Budo Q&A 2021

March/April
By Louis Vitalis
 Introduction

• Budo is more than techniques training;

• Shape your character, knowledge, position within (budo)society
• A pandemic shouldn’t stop us from training those other aspects
• So let’s ask our highest grade European sensei!

Louis Vitalis sensei – kyoshi 7th dan kendo,

-- kyoshi 7th dan jodo,
-- kyoshi 7th dan iaido
 Guidelines for the Q&A

• MUTE! So we can all enjoy Vitalis sensei’s talk

• Questions:
• Put them in the Google Form so we add them to the list for Vitalis sensei
• Slides will be shared after the meeting, please handle with care

Enjoy, learn, train!

 KATEI ENMAN 家庭円満

• Katei = Household, Ones home

• Enman = Peaceful
• Although this is not specific Budo terminology, it’s the first concept that my Kendo teacher
Edo Kokichi taught me in 1979, during my second visit to Japan.
• Wether your target in Budo is winning gold medals or obtaining higher dan grades, you will
not be successful unless your home situation is stable. Additional stress will make it more
difficult to focus on Budo.
GEI NI ASOBU
藝於游
Kodokan
building in Mito
City, Ibaraki Ken
 GEI NI ASOBU 藝於游

• Gei = Art (as in Martial Art)

• Asobu = Enjoy
• The Kodokan was a kind of General University, where Samurai of the Region received Education
in both Martial Arts and other arts and sciences. This saying was favoured by the 9th Daimyo of
the Mito Han, Tokugawa Nariaki (1800-1860).
• By this time, Martial Arts were no longer needed to kill an enemy, but it was already shifting
from Jutsu to Do as we now know it. The main theme was “Bun Bu Ryodo”: The two ways of
Study and Martial Arts.
• Simply put, if you want to continue the study of any art for a long time, you will need to enjoy
doing it.
• If you can read Japanese, here is a nice explanation:
https://note.com/kotofumi/n/ne84f08ca1622
 SEITO & DESHI 生徒と弟子

• Seito = Student
• Deshi = Disciple
• According to Google translate this is the difference between Seito and Deshi. In Budo we can
easily translate it as follows.
• If you participate in an open Seminar, where a certain teacher is the head Sensei, or when you
practice a few times at a Sensei’s Dojo, you might call yourself a student of this Sensei.
• However, the Sensei-Deshi relation goes much deeper, and is a relation build on 100% trust. You
can only call yourself a Deshi from a certain Sensei if that Sensei has actually confirmed that
relation with you in person.
• I.e. Ishido Sensei has only 6 Deshi in Europe. It doesn’t mean that a Deshi is better than a Seito,
but the relation with the Sensei is built on the fact that the Sensei allows you to represent him
in teaching.
 Budo and Scientific Research

Can you explain how your Kendo teachers introduced a scientific approach to budo training and how
Andy Watson Ryoshinkan UK that differed to what you experienced elsewhere?
 Budo and Scientific Research (1)

• Let me start with Kendo. In Judo we had Kano Sensei, in Aikido we

had Ueshiba Sensei, in Kendo we had Takano (Sasaburo) Sensei. His
book “Kendo” was still written in a sort of classical Japanese, and
not easy to understand by modern day Japanese. One of his senior
students, Mistuhashi Sensei, was the first one who made a modern
version of this book in 1972, with a kind of scientific approach which
was completely new to Budo.
• Because Kendo is so large in Japan, even compared to many
Western Sports, there are now many Universities where scientific
research is done on Kendo, but Mitsuhashi Sensei and Edo Sensei
were the forerunners of this trend.
• This is a page from his book, featuring his most senior student, Edo
Kokichi Sensei (my lifelong Kendo teacher).
 Budo and Scientific Research (2)

• There are many kinds of Scientific approaches to Kendo, the main ones:
• Statistical Research, ie what kind of points are scored the most, what
kind of techniques are more successful.
• Trainig Method Research. Comparing training methods of very
successful Kendo Teams, including physical training, power training.
• Medical Research. Some universities even study how the brain works
during some Kendo situations!
• Historical Research. There is a lot of old literature on Budo, so there is a
lot of topics to do research on as well.
• Bio Mechanical Research (see pic).
 Budo and Scientific Research (3)

• Is there no Scientific Research for Iaido and or Jodo? As far as

my research goes, there is only one book I could find called
“Iaido no Kagaku” (Science of Iaido), but this is purely based on
Literature Study, not on Biomechanical or Medical research.
• Also Ishido Sensei’s study in his early thirties was based on
Literature Study.
• However, Ishido Sensei did study how to do Physical and Power
training which is suitable for Iaido, but I assume this was mostly
self taught.
• Some modern Iaido Sensei do use a more easy to understand
way of teaching, which is influenced by modern teaching
methods of Physical Education, so in that sense there is a clear
influence of Science on Iaido and Jodo as well.
 Social background of Budo population in Japan vs Overseas

With his long experience of Budo in Japan; I would like to ask Louis sensei's view on the different
social/financial/education/political leanings between the practitioners of Kendo, Judo, Kyudo, Karate
etc. that he observed in Japan. Also I would like to ask Louis Sensei his view about how budo in
Europe generally attracts the liberal/arty/left-leaning people whearas in Japan more people seem to
Jock Hopson Eishinkan U.K be the traditionalist/conservative/right of centre members of society.
 Social background of Budo population in Japan (1)

• Although I lived in Japan for more than six years and speak, read and write the language
reasonably well, I only practiced Kendo, Iaido and Jodo, so it’s a bit difficult for me to
compare the other Budo disciplines.
• The following remarks are purely based on my personal experience and opinion, there is no
scientific truth in it!
• Kendo, Judo and Karate all share the competitive element, with a so-called “real” free fight
as a form of competition. Iaido, Jodo, Kyudo have competitions, but you don’t really fight
each other. Except Tomiki Aikido (which was conceived by a Aikido Sensei who was also a
high grade Judoka), Aikido doesn’t favour competition.
• The top players in Kendo don’t show any interest in “Traditional” Budo such as Iaido and
Jodo, and the Top Iaido and Jodo Sensei may have a grade in Kendo, but they are never in
the top Kendo league.
 Social background of Budo population in Japan (2)

• I cannot comment on the political leanings of groups of people in Japan, but I do think there is a
social and financial background difference. Kendo, Judo, Karate populations in Japan are very
big, so you will find poor people and rich people doing it. You will find them in Metropolitan
Areas as well as in the country side.
• In my personal experience I find Iaido and Kyudo Sensei usually of a more affluent background
than Kendo, Judo and Karate people, but this is not based on scientific research!
• There are still many prefectures in Japan where the Iaido population is extremely small, so this
will lead to a more “Elite” type of people practicing it.
• Jodo is even worse, there are still many Prefecture where Jodo is almost non-existent. I.e.
Ibaraki Ken, which has a very big Kendo population, has almost no Jodo people, even if they are
so close to Tokyo! The reason may surprise you: “why should we import a Budo from Fukuoa
Ken, if we have our own famous Kendo/Kenjutsu schools?” therefore you will not see Jodo
demonstrations on their official Kendo Tournaments, which is a custom in most other
Prefectures. In stead you will see Hokushin Itto Ryu from the Mito Lineage, which was practiced
in the Kodokan Samurai School in Mito.
 Social background of Budo population in Japan vs Overseas (1)

