Kagami 2 - UCSD Iaido

Kagami
The Newsletter of the Jikishin-Kai International
Kagami Production:
Executive Advisor:
Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi
Advisor:
Carl E. Long, Renshi
Kagami - Spring 2006
Volume 1, Issue 2
Tameshigiri: Its Place in Our Practise by Masayuki Shimabukuro
Tameshigiri is a popular and enjoyable component of the practise and study of traditional
Japanese sword arts. However, its place in history of the Japanese sword and sword arts and its
relevance to our study of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu is frequently misunderstood or overlooked.
The most commonly understood definition of tameshigiri is “test-cutting”, and implies a testing of the blade. As many of you are aware, Miura Sensei prefers to use the term
“suemonogiri”, implying a testing of the swordsman’s skill in cutting. According to Miura
Sensei, suemonogiri is also more ceremonial in nature.
Editor:
Erik A. Johnstone
Inside this issue:
1st Annual West
Coast Taikai
3
Dojo Spotlight:
Jikishin-Kai Belgium
4
Iai: Fitting In
5
Shimabukuro Sen- 6
sei in RI
The Budo Path
7
An Evening at
Yankee Stadium
8
Events & Seminars 9
Historically, one application of tameshigiri was
the testing of shinsaku-to (newly forged blades),
typically conducted by tosho (sword smiths)
using straw or bamboo targets. Because it can
imply the killing of another human being,
tameshigiri was conducted prior to the final polish of the sword. When satisfied with the cutting
capabilities of the blade, the tosho would purify
the sword through prayer and ritual in order to
remove any harmful spiritual energy that may
have manifested in the sword as a result of the
tameshigiri, thereby breathing new spirit or
“life” into the blade. After final polish, the
sword that was presented to the samurai for
whom it was made was pure and shining, free of
harmful energy and impurities, both spiritual and
physical.
Originally, tameshigiri may have been applied
in executions or in acts of sacrifice to mythological gods, particularly in variations of blade testing used in other cultures. In feudal Japan, another historical application of tameshigiri involved the use of human corpses for testing the
blades of many samurai. This practise became so common that at one point there was great
demand for corpses for this purpose. Over time, however, the use of corpses for tameshigiri
came to be viewed by many as inhumane and barbaric. As a result, it became somewhat restricted, and, in the Edo Period, was most often conducted in association with the punishment
of convicted criminals. Test cutting for such purposes was most typically carried by experts in
the techniques of cutting, known as tameshi-geisha and suemono-shi. (Continued on Page 2)
Kagami - Spring 2006
Page 2
Tameshigiri: Its Place in Our Practise (Continued from Page 1)
These men were typically lower ranking members of the samurai class who were very skilled in Kenjutsu.
Because of the historical applications of tameshigiri and the potentially harmful or negative spiritual energy that can be
associated with it, negative connotations concerning tameshigiri have carried over into recent history. As recently as a
half-century ago, tameshigiri was not usually conducted during embu or taikai. The places in which embu are conducted are frequently holy or special places. It was felt that the negative images and feelings tameshigiri brought, those
of cutting human corpses, had the potential to contaminate the spiritual nature of embu and their associated locations.
Certainly, no one would want to demonstrate the methods of their ryuha following tameshigiri.
Today, we view tameshigiri differently. It is a common element of demonstrations, and has become a mode of competition in recent decades. In many ways, this is a positive evolution, and can be an outlet for additional enjoyment of
one’s practise. However, tameshigiri conducted for such
purposes should be kept in proper perspective. While it may
have many positive aspects, such as the development of
focus, awareness, and sportsmanship, tameshigiri for such
purposes is frequently conducted for the entertainment of
spectators. Due to its intent, such tameshigiri may be
viewed as yugei, or performing art, rather than bugei, or
martial arts.
