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www.budokanworld.com is the home of Budokan -The House of Martial Ways - a classical Japanese Budo organisation since 1960. BUDOKAN 1960 - 2026 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.

RAY RYAN RAYMOND EDWARD RYAN Born 1 July 1936 Johannesburg – South Africa Died 13th November 1989 – Durban - South Africa Ray started his karate training with Shukokai where he teamed up with Richard Salmon. In 1963 Richard Salmon and Ray Ryan opened a dojo in Sarnia, Durban which was called Budokan. They acquired a piece of land in Westville, South Africa and with the help of their students built a dojo there which was the first Budokan Honbu. In 1965/66, Hanshi Chojiro Tani, came to South Africa and many of the Budokan karateka had the great fortune to be trained by him. His visit was followed by Seiichi Fugiwara, Chief Instructor of the WKU Teaching Department (Gōjū-ryū) and later also Shigeru Kimura Shukokai Hombu dojo. Richard Salmon was graded to Sandan in Shukokai Karate by Chojiro Tani. In 1967 Richard Salmon Ray Ryan went to Japan where they trained at Gōgen Yamaguchi karate-dō dojo in Nippori, Tokyo Japan. In the photo below Richard Salmon and Ray Ryan are seen with Chojiro Tani (far left kneeling), Gosen Yamaguchi (centre kneeling), Gosei Yamaguchi (far right kneeling) and Goshi Yamaguchi (far right standing). In 1969 Ray Ryan took over Budokan as Richard Salmon had left to start his Mountain Leadership School. In 1970 Budokan was introduced into England by Daivid Passmore. In 1974 Ray Ryan and several of the Budokan senior karateka were invited by Gogen Yamaguchi to train at his new dojo at the Gōjū-kai Headquarters in Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan, nearby to the busy shopping precinct of Roppongi. In 1978 Ray Ryan was Again invited by Gogen Yamaguchi to train at the Karate College started by him at Gōjū-kai Headquarters in Suginami-ku. Again, several of the senior karateka joined him on this trip. Those invited to train at the Karate college are seen here pictured with Gogen Hamaguchi (seated centre front) and Wakako Yamaguchi (second left rear). On the 1978 trip Budokan karateka also had the great fortune to train with Chojiro Tani. He is kneeling centre front. In 1979 Chojiro Tani and Shigeru Kimura returned to South Africa and the members of Budokan were once again invited to train with them. This was arranged by Edwin Ward of Shukukai and took place at Radio House in Durban.

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

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

1960 - 2021 JOE BRACONE 5th Dan Tenshinkan Karate, 3rd Dan Tenshinkan RyuKyu Kobujutsu joebracone@yahoo.com 07949713629 UK TENSHINKAN HISTORY AND LINEAGE BLACKRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL Main Street Bathgate West Lothian EH483RJ Wednesdays 1800-1900 hrs All groups COMBAT ZONE Bo'ness Recreation Centre Gauze Road, Bo'ness West Lothian EH51 9QB Every last Saturday, 1000-1200 hrs Advanced classes, check to confirm. BEGINNERS AND VISITORS WELCOME SEISHIN DOJO JOE BRACONE BIOGRAPHY 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. FURTHER TRAINING NOTES I have practiced martial arts as a very young man but never got into it until I have gotten bored with just pushing weights and other gym activities. I finally joined Tenshinkan Karate when I was 40 and never looked back. I was fortunate enough to learn karate and later kobujutsu from Hanshi Hans Haupt 9th Dan Karate and 4th Dan Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai obtained with grand master Inoue Motokatsu and founder of Tenshinkan Ryukyu Kobujutsu). I left as South Africa Tenshinkan Honbu Dojo deputy Chief Instructor. I have gained national and provincial South African style colours for Kumite and Kata for many years and graded in Japan with Kancho Mamoru Miwa, Tenshinkan Karatedo Founder and avid Budo master. The disciplines I Teach: Tenshinkan Karate is an offshoot of Shotokan karate as was taught by Gichin Funakoshi. Master Gichin Funakoshi used to address Kancho Mamoru Miwa, then a young boy, “Tenshin” (the sincere one) hence the name of Tenshinkan. Tenshinkan Karate although retains very strong roots with Shotokan katas and stances it is a karate style focused on defense and attack with the inclusion of goshin-jutsu, self-defence, techniques such as grappling, joint locks and take downs. The style is very dynamic and effective, it is based and developed on different sabaki (evasion or avoidance) and multiple combination of footwork with blocking and striking techniques. Each grade or belt (Kyu) training and test is based on a syllabus that incorporates predefined karate and Goshin-jJtsu kata and techniques imparted through the application of specific training methods. Tenshinkan Ryukyu Kobujutsu was founded by Hanshi Hans Haupt to honour his Sensei. Both trained and graded with Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai Master Inoue Motokatsu, who in turn had trained with the RKHSK founder Taira Shinken. For each belt (kyu), the student learns the kata and basics techniques of attack and defence of each weapon that make up the martial art syllabus such as: Bo (six foot staff), Nunchaku (similar to a flail), Tekko (similar to knuckle dusters), Tonfa (similar to police baton), Kama (similar to a sickle), Sai (similar to a 16th century parring dagger) and Katana (famous Samurai’s sword). This a picture of the entrance to my home Dojo.

