu and kenjutsu and Tenshinkan Karate puts strong emphasizes on sabaki and aikijutsu KOBUJUTSU WEAPONS Kancho Inoue Motokatsu 1918-1993. Born in Tokyo in December 1918. Inoue O’Sensei studied martial arts from when he was eight. His first teacher was Fujita Seiko Sensei the 14th headmaster of Kouga Ninja Ryu He studied Karate under Konishi Yasuhiro, founder of Shindo Shizen Ryu. O’Sensei started training with Taira Sensei at the age of 20. Taira Sensei made Inoue O’Sensei president of Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai. O’Sensei studied Aikido under Shioda Gozo Sensei one of the most senior disciples of Grandmaster Ueshiba Mohirei The kobujutsu weapons are known as : Bo (or kon in Chinese), it is a 6 foot wooden staff the Japanese refer to it as Rokushaku Bo, (roku six, shaku is unit of measure slightly shorter than a foot, BO means wood). This implement had many uses in olden times, it could have being used to carry water (one vessel on each end of the staff) and as a walking stick, Nunchahku , two pieces of wood joined by a short string, it appears that it could have been either horse bits or flails to beat grains it became popular in the 70s with Bruce Lee. Tonfa , looks like a police baton with an handle attached at 90 degrees close to one end and they are used in pairs, Tekko look like knuckle dusters and they were made out of horse shoes, Kama a pair of short bladed sickles, Sai a pair of metal truncheons possibly another farming implement. Tinbe a small shield (35 t0 50 cm made of metal or tortoise shell or woven rattan) and Rochin a short spear. Surujin , it is a small links chain approximately 1.2 meters long and has a weight at one end of it. These were weapons developed by the people of the Ryukyu kingdom during the period of weapons embargo imposed by the Samurai cast in the prevention of further revolts in the effort of establishing peace and unifying Japan. TENSHINKAN HISTORY AND LINEAGE KARATE HISTORY KOBUJUTSU HISTORY Hanshi Hans Haupt. 8th Dan Tenshinkan Karate and World Liaison Officer under Kancho Mamoru Miwa. Hanshi Hans was a disciple of O’Sensei Inoue Motokatsu in the mid 70s and obtained 4th in Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai. Hanshi Hans also studied Ju-Jutsu Saito Ryu and obtained the rank of 4th Dan. Hanshi Hans founded Tenshinkan Ryukyu Kobujutsu to honour Kancho Mamoru Miwa Shihan-dai Joe Bracone. 5th Dan Tenshinkan Karate and 3rd Dan Tenshinkan Ryukyu Kobujutsu trained and graded by Hanshi Hans Haupt. Before relocating to UK, he was South Africa Honbu Dojo deputy Chief Instructor, achieved many top 3 places in many national competitions. He is a keen student of goshin-jutsu and an avid practitioner of sabaki and combination techniques. KOBUJUTSU HISTORY KOBUJUTSU means “the ancient art of the weapons” and it refers to as the way of becoming skilled in the art those weapons. Ryukyu Kobujutsu is a weapons system from Okinawa. It includes the effective use of Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Kama, Tekko, Tinbe and Rochin, and Surujin. Like karate, Kobujutsu training is divided into Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (fighting). Kobujutsu has its beginning about 700 years ago. The masters of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries were worried that the techniques and kata were being lost and made great efforts to restore and promote Ryukyu Kobujutsu. One of these masters was Shinken Taira. He compiled and authenticated 42 Weapons kata, spread across 8 weapons. KOBUJUTSU MASTERS The Ryukyu Kobujutsu appeared in history approximately 700 years ago. It is said that it was the period of heroes. With the wide spreading of Kobujutsu , many great teachers such as Soeishi, Sakugawa, Chatanyara appeared in the 17th ,18th and 19th centuries In Taisho era [around the beginning of 20th century], some masters were deeply concerned about this heritage and made great efforts to restore and promote Ryukyu Kobujutsu. Subsequently, the late master Shinken Taira, who was a disciple of master Moden Yabiku sensei, had comprehensively compiled 42 Weapon Kata which consist of eight kinds of Weapons specified previously and founded The Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai a body for the preservation of this ancient art. All of these Kata had been taught to the late master Kancho Inoue Motokatsu who was the closest disciple of master Taira and later president of RYUKYU KOBUJUTSU HOZON SHINKO KAI.

