Search Results

www.budokanworld.com is the home of Budokan -The House of Martial Ways - a classical Japanese Budo organisation since 1960. BUDOKÁN 1960 - 2022 STRONG IN HAND. KIND IN HEART. The classical budo, or "martial ways" are not combat systems like their forerunner, bujutsu, or "martial arts"; nor are they sports like modern judo, kendo, or karate. They are first and foremost spiritual disciplines, whose ultimate goal, achieved through the most rigorous mental and physical training, is self-realization in the tradition of Zen Buddhism . Donn F. Draeger Classical Budo Katy Passmore Memorial Event Katy Passmore Memorial event took place recently under the watchful eye of her sister Jo, 2 of Saisho's children, Caroline and Tilly along with grandkids, Eve and Josh. Most Budokan members have seen Katy at the dojo taking the pictures and hoping not appearing in the 'The Funnies' at the end of the year. Katy also assisted in the creation and running of the website for Saisho. Before this Katy participated on the mat, briefly, until Saisho ask her to do roly polyies (read ukemi). Katy's words, not mine. The event was opened by Sensei Darren Waghorne who performed a spirit cleansing kata. This kata is used to displel the evil/negative spirits lurking in the dojo. Sensei Peter Bush kicked off the event by using karate as a Misogi (禊 ). Misogi is an ancient ritual that purifies both body and soul rooted in Shinto. The main intention of the misogi is to break the self-limiting beliefs we carry around, and tap into hidden potential we didn't realize we have. Pushes, blocks and a kick were used in this section. Started with punching then adding blocks, body movement and a kick. Started simply and added on from there. Long time friend of Saisho and Katy Sensei Dave Ansell, Nanadan Kyoshi took the a session of iaido. Over the past few years the ZNKR have been looking at the first 4 seitei katas to enable them to be done from a standing position. Altough there is no formal standardisation at the moment Sensei went through these ensuring that the 4 basic elements of iaido, namely nukitsuke, furikaburi, kirioroshi & noto were adhered to correctly. Sensei continued and chose a couple of Muso Shinden Okuden Tachi Waza katas to end his time. Sensei Mike Clapham took the final session of the day and chose to practiced Kosokonshiho kata. The kata was chosen because although its quite a long kata it's full of basics and most people hadn't done it before. Sensei was surprised at how quickly everyone managed to pick it up, which was great as it provided him with the opportunity to pick out some of the trickier moves to focus more attention on ie stances posture and timing. The feet of a Passmore graced the mat once more in the guise of Tilly and her son Josh. Not the first time Tilly was on the mat at Budokan, it was for Josh. Throughout their time on the mat they were supervised by Sensei Darren Waghorne. This included iaido with bokken. During the final session Sensei, instead of potentially getting lost in the kata, took them both trough some further karate basics including using himself as a punching bag. Afterwards Sensei Darren said "it was great to be hit by a Passmore again!" After the seminar, and continuing the tradition, all adjourned to a pub, The Chequers Inn for some food and drink Katy Passmore In Memorandum It is with the utmost sadness that we announce the passing of Katy Passmore, on November 30th 2025. For the last few months Katy has been battling a illness, which led to complications with her treatment. She passed away peacefully at Oakhaven Hospice, in the company of her family. It goes without saying that Katy was much loved and highly respected, not only within Budokan, but by all who knew her in the wider community. She will be greatly missed. Katy's funeral will take place on Friday January 9th at 12:00 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11 Park Ln, Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0PT. Following the service, Katy will be buried with Hanshi at New Milton, Milford Road Cemetery BH25 6PN. All are invited. It was Katy's wish that people wear bright clothing. Any flowers you may wish to bring can be presented at the cemetery, cards of sympathy handed personally to family members. DAVID PETER PASSMORE 16.04.46 - 23.10.24 A very honourable time was had at the Flag Ceremony, with the help of Sensei Dave Ansell, Sensei Joe Bracone, Sensei Mike Clapham. Hanshi Passmore would have been delighted in the attention and due diligence that what shown by all. Budokan Flag Ceremony on 21st June Sensei David Ansell – Iaido Dave Ansell started Iaido and Kendo with Vic Cook of the British Kendo Association in 1976, 2 years before Sensei Passmore started iaido. Dave has been fortunate to have trained in Japan for many years and he tries to make annual visits to his teacher, Hanshi Ichimura of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. He has had the pleasure in demonstrating in the Butokuden, the foremost martial art hall in Japan, in the presence of members of the Japanese Royal family. Dave has had the honour of represented the United Kingdom at international events across America and Europe, including the 1st European Iaido Championships held in Sittard, Netherlands 1993. Currently, Dave holds the grade of Nandan in iaido with the title of Kyoshi and Yondan kendo with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. He was also a great friend to Hanshi Passmore. Sensei Joe Braconi – Kobudo Joe Braconi started studying Tenshinkan Karate in 2000 under the guidance of Hanshi Hans Haupt, Chief Liaison Officer for the Western World, in South Africa. In 2006, he participated to a 7 days international seminar in Hasuda-Shi (Japan) at the HQ of Tenshinkan Karate Federation, conducted by Kancho Mamoru Miwa. In 2006, he commenced studying kobujutsu with Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinkokai (Eisuke Akamine branch) led by Sensei Marius Madgwick in Boksburg. In 2009, Hanshi Hans Haupt personally trained him on Ryukyu Kobubujutsu Hozon Shinkokai (Inoue Motokatsu branch) and continued training under his guidance and under the Tenshinkan Ryukyu Kobujutsu standards, new and more attractive syllabus. In 2009 he was appointed Tenshinkan Benoni Honbu Dojo Deputy Chief Instructor and taught Karate and kobujutsu until he left South Africa in 2014. He attended international seminars held by Kancho Mamoru Miwa in Denmark and South Africa in 2013 and 2016 respectively. He published a book Karate for over 40, its benefits, he took part to numerous regional, national