• In my opinion, this can only be explained by a difference in history. The Budo population in
Japan is, generally speaking, more conservative than progressive. For many young people,
Kendo is old fashioned, because it is literally OLD!
• The fact that REIGI SAHO (etiquette and correct manners) is such an integral part of
Kendo/Iaido/Jodo, is for many young people a part of traditional Japan, which they
compare to more modern European and American societies.
• Another part that may influence young Japanese is the fact that Kendo/Iaido/Jodo is
associated with Militaristic Japan of the 1930’s and 1940’s by some people.
• However, I would not like to generalize too much. All my personal Sensei are very relaxed
and openminded personalities, and certainly not old fashioned. If they were really
conservative and traditionalist, they would never have taught Budo to a weird Gaijin like
me in the first place!
 Social background of Budo population in Japan vs Overseas (2)

• I have noticed big differences in Budo Groups in Japan. For example Kendo at Police, Army, and
some traditional Universities are quite strict and old fashioned. But many Universities and
Companies with Kendo Clubs are much more open and relaxed. Guess which kind of Kendo
Clubs I always went to?
• The Iaido population in Japan I find more conservative than Kendo, just look at the many old
fashioned customs that still exist among Iaidoka.
• As a contrast, the Aikido community in Japan is much more on the “Alternative” side of things,
and if you study Ueshiba Sensei’s philosophy it’s easy to understand why.
• The Budo population outside Japan is first of all made up of people who are curious to look into
other cultures. You won’t find many hard core nationalists in this group.
• I would not generalize Japanese Budo population and Overseas Budo population in Right
Leaning vs Left Leaning, but I would argue that there are more old fashioned people in Japanese
Budo groups than in overseas Budo groups.
 How to Stand or Sit during a Seminar

Dear Vitalis sensei, How should you stand / sit during an Iaido seminar when an explanation is given
by a Japanese sensei. During the Ishido cup I saw many variants. What to do when you have sat
down in seiza and the explanation takes longer than your legs can handle. If standing is allowed, how
do you hold your hands?
Hans Pillen Kiryoku Zoetermeer The Netherlands
 How to Stand or Sit during a Seminar

• My first advice would be: don’t draw the attention

of the Senior Sensei, especially when they are
Hanshi from Japan ☺.
• Personally I never sat in Seiza during an explanation
from a Japanese Sensei (are they ever short?), but if
you do want to remain seated, just make sure your
feet are not sticking out to the front, with your
hands on the floor! You can do that on the beach,
but not in the Dojo.
• If you stand, don’t cross your arms and don’t lean
on your weapon.
• The pic shows a ZNKR seminar in Japan, some
people are standing, some are sitting. Do you
recognize the Sensei? (山崎)
 Influence of Reiho

Has reiho influenced the fundamental techniques of budo? Do koryu contain certain body
movements as a consequence of court etiquette such as the Ogasawara ryu?
John Kennedy Dublin Kendo Kobukai Ireland
 Influence of Reiho

In many Iaido schools Seiza is very common. If you look at the older Iaijutsu Schools that still survived,
you will not find any Seiza, because that is not suitable for the battlefield.
Ogasawara Ryu of Reigi is actually from the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) and was later formalized in
the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is not Court Etiquette, but Buke (Samurai) etiquette, according to
Japanese Wikipedia.
 Influence of Reiho

• So there is no doubt that the Seiza position is a kind of artificial Ogasawara Ryu

way of sitting, which leads to sword drawing techniques which

are unique to Seiza.
• Even in modern Japan, Ogasawara Ryu Reiho is still widely known
and if you don’t know anything about this in practice, you’ll
surely never make a big career in a Major Japanese Company!
 Hasso no Kamae

About the name of 'Hasso no kamai'... 'Eight directions' just refers to visibility 'all around'? Or is there
Xavier Kodokan Netherlands a theorical explanation for the eight directions?
 Hasso no Kamae (1)

• Hasso does not refer to eight directions, but when

you look from the front, both arms are simply
looking like the Japanese figure 8: 八.
• Hasso no Kamae according to ZNKR is fixed, but it
used to be very different according to the Ryu one
belonged to.
• According to Takano Sensei’s explanation, it is in
between the “Moku no Kamae” , whereby Moku
means Tree, from the Itto Ryu, and the Hasso no
Kamae from the Shinkage Ryu.
• Please see Takano Sensei’s Hasso no Kamae, of
about 1930. It’s very different from the ZNKR one.
 Hasso no Kamae (2)

• Hasso no Kamae has various other names, but depending on

the Ryu the explanation differs.
• One explanation that I liked personally is that with Hasso no
Kamae your arms don’t get so tired as with Jodan or Chudan.
Especially on the battlefield this seems to make sense. Also,
this Kamae is easy to use in a crowded battlefield, or in case
you wear a traditional Kabuto helmet or when there is not
enough space above your head to take Jodan.
• According to Takano Sensei, Hasso no Kamae is not an
attacking position, but a position from where you can observe
your opponent, and quickly change to an attack if needed.
• The pic on the right is the Hasso no Kamae from Yagyu
Shinkage Ryu also called Kasumi no Kamae.
 Today’s topics April 2nd

1. The relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo.

2. REIHO and ZANSHIN.
3. Hit with the Tsuka.
4. SEI CHU DO.
5. Meaning of Kata & what I love about Japan.
6. Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai & Relations between Sensei in Japan.
7. Making money from Budo.
8. Changes in Budo practice over the years.
9. KAN KYU KYO JAKU
10. HAGA KENSHO
11. ONNA SAMURAI
 Relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo (1)

• This is a topic about which I had many hours of conversation with

Ishido Sensei, so maybe it is intersting for you as well.
• In our opinion, these three Budo compliment each other
perfectly, so doing all three of them is a great idea, although we
fully realize that it is not easy to do.
• Kendo is basically a free fight, within the set of rules to make it
safe and to make it possible to decide win/loose. So you will learn
to carefully watch your opponent, and try to figure out what he or
she is planning to do. This is as close to Shinken Shobu (real fight)
as it’s going to get. When Jolanda and I lived in Japan, in 2000, I
was preparing for my 7 dan Kendo, and I would regularly have
Jigeiko with Sensei on the Friday evening. Because we were really
going for it like a real fight, we would make a lot of noise,
sometimes Mrs. Ishido would come down to the Dojo to double
check if we weren’t hurting each other! Here I found out that it
was not easy to hit Ishido, even though he was more than 10
years older than me.
• What we learn in Kendo is to launch a fast attack on the
opponent, taking into account speed, distance and timing.
Louis in Imperial Police Dojo, Tokyo, 1984.
Nakakura Sensei is checking!
 Relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo (2)

• However, what you don’t learn in Kendo, is how to use a real Shinken, for this you’d have to
study Iaido.
• Two years prior to passing my 7 dan Kendo, Ishido Sensei had already helped me to pass 7
dan Iaido, which I took together with Jock Sensei in Japan, in 1998.
• During our Iaido exam preparations of course Ishido Sensei was much younger than now,
and he was very energetic in his teaching. It meant our training was pretty tough, and we
had to repeat our Kata countless of times.
• But, because both Jock and me have a Kendo background, we had no problem with
imagining an opponent, “Kasoteki” 仮想敵.
• If one only practices Iaido and no Kendo or Jodo, it will always be difficult to fight this
imaginary opponent.
 Relations between Kendo, Iaido and Jodo (3)