1960 - 2023 BUDOKAN KARATE GENEALOGY As part of our plans to provide an historical narrative to each of our disciplines, Sensei Passmore sent over a Karate Genealogy spreadsheet to Renshi Bush, along with a request to see if he could do the research and build a story around the people responsible for creating the original Karate Kata, founded their different Ryu or styles and handed them down over time, so that we could enjoy practising and performing them today. KARATE DO THE WAY OF THE OPEN HAND HISTORY OKINAWA THE BIRTHPLACE OF KARATE Okinawa, Ken Prefecture, Japan in the Pacific Ocean comprises roughly two-thirds of the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It is the smallest and least populated of the five main islands of Japan. Before Okinawa became a prefecture during the early part of the Meiji period (1868 -1912) it was a semi-independent kingdom under the influence of both China and Japan . In 1429, the three kingdoms on Okinawa unified to form the Kingdom of Ryukyu. In 1477 Shō Shi became king and banned the practice of Tō-te and Ryukyu kobudō (weaponry) however these continued to be taught in secret. The ban was continued even after Okinawa was invaded by the Satsuma Domain of Japan in 1609. The bans contributed to the development of kobudō which uses common household and farming implements as weaponry. The Okinawans combined Chinese martial arts with the existing local variants to form Tōde Tuudii, (China hand), sometimes called Okinawa-te By the 18th century, different types of Te had developed in three different villages Shuri, Naha and Tomari. The styles were named Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te. Te often varied from one town to another, so to distinguish the various types of te, the area of origin was added, for example, Naha-te, Shuri-te, or Tomari-te. Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te belong to a family of martial arts that were collectively defined as Tode-jutsu or To-de. In 1879 The Ryukyu kingdom was annexed by Japan and was renamed the Okinawa Prefecture by the Meiji government. Naha is the capital city of Okinawa, Shuri is a district of Naha and Tomari is a neighbourhood where the Tomari terminal of the port of Naha is located. After 1926 Okinawa-te or Karate-jutsu was systematically taught in Japan . As you read this genealogy you will see that many of the styles of karate practised today inherited the characteristics of both the Naha-te and Shuri-te. The reason for this is because the founding fathers of karate were either born in Naha or Shuri or were taught and practised these styles of martial arts. This paper focuses on the styles and teachers that influenced the way we practise karate in Budokan. There are other styles such as Shorin-Ryu (Choshin Chibana) and Wado-Ryu (Otsuka Hironori) which have connected genealogies. Although I include Gichin Funokoshi (Shotokan) it is because he trained under Yasutsune Anko Itosu whom I regard as the father of Karate although Funakoshi is sometimes referred to as the father of karate. SATUNUSHI “TODE” SAKUGAWA Born in 1773 in Akata, Shuri, Ryukyu Kingdom. Died 1815 age 81/82 In 1750, Sakugawa trained under monk, Takahara for six years. At Takahara’s suggestion Sakugawa trained under Kusanku, a Chinese master in Ch'uan Fa. Sakugawa also spent six years training with Kusanku. He taught what he learned in Ryūkyū Kingdom in 1762. He was considered to be such an expert that people gave him, as a nickname: "Tōde" (Chinese Hand). His most famous student was Matsumura Sōkon, went on to develop the Shuri-te which later develop into Shōrin-ryū style of karate. The five Pinan forms were (allegedly) created by drawing from two older forms, kusanku and chiang nan. Itosu is also credited with taking the large Naihanchi form and breaking it into the three well-known modern forms Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan. In 1908, Itosu wrote the influential "Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate, reaching beyond Okinawa to Japan. Itosu's style of karate, Shorin-ryu, came to be known as Itosu-ryu in recognition of his skill, mastery, and role as teacher to many. While Itosu did not invent karate himself, he modified the kata he learned from Matsumura, and taught many karate masters. Itosu's students included Choyu Motobu (1857–1927), Choki Motobu (1870–1944), Kentsu Yabu (1866–1937), Chomo Hanashiro (1869–1945), Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957), Moden Yabiku (1880–1941), Kanken Toyama (1888–1966), Shinpan Shiroma (Gusukuma) (1890–1954), Anbun Tokuda (1886–1945), Kenwa Mabuni (1887–1952), and Chōshin Chibana (1885–1969). Itosu is credited with the creation of Pinan Shodan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan, Tekki Shodan Nidan and Sandan, Jion, Jitte, Jiin, Cinte, Rohai, Bassi Sho and Dai, Kanku Sho and Dai and Gojushi Ho HIGOANNA KANRO Born 10 March 1853 Nishimura, Naha, Ryukyu Kingdom Died October 1915 Naha, Okinawa Higoanna was introduced to the martial arts by Arakaki Seiisho, a Chinese monk. Arakaki is known for teaching the kata Unshu, Seisan, Shihohai, Sōchin, Niseishi, and Sanchin. When in the 1880s Ryūkyū was annexed by Japan, Higoanna Kanryo returned to Okinawa where he taught the martial arts in and around Naha. He began by teaching the sons of Yoshimura Udun Chomei. His style of karate was called "Naha-te". He taught Naha-te to the public in 1905 in the Naha Commercial School. Kanryo was noted for his powerful Sanchin. Several of Kanryo's students went on to become influential masters of what came to be called karate, amongst them Chōjun Miyagi, Kenwa Mabuni, Kyoda Shigehatsu, Koki Shiroma, Higa Seiko, Tsuyoshi Chtose and Shiroma Shinpan (Gusukuma). In 1930, Funakoshi established the Dai-Nihon Karate-do Kenkyukai to promote communication and information exchange among people who study karate-dō. In 1936, Dai-Nippon Karate-do Kenkyukai changed its name to Dai-Nippon Karate-do Shoto-kai, which is known today as Shotokai, and is the official keeper of Funakoshi's karate heritage. 