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Budokan has a rich and colourful history. and there is a huge mass of information to be sorted in chronological order for inclusion into our Archive section going right the way back to the early 60's. Everybody will be invited to send their archive material to us - correctly notated and dated - so that we can easily insert it into the year that it took place. This material will remain the copyright of the individual that sent it to us. Should they wish their content, or part thereof, to be removed, we will do so immediatley upon receiving their request ARCHIVE

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 KARATE IN JEFFREYS BAY 14 TECOMA STREET JEFFREYS BAY SOUTH AFRICA 6330 EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING AT 10AM BEGINNERS WELCOME 1960 - 2022 Classes are held in a vibrant atmosphere where students benefit from some of the highest quality tuition available in SA today. Discipline KARATE Chief Instructor LOEK LATEGAN 7 DAN BREAKING NEWS 11 December 2020 Chief Instructor Loek Lategan received the news that two of his most loyal students had been awarded their Dan Grades after many years of continuous training as follows: Cobus Calitz 6th Dan Karate Marie Perelis 2nd Dan Karate Congratulations to all concerned. Marie Petrelis

DEAL DOJO ROY ESTABROOK HAS NOW MOVED TO DEAL IN KENT WHERE HE IS TO OPEN A NEW BUDOKAN DOJO SOON. WE WILL BRING YOU NEWS OF THAT OF COURSE..... MEANWHILE HERE IS HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY. My journey in the Japanese M artial Arts began in 1972, aged 18 when I enrolled in the Budokan UK Northolt Karate dojo run by Sensei David Passmore. At th at time there were two classes on a Tuesday and a Thursday evening in a school gym. I attended both of those. There were a lot of people interested in taking up Martial Arts so Sensei had to run two classes each night. One for beginners which ran for 90 minutes and one for Kyu grades which ran for two hours. We only practiced Karate in those early years, and my first grading certificate says Budo-ryu karate grade 6th kyu. I can remember registering on my first evening of training. Standing in a queue with Sandi Groom who was sitting by the entrance, taking names down. It was intimidating at first but I remember over all it was a welcoming atmosphere. Each class usually consisted of Kihon, Ippon Kumite and Kata. Sometimes the beginners class was run by Sandi Groom or Marion Tinkler. We didn't have a lot of female students so it was good to have these two formidable and pioneer women leading the class. By the time I reached my Shodan grading in 1977 , Aikido had become an intrinsic part of the practice. I took the grading with two other students, and we had to go through four preparation classes at the High Rocks dojo which was then the Hombu dojo. To say they were demanding would be a huge understatement but they did prepare us well for what was to come. We also had to write four short essays on different subjects relating to our practice. The memories of that day are as strong as ever and receiving my black belt from Sensei was a great moment. Under the technical direction of Sensei David Passmore, I became Chief Instructor at the King's College Dojo on the Strand in London. Around the same time, I was promoted to Chief Instructor of the Northolt dojo when it was relocated to a new home. The new premises at Northolt allowed us to have a mat down permanently as we were the sole user of the premises. It also had an area outside where we could practice in the summer months. Instructing at two dojos meant that I was teaching five sessions a week thus finessing my teaching skills and style. I would also attend the Sunday training class that Sensei held at the High Rocks dojo. The King's College Dojo expanded very quickly. The classes were on a Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm, and Saturday Morning from 11am to 1pm. We were the only Martial Arts club at the college then, and interest was high. We often had up to fifty beginner students training. Sensei would come to teach once a month at the Saturday morning class. We held Gashkyu at King's College on a regular basis under his guidance, usually to combine with Gradings. It was at the Christmas Gashkyu on the 6th December 1980 that I was proud to receive my Nidan grade. The first time that Sensei had awarded that prestigious grade. A few years later, the Northolt dojo closed for land redevelopment and I took this opportunity to open a new dojo in Edgware. Eventually the Edgware dojo changed venue to Bounds Green where Roger Tym was the instructor. I moved to Cambridgeshire where I would continue to teach. It was a time of tremendous growth in Budokan, and for myself as I was able to guide