ZEELAND DOJO FOUNDED IN 1989 CLUBHOUSE AMMEKORE HERTENWEG 2 4455 TL TL NIEUWDORP ZEELAND NETHERLANDS TUESDAYS at 7.00pm TO 9.00 pm BEGINNERS WELCOME Classes are held in a vibrant atmosphere where students benefit from some of the highest quality tuition available in the Netherlands today. Disciplines KARATE - TRADITIONAL KYUSHO JUTSU - TRADITIONAL JU JITSU - KODOKWAN KORYU-JUJITSU Chief Instructor ROBERT ROHREY 5TH DAN rob@budokan-netherlands.nl www.budokan-netherlands.nl Dojo Assistant AUGUST MELIO 3RD DAN SHIHAN ROB ROHREY Here is Sensei Rob Rohrey on a few Kata - (more to come) - and some of the basic stances, punches, blocks, kicks and strikes he teaches his students in Zeeland - in the Deep South of the Netherlands. Pinan Shodan Ananko Stances Kicks Some more basics Some basics

DOJO LEADERS : Sensei Kim Heaton (4th Dan) – Pinetown – Westville and Bluff KZN - kim.heaton@mweb.co.za Sensei Tracy Staples (3rd Dan) – Kloof – Winston Park – Waterfall Area KZN - t.staples@telkomsa.net Sensei Joos Huyzers (3rd Dan) – Kempton Park, Johannesburg - jooshuyzers@gmail.com Sensei Eden Jackson (2nd Dan) – Scottsburgh and Umzinto Area KZN - eden@ubtex.co.za BUDO KARATE-DO SA Traditional Shito-ryu Karate Kelvin Daniels (6th Dan) started his karate in 1967 under the instruction of the late Sensei Vic Sykes. Following many years of training under some of the top karate instructors, Sensei Shigeru Kimura, Sensei Tekeshi Masuyama and Sensei Keiji Tomiyama to name just a few, he has come full circle back to his Budokan roots and has the great honour of continuing his training directly under Doshu Richard Salmon. info@highwaykarate.co.za The following is a breakdown of the karate classes that are available in the Upper Highway Area, Durban, Kwazulu Natal: Highbury Preparatory School in Hillcrest, Monday and Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.15pm for juniors and 6.15pm to 7.15pm for seniors. Forest View Primary School in Waterfall/Forest Hills, Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm to 6.15pm for juniors and 6.15pm to 7.15pm for seniors. Budo Karate-do S.A. teaches traditional Shito-ryu karate and places great value on the numerous kata and their Bunkai that have been passed down over the years. Dojos are friendly and offer instruction at all levels and ages as well as hosting style tournaments during the year for students to participate in a friendly environment. Each year the style offers students the opportunity to take part in an All Grades Gashku, normally a two day event. In addition, Brown and Black Belts have the privilege of attending a long weekend training seminar (gashku) at a beach camp ending with grading. .. Trophy winners with Sensei Daniels 2020 ANNUAL GRADINGS COVID STYLE Unlike previous years, 2020 has given us many new challenges and none more so than keeping our students moving forward and grading them during Covid-19 lockdown. In the past our Brown and Black Belts were graded over a long weekend held at a beach resort (TO Strand) on the Kwazulu Natal South Coast. Unfortunately with Covid-19 infections on the increase together with the required protocols we had to down scale this year's senior grading and have it integrated into the same day as the lower grades grading. In my opinion, under the circumstance this was going to be as good as it gets with Doshu coming through and joining us for the day. Sadly because of the spike in covid infections Doshu and I felt that it had become far too risky for him to attend. In the same tone one of our sensei from Guateng who was due to fly down to attend also had to withdraw from his grading. We started in the morning with our brown and black belt grading which was run over three hours