1949 Funakoshi's students created the Japan Karate Association (JKA), with Funakoshi as the honorary head of the organization. however, in practise this organization was led by Masatoshi Nakayama. The JKA formalized Funakoshi's teachings. CHOJIRO TANI Founder of Shukokai Born 1921, Kobe Japan Died 11 January 1998 Chojiro Tani started his formal karate training under Miyagi Chōjun, whilst a student at Doshisha University in Kyoto. When Miyagi Chōjun returned to Okinawa the founder of Shitō-ryū, Kenwa Mabuni took over the teaching. When he graduated from university, Tani began learning Shuri-te and then Shitō-ryū from Mabuni as well. After many years of training under Mabuni and becoming one of his most senior students, Tani received the certificate of succession from him and became the head of Shitō-ryū, enabling him to use the name Tani-ha Shitoryu. In 1946 Chōjirō Tani began teaching Shūkōkai at a dojo in Kobe, Japan. Shūkōkai was designed around the study of body mechanics and is very fast due to its relatively high stance aiding mobility and is known for the double hip twist, which maximises the force of its strikes. Being a direct descendent of Shito-Ryu, Shukokai inherits the characteristics of both the Naha-te and Shuri-te from Okinawa. Kenwa Mabuni merged the techniques and principles of the styles he learned from his teachers Kanryo Higaonna, and Anko Itosu to form his Shukokai style of Karate. Shukokai combines the circular breathing techniques from Naha-te and the quick linear movements of the Shuri-te styles. Katas like Sanchin, Tensho, and Seienchin are handed down from the Naha-te traditions, while katas like Annanko, Matsukaze, and Bassai-Dai are handed down from the Shuri-te traditions. The similarities between Tensho, Sanchin, and Seienchin, and the similarities between Bassai-Dai, Annanko, and Matsukaze, reveals what makes the Naha-te katas different from the Shuri-te katas. One of Tani's most senior students was Shigeru Kimura. After the death of Gogen Yamaguchi, the brothers Gosen and Goshi Yamaguchi shared the task of organizing the Goju Kai. Gosen became president and Goshi became Saiko Shihan, which means the highest technical authority. Gosen like his Father believed that sparing (jyu-kumite) was an essential part of karate training. Gosen Yamaguchi died only about a year after his father's death due to health reasons. He is remembered and greatly respected for his gentle unassuming nature, his wisdom, as well as his precise, effective yet beautiful flowing and typical 'Goju ryu' technique style, and his enormously dedicated and hardworking attitude to his duties of the IKGA and his career with Japan Airlines. After his death, the top instructors of the Japan Goju Kai Karate Federation appointed Goshi Yamaguchi as President and Saiko Shihan. RICHARD SALMON Born 28th November 1939 Durban – South Africa Richard Salmon introduced to the Martial Arts by Pearson Widdicombe at the YMCA Kodokwan Dojo in Durban where he obtained his first dan. Richard Salmon opened his first dojo in the double garage of his home in Sarnia in 1960. In 1961 Richard Salmon was introduced to Akira Taniguchi, then 5th Dan Goju-Ryu with whom he trained whilst Taniguchi was in Durban. Upon his departure, Taniguchi Sensei graded him to First Dan Goju-Ryu. In 1962 at the invitation of Taniguchi Richard Salmon travelled to Brazil with Des Botes, of Shukokai, South Africa, Also, in 1962 Taiji Kase (6th Dan Shotokan) instructor visited South Africa when Richard Salmon, amongst many other JKA karateka were trained by him the YMCA Kodokwan dojo. RAYMOND EDWARD RYAN Born 1 July 1936 Johannesburg – South Africa Died 13th November 1989 – Durban - South Africa Ray started his karate training with Shukokai where he teamed up with Richard Salmon. In 1963 Richard Salmon and Ray Ryan opened a dojo in Sarnia, Durban which was called Budokan. They acquired a piece of land in Westville, South Africa and with the help of their students built a dojo there which was the first Budokan Honbu. In 1965/66, Hanshi Chojiro Tani, came to South Africa and many of the Budokan karateka had the great fortune to be trained by him. Bibliography Okinawan martial arts - Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. Sakugawa Kanga - Author: Wikipedia contributors - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. – Traditions of Shotokan Matsumura Sōkon - Author: Wikipedia contributors - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. Ankō Itosu - Author: Wikipedia contributor - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. Gichin Funokoshi - Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia – The History of Fighting. - Karate do-My Way of Life-Gichin Funakoshi =- Karate Do Nyumon- Gichin Funakoshi Kenwa Mabuni - Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia- Karate Kenpo (1934), Karate-Do Nyumon (1938) – Kenwa Mabuni – Ancient Okinawan Arts 1 – Koryu Uchinadi -Standing on the Shoulders of Giants-Patrick McCarthy Chojun Miyagi - Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia. – International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate do Federation – Karate do Gaisetsu – An Outline of Karate Do – Chojun Miyagi–(1934)- Ancient Okinawan Arts 2 – Koryu Uchinadi Gogen Yamaguchi – Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia – International Karatedo Gojukai Association. - Higoanna Kanryo - Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia – International Karatedo Gojukai Association – Okinawan Karate Chojiro Tani - Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia – Shukokai World Karate Federation Shigeru Kimura- Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia - Shukokai World Karate Federation – Kimura Shukokai International Gosei Yamaguchi – Black Belt Magazine http://www.blackbeltmag.com Gosen Yamaguchi – Black Belt Magazine http://www.blackbeltmag.com Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia – Goshi Yamaguchi – Black Belt Magazine http://www.blackbeltmag.com Author: Wikipedia contributors Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia MATSUMURA “BUSHI” SOKON Born in 1809 in Yamagawa Village, Shuri, Okinawa. Died in 1899 aged 89/90 Matsumura studied karate under Satunushi Sakukawa who is also referred to as Matsumura Kanga. Sakukawa was an old man at the time and reluctant to teach Matsumura, who was regarded as a troublemaker. However, Sakukawa had promised Kaiyo Sōfuku, Matsumura Sōkon’s father, that he would teach the boy, and therefore he did. Matsumura spent five years studying under Sakukawa. Matsumura garnered a reputation as an expert in the martial arts. He was the first to introduce the principles of Satsuma's swordsmanship school, Jigen-ryū, into Ryukyu kobujutsu (Ryūkyūan traditional martial arts). His most famous students include Ankō Itosu, Asato and Itarashiki Chochu. Matsumura is credited with creating and passing on kata known as naihanchi (Tekki), passai, seisan, Heian Nidan, chintō, gojūshiho, kanku (from kusanku's teaching as passed on to Tode Sakugawa) and hakutsuru (Hangetsu). Matsumura’s style of karate was known as Shuri-te which later develop into Shōrin-ryū style of karate. YASUTSUNE ANKO ITOSU Born in 1831 Gibo Village, Shuri, Ryukyu Died in 1915. Shuri, Okinawa Itosu started karate study under Nagahama. Following this he studied under Matsumura Sokon Itosu is credited with introducing karate into Okinawa's schools. In 1905, Itosu was a part-time teacher of To-de at Okinawa's First Junior Prefectural High School. Whilst there, he developed the systematic method of teaching karate techniques that are still in