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

The 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

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.

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

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

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.

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

JAPANESE EMBASSY DEOMONSTRAION YANAGI RYU JIU-JUTSU KYUSHINDO DOJO HANDFORTH CHESHIRE UNITED KINGDOM SK9 3BP 0843 5070123 Chief Instructor CHRIS DAVIES 8TH DAN Registered and graded in Japan chris@yanagiryu.co.uk Days and times of classes Senior grade and Instructor classes Wednesdays 7.00-9.00PM Disciplines Hontai Yoshin Ryu Tensin Ryu Kuki Ryu Chin-Na Qi Gong Battlefield Weapons Ninpo We teach a traditional range of Samurai Battlefield weapons as well as unarmed Jiu-Jutsu techniques and their associated healing arts. These schools of training go back to 1350AD in Japan and 800AD in China as the art of Chinese Ju-Jutsu – Chin-Na. We offer classes, courses and seminars all over the world as well as via our online live interactive dojo. Our therapy training group http://www.TotalTherapyTraining.co.uk offers classes and instruction in the associated healing traditions.

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.

PROGRAMS LIST PRACTICAL SELF DEFENCE FOR WOMEN - LEVEL 1 15 participants Gratuit Voir les détails ZAZEN 18 participants Gratuit Voir les détails IAIDO 14 participants Gratuit Voir les détails KARATE 26 participants Gratuit Voir les détails AIKIDO 20 participants Gratuit Voir les détails

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