While the practice of tameshigiri is a valuable component
to one’s training, understand that real skill in proper cutting
is a direct result of the constant effort of correct practise of
the waza and katachi of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu. This is
most important. From our perspective, proper cutting is
really a product of the embodiment of the principles contained in the curriculum of our ryu. The attitude required
for tameshigiri is very different in one’s individual practise
when compared to embu or taikai; it is a personal study. Due
to this reality of our training, tameshigiri should be understood as ura waza, or hidden techniques, of Muso Jikiden
Eishin-ryu. The instruction in tameshigiri that I received
from Miura Sensei illustrates this point well. The lesson
consisted of one cut! That was it! And it was over in a less
than a second. When he finished the cut, Miura Sensei discussed the importance of kokyu, of the hips and total body
and the connection to the target. I understood that the
swordsman and the target should be one, not two. Sensei finished his instruction saying, “You got it? Now research
and train yourself!”
Tameshigiri can be a useful part of our practise and can help in our progress. In many ways, it is inseparable from
Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu. It can also be fun. However, it should be remembered that the practise of tameshigiri as part of
your training in Iaijutsu is a personal study and should be approached with correct attitude and intent. Tameshigiri is a
part of the total way to view technique; there is no need for fancy or showy cutting. Rather, it must be conducted with
the same sincerity that one would practise waza or katachi. It must be practised as Budo.
Kagami - Spring 2006
Page 3
1st Annual West Coast Taikai Report by Erik Tracy
During the weekend of February 16-18 a special event took place in Cost Mesa, California – it was the first annual
“West Coast Tai Kai”. The event was sponsored by the Senpokan Dojo and “Big Tony” Alvarez and was unlike other
such events we’ve seen on the west coast. In previous years, the big tai kais for the Japanese sword arts have been
hosted on the East Coast down in Orlando, FL. But this time those of us on the “left coast” were treated to a well attended and organized event which proved to be something special.
The weekend schedule was busy and started early Friday morning with a day full of seminars from a wide variety of
choices. Seminars were offered from several traditional sword arts as well as more modern variants along with others
for tameshigiri and even sword care and appreciation.
The seminars were open to anyone and gave a rare opportunity to experience different swords arts and a different (or
similar) perspective on iai/kenjutsu. The assembly of instructors for the seminars was impressive: Niina Toyoaki Gyoksui Soke of Mugai-ryu Iaihyodo, Yamada Soke of Shin Shin Sekiguchi-ryu, Hataya Mitsuo Shihan of Toyama-ryu, Bob
Elder Sensei of the US Battodo Federation, and even our own Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi of Muso Jikiden Eishinryu.
There were even seminars for basic and advanced tameshigiri, taught by some very highly ranked and qualified instructors from Japan. I assisted Shimabukuro Sensei along with Robin Ramirez for the morning Eishin-ryu seminar and afterwards received many compliments to Shimabukuro Sensei for sincerely sharing his insights on iai-jutsu.
One seminar I found especially interesting and instructional was for
sword appreciation taught by Ted Tenold and Keith Larman. Both
Ted and Keith are very knowledgeable and experienced ‘togishi’
(sword polishers) who have done marvelous work for many custom
swords. They brought some exquisitely beautiful and perfectly polished antique and modern made Japanese blades by some famous
and respected smiths for us to actually hold and examine up close.
Ted jokingly remarked that he purposely did not mention the value
of the blades during the seminar lest people be too timid to even handle them for themselves. Later I learned that the piece pictured here
on top was valued to be about $60,000!! Gorgeous!!
Ted Tenold of Legacy Arts
Later on Friday evening some of the visiting instructors and guests performed enbu (demonstration) of their respective
art. It was a very rare and unique opportunity to see so many different sword arts demonstrated in the same venue by
highly eminent and respected martial artists. By the time the Friday events concluded I was hungry and exhausted and
simply wanted a good dinner and some sleep before the actual tai kai portion which started early on Saturday morning.
The taikai began with sword inspections and check-in for the events and after everyone had their swords looked at for
safety and certified for use in the competition we all assembled in the ballroom to start. It proved to be a long day as
there were about 60-70 competitors covering many events from battodo kata (standing) to iai kata (sitting or kneeling),
to battodo, iai, and even wakizashi tameshigiri, there was even futo maki (large single target of multiple tatami mats), to
yoka narabi (multiple singe roll tatami aligned upright in a contest to see how many could be cut), to dodan giri (a horizontal stack of mats which you cut down vertically to see how many you can cut).