practice today. He created and introduced the Pinan kata forms (Heian in some styles) as learning steps for students, because he felt the older forms (kata) were too difficult for schoolchildren to learn. GICHIN FUNAKOSHI Founder of Shotokan Born 10 November 1868 Shuri, Okinawa Ryukyu Kingdom Died 26 April 1957 Tokyo Japan. Aged 88 years Funakoshi was a close friend of the son of Anko Asato a karate and Jigen-ryū master. He studied karate under Anko Asato and Yasutsune Ankō Itosu. Funakoshi had trained in both the styles of Okinawan martial arts of the time, Shōrei-ryū and Shōrin-ryū. Shotokan is named after Funakoshi's pen name, Shōtō which means "waving pines". Kan means training hall or house. Shōtōkan referred to the "house of Shōtō". This name was coined by Funakoshi's students when they posted a sign above the entrance of the hall at which Funakoshi taught. KENWA MABUNI Founder of Shito Ryu Born 14 November 1889 Shuri Okinawa Died 23 May 1952 Tokyo Japan. Mabuni started karate at the age of 13, training under Ankō Yasutsune Itosu. One of his close friends, Chōjun Miyagi who later became the founder of Gōjū-ryū introduced Mabuni to Higaonna Kanryō where he learned Naha-Te. Mabuni also trained under Seishō Aragaki, Tawada Shimboku, Sueyoshi Jino and Wu Xianhui (a Chinese master known as Go-Kenki). One of Mabuni’s most notable students was Chojiro Tani. By the 1920s he was regarded as the foremost authority on Okinawan kata and their history. It is alleged that Gichin Funakoshi learned kata from Kenwa Mabuni. Mabuni had several dojos in the Osaka area including one at Kansai University. In 1929, Mabuni moved to Osaka to become a full-time instructor of Hanko-ryū. Around this time karate became known as “open hand” as opposed to Chinese hand and Mabuni changed his style from Hanko Ryu to Shitō-ryū. This name was derived from the on'yomi readings of the first Kanji character of I(to)su (Anko) and Higa(shi)onna (Higaonna). Shitō-ryū focuses on both hard and soft techniques to this day. Mabuni's experience with both the Naha-te and Shuri -te styles made him renowned throughout Japan and Okinawa as the foremost expert on kata. CHŌJUN MIYAGI Founder of Goju Ryu Born 25 April 1888, Naha, Okinawa Died 8 October 1953 aged 65. Miyagi began studying Karate at the age of nine under Ryuko Aragaki. When aged 14 Aragaki introduced him to Kanryo Higashionna (Higaonna). His training with Higaonna was interrupted from 1910 to 1912 whilst Miyagi completed his military service. In October 1915 Miyagi travelled to Foochow where he studied some local Chinese martial arts. It was on this second trip that he observed the Rokkishu (a set of hand exercises which emphasizes the rotation of the forearms and wrists to execute offensive and defensive techniques), which he then adapted into the Tensho Kata. From the blending of these systems, and his native Naha-Te a new system emerged. In 1929 Chōjun Miyagi named the style Gōjū-ryū, meaning "hard soft style". After several months in China, Miyagi returned to Naha where he opened a dojo. In recognition of his leadership in spreading karate in Japan, Goju-Ryu, became the first style to be officially recognized by the Dai Nippon Butokukai. He revised and further developed Sanchin the hard aspect of Goju, and created Tensho the soft aspect. These kata are considered to contain the essence of the Goju-ryu. The kata, Suparinpei, is said to contain the full syllabus of Goju-ryu. Shisochin was Miyagi's favourite kata at the end of his years. With the goal of unification of various karate styles which was in fashion at that time, he also created more Shurite-like katas Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Dai Ni in 1940. Miyagi’s students included Gogen Yamaguchi, Seiko Higa, Seikichi Toguchi, Tatsuo Shimabuku, Erichi Miyazato, Meitoku Yagi, Seigo Tada and Anichi Miyagi. JITSUMI GŌGEN YAMAGUCHI “THE CAT” Born 20 January 1909 Miyakonojō, Shonai, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, near Kagoshima City Died on 20 May 1989. Gōgen was in the 5th grade when he began studying karate under Takeo Maruta in Okinawa. Maruta was a Gōjū-ryū practitioner. Maruta was himself a student of Chōjun Miyagi. At Yamaguchi’s invitation in 1929 Chōjun Miyagi visited Kansai, University Osaka, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, and Doshisha University. Yamagutchi was attending Ritsumeikan University at that time studying Law. In 1930 Yamagutchi and Jitsuei Yogi together founded the Ritsumeikan daigaku karate kenkyū-kai (Ritsumeikan University Karate Research Association), the first karate club at Ritsumeikan University. The Ritsumeikan Karate-dō Kenkyū-kai was the first university karate club in western Japan. Chōjun Miyagi gave Gōgen Yamaguchi the responsibility of spreading Gōjū-ryū in mainland Japan. In the early 1930s, Gōgen designed the Gōjū-ryū fist badge, which It is said is modelled on Chōjun Miyagi’s right fist. Gōgen Yamaguchi's contributions to Gōjū-ryū karate-dō and to karate-dō in general have been enormous. He developed and guided the International Karate-dō Gōjū-kai Association (I.K.G.A). It is popular in both Japan and other Asian and Western countries throughout the world. By 2008 there were approximately 60-70 countries teaching the Gōjū-kai karate-dō. Gōgen Yamaguchi succeeded in unifying all the karate schools in Japan into a single union which resulted in the formation of The Federation of All Japan Karate-dō Organization (F.A.J.K.O.) In 1964. The Kokusai Budō Renmei -(The International Martial Arts Federation) appointed Yamaguchi as a Shihan of that organisation's karate-dō division. Yamaguchi added the Taikyoku katas to the Goju- training methods for the beginner students to prepare them for the more advanced kata. SHIGERU KIMURA Born 2 March 1941 Kobe Japan Died 7 July 1995 New Jersey USA Shigeru Kimura began his karate training with Sensei Chojiro Tani at the age of 16. At the age of 21 he won the All Japan Championships. In 1965 left Japan in to teach Shūkōkai in Africa. He developed Shukokai emphasizing its power and strength and was regarded as an expert in the style. He later travelled to Europe and where he continued to teach. In 1970 at the age of 29 he moved to the United States, where he taught at Yonezuka's Cranford dojo for two years. He created the first Shukokai World Tournament in 1981. Chojiro Tani and Shigeru Kimura both made their greatest contributions to the style by continually refining each technique essentially re-defining the basics. Kimura made the study of body mechanics his primary focus. He taught that each technique was to deliver the greatest impact with the least amount of effort. He believed that each technique must be combat-effective. Kimura believed that a technique, no matter how powerful, was useless if it could not be delivered under combat