and international championships placing himself in the top 3 places in kumite and kata. He is a keen adept of Goshin-Jutsu and developed self-defence training for non-martial artists and introduced disarmament of firearms in their training. He provided many free self-defence seminars. He graduated Tenshinkan Karate 5th dan in 2017 in Dundee UK and given the title of Shihan Dai, He joined Budokan 2021 and, while he is still teaching Kobudo and Karate, he is writing a book about the application of the various Sabaki concepts in Tenshinkan karate. In January 2023 he was invited to join the Budokan Shihankai, assuming the title of Shihan. On 25 June 2023 he was accredited with his Rokudan Karate by the Budokan Shihankai for certification later in the year. Saturday 29th March 2024 Lymington Dojo Kyoshi Darren Waghorn and Sensei Mike Clapham shared the dojo . Both taught two one hour classes. Kyoshi Darren was teaching laido and Sensei Mike was teaching Aikido. Sensei Mike taught four nage waza techniques (projections) Kote Gaishi, Shihonage, Irimi nage and Kaiten Nage. We used the same six attacks for each Nage Waza. Aihamni, Gyakuhamni, Chudan Zuki, Tate Zuki Jodan, Shomen Uchi and Yokumen Uchi. Our focus was not on speed but correct technique such as good maai, ensuring the Uke is off balance, correct breathing and maintaining Zanchin. After the first hour Kyoshi and Sensei swapped students. Sensei second class welcomed back some former students. During this class was back to basics. We started with Ikkyo and then moved on to Kote Gaishi, for both techniques the attacks were Aihamni and Gyakuhamni. We began with Gono keiko (static practice) making sure the Tori was stepping off the line and then attacking the Uke's center whilst encouraging the Uke to blend with the Tori all of the techniques were practiced Omote and Ura. The main emphasis for both groups in the iaido training was the four building blocks of iai, namely nukitsuke, furikaburi & kirioroshi, chiburi and noto. Practicing these individually can only improve your iai so far. To take it up to the next level these need to be brought together in kata. For the first group this was done by practicing standing versions of the 1st four katas of Seitai iaido. Martial artist must be aware of the surrounding in combat but also in training. An interesting sight for the people watching as a wall was used during Uke Nagashi (the third kata of Seitai) to help the students learn the first part of the kata. The second group, consisting of more senior grades, utilised the first two katas, Yukitzure and Tsuredachi from the Okuden Tachi-waza from Muso Shinden Ryu to practice the building blocks. 2025 is upon us Despite 2024 being a difficult year for the club, we are moving forward in the spirit drilled into us by Saisho Passmore. We have several weekend, one day events planned. These are open to all current and former Budokan members who wish to attend. So dig out your Gi, dust off your weapons and join us on the mat. There will be the usual social gatherings at a local venue after each of the dates. Please keep an eye on the website for any updates, emails will be sent confirming dates and weapon requirements for each session. Saturday 29th March – Training Seminar June 21st – Flag Ceremony & Training with Guest Teachers, a Celebration of Saisho. Saturday 20th September – Training Seminar Saturday 6th December – Training, Gradings and Annual Budokan Christmas Do! There are weekly classes at Lymington Dojo with Sensei Mike Clapham Wednesday and Friday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm If you are interested please email with the address below. for more information email: info@budokanworld.com SENSEIS TIPS We have found that the Sensei's Tips section we launched a good while back now - where does the time go? using local dojo created quite a bit of interest. - So we thought we would post some existing content on various pages highlighted across the site in various locations for all to enjoy. And who better to start this section off, but our good friend of over 35 years now - Kyoshi David Ansell 7 Dan or Chichidan. He accompanied a Budokan team to kyoto in 2008 where we all took part in a World Butokusai staying in a beautiful hotel overlooking this magnificent city. Saisho and Kyoshi Ansell shared a room for 2 weeks and they are still friends to this day. As you will find elsewhere on this site David Ansell helped to host a traditional Open Japanese event with Budokan in Buxton 2011, which was a great success. Toby doing some solo Kata training in Lymington Dojo Toby and Keith doing some Kumitachi training JAPANESE BUDO RESEARCH We publish news stories, schoLarly articles and academic papers from Aikido to Zen in all things Traditional Japanese Budo, that we hope will be of interest to both teacher and student alike. All articles and papers will first appear here on the Homepage. After that they will be posted on the Budo Research page under the name of the discipline or context. When a single discipline reaches 12 or more articles or papers it will be given its own page. All papers are the responsibility of each individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of budokanworld.com. Just click on any of the links below to read more. ZEN IS NOT BUDDHISM SHORT EVOLUTION OF JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS ON THE PRINCIPLES OF AIKIDO INTERESTING FACTS ON HISTORY OF MARTIAL ARTS TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS V MARTIAL SPORTS ANALYSIS OF KICKING TECHNIQUES IN KARATE PHILOSOPHY AND TOKUGAWA BUSHIDO SAISHO SENSEI'S TIPS ON SOME BASICS Basic Karate Blocking techniques and Deflections. A quick run through of some Aikido Basics Basic Karate Striking techniques Basic Aikido wristwork and handling the Bokken 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 - ....read more... A JAPANESE GLOSSARY FOR KARATE STUDENTS First they published A Short History of Karate. Now Michael Cowie and Robert Dyson are soon to publish another little gem this year. Budokan has been given a glimpse of their work and you can too by clicking on the image below. And its not that little either! Enjoy. A LINEAGE ALL BUT FORGOTTEN The Yushinkan SHINSEI DOJO There are few martial artists in history who have been able to influence an entire generation of politicians, military personnel, police, educators, and civilians alike. Who’s student’s (if only for a day) talked about their experiences with him in detail nearly seventy years after his death. The first San-Dou-no-Hanshi in history. The “God of Kendo” ( Nakayama Hakudo.