and teach Kyu grades through to their Shodan. During this period, our Gashkyu were held at the National Sports centre in Crystal Palace. They consisted of two day residential seminars on weekends. The Sunday Morning class started with Shinkantaza at 7am before breakfast. Despite the raucous traditional party on the Saturday evening, most students would attend the Zazen. Sensei would invite guest instructors to teach on different sections on the mat. Sensei Vic Cook came and taught one memorable Iaido class. It was at a Gashkyu at Crystal Palace in April of 1982 that I was granted my Sandan. Sensei David Passmore always encouraged his students to expand their knowledge of the Martial Arts and I attended Aikido courses taught by different Sensei. These included Sensei Saito , Sensei Tamura, Sensei Tomita, and Sensei Minoru Kanetsuka when he was invited to our club for a two-day course. It was a very intensive weekend and I think I've still got a right shoulder injury to remember him by. For the first two hours of the opening session, he concentrated on my favourite Suwariwaza ikkyo before we went through the remaining Katame Waza. In 1991, I received a personal invitation from Master Minoru Mochizuki, founder of his own school of Martial Arts, the Yoseikan Budo. I had been writing to him for advice on matters relating to classical bu-jutsu so I gratefully accepted that invitation to train at his Hombu Dojo in Shizuoka, Japan. Minoru Mochizuki had been Uchi-deshi to Jigoro Kano and to Morihei Ueshiba as well as studying with Gichen Funakoshi. Only two people ever received a Menkyo Kaiden from O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba: Kenji Tomiki and Minoru Mochizuki. The Yoseikan school's training curriculum was similar to that of Budokan: to practice more than one Martial Art and therefore remain open-minded in your development. I was going to represent Budokan so I felt compelled to intensify my training prior to my travelling to Japan. I stayed at the Yoseikan Hombu Dojo for four weeks and trained relentlessly every single day in order to gain as much understanding as I could from this great teacher. The Dojo operated daily, with Aikido on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Thursday evening was free practice. The Aikido nights always included Karate training. Each session began with the punch bag when a variety of punches and strikes with the hands and elbows were practiced, followed by a full range of kicking techniques. What separates Yoseikan Aiki from other schools is the use of Sutemi Waza [sacrifice throws]. I had never practiced this before and found that this judo influence helped my understanding of Aikido. Just as Jujitsu-influenced Karate increased my own understanding of Karate. I would often practice in the afternoon on my own. I particularly enjoyed using the Dojo's Makiwara. I was told by one of the Master's Uchi-Deshi that he was happy with my progress. This level of commitment led me to be invited back but sadly I could not return. In my work as a Director of Photography, I travelled extensively. I was fortunate enough to visit our Budokan dojo in Bahrain where Mahmoud Fahkro had his club. He kindly asked me to teach some classes and was particularly interested in me leading a kata class. I practiced some T'ai Chi ch'uan in Hong Kong. Our local production fixer introduced me to a t'ai chi teacher who guided me through one t'ai chi form. I was very interested in the passive and active principles of the form and the breathing linked to the movement. I had to get up very early and train in a park before going to work. I was able to practice some Gojo ryu in Australia. I had attended a Gojo ryu classes at home in Ely and I had agreed with the instructor that I would teach him some Aikido in exchange of Gojo ryu Kata Shisochin . He gave me a letter of introduction to a dojo in Sydney where I was able to train on my visit. I was awarded my Yondan on the 21st November 1987 at a Gashkyu in Wadhurst. The same hall that I had achieved my Shodan. I have always considered the martial Art studied within Budokan to be of the highest quality and when Kyoshi asked me to be on the Shihankai, I was truly honoured to be involved. I hope my experience can be of benefit as we continue to diligently study on our chosen path. One of the most treasured memories I have is being able to do some Zazen at Sigiriya rock in SriLanka - a place of Buddhist retreat and meditation for as far back as the 3rd century BC. Budokan is the only Martial Arts organisation that I know of that includes Zazen as part of its programme. Studying the Martial Arts has had a major influence on my life, and with the formal introduction of Zazen into the training syllabus back in the 1980's perhaps the biggest influence of all.