situations. Kimura taught that as with the way of the samurai the outcome of a confrontation should be decided in a single technique. The result of his efforts is the combat-effective style of Shukokai. Shigeru Kimura died of a heart attack at the age of 54. GOSEN KISHIO YAMAGUCHI Born Manchuria 1940 Died 20th May 1989 The US Goju Kai has existed since 1963 as a significant group of the International Karate Do Goju Kai. Gosen Yamaguchi was the second son of Gogen Yamaguchi and he was the first instructor to publicize the entire Goju Ryu system in the United States. During his time as chief instructor, Gosen established the first Goju Kai Karate School in San Francisco at State College in the summer of 1963. After a while, Gosen Yamaguchi returned home to Japan to assist his father with teaching at the Hombu Dojo (central school). In 1966 he travelled to San Francisco with his wife, just married. From 1968 - 1971 Gosen worked for the airline Japan Air Line (JAL) in Frankfurt. In addition to his work, he continued to teach Goju Ryu Karate. After these three years, Gosen returned to Japan and was soon appointed Vice President of Japan Air Line. It is thanks to him that the Goju Kai was supported by JAL sponsorship in the 1970s.

1960 - 2023 BUSHIDO & BUDO THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR Bushidō - (Japanese: “Way of the Warrior”) the code of conduct of the Samurai, or Bushi (warrior), class of premodern Japan THE MARTIAL WAY Budo – (Japanese: “Bu – Martial Do – the way. Martial way”) Although the name Bushidō was not used until the 16th century, the idea of the code developed during the Kamakura period (1192–1333), as did the practice of seppuku (ritual disembowelment). Since the days of the Kamakura shogunate (1185 – 1333), the "Way of the Warrior" has been an integral part of Japanese culture. The medieval Japanese military class was attracted to Zen Buddhism, because of the discipline required in its daily practice and its notion of non- attachment, which served each individual well on a practical level as they could achieve an enlightened state which eliminated suffering – the central tenet of all Buddhism. Zen monks occupied positions of political influence in both Kyoto, where the Emperor and the ruling family reigned supreme and in Kamakura, the new seat of the Shogunate, especially when Yoritomo took the title of Seii Taishogun in 1192. Eisai, was a Tendai priest who studied extensively in China and returned to Japan in 1192. He was frowned upon by the Tendai establishment and moved to Kamakura, where he won the support of the newly established Shogunate and set up temples there and in Kyoto. Eisai was generally regarded as being responsible for introducing Zen to Japan and was both politically and artistically influential. The Soto sect of Zen Buddhism was founded by Dogen Zenji with the building of the Eihei Temple in what is now the Fukui Prefecture in 1243. Dogen lost his parents at an early age and was influenced by the impermanence of things. He began to teach Zazen and its central tenet of Shikan Taza or seated meditation as the most effective road to Satori, which can mean personal enlightenment or self-realization. At that time the Minamoto family established Japan’s first military government (bakufu), headed by a hereditary leader called the Shogun. However, the supreme obligation or duty of the samurai was to his Lord, even if this might cause suffering to his parents. The extent to which duty superseded all else is perhaps best exemplified in the story of the 47 rōnin from the early 18th century. These Samurai, who had become masterless (Rōnin) after their Lord had been treacherously murdered, avenged their Lord’s death against the express instructions of the Shogun and afterward were all ordered to commit seppuku. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573) the “way of the warrior” - the Samurai Code of Conduct began to become more refined by adopting selected daily activities, alongside martial training, such as Zen (meaning meditation), ikebana, the tea ceremony, poetry such as the death poem (written by Samurai before suicidal missions or battles) and literature. The sayings of Sengoku-period retainers and warlords such as Katō Kiyomasa (1562–1611) and Nabeshima Naoshige were generally recorded or passed down to posterity around the turn of the 16th century when Japan had entered a period of relative peace. In a handbook addressed to "all Samurai, regardless of rank", Katō states "If a man does not investigate into the matter of Bushidō daily, it will be difficult for him to die a brave and manly death. Thus, it is essential to engrave this business of the warrior into one's mind well”. During the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867) Bushidō thought was infused with Confucian ethics and made into a comprehensive system that stressed obligation or duty. The Samurai was equated with the Confucian “perfect gentleman” and was taught that his essential function was to exemplify virtue to the lower classes. Obedience to authority was stressed, but duty (“Giri”) came first even if it entailed violation of law. In the mid-19th century, however, the precepts of Bushidō were made the basis of ethical training for the whole of society, with the Emperor replacing the feudal Lord, or Daimyo, as the focus of loyalty and sacrifice. The precise content of the Bushidō code varied historically as the Samurai class came under the influence of Zen Buddhist and Confucian thought, but it’s one unchanging ideal was martial spirit, including athletic and military skills as well as fearlessness toward the enemy in battle. Frugal living, kindness, honesty, and personal honour were also highly regarded, as was filial piety, respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors. As such it contributed to the rise of Japanese nationalism following the Meiji Restoration (1868) and to the strengthening of civilian morale during the Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) and World War II. Instruction in the code was officially abandoned with Japan’s defeat in 1945. Elements of the code remain, however, in the practice of Japanese martial arts and in the sport of sumo wrestling. Bushido is often referred to as the soul of old Japan and the spirit of the new. Then consider if you would, the similarity between Bushido and Budo. Budo – (Japanese: “Bu – Martial - Do – the way - Martial Way”) As a lifestyle, Budo is known as the The Martial Way Budo philosophy has been developed over time (approximately 400 years) from the teachings of Japanese Bushido. The two concepts, Bushido and Budo, are fundamental to the study of the Japanese martial arts. In essence Bushido is the code of conduct which we, as martial arts practitioners, subscribe to whilst we learn the martial way. In