Rayo Ryan RAYMOND EDWARD RYAN Nacido el 1 de julio de 1936 Johannesburgo, Sudáfrica Murió el 13 de noviembre de 1989 – Durban - Sudáfrica Ray comenzó su entrenamiento de kárate con Shukokai, donde se asoció con Richard Salmon. En 1963, Richard Salmon y Ray Ryan abrieron un dojo en Sarnia, Durban, que se llamó Budokan. Adquirieron un terreno en Westville, Sudáfrica y con la ayuda de sus alumnos construyeron allí un dojo que fue el primer Budokan Honbu. En 1965/66, Hanshi Chojiro Tani, llegó a Sudáfrica y muchos de los karatekas del Budokan tuvieron la gran fortuna de ser entrenados por él. Su visita fue seguida por Seiichi Fugiwara, Instructor Jefe del Departamento de Enseñanza de WKU (Gōjū-ryū) y más tarde también por Shigeru Kimura Shukokai Hombu dojo. Richard Salmon fue calificado como Sandan en Shukokai Karate por Chojiro Tani. En 1967, Richard Salmon Ray Ryan fue a Japón, donde se entrenó en el dojo de karate-dō Gōgen Yamaguchi en Nippori, Tokio, Japón. En la foto de abajo, se ve a Richard Salmon y Ray Ryan con Chojiro Tani (arrodillado en el extremo izquierdo), Gosen Yamaguchi (arrodillado en el centro), Gosei Yamaguchi (arrodillado en el extremo derecho) y Goshi Yamaguchi (de pie en el extremo derecho). En 1969, Ray Ryan se hizo cargo de Budokan cuando Richard Salmon se había ido para comenzar su Escuela de Liderazgo de Montaña. En 1970, Daivid Passmore introdujo el Budokan en Inglaterra. En 1974, Ray Ryan y varios de los karatecas senior de Budokan fueron invitados por Gogen Yamaguchi a entrenar en su nuevo dojo en la sede de Gōjū-kai en Suginami-ku, Tokio, Japón, cerca de la concurrida zona comercial de Roppongi. En 1978, Ray Ryan fue invitado nuevamente por Gogen Yamaguchi a entrenar en el Karate College iniciado por él en la sede de Gōjū-kai en Suginami-ku. Una vez más, varios de los karatekas senior se unieron a él en este viaje. Los invitados a entrenar en la universidad de Karate se ven aquí fotografiados con Gogen Hamaguchi (sentado al frente en el centro) y Wakako Yamaguchi (segundo atrás a la izquierda). En el viaje de 1978, el karateka Budokan también tuvo la gran fortuna de entrenar con Chojiro Tani. Está arrodillado en el centro del frente. En 1979, Chojiro Tani y Shigeru Kimura regresaron a Sudáfrica y los miembros de Budokan fueron nuevamente invitados a entrenar con ellos. Esto fue organizado por Edwin Ward de Shukukai y tuvo lugar en Radio House en Durban.

DERRICK WRIDGWAY DERRICK WRIDGWAY 5th Dan Shihan Budokan One of Doshu's earliest Disciples and strongest Budokan supporters of well over 50 years, started his Karate career in 1964 at one of Budokan South Africa's first dojo in the small town of Pinetown, Natal.
Under the guidance of Doshu and with dedicated training he in a short time proved he was to become a major player in Budokan SA and as Doshu once commented, "He was one of the finest technicians I ever trained". In the contest arena he proved himself by representing his Province of Natal on many occasions and winning the Shukokai Senior Kata Championship three years in a row. He eventually became a Senior Sensei within Budokan SA travelling and teaching full time in many of the dojo across the country. In a break from Karate he proved his determination to excel in whatever he undertook and completed the very challenging International "Two Oceans Road Marathon" which runs between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans around Cape Town and then he went on to complete in "two" of the World Famous Mega "Comrades Marathon", said to be one of the toughest road races in the world, both proud achievements.., Today he is working alongside his friend of a lifetime, Kyoshi David Passmore in the development of our BUDOKAN WORLD.

BUDOKAN MISOGI 7 DECEMBER 2024 LYMINGTON DOJO A Misogi is an ancient Japanese Shinto purification ritual that involves washing the body and is also a method for personal development and transformation. A traditional Misogi usually involved standing under a freezing waterfall to cleanse the mind and the body of the participants. Thankfully, the modern approach involves challenging oneself to do something difficult even if you are not guaranteed to succeed. The Misogi challenge is about doing something tough once a year that shapes how you will live the rest of your 364 days. On 7th December 2024 the members of Budokan UK came together to prepare for the coming year and to celebrate the life of Saisho Passmore by engaging in a Misogi which Sensei Mike designed together with the Shihonkai. Significantly the date was chosen by Saisho who had intended that this would be the Budokan year end event. At the opening of the Misogi Sensei Mike welcomed the attendees and family members and reminded us that although this was a somber occasion it was also a joyous one which provided the members the opportunity to salute Saisho’s achievements and to mourn his passing. What was most impressive was that the event was attended by twenty practitioners as well as other passed members who did not participate in the misogi. All who attended could only be impressed with the manner with which Mike attended to his management of the misogi. In preparation for the Misogi, Kyoshi Darren prepared the Kamidana which was much admired by all those who attended. Its central position on the dojo floor made this the focus of us all. To spiritually cleanse the dojo Kyoshi Darren performed two Iaido kata which Saisho would have been proud of. Sensei Mike reminded us that Saisho began each year with the test of a thousand cuts so naturally, after the cleansing kata, the Misogi started with that test. Doing a thousand cuts with a bokken is no mean feat and certainly challenged us all. Some of the senior citizens had to take a break during the exercise. Just watching the practitioners, you could see the concentration etched on their faces. One need only look at Pat Miller to see what I mean. At the end of the exercise, it was traditional to have the exhausted members hold their bokken on their arms stretched out. Saisho also used to bring along a very heavy bokken and, as was his practice, he would choose someone to hold the heavy bokken out in front of them (usually Keith) so it was great to see that sensei Mike keeping up that tradition and bestowing that honor on Keith again this time around. It was great to have Joe Braconi with us, he having travelled all the way from Edinburgh to attend. We look forward to having him regularly attend down in Lymington and he has promised to do so again later this year. After the thousand cuts Sensei Mike, Toby Mellows, Paul Floyd and James Bryden demonstrated one of Saisho’s kata for the members after which Sensei Mike demonstrate a Bunkai from the kata which the members practiced. Sensei Mike and Shihan Toby went on to demonstrate 3 Bunkai from the Kata, which they went on to work with all the students. We continued with a 20 minute Zazen which was very important to Saisho. (to come