• The great thing about Jodo is that you will learn things to further compliment your Kendo
and or Iaido.
• Besides learning the use of the Tachi, you will learn to use both left and right hand equally.
• You will also learn left and right body movement, and Taiatari from various directions.
• My Kendo teacher was a top player in the All Japan Kendo Championships, but he had
already recognized the use of Jodo to complement his Kendo techniques. He would use
Jodo like techniques with his Shinai, and with that he could disarm any Kendoka who didn’t
understand Jodo.
• Therefore our advise is to at least practice two out of three.
 Reiho and Zanshin 礼法と残心 (1)

Dear sensei,
Thank you very much for the opportunity, you gave to us, to ask questions.
I would like to ask how we can further develop our perception and practice around concepts such as
Reiho and Zanshin.
Kind regards
Yannis
Yannis Papadopoulos Asunaro Kai Greece
 Reiho and Zanshin 礼法と残心 (2)

• Reiho in modern Budo is mostly influenced by the Ogasawara Ryu of Reiho (see
previous).
• We can distinguish various Reiho.
• Rei when entering the Dojo.
• Rei for the Kamidana (small Shinto shrine) or Butsudan (small Buddhist Shrine) or Shomen/Main
Stand in case of an Enbu in a large hall.
• Rei for the Sensei.
• Rei for the other students.
• Rei for the Sword (Torei).
• In Iaido you learn different ways of Rei for each situation, in Kendo and Jodo it’s little
simpler.
• The purpose of Reiho is to show respect to others, but also to maintain a calm frame
of mind inside the Dojo.
• The pic on the right is my first Iaido Sensei, Tanaya Sensei (Hanshi 8 dan), who taught
me up to 4 dan level. After that I met Ishido Sensei who has been my teacher ever
since.
 Reiho and Zanshin 礼法と残心 (3)

• The main aspects to Zanshin are as follows.

• Migamae (Body posture)
• Kigamae (Focus, Attention)
• Sonkei (Respect)
• In Kendo this is easy: if you don’t observe one of these, you’ll be easily hit, or your point
maybe cancelled.
• In Kata Budo it is a vital part of each Kata, and it is an important element in judging a match
or a grading.
• I think it’s important to achieve a Reiho and Zanshin to become your second nature.
 Hit with the Tsuka

Why is the side of the tsuka, instead of its edge, used to strike Teki in ZNKR Iai kata Ju Ponme -
Shihogiri? My question has so far been unanswered at multiple seminars; so, I look forward to Vitalis
George R. Beck Sei-Zan Kai United States Sensei's answer.
 Hit with the Tsuka

• In Tanaya Sensei’s book on Seitei Iai (1990), he doesn’t

explain why you use the flat side of this Tsuka.
• However, I don’t think many Japanese Sensei will give a
clear answer to this question, for the simple reason that
when they created Seitei Iai, they all agreed to use this
technique.
• Is this the only way to use the Tsuka to hit someone on
the hand? Of course not. In other Ryuha there are surely
many different ways, i.e. with one hand instead of two.
• When they created Seitei Iai they simply agreed to use
various techniques, from the most influential Iaido
schools.
• Shihogiri does not have a direct Koryu origin, but it is
loosely based on Muso Shinden Oku Iai and Hoki Ryu
sitting forms.
 Sei Chu Do 静中動

how should we understand the concept of do-chu-sei and sei-chu-do in both Iaido and Kendo
Jock Hopson Eishinkan U.K training
 Sei Chu Do 静中動

• Sei = Quiet
• Chu = Inside
• Do = Movement
• This is well known in Kendo, but is also used in other Budo, such as Kyudo. It means you
should calmly (Sei) observe your oponent, but not stop your focus so that you can quickly
change to a strong movement (Do) as the need arises.
• The reverse is DO CHU SEI, meaning that even during strong movements (Do), your mind
should stay calm (Sei), so as not to loose your ability to react to whatever happens.
• In the case of Iaido one can show this element in the way one moves the eyes. I.e. if the
eyes move left and right or up and down, not related to the movements in the Kata, it
means the aspect of Sei Chu Do is not under control.
 Meaning of Kata形の意味

Loui Vitalis Sensei, thank you for reading a questions and my apologize for them.
A question about iaido meaning in ZNKRN kata, learning mae gives us opportunity to stop to kill
person (kasoteki) if he (she) would give up (in our imagination and meanings). Other kata doesn't
give us possibility to stop (make person to give up) or persons to do that. With some aggressive or
dangerous persons and situations we can be sure for some reasons. First question, could be
techniques adapted in future to use sharp side and non lethal sword side (not related the beginning
of kata 4, 8, 10, zuki or ...) to change situation and meaning of what we are practicing. Second, is
there any techniques that have non lethal (that brings kasoteki some wound, scare, or just run away)
situation. And third question, what you most loved and still care and love in Japan (not meaning of
territory, but in people, in culture, in nature), what is hidden that only you and some people can see
and feel there.
Thank you very much for reading. Dank u well.
Alexey Alchin KaiSeiKan Bulgaria My apologize for questions again. Sumimasen.
 Meaning of Kata形の意味

• The first two questions assume that ZNKR Seitei Iaido is a practical
fighting art.
• Please check the ZNKR philosophy: Kendo (Iaido/Jodo) is the way to
improve as a human being, by learning the principles of the
Japanese sword.
• Because it is a “Do” and not a “Jutsu”, the ZNKR Kata will never
change drastically, nor will you see techniques using the flat side of
the sword.
• My personal opinion (please feel free to disagree!) is that especially
ZNKR Seitei Iai is not suitable for a real fight at all. It was designed
to increase the knowledge about a Japanese sword for the ever
growing Kendo population, who were only hitting each other with a
bamboo sword. It is not designed as an actual fighting or killing art.
• I would even argue that Kata from Seiza position are not realistic at
all. Why would you sit in Seiza and attempt a fight in the first place?
That’s why you won’t find Seiza in very old Ryu such as Katori
Shinto Ryu, or modern fighting styles such as Toyama Ryu Iaido,
using a Gunto.
 What I love about Japan

• My first trip to Japan was in 1977, as 17 year old boy. I met my

lifelong Kendo teacher in that year, Edo Sensei, who is still my most
important Kendo teacher.
• In 1979 I met Edo Sensei’s senior Deshi, Iijima Sensei, and we
became very close, I consider him to be my Kendo teacher but also
my older brother. Because he lives in Ibaraki, I have learned to love
the Japanese country side, even though Ibaraki Prefecture is
always the least popular prefecture in Japan!
• Because I learned the language, I don’t feel a stranger in Japan
anymore, but of course I will always remain a Gaijin (literally
outside person).
• I worked as an expat in Tokyo for almost 4 years, so I have learned
the life of “Sarariman” as well.
• However, the best part is always to come back “home” to Iijima
Sensei’s home in the country side in Ibaraki, and just live there as a
local. The only way to really experience the local culture is to
become a member of a family and develop a deep personal
relationship.
 Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai

Loui Vitalis Sensei. Thank you for reading a questions and I am apologize for them.
In the whole history of All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) how communication and interaction
between schools (ryu) developed (especially inside committees)? How it was at the beginning and
how it is happened nowadays? How the members of committees and all hachidan's Senseis from
different schools interact to each others in cultural way? What they thought (told) and think (telling)
about non Japaneese students along the whole history of ZNKR?
And last question How to behave and what to do it not meeting Senseis from Japan (any advices)?
Alexey KaiSeiKan Bulgaria Sumimasen.
 Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai (1)

• The original committee of 1968:

• Masaoka Hanshi (Jikiden)
• Yamatsuta Hanshi (Shinden)
• Danzaki Hanshi (Shinden)
• Kamimoto Hanshi (Shinden)
• Nukata Hanshi (Shinden)
• Sawayama Kyoshi (Hoki)
• Yamatsuta Sensei (1887-1982) wrote a very detailed book on Muso
Shinden and Seitei in the early eighties. He and the other Shinden people
on the committee were direct Deshi from Nakayama Hakudo Sensei, the
only other two Ryu Ha in this committee were Jikiden and Hoki.
Yamatsuta Sensei was also a Hanshi in Kendo, so he was very influential.
He is also the founder of Iaido organization in Kanagawa Prefecture.
 Origin of ZNKR Seitei Iai (2)

• The committee agreed that the following should be in Seitei Iai:

• Horizontal cut from Nukitsuke
• Vertical Cut as a finish
• Left and right diagonal cuts (Kesagiri)
• Returning sword (Ukenagashi)
• Crashing Sword (Tsuka Ate, Ganmen ate, Shihogiri)
• Since 1968, the ZNKR has regularly appointed new members in this
committee, and additions and changes to the Seitei Kata were made
regularly.
• Who gets on the committee is a purely political decision, and this is
impossible for us Gaijin to really understand in detail.
• This pic is from my first Iaido book, which I bought in 1979. The chapter
on ZNKR Seitei Iai is performed by none other than Ishido Sadataro,
Ishido Sensei’s father!
 Relations between Sensei in Japan

• In the last two decades, the relations between the different Ryu Ha have very much
improved.
• At one point, Ishido Sensei started to bring Sensei from Jikiden and Shinkage and these Ryu
have meanwhile grown into powerful groups in Europe as well. This could only have
happened because of their strong relationships in Japan.
• How do they feel about foreigners doing Budo? During my first trips to Japan in the mid
1970s there were still very few foreigners doing Kendo, let alone Iaido or Jodo. Jock senpai
and me were still considered rarities in those days in Japan. Now you will find foreigners in
every major Kendo University, and in famous Iaido and Jodo Dojo in Japan, you will find
plenty of Gaijin.
• Although the Japanese society has gotten used to foreigners being there, the Japanese still
have a strong sense of “Japanese Uniqueness”, which will lead to open racism in some
cases, even within the Budo world.
 Making Money from Budo?

Our sensei’s, you included, make no financial profit out of your lifelong commitment to budo. Why is
that? What is behind this choice? Many martial artists choose to finance their activities, or their life,
by paid lessons or workshops or whatever financially rewarded budo-related activity that can possibly
Inti Suarez Yushinkan Netherlands be invented. Why don’t we do that too?
 Making Money from Budo

• I have been doing Budo for 49 years. The first 35 years I have invested a large amount of
money by flying to Japan every year, buying equipment, visiting many seminars and
tournaments every year etc etc. I’m quite sure I could have bought a nice Rolls Royce from
this investment, but of course I’m not complaining.
• The last ten years I have adopted the policy that I will not spend money on Budo if I’m
requested to teach. I’m not making any money on teaching Budo, but at least my expenses
are covered. I do spend money every year when I travel to Japan for training or gradings.
• If I could have assembled 200 students for Kendo/Iaido/Jodo, I would have chosen to
become a professional, but that’s not even possible in Japan anymore, let alone in Europe.
 Changes in Budo practice

Over the years have you seen a change on how our three budo are being practised?

Not looking at specific techniques or kata, but for example attitude of the Japanese sensei or the
David Smits Yushinkan The Netherlands atmosphere in the dojo or at seminars.
 Changes in Budo Practice (1)

• I can only speak on the past 49 years, I’m sure Jock Sensei could compare even longer than
that!
• In Europe, I was one of the first Iaido Shodan in 1977, so you can imagine how limited the
level of knowledge was. The past 20 years has seen a big increase in higher dan grades, so
automatically the level of knowledge has increased a lot as well. When I started Kendo, we
had to learn Kendo techniques from a book, because we had so few contacts with Japanese
Sensei.
• Kendo: until the mid 1980s Kendo was much tougher, later it became much more athletic
and fast.
• When I came back from Japan in 1982, I simply copied the Japanese training that I was
used to, and six months later all my students were gone………………
 Changes in Budo Practice (2)

• Iaido: In the seventies there was not so much emphasis on correct form, even though Seitei
Iai already existed. Nowadays it is much more important to execute the Kata exactly by the
book, otherwise you won’t be successful in tournaments or exams.
• When I took my Shodan Iaido in Japan in 1977, I was still very much a rarity in Japan. Even
most of the foreign participants in the Kendo/Iaido seminar that I joined, did not do the
Iaido exam.
• The Japanese Sensei were so pleased that a strange young (I just turned 18) foreigner was
trying their traditional Budo, that I passed my Shodan after two weeks of daily training at
the Seminar. Most likely, I would not even pass 3rd Kyu according to present standards.
 Changes in Budo Practice (3)

• My first encounter with Jodo was when I was a

student at Kanazawa University in 1981.
Although Edo Sensei was a top Kendo player, he
chose to learn Jodo as well, because he thought
it would be beneficial to his Kendo.
• Although Seitei Jodo already existed, most Jodo
people were only doing Koryu Jodo, so Edo
Sensei had to buy me a Seitei Jodo book (Hiroi
Sensei’s book!) to teach me the Seitei Kata. Of
course he could do all the Kata, he just wasn’t
aware which Kata were in ZNKR Jodo!
• I could never imagine that Jolanda and me
would be training in Hiroi Sensei’s Dojo for a few
weeks, just a few years later.
 Kan Kyu Kyo Jaku 緩急強弱

Concept of kan-kyu-kyo-jaku, how to apply it in jodo/iaido

Emanuele Covino Seishinkan Bari Italy kata, and the relation with merihari.
 Kan Kyu Kyo Jaku 緩急強弱

• Kan=Slow
• Kyu=Fast
• Kyo=Strong
• Jaku=Soft
• Merihari means to find a balance between these four elements. It’s not specifically a Budo
term, if you search it (i.e. yahoo.co.jp), you will find this relating to daily life as well.
• One way to train this in your Iaido and or Jodo Kata is to train a Kata very slow and soft a
few times, then very fast and strong a few times. Then do the Kata in what you think is
normal speed.
 Haja Ken Sho 破邪顕正

it is said that the Japanese sword is the symbol of "haja-ken-

shou" (translation: smashing the incorrect opinion and
announcing the correct one.). What does that actually
mean? In light of samurai times and now for 'modern'
Elaine van Ommen Kloeke Yushinkan The Netherlands budoka?
 Haja Ken Sho 破邪顕正

• This is not specifically a Budo related terminology, it is

a Buddhist term.
• It means to deny false (evil) thoughts and promote
correct thoughts.
• It often happens that Budo schools adopt Buddhist
terminology in order to promote a certain way of
thinking or principle for that school.
• Many (older) Budo Sensei have adopted this term
because it refers to correct your way of thinking or
behaviour by practicing Budo.
• This term is not limited to Sword schools, also Kyudo
schools are known to use it.
 Female Samurai 女侍

Only a few mentions are found about female samurai

Elaine van Ommen Kloeke Yushinkan
(bugeisha or Onna-musha). For example Tomoe Gozen,
Hangaku Gozen and Nakano Takeko. The first two even
being generals. How did the role of women change over time
within the samurai class up till modern times?
(I realize this is a difficult one! Any info is welcome... or a
The Netherlands book!)
 Female Samurai 女侍 (1)

• I had to do some reasearch for this question!