With events segregated by experience, there were many events to be completed all day Saturday. But despite this, the
taikai proceeded at a good pace with two simultaneous judging areas. The judging was efficient (continued on Page 10)
Kagami - Spring 2006
Page 44
Page
Dojo Spotlight: Jikishin-kai
by E.Belgium/Europe
Johnstone & P. Gallo
by E. Johnstone & M. Mebis
Dojo Spotl ig ht: Kata ba mi Bud oka n Costa Ri ca
The second installment of the JKI Dojo Spotlight features Marc Mebis Sensei, Chief Instructor and Representative for
Belgium
anda regular
Europe feature,
for the Jikishin-Kai
Planned as
The Dojo International, and Jikishin-Kai Belgium, a JKI Shibu Dojo representing the
JKI
in
Europe.
Spotlight column will serve to profile Jikishin-Kai International (JKI) Dojo and DojoOriginally
fromNorth
the town
of Hoboken,
near the city of Antwerp, Belgium, Mebis Sensei began his training in the marcho
throughout
America
and beyond,
tial arts providing
on the occasion
ofmeans
his tenth
thereby
another
by birthday
which on September 7, 1975. He began his studies with Jujutsu and shortly
thereafter,
began
Okinawan
Kobudo and Iaido as well. In 1994, after nearly 20 years of martial arts experiwe
of the JKI
can practising
come to know
one another
aence,
littleMebis
better.Sensei started his own dojo called the Yamato-ryu Nippon Budo Kai, teaching Yamato-ryu Jujutsu, Okinawa Kobudo and Iaido. At that time, Mebis Sensei practised Seitei Iaido and Muso Shinden-ryu Iaido.
The Katabami Budokan Costa Rica, the
Havingdojo
previously
initiated contact
with the Jikishin-Kai International, Mebis Sensei made his first journey for training
subject
of our inaugural
Dojo Spotlight
under
Masayuki
Shimabukuro,
Hanshi
in August
1999 to attend the Gasshuku in
column, is a dojo that, perhaps due in part
to
Sanseemingly
Diego. Mebis
states
that
upon to
meeting and training under Shimabuits
remoteSensei
location
with
respect
kuro
Sensei,
realized
that
he had “finally
the
rest
of thehe
JKI,
may be
somewhat
un- found what he had been looking for:
an exemplary
teacher
and a fine organization offering access to traditional
known
to someBudo
of our
members.
Japanese arts.” As a result of his experience in San Diego, Mebis Sensei became
aLocated
memberinofSan
theJose,
Nippon
Kobudo
Jikishin-Kai/Jikishin-Kai
International, studyCosta
Rica, the
Kataing
Muso
Jikiden
Eishin-ryu
Iaijutsu
under
the
direction
of
Shimabukuro
Sensei.
bami Budokan, formerly known as the Iaido
Mebis
Sensei
says
that
while
in
San
Diego,
he
was
introduced
to
Carl
Long
SenClub De Costa Rica, serves as one of the two
sei, who would also play a significant role in Mebis Sensei’s future in Budo. He
was also able to travel to San Diego again in 2000 for the occasion of Miura Takeyuki Hidefusa, Hanshi’s visit. Since that time, he has made numerous trips to
San Diego to study with Shimabukuro Sensei and to Kingston, PA to study with
Long Sensei.
In 2000, Shimabukuro Sensei granted Mebis Sensei permission to teach Muso
Jikiden Eishin-ryu in Belgium and to establish the JKI in Europe. Now responsible for disseminating Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu throughout Europe, he
regularly teaches Iaijutsu in many countries, serving as a point of contact between Jikishin-Kai International and the
European Japanese sword arts community. Mebis Sensei tells us that with MJER students in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Germany, the JKI presence in Europe is growing steadily. He also says that there is interest in
MJER in Eastern Europe, but due a slower economy there, expansion into that region remains a challenge.