a couple of articles that This was published within the 4th edition of Hanshi Hamada's book Quintessence of Japanese Classical Martial Arts). It was with great pleasure that James Bryden was award his Nidan Certificate. James was the last student to be assessed by Saisho who determined that he qualified to be elevated to his second Dan grade. At the end of the misogi the Kamidana was dismantled and Saisho’s katana was handed back to Katy Passmore for safe keeping. She is a member of Budokan and serves on the Shihankai and will keep the katana. Part of the misogi ritual is the requirement that the dojo is again cleansed, and Kyoshi Darren very kindly performed the closing Iaido cleansing kata for us. This was a very moving ceremony and is followed by the spreading of salt around the dojo. The evening was concluded by a curry a great gathering at The Chequer’s in Lymington. Many story’s and laughter were shared by old and new members of the Budokan family. There are a few students that for unforeseen reasons were unable to attend the event but were keen to be there in spirit, Peter Robinson, Hilary Crundwell and Nicky Charnick. Let’s hope we will see you all in June! We will be holding A Flag Ceremony on June 21st 2025 – it is the flag that will be given to Saisho’s family from the DNBK. For more information email: Info@budokanworld.com Sensei Mike Clapham Kyoshi Darren Waghorne Pat Miller Keith Molyneux Kyoshi Peter Bush and Sensei Joe Bracone Richard Cozens, Steve Hill, James Bryden, Nick Singleton Sensei Mike and James Bryden Kyoshi Darren We were also very privileged to have several of the original members of Budokan in attendance. Pat Miller, and Roy Estabrook and Paul Smith. We were very privileged to have Saisho’s children in attendance. Duncan, Caroline and Tilly Passmore BUDOKAN MISOGI 7 DECEMBER 2024 LYMINGTON DOJO A Misogi is an ancient Japanese Shinto purification ritual that involves washing the body and is also a method for personal development and transformation. A traditional Misogi usually involved standing under a freezing waterfall to cleanse the mind and the body of the participants. Thankfully, the modern approach involves challenging oneself to do something difficult even if you are not guaranteed to succeed. The Misogi challenge is about doing something tough once a year that shapes how you will live the rest of your 364 days. On 7th December 2024 the members of Budokan UK came together to prepare for the coming year and to celebrate the life of Saisho Passmore by engaging in a Misogi which Sensei Mike designed together with the Shihonkai. Significantly the date was chosen by Saisho who had intended that this would be the Budokan year end event. At the opening of the Misogi Sensei Mike welcomed the attendees and family members and reminded us that although this was a somber occasion it was also a joyous one which provided the members the opportunity to salute Saisho’s achievements and to mourn his passing. What was most impressive was that the event was attended by twenty practitioners as well as other passed members who did not participate in the misogi. All who attended could only be impressed with the manner with which Mike attended to his management of the misogi. In preparation for the Misogi, Kyoshi Darren prepared the Kamidana which was much admired by all those who attended. Its central position on the dojo floor made this the focus of us all. To spiritually cleanse the dojo Kyoshi Darren performed two Iaido kata which Saisho would have been proud of. Sensei Mike reminded us that Saisho began each year with the test of a thousand cuts so naturally, after the cleansing kata, the Misogi started with that test. Doing a thousand cuts with a bokken is no mean feat and certainly challenged us all. Some of the senior citizens had to take a break during the exercise. Just watching the practitioners, you could see the concentration etched on their faces. One need only look at Pat Miller to see what I mean. At the end of the exercise, it was traditional to have the exhausted members hold their bokken on their arms stretched out. Saisho also used to bring along a very heavy bokken and, as was his practice, he would choose someone to hold the heavy bokken out in front of them (usually Keith) so it was great to see that sensei Mike keeping up that tradition and bestowing that honor on Keith again this time around. It was great to have Joe Braconi with us, he having travelled all the way from Edinburgh to attend. We look forward to having him regularly attend down in Lymington and he has promised to do so again later this year. After the thousand cuts Sensei Mike, Toby Mellows, Paul Floyd and James Bryden demonstrated one of Saisho’s kata for the members after which Sensei Mike demonstrate a Bunkai from the kata which the members practiced. Sensei Mike and Shihan Toby went on to demonstrate 3 Bunkai from the Kata, which they went on to work with all the students. We continued with a 20 minute Zazen which was very important to Saisho. (to come a couple of articles that This was published within the 4th edition of Hanshi Hamada's book Quintessence of Japanese Classical Martial Arts). It was with great pleasure that James Bryden was award his Nidan Certificate. James was the last student to be assessed by Saisho who determined that he qualified to be elevated to his second Dan grade. At the end of the misogi the Kamidana was dismantled and Saisho’s katana was handed back to Katy Passmore for safe keeping. She is a member of Budokan and serves on the Shihankai and will keep the katana. Part of the misogi ritual is the requirement that the dojo is again cleansed, and Kyoshi Darren very kindly performed the closing Iaido cleansing kata for us. This was a very moving ceremony and is followed by the spreading of salt around the dojo. The evening was concluded by a curry a great gathering at The Chequer’s in Lymington. Many story’s and laughter were shared by old and new members of the Budokan family. There are a few students that for unforeseen reasons were unable to attend the event but were keen to be there in spirit, Peter Robinson, Hilary Crundwell and Nicky Charnick. Let’s hope we will see you all in June! We will be holding A Flag Ceremony on June 21st 2025 – it is the flag that will be given to Saisho’s family from the DNBK. For more information email: Info@budokanworld.com Sensei Mike Clapham Kyoshi Darren Waghorne Pat Miller Keith Molyneux Kyoshi Peter Bush and Sensei Joe Bracone Richard Cozens, Steve Hill, James Bryden, Nick Singleton Sensei Mike and James Bryden Kyoshi Darren We were also very privileged to have several of the original members of Budokan in attendance. Pat Miller, and Roy Estabrook and Paul Smith. We were very privileged to have Saisho’s children in attendance. Duncan, Caroline and Tilly Passmore