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

THE STORY OF BUDOKAN BY DOJO ACTIVE BUDOKAN DOJO Budokan's very first Dojo in Westville South Africa. Every Dojo has a story, especially this one built by Instructors, students and friends of Budokan in an old quarry near Durban SA. GO TO THE DOJO PAGE Allan Pert Uxbridge London 1980 D Waghorne David Golding Arundel 2020 Richard Salmon Sarnia 1960 Richard Salmon Ray Ryan Derrick Wridgway Westville HQ 1961/2 Dunlop Paul Johannesburg 1967 Derrick Wridgway Port Shepstone 1972 Loek Latagan Knysna 1978 Hugh Sadler Maritxburg 1968 Frank Van Rensburg Montclair 1976 Willie Riddex Bethleham 1967 Terry Bosch Durban Umbilo 1989 Whitey Pollett Bloemfontenn 1967 Ray Ryan Derrick Wridgway Durban HQ 1969 Bob Smith Port Elizabeth 1968 Rob Rohrey Hollland 1989 Jan Steenkamp Springs 1968 Dup DuPlessis Potgieterrust 1968 Mohan/Moodley Durban 1968 David Passmore London HQ 1970 Peter Bush Matubatuba/ Dumall 1980 David Passmore Tunbridge Wells 1972 David Passmore Lymington HQ 2004 David Passmore Wadhurst HQ 1982 David Passmore High Rocks HQ 1975 John Hitchens London Weekend TV 1976 Roy Easterbrook Kings College London 1980 David Waters Tonbridge 1980 Mahmood Fakrho Bahrain 1982 Andre Labouchardiere 1982 Robiie Rowe Paddock Wood 1983 Peter Morley Hastings 1985 Neil Starks East Grinstead 1987 Keith Wright Uckfield 1990 Nicki Charnick Crowborough 1992 Peter Robinson Croydon 1989 Mike Clapham Southampton 2019 Keith Molyneux Bransgore 2020 D Waghorne David Golding Arundel 2020 Roy Easterbrook Ely 1986 Mick Spellman Hayes 1985 Tony McLaughlin Rickmansworth 1990 Paul Lazarus Harrow 1995 Cobus Calitz New Zealand TBC Rob Rohrey Hollland 2020

BUDOKAN DOJO LARNE RUGBY CLUB 41 Main Road GLYNN BT40 3HF SENSEI IAN BATES 3 RD DAN sandan@ian-bates.ws Mobile 07864328873 Tuesdays from 7 pm Karate Aikido and Weapons BEGINNERS WELCOME I have always tried to follow the Budo method of training and teaching following on from my early days with Budokan UK in the Dojo based in Tunbridge Wells and of course Honbu in Crowborough as was, where I remember one night the temperature dropped to – 6 and I had to be lifted off the saddle of my Motorbike and held up for a few minutes until the blood returned to my legs, Sensei Passmore commented that I must be completely mad, But! Not so, as a some weeks later I was graded to Sankyu at Northhold Dojo, Commitment was in my mind then and still is!. I first saw Karate way back in the spring of 1973 on Tonbridge Castle lawn, I was excited by what I saw that day and wanted to find out more, I was 26 at that time, having been invited to try a couple of classes, I wanted to join in the ongoing journey!. Classes at that time where held all over the place and at that time we where training in what was known as “ The Satelite Club “ also in Tunbridge Wells.. This was to be a wonderful time as the floor in those days was made from Terrazo a sort of plastic; after some 30 minutes of training with gyaku-zuki and other warm up methods, the floor became a skating rink and we would skid to a stop at the other end of the hall. We had many moves of training location and finally landed at High Rocks for quite some time where I was to be awarded my first 3 grades over a period of 1 year, I tried never to miss a class. Northolt Dojo during a seminar was to be my first major grading test with many others of the day, where I was awarded my coveted Green Belt, I thought I had arrived!, Not so there was still plenty to fill the gap in my mind, this time of training was very important to me. I did have a time of no training due to work commitments and family commitments, this meant I could not attend training for quite some time. Some years later, I got back into training with Sensei Andy Fox ( 5th Dan ) in his Dojo at Borough Green village hall where I trained for 8 years, Then the biggest slap I have ever had came visiting, During one of my own classes located in Eynsford village where I was living at that time, I suffered a serious brain bleed an Aneurism that almost killed me, fortunately for me one of my students was a nurse, she