• Tomoe Gozen appeared in the famous “Heike Monogatari”,
maybe the oldest romantic novel in the world?
• However, in official records there is no mentioning of this
person, which should have been written down if she was really
a high ranking person.
• There are many graves all over Japan that claim to be here
grave.
• This leads scholars to believe that she was a fictional person,
not a real live female samurai.
• I did not research the other ladies, but Tomoe Gozen is the
most famous and popular female samurai.
 Female Samurai 女侍 (2)

• For this question I did not rely on the Internet, since I

cannot judge what is correct or not. However, I found
a book in my personal library about Female Kendo,
and it has several chapters on the history of women
in Bujutsu/Budo.
• Women in the early Edo period.
• They did indeed defend their own homes, mostly by using the
Naginata, in which they were trained.
• Women in Middle and Late Edo period.
• Many writings describe how women lost all interest in
practicing Naginata, and exercise in general.
 Female Samurai 女侍 (3)

• Women were required to live according to “Sanju

no Oshie”: 三従の教え
1. When you live in your father’s house, obey your father.
2. When you are married, obey your husband.
3. When you get old, obey your children .

• Even in official documents, it was clear that women with their

own opinion were not appreciated!
• Because Japan was very much a Feodal Society, even until
WWII, the position of women was not very free. They were
supposed to take care of the children, and were not supposed
to leave the house much.
• Because many aspects of daily life in this period was already
written down in official documents, it is easy to study how
women lived in Edo period Japan.
 Female Samurai 女侍 (4)

• One could argue that the fact that women can

practice sports and Budo freely is thanks to the new
Japanese Constitution, which was introduced by the
Americans after the WWII.
• Up to that moment, women could not participate in
government, were not equal to their male partner in
marriage, and were not equal to men in general.
• On the 6th November 1945, Budo became prohibited
by the Allied Powers. In 1952 first Shinai Kyogi was
allowed, and finally in 1953 Kendo was allowed again.
• Iaido was allowed again in 1954, but first it was
organized under the Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei, which
still exists. In 1956 most Iaido teachers decided to join
the ZNKR.
 Female Samurai 女侍 (5)

• In the 1950s when Kendo was allowed again, it didn’t take long
before women joined the Kendo trainings. However, according
to interviews that I read with women who started Kendo in
those early days, there was not much attention payed to the
female Kenshi. There were very few tournaments for women,
and the number of female Kenshi was extremely low.
• I could not find data on Female Iaido of the 1950s, but I’m sure
Kinomoto Sensei has told about female Iaido history?
• The rule for female to follow “Sanju no Oshie”, was still very
strong in Japan when I went there for the first time in 1977. I
saw it with my own eyes when I visited an old Kendo Sensei’s
house in Tokyo, and the way he ordered hiw wife to put the TV
on channel 1 and bring him the newspaper are forever
engrained in my brain.
• Female Budoka are now much more common in Japan, but the
fact that there are no 8 dan Kendo females, clearly shows that
it’s not 100% equally devided yet! Clearly the Kendo people can
learn something from Iaido and Jodo.
感謝
 Today’s topics April 16

1. Why are there no female Kendo 8 Dan?

2. Origin of the Shogo titles.
3. Seme and Tame.
4. Our Budo lineage.
5. How Kata are passed on.
6. Invitations!
7. Books.
8. Hanami.
9. History of Jodo Kihon.
10. Budo and Zen.
 No female Kendo 8 dan?

• Boys who are high level Kendo fighters in High School or

Uni, often are recruited for a famous police Kendo Dojo,
such as Tokyo Metropolitan, Kanagawa, Osaka etc.
• If they make it to the elite group (Tokuren), they will
practice 6 hours a day, for many years, at a level that we
can hardly imagine.
• Many of these top players will achieve 8 dan Kendo when
they’re 46 – 48.
• From a young age on, Ladies only practice with ladies,
hardly ever mixed. Tournaments are completely separated
from the men.
• The pass rate for Kendo 8 dan is less than 1%, and you have
to be extremely fit and quick to pass. Physically this is so far
an impossible barrier for female Kenshi.
 Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

Dear Louis sensei,

Please tell us the origin of the shogo titles (renshi, kyoshi,
hanshi) , the meaning of them in the "old times" and
Norbert Bota Kiryoku Budapest Hungary nowadays.
 Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

• In the Edo period (1603-1868), there were many

schools for martial arts, and they used a kind of
Diploma system. The most common ones were
Mokuroku and Menkyo. These still exist in classical
Jodo, Ishido Sensei received his Menkyo from Hiroi
Sensei.
• At the end of the 19th century, Japan started to
modernize, and also the way martial arts were
trained became different.
• In the early 20th century, Judo started to organize
Dan Grades, and soon Kendo and other arts
followed.
1937 list of Renshi Kyoshi Hanshi of Butokukai.
Yellow Jojutsu, Red Iaijutsu
 Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

• In 1902 the Dainippon Butokukai (predecessor of

ZNKR) established the Hanshi, Kyoshi and Seirensho.
• Fun fact: in 1931 Shimizu Sensei received his
Seirensho for Hojojutsu (policeman’s rope).
• In 1934 Seirensho was replaced by Renshi.
• IN 1953 the ZNKR established their Dan and Shogo
(title) system.
• Renshi: A person with good insight who understands
the principles of the sword.
• Kyoshi: A person with excellent insight, who is skilled
in the principles of the sword.
• Hanshi: A person with great character, perfect insight
and full mastery of the principles of the sword.
Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士

Kendo Hanshi Nakayama Hakudo Kendo Hanshi

Takano Sasaburo
Origin of the Shogo titles 錬士、教士、範士
Otofuji Brothers Shimizu Takaji Nakayama Hakudo
Jojutsu Renshi Jojutsu Kyoshi Jojutsu Hanshi
Nakayama Hakudo
Iaijutsu Hanshi
 Seme and Tame 攻めと溜め

What are “seme” and “tame”? What role do they play in the
outcome of an exam and or a match? Does the form of these
concepts change with experience as your kendo evolves?
For instance is seme for a beginner different than for a 5th
dan?And how can you train/develop these concepts?
Fleur Museido Netherlands
 Seme and Tame 攻めと溜め

• There are three types of Seme:

• Kill the Sword 剣を殺す(ken wo korosu)
• Push down, Hit, Sweep, Turn etc.
• Kill the technique 技を殺す (waza wo korosu)
• Prevent opponent to launch an attack, or invite an attack and
counter
• Kill the spirit 気を殺す (ki wo korosu)
• Put so much pressure on the opponent that attacking becomes
impossible
• Main point is that in a Kendo fight your frame of mind
should be offensive, not defensive or waiting.
 Seme and Tame 攻めと溜め

• Tame means a small amount of patience, between your first

Seme, and the moment the opponent reacts.
• I could not find this word in any Kendo book written by Edo
Sensei or Mitsuhashi Sensei.
• If you always observe a strong Seme before you make a hit,
you will be more successful.
• If you attack impatiently, without proper preparation (Seme)
an experienced opponent can easily beat you.
• Especially for high dan Kendo exams it is important to find a
good balance between patience and not falling in the trap of
“waiting kendo”.
• If you are below 7 dan in Kendo, please do not bother to study
this term too much, you won’t need it till your 7 dan exam☺.
• FYI, I never talked about this term with Edo Sensei or Iijima
Sensei in 40 years…………..
 Our Budo Lineage