Pilot Info PROTECT AND DEFEND Budokan Shield is a two part program designed by experienced Budokan Black Belt Teachers and Instructors. PROTECT teaches how to place a shield of self protection around an individual and unique woman through observation, intuition and perception training in order to quickly identify possible sources of danger to her and to act decisively, assertively and with confidence within the realms of UK and International Law to bring about a quick resolution to a safer place. PROTECT is by far the greater part of the Budokan Shield pgoram as it is all about using common sense in all circumstances designed to reduce the need for the second part of the program to be triggered and yet to be able to action it in a heartbeat in any circumstance. DEFEND is that part of the Budokan Shield program that provides for physical training to enable each individual woman to preemptively strike first or fight back hard and get to safety. A confident and intentional hard hitting strategy will be enabled from a small number of of strikes taught to each woman tailored to their height, strength and reach to be very effective leading to precision strikes in the vulnerable areas of males. Budokan is an international Japanese Budo (Martial Arts) Organisation founded 62 years ago. It teaches Karate, Aikido, Iaido and Zen meaning Meditation and Philosophy. It manages and operates www.budokanworld.com It has a Black Belt Register of over 250 members. See www.budokanworld.com/blackbeltregister This site hosts the Budokan Library - over 200 pages in text,, audio and video of the entire syllabus required for all its students to get to Black Belt and beyond - available 24/7 to all members. It has a long record of hosting Events, Seminars and Workshops in the UK. TEACHERS AND INSTRUCTORS David Passmore Peter Bush Rob Rohrey Roy Estabrook Darren Waghorne Mike Clapham Keith Molyneux Lymington Toby Mellows Paul Floyd Please take 5 minutes to watch this video and get the background to what PROTECT is all about. So PROTECT is your 360º sub-conscious instinctive antennae filled radar multiplied by your intuition, rationale and your feelings that sense personal danger to you and prepare you for a fight or to flee and not freeze from fear. And you will need to consciously train your aura on a daily basis so that your sense of self protection becomes naturally instinctive and is firmly installed in the hard drive of your sub-conscious mind. Making common sense the first thing we turn to in both public and private situations to reduce the risk of being harmed and/or assaulted with practical and highly effective self defence being the last resort. Common Sense for this purpose means raising your social awareness as the environment you are in has a massive impact on the way you are feeling. A really quick way of doing this is to slow your breathing down. Try it. You suddenly become more aware of your surroundings and more conscious of what you are doing. Here are some practical tips you should be aware of too and should train yourself in every time you go out and about. 1 Know the place you are heading to so if you need to make a quick exit you will know how to do so and quickly. 2 Always know the way home from anywhere you are going to be. 3 Whilst you are there, never leave your drink unattended. 4 Always stay aware of what you are doing and of what is going on around you. 5 Notice changes of behaviour in people - both with you ad around you. 6 If you don’t feel comfortable (take notice) then leave unnoticed and with someone you trust. 7 Never take a cab home from an unknown source. Always get the club, restaurant or pub to recommend one. 8 After you leave was away quietly and confidently so that you do not display the look of a frightened victims in waiting. 9 Do not walk home in the dark. Never walk home on your won in the dark - always go with someone you know and trust. 10 Always walk in well lit areas and as far away from dark alleys, shops recesses, dark places and bushes. 11 Always have your keys ready when you are approaching your parked car. 12 When shopping or walking around generally do not keep both arms busy and try to keep one hand free. And DEFEND is your lightening quick premeditated physical response to an attack with one punch or strike at a precise point on a man that will stop him in his tracks, allowing you to get to safety. And if you don’t train and practice regularly your physical responses of punches and strikes and fast foot movements on a daily or regular basis - you will not be able to strike first explosively with clinical intention in the 15 seconds you have to do so after an attack begins. This is 100% self protection and you will need to learn and retain all of it until it becomes instinctive and does not rely on conscious thought. MALE VIOLENCE ON WOMEN IS GROWING EVERYWHERE 1 out of every 3 Women in the UK now will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime. That’s a staggering 33% of all women. The Global average is 31% - see chart above. And in some countries it is nearly 50%! 80,000 women suffer a rape attack every year in the UK. 45% of women have experienced some form of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. On average 3 women a week in England and Wales are killed by a violent male partner or ex-partner or a male member of her family. Over 90% of attacks on all women will be by someone they know. 4 our of 5 women who fight back manage to get away safely. From September 2022 course participants will also have access to: Budokan Shield Online program where they will review the entire contents of the program whenever they wish to remind themselves of movements and strikes, do some home training and practice their breathing and awareness techniques for improved vigilance. Recommended Reading lists and links to associated material An Anatomy of a breakdown in a relationship UK and International Law on preemptive strikes and their consequences Online Group Forums Quarterly Reviews

DOJO DE ZELANDA FUNDADA EN 1989 CASA CLUB AMMEKORE HERTENWEG 2 4455 TL TL NIEUWDORP ZELANDA PAÍSES BAJOS MARTES de 19.00 a 21.00 h. PRINCIPIANTES BIENVENIDOS Las clases se llevan a cabo en un ambiente vibrante donde los estudiantes se benefician de una enseñanza de la más alta calidad disponible en los Países Bajos en la actualidad. Disciplinas KARATE - TRADICIONAL kyusho jutsu - TRADICIONAL JU-JITSU - KODOKWAN KORYU-JUJITSU Instructor jefe ROBERT ROHREY 5º DAN rob@budokan-netherlands.nl www.budokan-netherlands.nl asistente de dojo AGOSTO MELIO 2º DAN SHIHAN ROB ROHREY Aquí está Sensei Rob Rohrey en algunos Kata - (más por venir) - y algunas de las posturas básicas, puñetazos, bloqueos, patadas y golpes que enseña a sus alumnos en Zelanda, en el sur profundo de los Países Bajos. Pinan Shodan Ananko Posturas patadas Algo mas lo esencial Algunos conceptos básicos