thought I had, had a heart attack and called for the ambulance, Paramedics assessed me and told them what they thought had had happened, I did not feel anything and I have to this day got a whole in my mind of around 3 weeks, Taken to Dartford hospital and assessed before being taken to Kings Hospital where I was operated on to mend the damage, I remained in Kings for a week before being taken back to Dartford hospital for a further 3 weeks for close observation and monitoring as well as help to retain balance and co-ordination again. My wife Lorna and my old mate and my own Sensei during this time Andy Fox both spent a lot of time looking after me one way and another. It took 6 months for me to get back to the man I used to be and I put my life down to all the training I had done, my level of fitness and my Spirit of Aikido that was built into my mind over the past 30+ years, never give up and fight back with a passion for your life. All this took place during the month of October in the year of 2007, Carrying on until around April of the following year, when I felt as good as new again. I have included this event as it made me more aware of how fragile life can be. Never take the next day for granted, it’s not promised!, indeed never take the next martial arts class for granted, You may not make it. Most importantly of all are the seminars that are always on offer from your Sensei’s and other Senior Club and Association members, I have taken many memories from these over the past years, Because as your age increases there are more memories of the past, than there are days in front of you. Don’t cut yourself off from these special classes and events, You will never see that day again. I also trained with Sensei David Waters now the founder of Ryusui-Ryu Martial Arts Schools, where I remained for the next 20 years until I retired from full time work at 65 in November 2010 and moved to Larne in County Antrim where I now live with my wife Lorna, her home town. I always try to get back to England during these special events to meet up with old friends and to train with many of them again, usually followed by a time of an evenings social meal and drinks a plenty!. Come and visit me for a great time in the land of beauty, we have some nice B & B places or if you choose to take up the offer of a more Up-Market Curran Court Hotel, All will give you a great “Norn Ireland” welcome, Come and enjoy a great holiday as well as the offer of coming to join me on the mat for a couple of hours during one of my classes, If I am still able to run them!. During the following spring of 2011March and April I launched my own school here in Larne from scratch in our local sports centre, using some posters I had made up and standing and inviting potential new students to join me in the Dojo with a 4 weeks introductory course, It worked out quite well for me as “ a blow in!” as we are called! An Englishman in Ulster!, The culture here is very different from what I had been used to for the past 35+ years and it took me quite sometime to get a grip of both the mind set of the Northern Ireland people and of course understanding the way they spoke, I do not have any problems now thank goodness!. I have now been here for 10 years and hope to be able to teach my arts for a few years yet and now at 75 years young and slightly over weight, I may just be able to fulfil that dream. I also hope to be able to take the planned trip home to Kent during the spring of 2021 to meet up with “Old friends & teachers for a social meal and of course a bevvie or 3 and to train with those special people I first met back in the day!, 1973 and of course to make new friends with new students I have yet to meet,”. I hope this short bio helps cement links to many of my former fellow students what ever grade you hold, as well as to encourage new and younger students to stay focused in the most exciting journey you could hope to imagine, Stay the course and build great life long friends and great memories you will be glad you did. I hope to meet some of you before I retire to the great Dojo beyond the clouds.