my view it is impossible to practise the one without the other. Miyamoto Musashi said, “The way is in training”. When I started karate at the end of each class, we used to recite the maxims which we were expected to apply both in the in the dojo and in our everyday lives. These were Etiquette, Effort, Respect and Self Control. The study of martial arts requires both the physical aspect and the mental aspect. The training of the body and the training of the mind. To achieve mastery of a single martial art requires a lifetime of dedication and there is no avoiding the physical aspect of the training. We often say, “There is no gain without pain”. At Budokan we expect students to train both within the dojo as well as when in private at home or elsewhere. Progressive skills development is necessary for the attainment of mastery of a martial art and that is why we assess the progress a student makes progressively throughout every year. Students are taught the basics which they are expected to master before they move on to more complex techniques. …. Returning then to the maxims we recited after every class and how they apply to the study of Budo. These require each and every student to observe Dojo etiquette. For example, we always remove our shoes when entering the Dojo. We used to prepare the dojo by washing down the floors at the beginning and end of every class. We bow to each other and to the instructors. We say “please teach me” at the beginning and “thank you” to the instructor at the end of each session. We also meditate for a short time at the beginning and end of each class. The question is why is this necessary? This is an outward manifestation of an inner desire to remind ourselves, and show others outside the martial arts, that we have respect for one and another, the instructors, the dojo, ourselves, and others. One cannot avoid the physical aspect of martial arts training. You have to get on the dojo floor and sweat to achieve progress and it is essential for a student to give the maximum effort on each occasion he practises his skills. This effort is what makes martial arts training worthwhile. The benefits are, I would say self-evident. Exercise is good for one’s health, it helps to rid oneself of negative thoughts and the release of endorphins makes one mentally strong. There is no denying that the practise of martial arts can lead to situations when tempers might flare up. Practitioners must develop self-control and those who don’t soon fall below the estimation of their peers and expectations of their Teachers and Instructors. At the same time as engaging in the physical side of training students learn how to control their breathing, how to focus on what they are doing and what the opponent is doing. We are taught to analyse each technique and what its application might be. They must also engage the mind. We meditate to find a balance within our everyday lives and to rid ourselves of negative thoughts and emotions. It teaches us to focus. Having regard for the aforesaid I must return to the concept of “Giri”! Giri - pronounced ‘Gidi (as most Japanese people cannot roll the “R”’ ) is a Japanese concept roughly corresponding to duty, obligation, justice, and correct action. There is no equivalent word in the English language. It should be a very important rule for practitioners of the martial arts. This concept has attracted a great deal of interest from the rest of the world. What concerns me is how many students of Budo understand the concept of Giri and how few regulate their actions and thoughts in keeping with the concept. Giri transcends limits of right action, duty, courtesy, obligation, and right thinking - which emanate from the Eightfold Path of Buddhist philosophy. Early students of Bushido studied the ‘kashoki’. These are five scrolls with wide-ranging content, including Samurai knowledge with moral precepts, the knowledge of ordinary people, the teachings of Confucian Buddhism, Mencius and others. It contains moral precepts which explain theoretical aspects of Bushido. The fifth scroll has an important definition that was made by a Samurai and is therefore the first known description of morality in Bushido. The Bushido spirit was the Kashoki. The fifth scroll provides that “The essence of Bushidō is: do not lie, do not be insincere, do not be servile, do not be superficial, do not be greedy, do not be rude, do not be boastful, do not be arrogant, do not slander, do not be unfaithful, be on good terms with comrades, do not be overly concerned with events, show concern for one another, be compassionate, with a strong sense of duty”. Being a good Samurai takes more than merely a willingness to lay down one's life." In my view this is Giri. Over the last 100 years modern societies have encouraged their citizens to adopt a social and political doctrine of individualism and wealth creation and I believe we have lost sight of Giri. And with reference to the Kanji of Bushido and Budo (above) it may be the latter that will fade away, whilst we will continue to revere the former. Peter Bush October 2021

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12 BEST GENERAL BENEFITS OF MEDITATION Meditation has been shown to offer many benefits. Although it’s well known as a technique to reduce stress and anxiety, research shows that it may also help enhance your mood, promote healthy sleep patterns, and boost cognitive skills. Meditation is the habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. The popularity of meditation is increasing as more people discover its many health benefits. You can use it to increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress and develop concentration. People also use the practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns, and even increased pain tolerance. This article reviews 12 health benefits of meditation. 1. Reduces stress Stress reduction is one of the most common reasons people try meditation. One review concluded that meditation lives up to its reputation for stress reduction (1Trusted Source). Normally, mental and physical stress cause increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This produces many of the harmful effects of stress, such as the release of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. These effects can disrupt sleep, promote depression and anxiety, increase blood pressure, and contribute to fatigue and cloudy thinking. In an 8-week study, a meditation style called “mindfulness meditation” reduced the inflammation response caused by stress (2). Furthermore, research has shown that meditation may also improve symptoms of stress-related conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fibromyalgia (3, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source). Summary Many styles of meditation can help reduce stress. Meditation can likewise reduce symptoms in people with stress-triggered medical conditions. 