I don’t think there’s any need to make it unnecessarily complicated. If you’re sharing value and enjoyment with people who are interested, then simplicity is fine. The way people perceive the flashes of inspiration, surprises, and new possibilities that arise from that simplicity is different for everyone. I feel that a life in which I can share the appeal of Budo with people of all ages and genders is a treasure given to me by God.
Our first important event of the year took place on March 7th. It was my first opportunity in three months to perform a new piece, and my adorable students, ages 7 to 9, performed it. One girl, who had been anxious about not being able to complete the “Tile Breaking” (Kawara-wari) until the day before the performance, succeeded in the actual performance. Another girl, who had performed Kagura with me at the end of last year, took on a sense of responsibility and confidence as the oldest student and performed admirably. The following day, March 8th, was Sunday class practice day. The sky was clear, the temperature was just right, and the practice room was a tatami room, so I could feel the students’ enthusiasm. This month, we’re spending 14 days conducting promotion examinations for 60 students in 19 classes at six locations. To support students who are working hard not only at the dojo but also on their own in order to pass, we’re offering “Advice for Independent Practice.” Every day, I receive videos and questions from students, such as, “I’ve memorized the order of the kata, but I want the teacher to confirm that my stance is correct,” “There are parts of the stance and hand movements I don’t understand, so I’d like to ask the teacher,” and “If I understand the meaning of the kata movements, I can practice them more consciously, so please teach me.” “Parent, child, and teacher form a triumphant four-legged race” Even if others call me a “fossil-level analog person,” I want to share the importance of “facing each individual honestly.”