In addition to his duties as the Chief Instructor for the JKI in Europe, Mebis Sensei also practises Hakko Denshin Ryu
Jujutsu under Antonio Garcia Sensei. Mebis currently holds a Godan in Yamato-ryu Jujutsu, Sandan in Okinawan
Kobudo, Sandan in Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu and a Shodan in Hakko Denshin-ryu Jujutsu.
Mebis Sensei tells us that his life has changed significantly since his first visit to San Diego (for the better, he adds!).
He has learned a great deal since that time, and over the past few years of traveling to the US, has met many interesting
people, some who he calls “friends…dear and precious friends.” He says that each trip to the US is a sort of homecoming for him, every time he visits. He believes that “such experiences are the real treasures that one finds in life.”
Mebis Sensei states that he “hopes that there are many years in front of us in which we can continue to grow as a family
and that the Jikishin-Kai Belgium can contribute a little part to that.”
Mebis Sensei has taken on the task of organizing and sponsoring the 2006 JKI Gasshuku, to be held October 13 - 15 in
Belgium. According to Mebis Sensei, training, room and board for the 3-day seminar will be very reasonable. As a
result of his frequent trans-Atlantic travels, Mebis Sensei understands the financial burdens of such trips, but tells us
that travel to Europe in October is much less expensive than during the summer or holiday seasons. There are also
plans for a potential 2-day trip to Paris and/ or a 1-day trip to Amsterdam, for those interested in maximizing their experience while in Europe. More information will be provided as it becomes available. In the interim, please do not
hesitate to contact Mebis Sensei with any questions that you may have. He can be contacted at: mailto:[email protected] or visit the JKI Belgium/Europe website at: http://users.telenet.be/jikishin-kai-belgium/.
Kagami - Spring 2006
Page 5
Iai: Fitting In by David Puterbaugh Sensei
I had been attempting to come up with some subject about which to write a short article for our newsletter. However, I
had not really been having much success until the other day when I picked up a copy of Clouds In The West by Dave
Lowry. While reading the chapter entitled “Iai”, I was drawn to the meaning presented for the kanji used in the word
“Iai”. To quote from the book, the definition of the character “I” is “to reside in” or “to be in a place”. The second
character “Ai” means “a joint decision” or a “mutual agreement”. Together, these two characters create the kanji for
“Iai” implying a joining of things that rightfully fit together. A simple definition or interpretation could be “to fit in”.
This was the first time that I had seen or heard the word “Iai” defined this way and it prompted me to think about the
definition that Mr. Lowry was describing and what that definition meant to me.
As I thought about the meaning of the definition “to fit in”, I
began to look a little more closely at myself and at the personal changes that seem to have come about through training
in Iai and also through the interaction and relationships begun
and developed as a result of that training. It occurred to me
then that had I not started studying Iai, I would not have had
the opportunity to visit many of the places that I have since
been, nor encountered the interesting people that I have had
the pleasure to meet and get to know.
I had never been a very social person and I absolutely did not
like to be in front of a group of people, and would therefore
invariably go out of my way to avoid such situations. However, largely a result of training, this has since begun to change
significantly. Over the past few years, I have come to look
forward to visiting different places, meeting new people and
learning “to fit in”. This, like the rest of my training, has become an ongoing improvement process.
Looking back now over these past few years, I have to thank
Long Sensei and Shimabukuro Hanshi and the other members
of the JKI for the opportunity to learn a Koryu art that has survived over the centuries and yet still has practical applications
in our modern world and daily lives. They have challenged
me, always with compassion, and opened doors that I never
imagined existed. I am planning to continue to listen, observe
and train and hopefully continue to improve in my own process of “fitting in”, not only in the various places or situations
that I may find myself in, but with myself as well.
Kagami - Spring 2006
Page 6
Shimabukuro Sensei in Rhode Island by Erik Johnstone
This past April, Newport Aikikai and
Shindokan Budo were honoured to host
Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi, along
with Carl Long, Renshi, on Shimabukuro
Sensei’s first teaching visit to New England. The seminar was well attended,
with more than fifty participants from all
over New England as well as from California, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The training began with the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Batto Ho waza, with an
emphasis on cutting dynamics and technique. The second half of the day was
devoted to the practise of the first four
kata in the Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kenjutsu curriculum. The concepts of entering, one
cut, and the acceptance of aiuchi as outcome in an encounter were stressed.
