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BUDOKAN LINEAGE The Doshu, Ray Ryan, Teachers and Instructors of Budokan have been extraordinarily fortunate to have had access to some of the most technically competent Japanese and European teachers across many major disciplines for over six decades. All of them are proud to have had the privelige of training with these teachers whose own lineage stretches back to the Founders of these disciplines. With the deepest gratitude and humility we associate ourselves directly with them. KARATE THE INFUENCE OF THE FOUNDERS It was inteeresting to read the writings of Doshu when describing his visits to Japan with Ray Ryan and his time spent training with the "Old Masters of the different systems of the day, Tani, Fugiwara, Mas O'yama, Gogen Yamaguchi, Nakayama, Kase of JKA and many of other Senior Senseis and of course not forgetting my first great Sensei, Taniguchi Goju in Brazil". "I had the support and recognition of Tani 'Hanshi' head of Tani-ha Shukokai and Fugiwara 'Hanshi", who was head of the World Karate Union Teaching Department of Shukokai of Japan, OYAMA NAKAYAMA And those that followed... Kimura Kase Taniguchi Kanazawa. Gosen Yamaguchi Salmon Doshu Ryan MORIHEI UESHIBA Founder of Aikido SAITO SENSEI TAMURA SENSEI KISSHOMARU UESHIBA YAMAGUCHI SENSEI CHIBA SENSEI KANETSUKA SENSEI SEKIYA SENSEI ISHIDO SENSEI HIROI SENSEI A little history Shukokai (literally translated as "Way for All" or association of those who study together) was founded by Tani Chojiro in 1949. Sensei Tani started his formal Karate training under Miyagi Chojun, founder of Goju, whilst a student at Doshisha University, Kyoto. After some years, Miyagi Sensei returned to Okinawa and Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shitoryu took over the teaching. In deference to his friend, whom he had assisted on his arrival in Japan, Mabuni Sensei only taught Naha-te at the university karate club. On graduation from university Sensei Tani followed Mabuni learning first the Shuri-te system and then ultimately the developing Shitoryu system. After many years of training under Mabuni as one of his most senior students, Sensei Tani received the certificate of succession, entitling him to use the name Tani-ha Shitoryu (the Tani sect of Shitoryu). In 1949 Sensei Tani, whilst still a high school teacher, founded his own school, which he called Shukokai. On the death of Mabuni Kenwa, in 1952, many of the senior students went their own way and at this time Tani Sensei adopted the name bestowed by Mabuni, Tani-ha Shitoryu - and with two other senior students, Fujiwara and Fujitani, began creating the world wide system, for which he is now so respected. Fujiwara Sensei died some years ago and Fujitani Sensei now heads his own organization called Myobukai.. Shukokai has been taught outside Japan mainly by three senior instructors, Kimura, Nanbu and Suzuki, between them assisting in the creation of a world wide recognition and respect for their style. Chief Technical Master of Shukokai was Shigeru Kimura, 8th Dan. Sensei Kimura commenced karate at the age of 16 under Sensei Tani. At 21 he won the All Japan Shito ryu Championship, and after winning that title for the second time in 1964, ceased participating in championship Karate to devote his life to developing the style of Karate now known and respected throughout the world as SHUKOKAI. At 34, Sensei Kimura was the youngest ever 7th Dan from an internationally recognized style and reached the rank of 8th Dan Hanshi (Master). The Legends YAMAGUCHI AIKIDO IAIDO JIGARO KANO Founder of Judo JUDO GICHIN FUNAKOSHI Founder of Shotokan CHOJIRO TANI Founder of Shukokai Ryu CHŌJUN MIYAGI Founder of Goju Ryu KENWA MABUNI Founder of Shito Ryu VIC COOK DAVID ANSELL YAMADA SENSEI