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

THE ZEN HUT 5 MINERAAL STREET JUKSKEI PARK RANDBURG GAUTENG Disciplines KARATE KENJUTSU KOBUDO MEDITATION AND PHILOSOPHY Chief Instructor RAY STRODL 1960 - 2022 Trained at the Budokan Honbo dojo in Durban from early 1978 under Shihan Ray Ryan and achieved Shodan in 1979. Became part of the Budokan teaching team and ran classes at Pietermaritzburg, Montclair and Durban North Dojos for Shihan, before being settled at the Bluff Budokan dojo which he ran with Carol Strodl. Ray participated in Budokan and all style championships over the years, and was part of the Natal all styles team for 5 years, and became the SA Budo Ryu Grand championship in 1986. After this his focus was teaching, refereeing and administration of Karate as assistant to and then secretary for all-style associations and the Budo Ryu Style. Ray always tried to participate in all aspects of Karate but his focus and love was for Kata and weapons particularly Sai, Bo and eventually Kenjutsu. Ray was graded to Sandan at the last Blackbelt grading that Shihan Ray Ryan held in Durban on 11 November 1989. He was very involved with the administration for the Natal all-styles Karate association but after a long period involved in this aspect of sport karate prefers to focus on traditional Budo rather that sport karate, which he believes has ruined many styles as they began to focus on winning competitions rather than effective combat techniques. Ray has been a practicing Buddhist who studies and writes on philosophy, ethics and providing effective financial advice in a high-tech financial services environment. Ethics is a core area of study, his writing and teaching in the financial services industry. Ray has lived in Johannesburg since 1998, where he has run an Education and Training company which has focussed on developing financial advisers and planners since 2000. During the last few years he has been focusing on development of online learning and education. During this time in Gauteng he has trained in Tai Chi, Jeet Kun Do, Kobudo and more recently Kenjustu at the Tombukai BuJutsu dojo in Pretoria where he is focusing on Mugai Ryu. His training was interrupted by a serious illness and he is now focussed regaining strength and suppleness to be able to participate in Karate and Kenjustu for the foreseeable future

MEMORIAM Here we will hold a listing of Dan Grades, Teachers, Dojo Leaders and Students who have passed away that we are aware of. If we hold any biographical data in text, pictures, audio or video then the relevant persons name will be underlined and by clicking on that name, you will be taken to a special page dedicated to that person and his or her biographical history. Please send us a picture and any relevant information we can verify against anyone listed on this page and we will post it up - forever. We also have many individuals to remember for their unstinting contribution to Japanese Budo that they made, often with great personal sacrifice during their lives. This page will honour them too, for whom all of us connected with Budokan, shall be forever grateful. We shall always remember them. DAVID PASSMORE RAY RYAN WHITEY POLLETT WILLIE RIDDEX DUNLOP PAUL VIC SYKES JON WYATT LEO LIPINSKI FRANK VAN RENSBURG BOB SIMMS DOUGGIE KNOX SANDI GROOM CLIFF LAWRIE-ROSS MIKE BOND CAROL LEVY HERBIE EDWARDS HENNIE VAN DER MERWE NEIL CRAFFORD AMADEO NUNES HAROLD LIND JEAN RESCH JULIE TULLIS ANDREW BROWN BOB ALLAN TREVOR HUGHES IAN CARD BRIAN VAN DER MERWE JOHAN COETZEE ANDRE THERON "We all get told stories by our parents as we grow up. The strongest memories I have of stories told by Sandi, my Mum are of Budokan. A child of the 50's with a rebellious streak I know she was difficult for her parents to handle as a young woman, running away more than once - and running with a colourful crowd. When Budokan came into her life, the discipline and the people meant more to her than anything she had felt before. Sadly we lost our Mum too young. I wish she had kept with the practice and the people - but it was not to be. A spiritual person, she connected with the practice, the teacher (Dave Passmore) and fellow student (Dave Wills), from my memory this was perhaps the happiest period of her life. A great mum to my three sisters and me, a character with strong opinions, we miss her greatly. If she were alive now