Hello! Because of regarding Koryu there is always said about

tradition and succession, I would like to ask about the
connection between the Ishido-sensei's line and Nakayama
Hakudo (as founder of Muso Shinden Ryu). I was asked
about it several times, but I don't know the answer and
Leonid Karavaev Kaiseikan Bulgaria situation with it. Many thanks in advance!
 Our Budo Lineage: Kendo 剣道の系統

• I have decided to answer this question for Kendo,

Iaido and Jodo.
• For Kendo the word for lineage in Japanese is
“Keito”.
• In the case of Kendo, the old Ryuha were basically
abolished at the end of the 19th Century, when the
Kenjutsu school of Keishicho (Metropolitan Police)
was taking over.
• However, I can trace my lineage back straight to
Takano Sensei, one of the founders of Kendo.
• Takano → Mitsuhashi → Edo → Louis
 Our Budo Lineage: Jodo 杖道の系統

• In the case of modern Jodo, we also talk about “Keito”, for

lineage, however for the passing down of the traditional
“Menkyo”, it is called Keifu 系譜, genealogy.
• My first Jodo teacher (1981) was Edo Sensei, who was a
student of Hamaji Sensei (Menkyo Kaiden), a Deshi from
Shimizu Sensei. Shimizu Sensei was the teacher who
decided to introduce Jodo to the ZNKR.
• In 1983 Jock invited Hiroi Sensei and Ishido Sensei to the
UK, and we have followed them ever since.
• Hiroi Sensei (Menkyo Kaiden) was one of the most Senior
Deshi of Shimizu Sensei.
• Ishido Sensei has received his Jodo Menkyo Kaiden from
Hiroi Sensei.
 Our Budo Lineage: Muso Shinden Ryu
夢想神伝流の系統
• We can distinguish two lines with Ishido Sensei: Muso Shinden
Ryu and Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu.
• Nakayama Hakudo Sensei (1872-1958) learned the two main
styles of Iaido, Eishin Ryu Tanimura Ha from Morimoto Sensei
and the Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu (Shimomura Ha) from
Hosokawa Sensei.
• Because the Menkyo of the Jushin Ryu was only going from
One Sensei to One Student, he decided to modernize it into
Muso Shinden Ryu so he could teach it to many people.
• One of the persons he taught, was Suzuki Sensei, who was the
teacher of Ishido Sadataro when he was a young child in
Hyogo Prefecture.
• The name Muso Shinden Ryu was only fixed by Nakayama
Sensei’s senior Deshi in the 1960s, before that it used to be
called various names such as Omori Ryu, Hasegawa Eishin Ryu,
Muso Shinden Ryu, Tanimura Ha, Shimomura Ha etc.
 Our Budo Lineage: Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu
夢想神傳重信の系譜

• Ishido Sadataro and Shizufumi are also officially part

of the Muso Shinden Jushin Ryu. Nakayama Sensei
(18th Generation) taught this to Kimura Sensei (19th
Generation), and up to this moment the lineage was a
one on one relation.
• The passing on via a signed document is called Keifu,
genealogy.
• Kimura Sensei was the first one to teach it to 5
people, one of them was Kubo Sensei (20th
Generation).
• Kubo Sensei has appointed 3 Deshi (21st Generation),
Toyoda, Ishido father and son.
• During the 40th aniversary seminar in Eindhoven,
Ishido Sensei’s Deshi Morishima 8 dan gave a
wonderful demonstration of Jushin Ryu.
 How Kata are passed on

When we see different koryu lineages of the same school (in

our case - Muso Shinden Ryu), we see different "main"
variants of a kata (hon-waza). I would like to ask, do I
understand correctly that the head of the line set the hon-
waza based on his personal preference, from the idea that
this particular version of waza will help his students to
Leonid Karavaev Kaiseikan Bulgaria understand it better? Thanks!
 How Kata are passed on (1)

• First of all, we have to acknowledge the big

difference in pre-war Budo teaching and modern
teaching.
• Before the war, teachers would use very little
verbal explanation.
• In Kendo the teacher would keep beating you up,
until you were strong enough to be able to hit him.
• In Jodo and Iaido, the teacher would show you
Kata, but with little verbal explanation. They would
simply look disappointed, if you still did the Kata in
the wrong way.
• If you join a Iaido or Jodo seminar Japan now, you’ll
notice that most of the Seminar time is spend on
the verbal explanations of the Hanshi……..
 How Kata are passed on (2)

• Secondly, kata will change over time, no matter

how strict a teacher is in protecting the tradition.
• A simple sample is the way people used to swing
up the sword in the 1920s and 1930s, versus the
horizontal furikaburi of present ZNKR Iaido.
• Just look at old enbu of Nakayama Sensei’s Iaido or
Shimizu Sensei’ Jodo and you’ll see a big
difference, even if you can’t recognize the Kata.
• Therefore, it is an illusion to think that the Koryu
that we practice today is similar to that actual Kata
of the Edo period.
 How Kata are passed on (3)

• To illustrate the complexity of the Budo

traditions, please take a look at the Jodo
genealogy.
• We usually think there are only Tokyo Style and
Fukuoka Style, but it’s not that simple!
• Blue Arrow: Shimizu Tokyo Style
• Red Arrow: Otofuji Fukuoka Style
• Yellow Arrow: Nakayama Hakudo, direct student
from Uchida Sensei, the founder of Tanjo!
• Orange Arrow: Hiroi Sensei, who was in Europe
many times to teach us.
• Please check if you can even recognize the Kata:
https://youtu.be/uKFVQDmPx9g
 Invitations!

As for navigating social obligations and communication in

budo, I am wondering if Vitalis-sensei might have some
advice regarding invitations and visits.
When speaking with Japanese sensei, or Japanese budoka,
how does one discern a genuine "please come and visit" (as
in, they do mean you not only are welcome but SHOULD
come visit, it is as near an order as it can get) from a
politeness phrase (which might be more of a "we liked having
you here"-comment)?
The same goes for accidentally or genuinely inviting to one's
own country/dojo/etc, how to communicate that sensei or
budoka are welcome if they wish, but that the question is not
meant as being the cause of an obligation ("please come visit
this and that date" and they feel socially obliged to do so)?

I am sorry if my question is not the right one but I am not

offended if it is not chosen! It is merely something I have
Amanda Gydemo Östbom Kensei Kensan Kai Sweden been thinking about since many years.
 Invitations!