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

THE BUDOKAN SHIHANKAI All activities that take place within Budokan are managed and operated by its Shihankai. A small group of experienced people, some of whom really do back a very long way indeed. They are all tasked with various responsibilities, ensuring that the technical, educational and organisational standards set by Budokan in all of its operations and entitlements, continue to be at the forefront of its thinking and planning now and for the future of Budokan. The new Budokan Kamiza for all members of the Shihankai and other Teachers and instructors to use in their Dojo. David Passmore FOUNDER HEAD OF DISCIPLINES AND TECHNICAL PANE L MEMBER OF ACCREDITATION PANEL EDITOR, PUBLISHER AND SITE BUILDER OF THIS SITE david@budokanworld.com READ HI BIO Peter Bush DEPUTY HEAD SHIHANKAI MEMBER OF ACCREDITATION PANEL bush.peter@sky.com READ HIS BIO Rob Rohrey MEMBER OF ACCREDITA TION PANEL www.budokan-netherlands.nl rob@budokan-netherlands.nl READ HIS BIO Roy Estabrook MEMBER OF ACCREDITATION PANEL royestabrookcam@aol.com READ HIS BIO Katy Passmore ASSISTANT PUBLISHER AND GRAPHIC DESIGN Darren Waghorne MEMBER OF DISCIPLINES AND TECHNICAL PANEL darrenwaghorne@yahoo.co.uk READ HIS BIO M ike Clapham MEMBER OF DISCIPLINES AND TECHNICAL PANEL michael_clapham@hotmail.co.uk READ HIS BIO Keith Molyneux spungwort@hotmail.co.uk READ HIS BIO Joe Bracone joebracone@yahoo.com READ HIS BIO

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

Zen has been described as a special teaching without scriptures, beyond words and letters, pointing to the mind essence of our being, seeing directly into one’s nature, attaining enlightenment. Zen is not a sect, but an experience. It is the practice of self-searching through meditation to realise one’s true nature, with disregard of formalism, with insistence on self-discipline and simplicity of living. The Zen spirit has come to mean not only peace and understanding but devotion to art and work, the rich unfolding of contentment, opening the door to insight, the expression of innate beauty and the intangible charm of incompleteness. It has been said, that if you have Zen in your life, you have no fear, no doubt, no unnecessary craving and no extreme emotion. Neither illiberal attitudes nor egotistical actions trouble you. You serve humanity humbly, fulfilling your presence in this world with loving-kindness and observing your passing as a petal falling from a flower. Serene, you enjoy life in blissful tranquillity. Such is the spirit of Zen. To study Zen, the flowering of ones nature, is no easy task. Paraphrased from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones by Paul Reps

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1960 - 2023 CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT It is important that all students have the correct clothing and equipment in order to practice traditional Japanese Budo safely. Budokan adopts a "No Gi - No Training" rule. You will need a white Gi to practise - see below. You will not be allowed to practice without one. For the forst month of training Budokan can provide new members with a Gi to wear at no charge. Just let us know and we will arrange one for all new members without a Gi. After the first month, new members will be required to buy their own Gi. This equipment can be ordered through Budokan via Nine Circles - a UK based importer, who we recommend for all equipment for beginners and new students. We have a discount arrangement in place with them for our members. Please ask for further information. Click any of the three llinks below, to view the exact recommended items for all new members and beginners. Aikido Gi - Intermediate 500g Sashiko Ori All these gi have been preshrunk - but on a hot wash and dryer - there is a little further shrinkage. Height Chart Feet/InchesCm Feet/InchesCm 5’ 2”1603 5’ 9”1805 5’ 4”1653.5 6’ 0”1855.5 5’ 55”1704 6’ 2”1906 5’ 7”1754.5 6’ 5”1956.5 Within the first three months all new members will need to buy a wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo) for training purposes. Shiro Kashi White Oak Bokken 102cm Product Code Daito Includes Tsuba and Dome Shiro Kashi White Oak Jo Total length 127cm 2.5cm in diameter Product code – Jo AFTER THE FIRST THREE YEARS MOST STUDENTS WILL WANT TO UPGRADE THEIR EQUIPMENT AND BUDOKAN WILL THEN RECOMMEND BUYING DIRECT FROM JAPAN FROM RELIABLE SOURCES KNOWN TO US. Budokan is a member of the Nine Circles Giri discount scheme on mpst of their clothing and equipment. If yoiu are a member of Budokan and wish to benefit from discounts on offer - just email us and we will send yiou our username and passward. You can then buy direct.

Our world. A jewel in the vast expanse of space. Taking care of ourselves, our families, our friends and our communities has never been more important in most peoples lives, as we struggle with the everyday reality of what is happening around us, to us and to many whom we know. "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu Find a little time for yourself each day. Breathe. Reflect. Contemplate. Look after your Body, your Mind and especially your Spirit. "If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?" Unknown We wish you whatever you wish for yourselves in the New Year of 2024 and we hope we can inspire you to keep head, heart and soul together for the benefit of those around you. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Confucius