she would be so proud to be on this list amongst the other yudansha whom she loved so much. " My own recollections follow; Sandi was bold, headstrong, true to her convictions, and very forthright. Starting her karate career in her late teens at the original 1972 Northolt dojo, with Sensei Passmore, then Nidan, she rapidly showed a talent for martial arts. She can truly be considered a founder of the Northolt dojo. She had excellent technique and became the inspiration for many more ladies and girls to join the dojo, and the subsequent Harrow dojo, in those early days. She also worked with Sensei to develop "feminine" versions of the basic kata, though this experiment eventually stopped. Typically, Sandi herself preferred the traditional forms! She was graded to Shodan. Sandi moved to Cornwall when her first child, Lee, was born and eventually settled in Devon. She became an accomplished gardener. She was a diehard supporter of animal rights and humane animal husbandry. She was a staunch and loyal supporter to those she identified as friends, and of course, her family. She brought up her four children mostly on her own, all of whom, unsurprisingly, given her own character, became strong, independent, and successful individuals in their own spheres. She died unfortunately young, leaving her son, three beautiful daughters, and three boisterous grandsons. VIC SYKES It is with great sorrow that we bring you news of the passing of Vic Sykes on the morning of Sunday 14 August 2016- after complications had arisen following a triple heart bypass operation in Durban South Africa. A well known and much revered member of Budokan SA, Vic became a highly skilled Karate practitioner and a great teacher. He is left by his lovely wife Moira and their son Clinton. Vic Sykes - far right - attending one of the many Budokan events in sunny Durban. His wife Moira is facing away from the camera in the foreground. On the far right - sitting down is Pam - the wife of the late Ray Ryan - one of the Co-Founders of Budokan SA. In the centre of the pic at the back is Derrick Wridgway, whom Budokan UK students may recall visiting us at one of our workshops with his lovely wife Sylvia 5 years ago. Other people Sensei Passmore recognises are Mike Bond seated in the middle and Alan Haig - standing in between Derrick and Vic at the back. KANETSUKA SENSEI passed away on 8 March 2019 OKIMITSU FUJII passed away on 10 April 2017 It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Fujii Sensei - a much loved and highly respected teacher of Japanese Budo - with just a slight penchant for Kendo. Many Budokan students would have fondly rembered Fujii Sensei at the Traditional Japanese Budo events that were held in the magnificent Dome at the University of Derby Buxton, where this picture of him was taken in 2014. VICTOR HARRIS We are saddened to hear of the passing of Victor Harris who is famous for translating Go Rin No Sho by Miyamoto Musashi - A Book of Five Rings - a master class of strategy that should be in all Japanese Budo students bookshelves. The philosophy behind it is influenced by Zen, Shinto and Confucianism, and came to be used by many corporations around the world, especially in Japan. The cover below shows an 1848 print of a picture by Kuniyoshi, showing Miyamoto Musashi practising fencing with two sticks, which became the hallmark of his technique and sword style. RIP LEN BLUNT It is with great sadness, that we have to post the news that Len Blunt, a former student of Budokan and beloved Father of one of our Dan Grades, Alex Blunt, passed away in Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington, after a pretty long battle with prostrate cancer. Len was a gentle soul and was much loved by all who knew him and had the pleasure of spending some time with him. RIP

HUT 15 TILGATE RECREATION CENTRE CRAWLEY WEST SUSSEX RH10 9BQ SHINSEI DOJO Chief Iaido Instructor David Ansell 7th Dan Kyoshi Dai Nippon Butokukai 5th Dan British Kendo Association davidransell6@gmail.com Phone 07311219671 Iaido training times Monday 8.00pm - 9.30pm Wednesday 8.00pm - 9.30pm BEGINNERS WELCOME THE FORGOTTEN LINEAGE OF THE YUSHINKAN OF NAKAYAMA HAKUDO READ MORE Chief Kendo Instructor Alex Ansell 5th Dan British Kendo Association alexansell@yahoo.co.uk Phone 07399 721662 Kendo training times Tuesday. 7.30pm -9.30pm Thursday 7.30pm - 9.30pm BEGINNERS WELCOME