Sunday’s training included practise of the Shoden Waza, followed by a review of the first four kata of Ono-ha Itto-ryu
and the practise of the fifth kata. After a short break, an additional training session was held at Newport Aikikai where
we received instruction in five tessenjutsu kata and five kodachijutsu kata. Many of us had been looking forward to this
session, and as a result, were lined up elbow to elbow. Despite the close quarters (remedied by training in shifts), we all
had a fantastic time and were thrilled about the exposure to yet further aspects of the sogo budo of the Jikishin-Kai.
A recent post on Sword Forum by one of our members reminded me of a very important teaching during the seminar
that is well worth relaying here. While discussing the execution of proper Iai, Shimabukuro Sensei stressed the importance of spirit as an essential component in good, effective technique. Technique devoid of spirit, or kihaku, no matter
how well performed, is empty, meaningless and ineffective, remaining in the realm of mere form. He taught that the
acquisition of proper technique was far more than a matter of copying his technique; one had to practice with the same
sincerity. Long Sensei concisely interpreted his words for us by saying that to begin to understand Shimabukuro Sensei’s Iai, we must understand what is in his heart as he demonstrates it and that we must try to hold the same feeling in
ours.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the seminar party held at Newport Aikikai on Saturday night; the venue
greatly facilitated interaction among all in attendance. We had an excellent variety of food and drink and spent the evening in enjoying good company and conversation with friends and family. Long Sensei often says that these times are
of utmost importance; we get a chance to renew friendships, make new ones and get to know one another’s hearts. This
is a critical part of the glue that holds a koryu together.
I know that I speak for all when I say that we had a fantastic time, and were thrilled at the exposure to some of the
other aspects of training available within the Jikishin-Kai. I want to thank everyone who came to support Shimabukuro
Sensei's visit; events like this just could not happen without the sincere effort and good will displayed by all in attendance.
Our appreciation for both Shimabukuro Sensei and Long Sensei cannot be overstated; we simply cannot thank them
enough for everything that they have done.
Thank you to Andrew Priestly for his post on Sword Forum; it was of great help.
Page 7
Kagami - Spring 2006
Up coming Ev entsa nd Semi na rs
The Budo Path by Mark Majestic
Why do 28th
people
begin studying a martial art? There are all the
standard
answers:
because
they/ Carl
wantLong
to learn
selfJanuary
& 29th:
MJER
Iaijutsu
Shodan
Seminar
Renshi
protection,
perhaps
as
a
good
workout,
almost
always
because
it
is
more
exotic
than
going
to
the
gym,
especially
when
MJER Iaijutsu Seminar / Carl Long Renshi
Sakura Budokan/Eastern US Hombu Dojo
you
are
talking
about
Iaijutsu,
although
it
tends
to
draw
less
of
a
self-defense
crowd
and
more
from
people
who
want
to
Driscoll Karate Institute
390 Tioga Ave
learn
a
fine
art.
Studying
the
Art
of
the
Samurai
is
certainly
exotic.
21 North Center St.
Kingston, PA
Pottsville, Pa
Contact: Carl Long Renshi
Yet
still, how
often do we stop and really think of the other benefits
get from being budoka?
Contact:
Jeff Driscoll
Phone: we
570-288-7865
Phone: 570-622-5059
e-mail: [email protected]
We
practice
and practice. And practice some more. If we do it
E-mail:
[email protected]
"with shining eyes" (to quote Shimabukuro Sensei) we begin March
to
4th & 5th:
form
a
base,
our
kihon,
not
only
physically
in
our
movements
with
February 4th:
Iaijutsu & Jojutsu Seminar/Carl Long Shihan
our
iaito,
but also
internally
with ourShimabukuro
spirit; a way Hanshi
of life, a spiritual
MJER
Iaijutsu
Seminar
/ Masayuki
West Virgina Aikido - Kushinkan Dojo
path.
begin Martial
to buildArts
wabi.