behind closed doors. Much to the disappointment for our grading candidates certain aspects of the grading had to be dropped because of the ruling around social distancing. This meant that we couldn't do bag/impact work, Hokai Kumite, Ippon Kumite or Ju Kumite. The main focus of the grading was turned towards Kihon, Combinations and Kata. At the end of the grading parents were eventually allowed in to attend the awarding of the grades. Overall and considering the long period of lockdown earlier this year the standard was good. It would seem that the Zoom Classes that had taken the place of normal training classes had worked. In the afternoon we ran a further two sessions splitting the white, yellow and orange belts into the first session and the green, blue and purple belts into the final session of the day. Most of the candidates grading were our youngsters who in a normal year would have graded in June. The excitement for them to be eventually grading was very evident and in most, the standard was way higher than I expected. Although the circumstances for the grading changed on a daily basis building up to the grading with even the possibility of cancellation , ultimately I believe that the day was a great success considering. Very good social distancing!

THE VILLLAGE HALL LLANGUNLLO KNIGHTON LD7 1SW DOJO LEADER AND INSTRUCTOR KEITH MOLYNEUX 4 DAN SHIHAN +44 07450 847791 Disciplines KARATE - SHUKUKAI RYU KARATE SELF DEFENCE FOR WOMEN AIKIDO - TRADITIONAL IAADO - MUSO SHINDEN RYU MEDITATION Technical Director DAVID PASSMORE 7 DAN KYOSHI Chief Instructor KEITH MOLYNEUX 4 DAN SHIHAN OUR LINEAGE BUDOKAN LLANGUNLLO MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION BLACK BELT REGISTER CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Dojo Leader KEITH MOLYNEUX 4 DAN SHIHAN I started my martial arts career to encourage my then 8 year old son to take up Karate. I was instantly hooked. Initially I trained Wado Ryu Karate with a focus on competition Kumite, as well as Urban Krav Maga. After a period of a couple of years I was approaching my 2nd kyu grading when a chance meeting with Sensei Passmore introduced me to Budokan. Budokan and Traditional Japanese Martial Arts have been a part of my life ever since. To this day it is still the only organisation that I have come across that includes Zazen in its syllabus, let alone 3 of the big traditional martial practices. Zazen and the philosophical aspects of traditional martial practices promote qualities that are sadly missing in the modern world, at a time when we can benefit the most from their study. In combination with hard physical training, we can more deeply understand ourselves and work towards becoming better human beings for the benefit of all those around us. I received my Shodan in 2011 under Sensei Passmore, Nidan in 2013, Sandan in 2015, Yondan in 2019, since my Shodan I have been attempting to fill the boots of each grade with hard work and humility. I have been a member of Budokan’s Shihankai for several years. During the Covid period I ran an outdoor Dojo in Bransgore prior to me moving away from the New Forest, Since then I ran a Dojo in Aymestrey near Leominster for a year and now I have a small Dojo in Llangunllo, which is open to all. The study of Traditional Japanese Martial Arts is a journey not a destination, The warrior virtues emanating throughout the practice will be with you for your entire life, despite the physical changes or limitations that age or injury my bring. Through dedication, discipline and good instruction we can achieve anything. Outside of Budokan I am an Electrical Designer specialising in explosive environments.

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.