LÍDERES DE DOJO : Sensei Kim Heaton (4º Dan) – Pinetown – Westville y Bluff KZN - kim.heaton@mweb.co.za Sensei Tracy Staples (3er Dan) – Kloof – Winston Park – Waterfall Area KZN - t.staples@telkomsa.net Sensei Joos Huyzers (3er Dan) – Kempton Park, Johannesburgo - jooshuyzers@gmail.com Sensei Eden Jackson (2do Dan) – Scottsburgh y Umzinto Area KZN - eden@ubtex.co.za BUDO KARATE-DO SA Karate tradicional Shito-ryu Kelvin Daniels (6º Dan) comenzó su kárate en 1967 bajo la instrucción del difunto Sensei Vic Sykes. Después de muchos años de entrenamiento con algunos de los mejores instructores de karate, Sensei Shigeru Kimura, Sensei Tekeshi Masuyama y Sensei Keiji Tomiyama, por nombrar solo algunos, ha vuelto a sus raíces en el Budokan y tiene el gran honor de continuar su entrenamiento directamente. bajo Doshu Richard Salmón. info@highwaykarate.co.za El siguiente es un desglose de las clases de kárate que están disponibles en Upper Highway Area, Durban, Kwazulu Natal: Highbury Preparatory School en Hillcrest, lunes y miércoles de 5:30 p. m. a 6:15 p. m. para estudiantes de tercer año y de 6:15 p. m. a 7:15 p. m. para estudiantes de último año. Escuela primaria Forest View en Waterfall/Forest Hills, los martes y jueves de 5:30 p. m. a 6:15 p. m. para estudiantes de tercer año y de 6:15 p. m. a 7:15 p. m. para estudiantes de último año. Budo Karate-do SA enseña karate Shito-ryu tradicional y otorga gran valor a los numerosos katas y sus Bunkai que se han transmitido a lo largo de los años. Los dojos son amigables y ofrecen instrucción en todos los niveles y edades, además de organizar torneos de estilo durante el año para que los estudiantes participen en un ambiente amigable. Cada año, el estilo ofrece a los estudiantes la oportunidad de participar en un All Grades Gashku, normalmente un evento de dos días. Además, los cinturones marrones y negros tienen el privilegio de asistir a un seminario de capacitación de fin de semana largo (gashku) en un campamento en la playa que termina con la calificación. .. Ganadores de trofeos con Sensei Daniels CALIFICACIONES ANUALES 2020 ESTILO COVID A diferencia de años anteriores, 2020 nos ha presentado muchos desafíos nuevos y ninguno más que mantener a nuestros estudiantes avanzando y calificarlos durante el bloqueo de Covid-19. En el pasado, nuestros Brown Belts y Black Belts fueron calificados durante un largo fin de semana en un resort de playa (TO Strand) en la costa sur de Kwazulu Natal. Desafortunadamente, con las infecciones de Covid-19 en aumento junto con los protocolos requeridos, tuvimos que reducir la escala de la calificación de último año de este año e integrarla el mismo día que la calificación de los grados inferiores. En mi opinión, dadas las circunstancias, esto iba a ser lo mejor posible con el Doshu viniendo y uniéndose a nosotros durante el día. Lamentablemente, debido al aumento en las infecciones por covid, Doshu y yo sentimos que se había vuelto demasiado arriesgado para él asistir. En el mismo tono, uno de nuestros sensei de Guateng que debía volar para asistir también tuvo que retirarse de su calificación. Comenzamos en la mañana con nuestra calificación de cinturón marrón y negro que se llevó a cabo durante tres horas a puerta cerrada. Para gran decepción de nuestros candidatos calificadores, ciertos aspectos de la calificación tuvieron que eliminarse debido a las reglas sobre el distanciamiento social. Esto significaba que no podíamos hacer trabajo de bolsa/impacto, Hokai Kumite, Ippon Kumite o Ju Kumite. El enfoque principal de la calificación se volvió hacia Kihon, Combinaciones y Kata. Al final de la calificación, los padres finalmente pudieron asistir a la entrega de las calificaciones. En general, y considerando el largo período de confinamiento a principios de este año, el estándar fue bueno. Parecería que las Clases de Zoom que habían tomado el lugar de las clases de entrenamiento normales habían funcionado. Por la tarde realizamos otras dos sesiones dividiendo los cinturones blanco, amarillo y naranja en la primera sesión y los cinturones verde, azul y morado en la sesión final del día. La mayoría de los candidatos calificados fueron nuestros jóvenes que en un año normal habrían calificado en junio. La emoción de que finalmente calificaran era muy evidente y, en la mayoría, el estándar era mucho más alto de lo que esperaba. Aunque las circunstancias para la calificación cambiaron a diario hasta llegar a la calificación incluso con la posibilidad de cancelación, en última instancia, creo que el día fue un gran éxito teniendo en cuenta. Muy buen distanciamiento social!

CASA ANTIGUA ESCUELA CONDES DE LEINTHALL LEOMINSTER HEREFORDSHIRE HR6 9TR Disciplinas KARATE - SHUKUKAI RYU AIKIDO - TRADICIONAL IAADO - MUSO SHINDEN RYU ZEN - SECT SOTO Instructor jefe DAVID PASSMORE 7 DAN KYOSHI NUESTRO LINAJE LEOMINSTER DOJO INFORMACIÓN DE MEMBRESÍA REGISTRO DE CINTURÓN NEGRO ROPA Y EQUIPO líder del dojo KEITH MOLYNEUX 4 dan SHIDOIN Comencé mi carrera en las artes marciales para animar a mi hijo de 8 años a que se dedicara al kárate. Me enganché al instante. Inicialmente entrené Karate Wado Ryu con un enfoque en Kumite de competición, así como Urban Krav Maga. Después de un período de un par de años, me acercaba a mi segundo grado de kyu cuando un encuentro casual con Sensei Passmore en los vestuarios del centro deportivo me presentó al Budokan. Una breve discusión sobre Alan Watts y la meditación me convenció de venir y ver de qué se trata el Budokan. La inclusión de Zazen en el plan de estudios fue un gran atractivo. He estado interesado en las prácticas de meditación durante toda mi vida adulta, obtener un entrenamiento formal fue la guinda del pastel. Así que mi primera lección fue en el Zendo, no en el Dojo. 2 días después, después de 15 minutos de mi primera lección en el tatami, me di cuenta de que este era sin duda el club para mí. Tenemos un gran plan de estudios, al principio puede parecer desalentador, inicialmente las disciplinas se sienten muy separadas, diferentes en niveles fundamentales. Si me hubieras preguntado en el pasado qué disciplina prefería, probablemente cambiaría de opinión según el día de la semana que me preguntaste. Sin embargo, a medida que ha pasado el tiempo, me he dado cuenta de que no son artes individuales las que practicamos, Karate, Aiki, Iai y Zazen son las cuatro paredes que construyen nuestra casa de Budo, cada una apoyando a la otra, formando una estructura por derecho propio. Recibí mi Shodan en 2011 bajo Sensei Passmore, Nidan en 2013, Sandan en 2015, Yondan en 2019, desde mi Shodan he estado tratando de llenar las botas de cada grado con trabajo duro y humildad. Creo que el estudio de las artes marciales tradicionales es insuperable en el desarrollo del yo holístico y la comprensión de uno mismo, que las virtudes guerreras que emanan a lo largo de la práctica son tan importantes hoy como lo han sido siempre, y a través de la dedicación, la disciplina y la buena instrucción podemos lograr cualquier cosa Fuera de Budokan, soy un diseñador eléctrico en la industria del petróleo y el gas que se especializa en entornos explosivos.