• Of course it can happen (not too often though) that a Japanese

Sensei invites you to come over for a visit, but I would never
go there without a proper introduction.
• Especially if Japanese Sensei get very friendly at the dinner
table (+ wine of course) and say “Sure why don’t you come to
xxx City next time?”, please never take it too literally.
• If you want to visit or invite a Sensei, please always make sure
to do it via an intermediate, who is very close to that Sensei. In
order to prevent embarasment, never do it directly, unless you
are a well known 7 dan of course ☺. Ishido Sensei will only
accept foreign people in his Dojo if they are introduced via one
of his direct students.
• Even though you have seen xxx Sensei ten times at a Seminar
in Europe, it doesn’t mean you’re close enough to him or her
to invite or visit.
• We invited Edo Sensei to our wedding, but at that point I
already knew him for more than 10 years.
 Books

Books you suggest to read about budo? Not only technical,

Emanuele Covino Seishinkan Bari Italy but also about history of philosophy of budo.
 Books

• If you really want to learn all the details

about Budo, please study Japanese.
• This is just a small part of my 141 Budo
Books collection, which I used for this
presentation so far. (I actually counted
them ☺)
 Books

• Just Kidding!
• I don’t have many Budo books in
English, but what I can recommend are
the books of Don Draeger.
• Finally the book of Suzuki about Zen
and Japanese Culture is interesting as
well. There are chapters on Zen and
Samurai and Zen and Swordmanship.
 Hanami 刃並み

Dear Sensei, the term OMOTE HANAMI and URA HANAMI is

regarding to the movement of a horizontal cut or is it a part of
the sword or both? (Omote means when the kurigata is
visible if the sword is on katanakake, or when wearing in obi
Sylvia Hakushinkai Steinbach Germany the kurigata is outside.) Thank you very much!
 Hanami 刃並み(1)

• For this question I had to ask Ishido Sensei, because when I

took my 7 dan in 1998, this word was not used at all. It is a
fashionable word these days, but not really a widely known
traditional terminology.
• Basically Hanami (like Hasuji), is the angle of the sword
when you cut.
• When you make a straight cut vertically, it is explained in
Japanese as “Hasuji wo Tateru”, meaning “keep a straight
sword angle”.
• However, when you make a horizontal cut, i.e. like
Nukitsuke in Mae, the sharp edge is very lightly tilted
downward, and this is usually referred to as “Hanami”.
 Hanami 刃並み(2)

• When the sword is in the Obi, the side of the sword

which is facing outwards is “Omote”, the side close to
the body is “Ura”.
• When you do Nukitsuke, the Omote side is the side
facing the floor. In this case, Hanami is also referred to
as Omotehanami, but in most cases it is just called
Hanami.
• Even when you change the direction of the cut (i.e.
from right to left), the Omote side remains the Omote
side.
 History of Jodo Kihon杖道基本

my question is about the origin of the jodo kihon.

The first eleven of them are basic for the execution of ZKR
kata, whereas the twelfth kihon, taihazushi uchi, finds no
place in ZKR jodo, but appears for the first time in ichi rei,
the tenth kata of omote kata.
Has Vitalis Sensei any opinion about the reason why
Shimizu Sensei included this last kihon, fit for koryu kata,
after the former eleven, fit for the twelve ZKR jodo kata he
giovanni fiorucci sishinkan bari italy conceived?
 History of Jodo Kihon (1)

• The traditional thinking about Jodo basics is the same as in old

times.
• The way to win a fight is in your heart “kokoro” (心). Your mind
setting has to be “Munen Muso” (無念無想).
• In English: to reach a stage where one is free of all thoughts
and desires. It’s a classical Buddhist term.
• An old Jodo saying: don’t hit with the hands, don’t hit with the
body, hit with the heart (kokoro).
• In order to achieve this, it’s important to train Ki Jo Tai Itchi:
unity of spirit, Jo and body, by training many hours and
repeating the movements over and over.
My two German Jodo Deshi Karl and Bernhard,
both Kyoshi 7 dan.
 History of Jodo Kihon(2)

• When Shimizu Sensei started to teach Jodo to Kendo teachers,

shortly after he had moved to Tokyo in 1931, he started with the
Kata immediately.
• The students asked him to find an easier way of teaching, so he
picked 12 basic movements and created the Kihon.
• Of course in this period, Seitei Jodo did not exist yet, so there
was no issue.
• Recently, Seitei Jodo is very popular for Gradings and
Tournaments, and Koryu is only practiced inside each individual
Dojo.
 Budo and Zen 武道と禅

In the Japanese culture there are many preserved

documents, teachings, stories and even myths about the
influences and relationships of traditional swordsmanship and
zen. It would be valuable in our recent days of inner pursuits,
Vitalis sensei to shed some light on the current day
representation of this traditional preserved relationship.
Hristo Yordanov Shinbukan Dojo Bulgaria Bulgaria Thank you advance, Vitalis sensei
 Budo and Zen 武道と禅

• The first time Iijima Sensei visited us in Amsterdam in 1980, one of the Dutch Kendoka
asked him “Sensei, how can we achieve Zen enlightenment from Kendo?”.
• I had never seen the eyes of a Japanese grow so big!
• His answer was very honest: in modern Budo there is no clear relation between Zen and
Budo anymore.
• In Edo Sensei’s book “Practical Kendo”, there is the following question: “how to attain the
state of Munen Muso”.
• Reply: Basically, if you want to reach that state, you’d have to go to a Zen Monastery, and
practice Zen there.
• However, the famous swordsman from the Meiji period (1868-1911) Yamaoka Tesshu,
did do Zazen training.
• However, in order to become strong in Kendo, he used to fight 1400 fights without
stopping (Tachikiri Geiko).
• Therefore Edo Sensei argues that Yamaoka did attain Munen Muso from hard training,
not from Zazen.
感謝
 Today’s topics April 30

1. Tame (second time).

2. Hanami (second time).
3. Home Training.
4. Benefits of Budo.
5. Kanagawa Prefecture Iaido.
6. Change in Martial Art.
7. Machi Dojo.
8. Reiho and Saho.
9. Standing at a seminar.
 Tame 溜め

• After my first explanation of Tame, I had a great discussion with Elaine (6 dan Iaido, Shinkage
Ryu).
• Even though I had never discussed this item with my teachers, Elaine told me that Matsuoka
Sensei explained this as an important item in their training.
• The basics of Matsuoka Sensei’s explanation is the same, i.e. a very small moment of checking
when you launch an attack.
• However, I still have serious doubts that people below 7 dan Kendo will understand this point,
for the simple reason that you don’t have actual time in a real fight to actually “think” about
your actions.
• If your actions are not spontaneous, you’ll never win a Kendo fight, this is the real meaning of
“Mushin”.
• I promised Elaine that, when Pandemic is over, I will put her in a Kendo Bogu and let her hit one
of my senior female Kendo students, so she can experience how it feels in a fighting situation.
 Hanami 刃並み

• Another topic I discussed in more detail with

Elaine after the last session.
• She found a more graphic explanation of this.
• I remember seeing this explanation before, but I
have serious doubts of the scientific correctness
of this.
• Just turn the “Kesagiri” angle 45 degrees so it
becomes vertical. What do you think?
• Until I see a super high speed camera recording of
a horizontal or 45 degrees cut in Tameshigiri,
proving this is the way the blade is actually
cutting, I don’t believe this explanation.
• If anyone can find this, please send an email to
Eaine so we can use it for the next session.
 Home Training 自宅で稽古

Dear Sensei, how we can improve Iaido reiho and tecnics

with home training for beginner as me? and which kind of
Stringano Nicola Seishinkan Bari Bari, Italy exercise we can do to do it?
 Home Training自宅で稽古

• Unless your house is as big as a small Dojo, it will be

difficult to do a realistic Iaido training at home.
• For Jodo and Kendo you need an opponent, so that’s
impossible during home isolation, unless the partner
is your wife/husband ☺.
• If you have enough space at home, and you are a
beginner, I would recommend to do only the exercises
that you feel comfortable with.
• You can do Suburi at home as much as possible, add
some push ups and sit ups, etc.
• You can train your general condition by walking,
running, cycling.
• Most important lesson from Ishido Sensei: be patient!
• Once you can go back to the Dojo, you’ll be in shape
again before you know it.
 Benefits of Budo武道の利点

Which are, in your opinion and for your experience, the 2-3
best benefits that the prolonged practice of kendo can give to
Giulio ARK - Accademia RomanaItaly
Kendo an individual's life, in all its aspects?
 Benefits of Budo武道の利点