OVERMATTER SUCH SAD NEWS ON HANSHI HANS HAUPT It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Hanshi Hans Haupt recently. He was a huge influence on Tenshinkan Karate in Japan and around the world and particularly Joe Bracone, with whom he is pictured here recently. Kindly go Seichin Dojo page for moro info. BUDOKAN GATHERING Top left clockwise to the right. Darren Waghorne 6 Dan receiving his Kyoshi Certificate of Title from David Passmore Sensei. Mike Clapham with part of his group on the day just finishing off Ananko. New Shodan James Bryden working on his stances during the Karate session. Toby Mellows at the beginning of the end of his Juji Nage with his friend and fellow Budokan colleague Keith Molyneux. 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 PRACTICAL MEDITATION WORKSHOP TRAINING THE TEACHERS Ptobably one of the most important workshops that Budokan has hosted in recent years took place in the Lymington Dojo recently. For over 50 years Budokan has taught and practice ZAZEN using the simple method of SHIKANTAZA or Just Sitting in a traditional Japanese Budo setting. It has proved to be of immense influence in self-discipline, improved attention span and the ability to concentrate for long periods of their Budo training, including their Zazen - or seated meditation. Budokan students - whether still active or not in their martial arts - nevertheless in the majority of cases continue to practice their meditation regularly as they have found the benefits of meditation (which are well known) help them to manage their emotions as they have grown older in this mad, mad world we are living in today. And this is why we are introducing an online programme to teach yourself Practical Meditation outside of the disciplined world of Japanese martial arts in your own home, with the backup and guidance of experienced long term adherents of meditation made up of the teachers and others attending the workshop. Each participant was provided with a 48 page bound document to take away with them to support their experiences on the day and to help them understand the content in context. Here are a few takeaways that have come in so far........ "For me one of the main takeaways of the Sunday session was, the importance of correct posture and the need to be aware of your posture during your meditation session and to self correct in order to keep a relaxed body to aid breathing correctly." Firstly, as it was a class in how to teach practical meditation, the step away from extending the breath beyond more than a few seconds was interesting, however on reflection unsurprising. It has been many years since this was the focus of my practice and settling on a comfortable rhythm is certainly the key. It feels very personal and I like how you have managed to give it quite a beautiful flow through your thoughts. I think you have put a lot of thought into how the content is constructed and what you have chosen to say and leave implied. It's as simple as breathing, or, it should be! So, "how hard can it be?" We all breath sub-consciously but when we start to think about it things go awry. Getting back to the basics of simply just sitting and breathing was the aim. STRONG IN HAND. KIND IN HEART. Within Budokan our mantra is "Strong in Hand. Kind in Heart." (Kokoro ni Tsuyoi te) and was formulated by Budokan SA many moons ago. But what does this mean to you? For some time, this has occupied my mind quite a bit. So, here goes. "Strong in Hand. Kind in Heart" is a phrase that implies having a powerful, confident demeanour or ability to handle challenging situations while also maintaining a compassionate and empathetic nature towards others. This expression suggests that someone possesses both physical or mental strength, as well as a gentle and generous disposition. It reflects the idea of being able to handle responsibilities and difficult circumstances with determination and effectiveness, while treating others with kindness, understanding, and empathy . Comparing my thoughts on the subject to a few major, main line Japanese martial arts we will see a similar theme. For this I have chosen Aikido (AikiKai Foundation / International Aikido federation), Kendo (All-Japan Kendo Federation), Iaido (All-Japan Kendo Federation), Jodo (All-Japan Kendo Federation), Naginata (All-Japan Naginata Federation), and Shotokan Karate (Japanese Karate Association). Iaido (All-Japan Kendo Federation) It is a "Way" in which practitioners seek to train the mind and body through developing a spiritual appreciation of the relationship between life and death, movement, and stillness. Kendo (All-Japan Kendo Federation) The concept of kendo The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (sword) (Koken-Chiai) (KO = associate, KEN = swordsmanship, CHI = wisdom/knowledge, AI = means to love/care for) I have also heard Koken-Chiai meaning "through practicing swordsmanship with others we achieve the wisdom of understanding humanity". The purpose of practicing kendo To mold the mind and body. To cultivate a vigorous spirit, and through correct and rigid training, to strive for improvement in the art of kendo. To hold in esteem human courtesy and honour, to associate with others and sincerity, and to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. This will make one be able: to love his/her country and society, to contribute to the development of culture, and to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples. Naginata (All-Japan Naginata Federation) To introduce ways of enriching peoples', live through the training and perseverance required in practice and developing manners, commitment, and a will to live in the individual. Training in naginata also develops honesty, integrity, and a sense of