CERTIFICATION With over 60 years of experience and technical excellence to draw on we provide only Black Belt Rank and Title recognition and accreditation to teachers, instructors, dojo leaders and students across all disciplines as a single discipline or as a multi-discipline, on recommendation only. THERE IS A CERTIFICATE OF GRADE OR RANK AND A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE. Each certificate has different wording in English and Japanese. The Certificate of Grade or Rank application is normally completed by the Dojo Leader for a current member of their Dojo. In the event of a Dojo Leader application it must come from an accredited source known to and supported by 2 current Dojo Leaders or Associates. THERE IS A FEE FOR A CERTIFICATE OF RANK. Scroll down for Grading Fee structure. A NOTE ON GRADING FEES For many years Budokan adopted a policy of not charging students for Kyu and Dan grade certification. This decision was justified on the common knowledge of grading systems becoming open to malpractice by officials of larger martial arts groups for the purpose of raising funds. When budokanworld.com was launched in 2010 we decided to ask the Dojo Leaders in the UK/EU/US and other countries, what a fair fee would be to pay for Dan Grades only issued by Budokan. After a few months of deliberation the Dojo Leaders generally felt that Budokan had real value in the technical excellence of their Dan Grades and suggested a number of options from which Budokan settled on the fair and reasonable Fee Structure below which, needless to say is below that which was presented. Esta es una captura de pantalla de los nuevos Certificados de Rango Budokan y es solo para fines visuales. El texto en inglés para cada uno de los certificados aparecerá en el espacio de la izquierda y el katakana en japonés en el espacio de la derecha. Se imprimirá en pergamino Magnollia. Tamaño de papel A3. Explicación del Henko El Henko cuadrado más grande es el Sello de Budokan Los Henko redondos más pequeños son las firmas personales de izquierda a derecha de ricardo salmon david passmore Derrick Wridgway pedro arbusto Doshu Kyoshi shihan Renshi TODOS NUESTROS HENKO HAN SIDO HECHOS EN JAPÓN CERTIFICATE OF RANK Recommendation is based on grading record, years of continuous training, technical skill prowess, accomplishments, dedication and service, attitude, teaching and instruction, heart, values and excellence in personal character. General Ranking guide to the timeline of consecutive years of training. Shodan 1st Dan 1-3 years Nidan 2nd Dan 3-5 years Sandan 3rd Dan 5-8 years Yondan 4th Dan 8-12 years Godan 5th Dan 12-18 years Rokudan 6th Dan 18 – 25 years Shichidan 7th Dan 25 – 32 years Hachidan 8th Dan 32- 45 years HOW IT WORKS 1 Each Dojo leader nominates a person or persons for accreditation and certification by Peer Review* directly to Budokan. These requests may be retrospective. 2 Kindly go to ACCREDITATION for the detail of what is required. 3 Upon receipt of this information by email and any attached documentation, we examine the credentials and all endorsements in text, pictorial audio or video format in support of the application. 4 We defer to two of our Community Dojo Leaders to assist us in the examination of those disciplines outside of our remit - such as Ju Jitsu, Kodokan Judo, Kendo and Kobudo. The personal Henko of each of these examiners will appear on the Certificate of Rank along with the Henko of the Doshu Richard Salmon and Kyoshi David Passmore. 5 A period of 6-8 weeks needs to be factored into the review process. 6 Once a decision has been reached either way, the recommender is informed directly by email. 7 If approved, an appropriate certificate is drawn up, dated, numbered and photographed with the appropriate Henko in place. This photographic evidence of Rank will be placed on the appropriate Dojo Page (in the public domain) for all to see. It wi also be registered for copyright protection and placed in our Dan Grade (Black Belt) Register. 8 If not approved, the recommender is informed as to the reasons why this decision has been reached by email and if appropriate offer outline measures to take that will allow a repeat application to take place within 12 months at no further cost to the applicant. 9 All certificates will be carefully rolled up and inserted into a secure tube and sent by post to the recommender to pass on or direct to the receiver, as appropriate. A signature will be required at each destination if possible. * Peer Review functions as a form of self-regulation by qualified members of our Traditional Japanese Budo Community. Recommendations for a person to be awarded a Certificate of Rank, who is no longer active in Budo may also be considered in appropriate circumstances . CERTIFICADO DE RANGO ESTRUCTURA DE TARIFAS Todas las tarifas se muestran en £ GBP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Shodan nidan Sandán Yondan Godán Rokudan Chichidán Hachidan 75.00 100.00 130.00 175.00 220.00 260.00 300.00 340.00 CERTIFICADO DE TÍTULO El otorgamiento de Títulos se realiza usando el antiguo sistema Shogoo, como lo usa el Dai Nippon Butokukai de Kioto en Japón, a aquellos que han hecho una contribución destacada al desarrollo del Budo Tradicional Japonés, mostrado liderazgo en la enseñanza y el mantenimiento de un alto nivel de habilidades de Budo durante décadas de servicio continuo. Shogoo se otorga a un individuo altamente calificado de integridad ad honor con un historial comprobado de logros en todas las fases de su Budo. Renshi - Guerrero samurái pulido Kyoshi - maestro maestro samurai guerrero Hanshi - Guerrero Ilustre Ejemplar - Maestro del Camino Samurai En referencia a los tres títulos Renshi, Kyoshi y Hanshi Ren = Entrenador del Camino Kyo = Un Maestro del Camino Han = Un Modelo del Camino Oficiales del dojo Sempai - un instructor líder Shidoin - un destacado instructor principal Shihan - un maestro instructor (Para obtener más detalles, envíenos un correo electrónico a info@budokanworld.com ) OTRAS NOTAS DE INTERÉS SOBRE TÍTULOS DE BUDO JAPONÉS 1. Sensei "Maestro o Uno que ha ido antes": este título es, con mucho, el título más utilizado en karate y generalmente se refiere a alguien de nivel Yon-Dan (cinturón negro de cuarto grado). Muchos instructores senior, incluido Hanshi Masami Tsuruoka, afirmarán que este es el título más honorable que un estudiante puede usar cuando se refiere al senior como su profesor. El título Sensei implica un vínculo estrecho entre la relación del alumno y el maestro. 