We do this not only with the ability
GerryWe
Blanck's
Center
Contact: Greg Noble
to
wield
theReal
iaitoDr.
since this would be merely "dancing with a sword"
881
Alma
300 Hillcrest Dr.
and
eachPalisades,
of us has CA
differing
Pacific
90272physical abilities; but also with building
Charleston, WV 25304 USA
aContact:
onenessGerry
with ourselves;
an inner strength. An inner strength that
Black
Phone: (304) 925-6944
assists
in all aspects of our lives, even when we are not conscious
Phone:us310-573-1985
e-mail: [email protected]
of it. Yet most of all it aids us in times of trouble.
February 11th & 12th:
April 7th – 9th:
Wabi
is
simplicity,
which
we
must
have
to
focus
on
our
art.
While
MJER Iaijutsu Demonstration / Shimabukuro Hanshi &
Iaijutsu & Jojutsu Seminar/Carl Long Shihan
practicing
we leave the material world behind in order to be imLong Renshi
Aikido West Florida
mersed completely in the moment, freed from distraction. Wabi is
CAS Iberia
Contact: Patty Heath
quiet
contentment
Star Dust
Hotel with simple things.
2447 Executive Plaza, Suite 5.
300 Las Vegas Blvd South
Pensacola, Florida 32504
Nevertheless wabi is a lonely path. It is based in solitude and singuLas Vegas, NV
Phone: 850-479-1907
larity. However it does not continue that way for the dedicated buInformation: 800-635-9366
e-mail: [email protected]
doka. The best example of the process that occurs is to look to your
own iaito. Do you see the soft glow your hands have polished into th
February 16th - 18th:
April 18 :
the metal fittings from the innumerable cuts you have made? You
West Coast Taikai
MJER Iaijutsu Seminar/Carl Long Shihan
have been polishing not only your technique, you have also been
US Federation of Batto Do & US Federation of Mugai
Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts
polishing your spirit. This soft patina is sabi; unpretentious, full of
Ryu
Contact: David Lopriore
insight and intuition. You no longer have to apply reason or logic to
MJER Iaijutsu Seminar/Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi
Latimer Brook Commons Unit 107 –
your movements because they just flow.
Costa Mesa Hilton
339 Flanders Road
Costa Mesa, Ca.
Lyme, CTconnections
06333
And in the process of polishing our own spirits, we have builtEast
interpersonal
with our fellow budoka that are
Information: http://westcoasttaikai.com
(860) 739-5482
every bit as valuable as the art itself; connections with others who are of like mind and spirit; relationships which span
e-mail:
[email protected]
decades. Camaraderie. You might not see someone for months
or years,
but when you do, it is like you saw them last
Feb. 18th & 19th:
week. Mutual respect and a willingness to give assistance, whatever form that might take.
Iaijutsu & Jojutsu Seminar / Carl Long Renshi
April 22nd & 23rd
Shindokan Budo
MJER
Iaijutsuhard
Seminar
Hanshi
These are the things that stay in our hearts and souls, sustaining
us through
times,/ Masayuki
enhancingShimabukuro
our enjoyment
during
Wyoming, RI
Newport
Aikikai
the good. Of course they are only some of the things we gain as we travel the budo path. Most certainly each of us will
Contact: Erik Johnstone
Eastsame
Maindestination.
Rd.
have our own side-trips along this path. Nevertheless, it leads741
to the
Little did we suspect when we
Phone: 401-474-2568
Middletown,
RI
first set our feet upon it.
e-mail: [email protected]
Contact: Damon Apodaca
Phone: 401-848-9100
February 25th & 26th
e-mail: [email protected]
35th Annual Goodwill Karate-do Championships
Alternate Contact: Erik Johnstone
MJER Iaijutsu Seminar/Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi
Phone: 401-474-2568
Fumio Demura Shihan/Shito-ryu Karate-do Genbu-Kai
e-mail: [email protected]
Costa Mesa High School
Costa Mesa, CA
Phone: 714-543-5550
e-mail: [email protected]
February 25th:
Page 8
Kagami - Spring 2006
An Evening at Yankee Stadium by E. Johnstone
Let me preface this by stating that I live in New England, right in the heart of Red Sox Nation. The New York Yankees are, in short, an anathema to all but the most misguided residents of our region of the country. Why does this matter? Because I went to Yankee Stadium, the home of the infidel Yankees (we in New England are all still really mad at
Johnny Damon for what some here view as an out and out betrayal; and people here have very long memories [except
me; I seem to be an exception]), and the Red Sox were not the visiting team.