2. Controls anxiety Meditation can reduce stress levels, which translates to less anxiety. A meta-analysis including nearly 1,300 adults found that meditation may decrease anxiety. Notably, this effect was strongest in those with the highest levels of anxiety (6Trusted Source). Also, one study found that 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation helped reduce anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder, along with increasing positive self-statements and improving stress reactivity and coping (7Trusted Source). Another study in 47 people with chronic pain found that completing an 8-week meditation program led to noticeable improvements in depression, anxiety, and pain over 1 year (8Trusted Source). What’s more, some research suggests that a variety of mindfulness and meditation exercises may reduce anxiety levels (9Trusted Source). For example, yoga has been shown to help people reduce anxiety. This is likely due to benefits from both meditative practice and physical activity (10Trusted Source). Meditation may also help control job-related anxiety. One study found that employees who used a mindfulness meditation app for 8 weeks experienced improved feelings of well-being and decreased distress and job strain, compared with those in a control group (11Trusted Source). Summary Habitual meditation can help reduce anxiety and improve stress reactivity and coping skills. 3. Promotes emotional health Some forms of meditation can lead to improved self-image and a more positive outlook on life. For example, one review of treatments given to more than 3,500 adults found that mindfulness meditation improved symptoms of depression (12Trusted Source). Similarly, a review of 18 studies showed that people receiving meditation therapies experienced reduced symptoms of depression, compared with those in a control group (13Trusted Source). Another study found that people who completed a meditation exercise experienced fewer negative thoughts in response to viewing negative images, compared with those in a control group (14Trusted Source). Furthermore, inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which are released in response to stress, can affect mood, leading to depression. A review of several studies suggests meditation may also reduce depression by decreasing levels of these inflammatory chemicals (15Trusted Source). Summary Some forms of meditation can improve depression and reduce negative thoughts. It may also decrease levels of inflammatory cytokines, which could contribute to depression. 4. Enhances self-awareness Some forms of meditation may help you develop a stronger understanding of yourself, helping you grow into your best self. For example, self-inquiry meditation explicitly aims to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself and how you relate to those around you. Other forms teach you to recognize thoughts that may be harmful or self-defeating. The idea is that as you gain greater awareness of your thought habits, you can steer them toward more constructive patterns (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source). One review of 27 studies showed that practicing tai chi may be associated with improved self-efficacy, which is a term used to describe a person’s belief in their own capacity or ability to overcome challenges (19Trusted Source). In another study, 153 adults who used a mindfulness meditation app for 2 weeks experienced reduced feelings of loneliness and increased social contact compared with those in a control group (20Trusted Source). Additionally, experience in meditation may cultivate more creative problem-solving skills (21Trusted Source). Summary Self-inquiry and related styles of meditation can help you “know yourself.” This can be a starting point for making other positive changes. 5. Lengthens attention span Focused-attention meditation is like weight lifting for your attention span. It helps increase the strength and endurance of your attention. For example, one study found that people who listened to a meditation tape experienced improved attention and accuracy while completing a task, compared with those in a control group (22Trusted Source). A similar study showed that people who regularly practiced meditation performed better on a visual task and had a greater attention span than those without any meditation experience (23Trusted Source). Moreover, one review concluded that meditation may even reverse patterns in the brain that contribute to mind-wandering, worrying, and poor attention (24Trusted Source). Even meditating for a short period each day may benefit you. One study found that meditating for just 13 minutes daily enhanced attention and memory after 8 weeks (25Trusted Source). Summary Several types of meditation may build your ability to redirect and maintain attention. 6. May reduce age-related memory loss Improvements in attention and clarity of thinking may help keep your mind young. Kirtan Kriya is a method of meditation that combines a mantra or chant with repetitive motion of the fingers to focus your thoughts. Studies in people with age-related memory loss have shown it improves performance on neuropsychological tests (26Trusted Source). Furthermore, a review found preliminary evidence that multiple meditation styles can increase attention, memory, and mental quickness in older volunteers (27Trusted Source). In addition to fighting normal age-related memory loss, meditation can at least partially improve memory in patients with dementia. It can likewise help control stress and improve coping in those caring for family members with dementia (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source). Summary The improved focus you can gain through regular meditation may boost your memory and mental clarity. These benefits can help fight age-related memory loss and dementia. 7. Can generate kindness Some types of meditation may particularly increase positive feelings and actions toward yourself and others. Metta, a type of meditation also known as loving-kindness meditation, begins with developing kind thoughts and feelings toward yourself. Through practice, people learn to extend this kindness and forgiveness externally, first to friends, then acquaintances, and ultimately enemies. A meta-analysis of 22 studies on this form of meditation demonstrated its ability to increase peoples’ compassion toward themselves and others (30Trusted Source). One study in 100 adults randomly assigned to a program that included loving-kindness meditation found that these benefits were dose-dependent. In other words, the more time people spent in weekly metta meditation practice, the more positive feelings they experienced (31). Another study in 50 college students showed that practicing metta meditation 3 times per week improved positive emotions, interpersonal interactions, and understanding of others after 4 weeks (32Trusted Source). These benefits also appear to accumulate over time with the practice of loving-kindness meditation (33Trusted Source). Summary Metta, or loving-kindness meditation, is a practice of developing positive feelings, first toward yourself and then toward others. Metta increases positivity, empathy, and compassionate behavior toward others. 