2. Shihan: "Maestro o Maestro Experto": Es importante entender que el significado de Maestro como se usa en las artes marciales artes es alguien que ha dominado los conocimientos básicos y avanzados {Principios} de un estilo o sistema en particular, por lo que el título Shihan significa alguien que ha dominado las técnicas básicas y avanzadas, así como los principios, conceptos y teorías de su respectivo estilo de kárate. El título Shihan no significa que esta persona haya dejado de aprender porque sabe todas las respuestas. Por el contrario, se les considera los estudiantes más serios y dedicados en cualquier estilo de artes marciales. El título Shihan generalmente se considera un título organizacional solo y tiene poco significado (puede no ser reconocido) fuera del estilo u organización del titular. 3. Doshi: "Maestro líder": título que a veces se usa antes de Renshi (3er dan) 4. Renshi: "Profesor Experto Senior": Este es el primero de los tres generalmente títulos de maestros usados. Aunque este título es independiente del rango, rara vez se otorga a alguien por debajo del rango de Go-Dan. (5to dan) 5. Tasshi o Tesshi: "Aprendiz de maestro maestro": este título fue originalmente el título utilizado en lugar de Kyoshi. 6. Kyoshi: "Maestro maestro, maestro de maestros": este es el segundo de los tres títulos de maestros que se usan generalmente. Aunque este título es independiente del sistema de clasificación, rara vez se otorga a alguien por debajo del rango de Roku-dan y, en la mayoría de los casos, Shichi-dan). (7º dan) 7. Hanshi: "Maestro principal superior": este es el tercero y más alto de los tres títulos de maestro que se usan generalmente. Aunque este título es independiente del sistema de clasificación, rara vez se otorga a alguien por debajo del rango de Hachi-Dan (Cinturón Negro de 8º Grado) 8. Iemoto / Soke Un iemoto puede recibir el título Iemoto u O-iemoto, o el título Sōshō u Ō-sensei en inglés. "Gran Maestro" es a menudo el título que se utiliza. Las funciones principales de Iemoto son dirigir la escuela y proteger sus tradiciones, ser la autoridad final en asuntos relacionados con la escuela, emitir o aprobar licencias y certificados y, en algunos casos, instruir a los practicantes más avanzados.

Calle Balham 88, Yapton Arundel West Sussex BN18 0JY PRINCIPIANTES Y VISITANTES BIENVENIDOS INFORMACIÓN DE MEMBRESÍA CALIFICACIONES ROPA Y EQUIPO DARREN'S BIO Darren began the study of Traditional Aikido on Thursday 13th June 1991 as a member of the Tokushima Budo Council International. The TBCI was set up as for the preservation of the philosophical and spiritualistic concepts of the Classical Arts of Japan by Kenshiro Abbe (15 December 1915 – 1 December 1985). During his time with the TBCI Darren trained with multiple teachers around the UK include Saito Morihiro & Pat Hendricks. It wasn't until 1995 he met Kyoshi Passmore that he first experienced iaido and karate at various Budokan events and he began training in iaido under Kyoshi Ansell in 1996. Darren continues to enjoy training train with both, with the latter under the auspices of British Kendo Association where he has been selected to represent the UK at multiple European Iaido Championships. Joining the Dai Nippon Butokukai (DNBK) in 1996 Darren had the privilege to attend the first 3 World World Butoku Sais in Norfolk Virginia (1998) and at the Butokuden in Kyoto, Japan in 2002 and 2008. These were led by the then Deputy Sosai, Jiko Higashifushimi, a cousin to Emperor Akihito. Apart from these events he has attended many European Butoku Sais and Rensei Taikais with the DNBK. At these events that Darren has had the opportunity to practice other arts such as DaitoRyu AikiJujutsu, Kendo, Judo, Naginata, Jojutsu, Sojutsu & Jujutsu. Apart from the Dai Nippon Butokukai events Darren has attended various Budo seminars within the UK as well as Belgium, France, Netherlands, Germany, USA and Greece. ARUNDEL DOJO Las clases se llevan a cabo en un ambiente vibrante donde los estudiantes se benefician de algunas de las clases de la más alta calidad disponibles en el Reino Unido en la actualidad. Disciplinas KARATE - SHUKUKAI RYU AIKIDO - TRADICIONAL IAIDO - MUSOSHINDEN RYU ZEN - SOTO Instructor jefe DAVID PASSMORE 7 DAN KYOSHI Líderes de dojo DARREN WAGHORNE 6 DAN darrenwaghorne@yahoo.co.uk DAVID GOLDING 5 daneses catekize@msn.com CONGRATULATIONS TO DARREN ON HIS 4TH DAN WITH THE BKA On Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd May the British Kendo Association held their annual West Midlands Iaido seminar with a grading upto Yondan on the last afternoon. Being the first West Midlands seminar after lockdown it was a full house of 60 students led by Fay Goodman Sensei, Nanadan Kyoshi. Assisting her were 3 Rokudans all holding the Renshi title which included the current BKA Squad coach. On the first day the seminar was split in to 4 grade groups with a Sensei working with each group for 3 techniques before moving on to another group. This allowed all of the 12 Seitei-gata, including the specific Chakugan-ten (grading points) for each kata, to be covered by the 4 teachers. The second day the groups were the same but this time the teacher stayed with that group only. I was fortunate to have Fay Goodman Sensei. This time the practice was concentrate on the reiho and our grading katas which were notified to us prior to the start of the day. For Yondan this was 1 free choice of Koryu which I chose Shohatto and 4 Shitei waza (complusary techniques) of Ushiro, Sanpogiri, Ganmenate and Sougiri. The shitei waza are chosen by the Sensei on the course and they are different for each grade and seminar though occassionally they overlap. Anyone attempting Shodan and above much complete a written grading paper which consisting of 6 questions. This paper needs to be submitted in advance of the seminar and passed before you can sit the "physical" shinza (grading). The "physical" shinza part is also known as Jitsugi or practical skill. For an attemp of Yondan there needs to be 6 shinza-in (grading panelists) of Rokudan and above and you require least 4 votes from the panel to pass. The 4 teachers of the course and another Nanadan Kyoshi & Rokudan Renshi attended to make up the panelists. The grading took place in grade order, from the lowest grade to the highest. This meant I was last on! It not just the waiting for your grading it is also the wait after whilst the grading officer reviews the panelists notes to determine who has passed or failed. I hate waiting! Subtle celebrations ensued after the posting of the results and a lot of handshakes and well dones. For me it didn't end there. I spoke to all the garding panelists to gain feedback on my grading to help me improve going orward.

DOWN MEMORY LANE