As most everyone knows, Shimabukuro
Sensei is a great sports fan, and an avid
baseball fan (one would have to be to be a
fan of the San Diego Padres!). Being the
baseball fan that he is, and knowing that
the venerable Yankee Stadium will soon
be no more, he had hoped for the chance
to see a New York Yankees home game
before moving from their legendary ball
park to new digs. Sensei doesn’t get out
to the East Coast that much, so in appreciation of his pending visit to Rhode Island, tickets were acquired prior to his
arrival.
So, six of us, Shimabukuro Sensei, Long
Sensei, Damon Apodaca Sensei, Chuck
Ilgenfritz, Kelly Leighton and myself
made the trek to the Bronx (a foreign
country as far as I am concerned), and by
seemingly divine intervention (which still
does not change my feelings toward the Yankees), managed to avoid nightmarish traffic, parking fiascos and the removal of our vehicle’s wheels by the locals while on the Cross Bronx Expressway, and other such occurrences that are
so often associated with such an outing. We got there reasonably early (hence the avoidance of the above), found a
parking space across the street from the ballpark, enabling us to spend some time in a nearby bar enjoying a few much
better (but only slightly less expensive) beers than we would later consume during the game.
The game was pretty exciting, as the Yankees put on quite show through an intermittent light rain, pummeling the visiting (and apparently hapless) Tampa Bay Devil Rays with their high-powered offence. We all had a great time, drinking a bit more beer (it doesn’t matter that a beer is more than six bucks at the stadium, you’re at a ball game!), eating
hotdogs (Sensei, to his apparent great delight, had a big ol’ Italian Sausage with the works), enjoying each other’s company as well as the game. Sensei, well aware of the history of Yankee Stadium and the legends that played there, at
one point observed wistfully, “Kind of sad, isn’t it? This is our first and probably last visit to this stadium.” We were
all very happy that we were able to make the visit to Yankee Stadium such a memorable part of Sensei's East Coast
trip. Next time, however, it's Fenway!
By the way, if you ever get a chance to get to a ball game with Shimabukuro Sensei, do it! He knows the game very
well and you will be guaranteed to have a great time with him. The beer will set you back a bit, but hey, it's all part of
the experience, eh?
Page 9
Kagami - Spring 2006
Upcoming Events and Seminars
Iaijutsu, Jojutsu and Daito Ryu Seminar
June 2, 3 & 4
Instructors:
Iaijutsu & Jodo/ Long Shihan
Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai / Roy Goldberg Sensei
Host: Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts
Latimer Brook Commons Unit 107
339 Flanders Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
Phone: (860) 739-5482 - (860) 739-1844 fax
Email: [email protected]
2006 Belgium Butoku Sai
June 22, 23 & 24
Seminar Instructor: Long Shihan
Host: Dai Nippon Butoku Kai International
Site: Ganshoren Sport Hall
Brussels, Belgium
Eligibility: A valid General and/or Certified member in
good standing of Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. Yudansha and
Yukyusha( Kyu level students) are allowed to participate
in this event. Kyu level students must be recommended by
his/her instructor. Kyu level students must be registered as
a General Member of DNBK ID before participation.
Contact: Carl Long
390 Tioga Ave
Kingston, PA. USA 18704
Phone: 570-288-7865
Email: [email protected]>
Iaijutsu Seminar
July 8
Instructor: Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi
Host: White Heron Dojo - Steve Johnson
Sparks Mormon Church
1114 Prater Way
Sparks, Nevada
Phone: (775) 787-1512 (home); (775) 240-3910 (cell)
Email: [email protected]
Festival of Martial Arts and Black Belt Hall of
Fame
July 28, 29 & 30
Instructors: Shimabukuro Hanshi & Long Shihan
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, Hall A
300 Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90831
This July, Black Magazine will once again sponsor its Festival of Martial arts and Black Belt Hall of Fame.