what is right. Jodo (All-Japan Kendo Federation) Learning and studying Jodo is in effect training your mind and body. What one learns is not only dexterity of movement, but also development of the spirit. The benefits derived from training are obvious, but the main ones thought to be of the greatest value are: (1) Develop Courtesy, Truthfulness, Sincerity, and Patience. (2) Through regular practice, the body becomes stronger and more active. (3) Through practicing the techniques, posture becomes improved. (4) You gain confidence and have a better sense of judgment in everyday life. (5) Overall, you will have better relationships with others. Aikido (AikiKai Foundation / International Aikido federation) The goal of Aikido training is not perfection of a step or skill, but rather improving one's character according to the rules of nature. Shotokan (Japanese Karate Association) The dojo kun is a five-point statement of principle for the Karate practitioner's conduct: (Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto) Seek perfection of character. (Makoto no michi o mamoru koto) Be sincere. (Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto) Put maximum effort into everything you do. (Reigi o omonzuru koto) Respect others. (Kekki no yuu o imashimuru koto) Develop self-control. To summarise "Strong in Hand. Kind in Heart. " , to me means the notion of having a balanced nature that combines strength, resilience, and assertiveness with compassion, empathy, and benevolence towards others. Darren Waghorne Seasons Greetings Taijiquan, Kanazawa and Zen An interesting article on the relationship between all three by Dr. Wolfgang Herbert, Professor of Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Tokushima, 5th Dan Shôtôkan Karate, Licenced teacher (Japan Wushu Taijiquan Federation) of Yang-style Taijiquan. OUR FIRST EVER UK FEMALE BLACK BELT SANDI GROOM pictured here with her three children was a wonderful Mum and the very first female to be awarded her Budokan Black Belt by Ray Ryan at a weekend workshop in Pembrokeshire in 1976. Read some memories from her son Lee here courtesy of Dave Wills, our first male Black Belt way back then. SO ITS NEVER TOO LATE TO SEND US YOUR MEMORIES OF YOUR BUDOKAN BLACK BELTS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY. PLEASE HELP US REMEMBER THEM. This workshop is also always devoted to taking an in-depth fresh look at the building blocks of our disciplines. This year the theme was Kokyu Nagare - meaning slow breath flow in time to slow or medium movement in a totally relaxed physical and mental way. So the Iaido group were given a close up of “knowing your sword” with all the primary names of each of the parts considered important. Nest up they were given a simple move that required them to perform each of the four building blocks of Iaido - Nukitsuke - Kerioroshi - Chiburi and Noto all in one slow with breathing move. And this was followed by an in-depth look into each one of the four basics of Iaido eventually allowing medium and fast movement to concede with medium and fast breathing. After going through the kata as a whole, the karate group had four sequences of Ananko selected for them which they went through slowly concentrating on sound stances and tsugi ashi - the feet movements mostly found in Sanchin Kata. The out of these four sequences just 2 techniques were chosen for a close up of them in total coordination and timing of breath, movement and stillness. The Aikido group were probably in the best place for this theme to be able to learn to synchonise movement and breathing of two people into one. It is taught primarily to students of the correct skill levels to learn to “copy & ride” the responses of their attack as a prelude to the practise of kaeshi waza - or counter attack knowing this can only be achieved using total muscular relaxation along with the creative imagination of knowing the required route to take to be able to apply kaeshi waza with little physical exertion required. It is this type of precise that illustrates that real power is an expression of soft breathing that allows the pure muscular relaxation required to bring the flow of energy to powerful fruition. After long hours of training it suddenly just happens one day and the most prominent question that follows is “Did I just do That?”. And you can train the brain body synthesis into doing just that more often as progress in this area takes place. The only thing that will prevent it happening is if there is a reversion to a default position of using muscular power once again. 50% OF UK ADULTS SEE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS IN MEDITATION This finding is not new and reveals that people are prepared to use techniques found in meditation and mindfulness to assist them in cases of mild depression and anxiety. And we at Budokan applaud that. However, we see pictures on the right all over the place online encouraging people to try it out. And this posture does not look comfortable at all and comfort is key. It doesn't matter whether you are sitting on a cushion on a floor, on the edge of a seat, your bed, or kneeling on a stool. Your knees need to be below the line of your pelvis - to an angle of 5º/10º depending on your height, which as you can see from the diagram rotates your pelvis forward slightly. This makes the lower lumbar vertebrae a little more concave and the muscles of your lower back a little softer. Which allows you to raise your rib cage in a gentle upswing, making the lower lumbar even more concave. Without moving your shoulders, extend the head slightly forward and then backward until a gentle stop is reached with a natural lowering of the chin. Your thighs should not be at 90º to the upright body or above.