• When you practice any kind of sports, it has considerable

benefits for your mental and physical health, this is not
limited to Budo only. Below are my personal points.
• Please check:
nkr.nl/nkr350/phocadownload/MemoiresVitalis.pdf
• Strength and Health “Genki” 元気
• Fighting Spirit “Kento” 健闘
• Concentration “Shuchu” 集中
• Stable Mind Set “Heijoshin” 平常心
• Read your opponent “Seme” 攻め
• Awarenes & Respect “Zanshin” 残心
• Devotion to Training “Shugyo” 修業
• Lifelong Budo “Shogai Budo” 生涯武道
• Inheritance “Keisho” 継承
 Kanagawa Iaido 神奈川県居合道部

Could you please explain about the different ryuha? How

have them developed in Tokyo/Kanagawa and which branch
Oliver Bischoff Germany Rokushikan Germany is Ishida sensei following?
 Kanagawa Iaido 神奈川県居合道部

• The Kanagawa Kendorenmei Iaido Division was established in April

1972. The predecessor was already formed in 1959.
• Yamatsuta Sensei (see previous) was the first president of the Iaido Bu,
Ishido Sadataro was the 4th president.
• Because Yamatsuta Sensei was Muso Shinden Ryu (direct student from
Nakayama Sensei), this is also the most prominent Ryu in Kanagawa.
Of course most other Ryuha exist as well.
• Ishido Sadataro, one of the founding members of the Kanagawa Iaido
Bu, in this picture he is joking with Jolanda during one of the seminars
in Europe.
• Ishido Sadataro was a real old fashioned Budoka, proficient in various
Iaido Ryu, Jukendo, Jodo, Kendo.
• The history of Iaido in Tokyo is very similar, Sagawa Sensei (well known
in Germany!) being the counterpart of Ishido Sadataro Sensei in the
old days.
 Change in Martial Art 武道の変化

How come a martial art with a weapon is now a martial art

many/most people practise without the purpose of ever using
Greet Suishin Dojo Belgium the weapon as such? When did that change?
 Change in Martial Art 武道の変化 (1)

• Already in the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868) we can see

many prints with the predecessor of Kendo, called Gekken 撃剣.
• Of course in this period the old Ryu Ha still existed in their
original forms.
• At the end of the Edo period tournaments between Red and
White teams were already organized, the predecessor Kendo can
clearly be seen.
• In the Meiji Period (1868-1911) the Samurai caste was abolished,
and for a period of a few years Japan was more interested in
Western Culture than its own culture, so a lot of the traditional
knowledge was lost in this period.
• Because swords were no longer a practical weapon, the
traditional fighting arts were gradually becoming obsolete.
• From 1877 Police Kenjutsu (Gekken) was getting more formalized,
but it wasn’t called Kendo yet.
 Change in Martial Art 武道の変化(2)

• From 1911 Kendo was officially introduced in High

Schools, and Takano Sasaburo Sensei introduced
teaching methods to large groups of people.
• In the Taisho period (1911-1925), Kendo
tournaments were organized, with the fights in front
of the Taisho emperor as highlights.
• From this period on we can clearly see that Kendo
had become a Budo sport, with rules, etiquette,
philosophy, tournaments and organizations.
• In this period it was still Iaijutsu and Jojutsu, after
WWII this changed to Iaido and Jodo under the ZNKR.

Takano Sasaburo overseeing Kendo practice at predecessor of Tsukuba Univ

 Machi Dojo 町道場

At what stage in history was learning martial arts no longer

the sole prerogative of the samurai class
and, related to this, at what stage in history did professional
martial arts teachers start to appear in the castle towns and
start to teach ordinary citizens in "machji dojo " ?
I ask this because one sees illustrations of ordinary townsfolk
in the Edo era doing kendo in what looked like public dojo,
and also we see illustrations of people doing
tricks with katana at festivals and side shows etc (I hesitate to
Jock Hopson The United Kingdom use the term Iaido though).
 Machi Dojo 町道場(1)

• I did some research for this question (剣道五百年史 ISBN4-88218-

058-8、A bilingual Guide to the History of Kendo ISBN978-4-7899-
0074-4）!
• In the first part of the Edo period, Budo training was mainly done
by doing Kata. This developed into extravagant forms!
• In order to develop more realistic training, gradually Shinai and
protective equipment became more popular from the middle of
the 18th century, we can call this Shinai Kenjutsu.
• Development of Budo was a very gradual process, but from the
1850s already City Folks and Farmers started training Shinai
Kenjutsu in various Dojo, even teaching it!
• These Machi Dojo were independent from the official Samurai
Schools (remember Kodokan in Mito?).
• In Edo (now Tokyo) there were the three great Machi Dojo:
Gembukan, Rempeikan and Shigakkan.
 Machi Dojo 町道場(2)

• In 1853 Commodore Perry (USA) came to Japan with his modern war ships,
and he demanded access to Japan. The French, British and Dutch soon
followed.
• In a reaction to this pressure from overseas, the Bakufu (Tokugawa
Government) decided to rethink the national defences.
• The Bakufu opened the first Kobusho 講武所 in 1857. The Kobusho was a
Martial Arts Teaching facility, but not only meant for Samurai families.
• The first Kenjutsu teacher in Edo was Odani Seiichiro, who was chosen for
his high level of fencing, not because of his family background or Ryuha.
• He standardized the length of the Shinai to 3.8 (117 cms), and so was a
great influence on modern Kendo.
• Because of these standardizations, the traditional Ryuha were abandoned,
that’s why we don’t find Ryuha in modern Kendo. Odani Seiichiro
 Reiho and Saho 礼法と作法

Taciser Sevinc Yushinkan Nederland What is the difference between reiho and saho?
 Reiho and Saho 礼法と作法

• According to the dictionary:

• Reiho=Courtesy
• Saho=Manners, Etiquette
• Almost all the Japanese books that I have, use the
term Saho when they explain the various ways of
etiquette, except my big Jodo book, which uses the
word Reiho.
• However, some websites use both (see pic).
• The Ogasawara Ryu mentions Reiho, and Reigisaho,
but do not clearly explain the difference.
• I spent 15 minutes discussing it with Iijima Sensei,
and we reached no final conclusion.
• Kendo/Iaido/Jodo starts with Rei, end with Rei.
 Standing at a Seminar講習会での立ち方

In addition on the question how to attend an explanation from

a Sensei (standing, sitting...etc) I like to ask one more detail.
It is obvious one follows closely an explanation from the
Sensei, however, I'm probably not the only one, I do have
backspine issues that prevent me from standing still for a
'long' while. So normally I would nearly all the time shift my
weight from one foot to the other. For the teacher, I guess it's
not a very nice sight, and would he be offended? As it can
seem that you are not patient enough to wait until his
explanation is done. With a Japanese teacher that could be a
problem, with a western one I could explain, in English, what
the problem is. As Louis Vitalis Sensei told : don't draw a
Japanese Senseis attention to you unnecesarely. Thank you
for an answer and hopefully to the next session. With
Harald Lantermann Tamiza Kendo Kai Belgium friendly greetings, Harald Lantermann
 Standing at a Seminar講習会での立ち方

• In all my years of Budo practice, I have never met

a Sensei who will have problems with any physical
issues of the student.
• I don’t think the Japanese Sensei will expect
everyone to stand like a statue, but if you feel
uncomfortable, please ask someone to translate
for you and explain your issue to the Sensei
directly. I’m sure it will be fine!