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.”
I moved to the United States in May 2000, and lived and practiced karate in Salt Lake City, Utah for three and a half years until returning to Japan in 2003. I was given the opportunity to meet and interact with wonderful athletes and instructors while competing in tournaments held in Utah, California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New York, and Hawaii. I also had the opportunity to meet pioneers who came to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s and worked hard to spread and develop karate. Here are some words I received from one of those great teachers: This is because, “It is not optimal to simply stay close to your teacher and learn from them forever. There is much to lose while being called “sensei” (teacher) and staying close to your teacher. It doesn’t matter if it’s small, but create a place to teach yourself. It doesn’t matter if it’s small, but find someone to share your thoughts with, listen to what they have to say, and study together. And never give up on the effort to share what is good, even if it’s in your own way. This will lead to the spread and development of sincerity.” With these words in mind, I opened my own dojo in May 2007, and for the past 18 years, I have been practicing and studying every day, 7 days a week, in 16 classes at 7 locations, with over 100 students.
If I were to conside of kata practice as a puzzle, I would analyze each piece, imagine the whole picture as I connect them one by one, and ponder the true meaning of the completed picture. There aren’t many basic techniques, but if you continue to research them and add knowledge and experience, they can be applied, and the techniques that can be derived from them seem endless. I will continue my quest to “pursue the basics, never neglect training, and prove that Kihon Kumite is practical” In March of this year, I underwent my first-ever hospitalization and surgery, which made me keenly aware of the importance of good health. Thanks to excellent doctors and advanced medical technology, I was able to make a quick recovery and complete all of the events I had planned and prepared for last year. However, I will not become overconfident or complacent, and will continue to study and practice. Thank you for watching this year.
『引き手と突きそして順突きは何に繋がりどのように応用出来るか稽える』 “Considering what HIKITE, TSUKI and JUNZUKI are connected to and how they can be applied”
Creating something new is important and wonderful,but I think it’s much more important to accumulate daily efforts to get in touch with the true meaning of the basics that are necessary for everyone and everything.
The promotion examination, which had been taking place for my 61 students at five locations over the course of 11 days last month. In addition to training at the dojo, the children participated in seminars, international exchange training sessions, exchange competitions, training camps, and demonstrations, and competed in official and national tournaments, gaining experience and striving to improve. I can see my students’ growth when I see them taking deep breaths to calm their hands, which are shaking with nervousness, before and during the exam, and scalling loudly with their stomachs tight. I can’t change them, but they have the power to change themselves. I think it’s important for us adults to believe that.
The aim is for beginners and advanced level practitioners to have meaningful training together and deepen their understanding of basic and Kihon Kumite. I find great joy and meaning in exploring the fundamentals.
↑『表面的な稽古にならぬよう本来の性質や要素に関わる稽古を探求 continue to explore the true nature and elements of practice』
A young man studying Kenjutsu in the UK wanted to practice with me and joined my Sunday morning class. I am happy that the videos I continue to post on social media have led to new encounters, and that people have become interested in me, my teammates, and our training and come to see us.
↑『自由組手で基本組手を実用するための稽古を考える』
表面的な稽古にならぬよう本来の性質や要素に関わる稽古を探求し続けます。
We will continue to explore the true nature and elements of practice, so as not to become superficial.