Anyone interested in attending can locate more information regarding registration at:
Festival of Martial arts <http://blackbeltmag.com/content/
foma/home.html>
Information regarding seminars being taught can be found
it at: Seminars <http://blackbeltmag.com/content/foma/
seminars.html>
Go to Sampler Seminars on this page.
Iaijutsu Seminar
September 24 & 25
Instructor: Long Shihan
Host: Bushidokai Traditional Martial Arts
Latimer Brook Commons Unit 107
339 Flanders Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
Phone: (860) 739-5482 - (860) 739-1844 fax
Email: [email protected]
JKI Gasshuku 2006
October 13, 14, & 15
Instructors: Shimabukuro Hanshi & Long Shihan
Will be held in Herentals, Belgium, more info to follow. Training will be held on the evening of the 13th, all
day on the 14th and 15th, with testing on the evening of
the 15th.
Contact: Marc Mebis
See the Jikishin Kai Europe website for training and price
details - website <http://users.telenet.be/jikishin-kaibelgium/Gasshuku2006ENG.htm>
Email: Marc Mebis <mailto:mebis@pandora,be>
Kagami - The Newsletter of the Jikishin-Kai International
(continued from Page 3) and fair with a single elimination format: two competitors would
face off against each other and the judging panel would decide whether aka (red) or ashiro
(white) was the victor for that round.
Jikishin-Kai Int. Hombu Dojo
Masayuki Shimabukuro,
Hanshi
5505 Clairmont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA. . 92117
Phone: 858-560-4517
The list of competitors read like a ‘who’s who’ from the various on-line internet forums and
discussion boards. I recognized many of the competitors by name only, some of the instructors and judges I had never met before, but the ‘air’ to this event seemed different: more congenial and more sharing – so while I’ll admit to being slightly nervous to represent Eishin-ryu well
(and more so from knowing Shimabukuro Sensei
was judging me!), the whole event felt more like an
enbu among new family than ‘opponents’.
It was quite obvious that most of the competitors
were affiliated with the US Battodo Federation and
their associated arts of Toyama-ryu and Nakamuraryu, but there were others there from different organizations as well. The Jikishin-Kai was represented by Steve Garsson and myself from the hombu
dojo, and Robin Ramirez Sensei from the Bakersfield JKI dojo. We hope that more from the JKI will
come out and show support for next year’s event.
Kagami Contact Information:
Erik Johnstone, Editor
Phone: 401-474-2568
E-mail: [email protected]
Jikishin-Kai.com
Erik Tracy competing batto-do tameshigiri
All in all we did pretty darn well, with Robin Ramirez declared “yusho” or overall winner as
he placed in the top 3 for practically every event he competed in! For his achievement, he
was awarded a brand new bare blade katana custom made and donated to commemorate this
event by Howard Clark out of his impressive L6 steel. The results of the taikai have been
posted along with other pictures from a link on the JKI Hombu Dojo EZBoard Forum you
can find here: http://p223.ezboard.com/fjikishinkaifrm7.showMessage?topicID=68.topic
I’d encourage everyone to participate in events like this. It is a rare occasion indeed when
you can get so many highly respected and experienced leaders and practitioners (Soke, Hanshi, Kyoshi, Renshi, and high level yudansha) from
different traditions sharing what they know about
their respective arts. Not only that, but it is an opportunity to see a display of outstanding martial arts
by dedicated people. And I literally can not count
how many people I finally got to meet who I only
knew before as a name on the internet. By the end
of the taikai, we were sharing experiences, insights,
and some priceless stories over a ‘cold one’! Seeing good ‘budo’, making new friends, learning, and
participating – it was all good!
I’d like to thank Keith Larman of Summerchild
Polishing and Renfield Kuroda Sensei (Mugai-ryu
Iaihyodo) for their permission to use the pictures in
this article.
Robin Ramirez competing iai tameshigiri