8. May help fight addictions The mental discipline you can develop through meditation may help you break dependencies by increasing your self-control and awareness of triggers for addictive behaviors (34Trusted Source). Research has shown that meditation may help people learn to redirect their attention, manage their emotions and impulses, and increase their understanding of the causes behind their (35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source). One study in 60 people receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder found that practicing transcendental meditation was associated with lower levels of stress, psychological distress, alcohol cravings, and alcohol use after 3 months (37Trusted Source). Meditation may also help you control food cravings. A review of 14 studies found mindfulness meditation helped participants reduce emotional and binge eating (38Trusted Source). Summary Meditation develops mental awareness and can help you manage triggers for unwanted impulses. This can help you recover from addiction, manage unhealthy eating, and redirect other unwanted habits. 9. Improves sleep Nearly half of the population will struggle with insomnia at some point. One study compared mindfulness-based meditation programs and found that people who meditated stayed asleep longer and had improved insomnia severity, compared with those who had an unmedicated control condition (39). Becoming skilled in meditation may help you control or redirect the racing or runaway thoughts that often lead to insomnia. Additionally, it can help relax your body, releasing tension and placing you in a peaceful state in which you’re more likely to fall asleep. Summary A variety of meditation techniques can help you relax and control runaway thoughts that can interfere with sleep. This can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep quality. 10. Helps control pain Your perception of pain is connected to your state of mind, and it can be elevated in stressful conditions. Some research suggests that incorporating meditation into your routine could be beneficial for controlling pain. For example, one review of 38 studies concluded that mindfulness meditation could reduce pain, improve quality of life, and decrease symptoms of depression in people with chronic pain (40Trusted Source). A large meta-analysis of studies enrolling nearly 3,500 participants concluded that meditation was associated with decreased pain (41Trusted Source). Meditators and non-meditators experienced the same causes of pain, but meditators showed a greater ability to cope with pain and even experienced a reduced sensation of pain. Summary Meditation can diminish the perception of pain in the brain. This may help treat chronic pain when used to supplement medical care or physical therapy. 11. Can decrease blood pressure Meditation can also improve physical health by reducing strain on the heart. Over time, high blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood, which can lead to poor heart function. High blood pressure also contributes to atherosclerosis, or a narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. A meta-analysis of 12 studies enrolling nearly 1000 participants found that meditation helped reduce blood pressure. This was more effective among older volunteers and those who had higher blood pressure prior to the study (42Trusted Source). One review concluded that several types of meditation produced similar improvements in blood pressure (43Trusted Source). In part, meditation appears to control blood pressure by relaxing the nerve signals that coordinate heart function, blood vessel tension, and the “fight-or-flight” response that increases alertness in stressful situations (44Trusted Source). Summary Blood pressure decreases not only during meditation but also over time in individuals who meditate regularly. This can reduce strain on the heart and arteries, helping prevent heart disease. 12. Accessible anywhere People practice many different forms of meditation, most of which don’t require specialized equipment or space. You can practice with just a few minutes daily. If you want to start meditating, try choosing a form of meditation based on what you want to get out of it. There are two major styles of meditation: Focused-attention meditation. This style concentrates attention on a single object, thought, sound, or visualization. It emphasizes ridding your mind of distractions. Meditation may focus on breathing, a mantra, or calming sound. Open-monitoring meditation. This style encourages broadened awareness of all aspects of your environment, train of thought, and sense of self. It may include becoming aware of suppressed thoughts, feelings, or impulses. To find out which styles you like best, check out the variety of free, guided meditation exercises offered by the University of California Los Angeles. It’s an excellent way to try different styles and find one that suits you. If your regular work and home environments do not allow for consistent, quiet alone time, consider participating in a class. This can also improve your chances of success by providing a supportive community. Alternatively, consider setting your alarm a few minutes early to take advantage of quiet time in the morning. This may help you develop a consistent habit and allow you to start the day positively. Summary If you’re interested in incorporating meditation into your routine, try a few different styles and consider guided exercises to get started with one that suits you. The bottom line Meditation is something everyone can do to improve their mental and emotional health. You can do it anywhere, without special equipment or memberships. Alternatively, meditation courses and support groups are widely available. There’s a great variety of styles too, each with different strengths and benefits. Trying out a style of meditation suited to your goals is a great way to improve your quality of life, even if you only have a few minutes to do it each day. With thanks to Helthline ©

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 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 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 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.

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