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. This is an image of the Budokan Certificate of Rank. and is for visual purposes only. English wording for each of the certificates will appear in the space on the left and the Japanese katakana in the space on the right. This beautiful work of art has been designed by Katy Passmore. They are all printed on Magnolia Parchment. Paper size A3. Explanation of the Henko The larger square Henko is the Seal of Budokan The smaller round Henko are the personal signatures from left to right of Darren Waghorne Rob Rohrey David Passmore Peter Bush Roy Estabrook Kyoshi Godan Saisho Sensei Kyoshi Godan 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 . CERTIFICATE OF RANK FEE STRUCTURE All fees are shown in £GBP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Shodan Nidan Sandan Yondan Godan Rokudan Chichidan Hachidan 75.00 100.00 130.00 175.00 220.00 260.00 300.00 340.00 CERTIFICATE OF TITLE The Certificate of Title is conferred as an huge honour to bestow upon an individual Budoka deserving of this honour - see below for further definition. We undertake to seek the majority approval from all current Dojo Leaders for each recommendation. If no such majority is reached then Budokan will withdraw its application for a minimum of 12 months. THERE IS NO FEE REQUIRED FOR A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE. (Only a small production cost for the Certificate of Title and Posting and Packaging) The award of Titles is made using the ancient Shogoo system, as used by the Dai Nippon Butokukai of Kyoto in Japan, to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of Traditional Japanese Budo, shown leadership in teaching and the maintenance of a high level of Budo skills over decades of continuous service. Shogoo is bestowed upon a highly qualified individual of integrity ad honour with a proven record of achievement in all phases of their Budo. Renshi - Polished Samurai Warrior Kyoshi - Master Teacher Samurai Warrior Hanshi - Exemplary Illustrious Warrior - Master of the Samurai Way In Reference to the three titles Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi Ren = A Trainer of the Way Kyo = A Teacher of the Way Han = A Model of the Way Dojo Officials Sempai - a leading instructor Shidoin - a leading head instructor Shihan - a master instructor (For more details please email us at idavid@budokanworld.com ) FURTHER NOTES OF INTEREST ON JAPANESE BUDO TITLES 1. Sensei "Teacher or One who has gone before": This title is by far the most often used title in karate and generally refers to someone of Yon-Dan level (4th Degree Black Belt.) Many senior instructors including Hanshi Masami Tsuruoka, wi ll state that this is the most honorable title that a student can use when referring to the senior as their teacher. The title Sensei implies a close bond between the student and teacher's relationship. 2. Shihan: "Master or Expert Teacher": It is important to understand that the meaning Master as used in the martial arts is someone who has mastered the basic and advanced understandings {Principles} of a particular style or system, thus the title Shihan means someone who has mastered the basic and advanced techniques as well as the principles, concepts, and theory of their respective style of karate. The title Shihan does not mean that this person has stopped learning because they know all of the answers. On the contrary, they are considered to be the most serious and dedicated students in any style of martial arts. The title Shihan is generally considered to be an organizational title alone and has little meaning (May not be recognized) outside of the holders style or organization. 3. Doshi: "Leading Teacher": Title sometimes used before Renshi (3rd dan) 4. Renshi: "Senior Expert Teacher": This is the first of the three generally used teacher titles. Although this title is independent of rank, it is seldom given to anyone below the rank of Go-Dan. (5th dan) 5. Tasshi or Tesshi: "Apprentice Master Teacher": This title was originally the title used instead of Kyoshi. 6. Kyoshi: "Master Teacher, Teacher of Teachers": This is the second of the three generally used teacher titles. Although this title is independent of the ranking system, it is seldom given to anyone below the rank of Roku-dan and in most cases Shichi-dan). (7th dan) 7. Hanshi: "Senior Master Teacher": This is the third and highest of the three generally used teacher titles. Although this title is independent of the ranking system, it is seldom given to anyone below the rank of Hachi-Dan (8th Degree Black Belt) 8. Iemoto / Soke An iemoto may be addressed by the title Iemoto or O-iemoto, or by the title Sōshō or Ō-sensei In English. "Grand Master" is often the title that is used. The Iemoto's main roles are to lead the school and protect its traditions, to be the final authority on matters concerning the school, to issue or approve licenses and certificates and, in some cases, to instruct the most advanced practitioners