79772918 ko doka magazine

ContentsContents ........................................................................................................

Editorial ..........................................................................................................Page 3

Understanding Dentōkan .................................................................Page 4




Advertisements ........................................................................................Page 8

Advertisements ........................................................................................Page 9

John Strode-hanshi 8 Dan ................................................................Page 10




Kata Course .................................................................................................Page 14

Kata Course .................................................................................................Page 15

Ultimate Skill ...............................................................................................Page 16

Ultimate Skill ..............................................................................................Page 17

Physiology of an attack .......................................................................Page 18

Physiology of an attack .......................................................................Page 19

Richardson-ryodan-cho .....................................................................Page 20

Richardson-ryodan-cho ....................................................................Page 21

True Nature ..................................................................................................Page 22

True Nature ..................................................................................................Page 23

News & Announcements ..................................................................Page 24

Calendar ........................................................................................................Page 25

Anshu Christa Jacobson .....................................................................Page 26




Nihon Katana .............................................................................................Page 30

Nihon Katana .............................................................................................Page 31

Kodōsai 2009 Advert ............................................................................Page 32

Kodōsai 2009 Advert ............................................................................Page 33

Letters to the Editor ...............................................................................Page 34

Letters to the Editor ...............................................................................Page 35

Editorial: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief: [email protected]

Deputy Editor: Grayston-kyōshi (M)[email protected]

Event Coordinator: Grayston-kyōshi (B)[email protected]

Layout, Reprographics & Design: GG DesignTechnical Editor Karate/Jujutsu: Hobbs-hanshi

Technical Editor Ninjutsu/Ninpō: Richardson-shihanTechnical Editor Swords: 星野-宗家 (Hoshino-sōke)

Technical Editor Aikidō: Moslin-Kyōshi

Buchō/Editor USA: Stockey-hanshiBuchō/Editor Ireland: Carslake-hanshi

Buchō/Editor Italy: Castoro-hanshiBuchō/Editor France: Blanchet-hanshi

Buchō/Editor UAE: Ghwari-shihanBuchō/Editor Japan: 野口-教士 (Nōguchi-kyōshi)

Buchō/Editor Austria: Bilazewski-kyōshiBuchō/Editor Canada: Murphy-shidoinBuchō/Editor Sweden: Eriksson-sensei

Buchō/Editor Algeria: Dekhla-senseiBuchō/Editor Portugal: Dias-sensei

Advertising Manager: Vacant

European Photographer:Sean Nash

[email protected]

Worldwide DVD/Video Filming Rights:Ensō Martial Media

Registered publication in the United Kingdom: ISSN: 1757-7888

This publication is © Copyright Kodō Butoku Renmei and no reproduction in part or whole whether mechanical or other may

be done without the written permission of the copyright holders. Whilst every taken is taken to check that submitted material is either

free of copyright or the copyright holder has given permission for publication we cannot be held liable for any infringements through

false declarations at the time of submission.

The Editor-in-Chief and the Publishers, Kodō Butoku Renmei reserve the right to refuse any article, photograph, or material for

publication.

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily that of the Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor, Country

Editors, or Kodō Butoku Renmei.

Only letters, articles and photographs from listed members will be given consideration for publication, non-member letters , articles

and photographs will not be considered. Please do not submit material without consultation as a refusal often offends.

2 | Kodōka | v1. no.3

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8 Our KODŌKA magazine is now well established with an estimated 11,300 readers across 7 countries. I think that in the few months it has been going, that’s not far short of a miracle!

I must firstly apologise for the August issue appearing in September, we had a few production set-backs with this issue, and several key people were away on holiday, and teaching – but are now back on track (hopefully). However, I think you’ll agree in was worth the wait when you have a read of some of the quality articles and interviews we have in this issue…

World changes…I am pleased to announce that Mounir Ghwari-shihan is moving to the United Arab Emirates and will assume the position of Buchō (Branch Director) for the UAE. Donna Murphy-shidoin has accepted the Buchō Position for Canada. There are also further changes with Mohamed Dekhla-sensei leaving his Swedish position to return home to Algeria and assuming the position of Buchō for Algeria, whilst Ami Eriksson-sensei takes the position of Buchō For Sweden. I wish all of them peace and prosperity in their new positions.

When?I have heard from several members that the Internet forum attacks on prominent martial artists are continuing. Several of our seniors (including myself) have in the past been subjected to character assassination by what appears to be on the whole the same group of people. Many are low grades, or have been expelled from traditional groups, yet post on these sites as if they are authorities on the martial arts! I ask the question… When? When will the groups that these people belong to expel them and leave them stuck on their own as an example that their behaviour is NOT what the martial arts are about, or indeed, will tolerate…

Kodosai Sicilia 09Things are developing nicely for the Kodosai Sicilia 09, the event will be held at main Sports Hall at the same venue as Castoro-hanshi’s main dōjo – that is coincidentally around the corner from the Hotel President where the masters, teachers

and students will be staying! I have stayed at the Hotel President before and the accommodation was clean, food was good and the hotel is very near to the main area of Marsala, meaning there are many bars, cafes and nightclubs nearby. You can fly to Palermo and get a bus/train to Marsala (one to two hours travelling), or fly to Trapani (20 minutes in a taxi to hotel). The low budget airline Ryan Air flys to both airports in Sicily (Italy). The food in Sicily in exceptional and I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal there in the many times I have been. The local wines are as good as many French/Californian and South African wines with the added plus that the people on the island are friendly and younger Sicilians will want to try-out their English skills on you!There will also be Kyu and Dan Shinsa (examinations), see the advertisement in this issue, and this will probably be held on the Friday night prior to the weekend course.

FriendshipsOne of the things I can say I enjoy most about the traditional martial arts is the wonderful friendships I have made in the forty-four years I have been training. My friends are those who have stood by me, and I’ve stood by them – a thing not seen everyday in civilian life is it? Friendship is a quality in the martial arts that is often underestimated or ignored, yet I would guess many of you reading this have many friends in the traditional/classical martial art community. This is a commodity that masters, teachers, members, students and parents should tell others about – for it is the key to new members for us all and indeed new friendships… Help to play your part by telling non-practitioners of the friendships you have formed in the traditional/classical martial arts, and hopefully, it may inspire them to take up a traditional/classical martial art and make many new friends themselves?

ArticlesJust a quick reminder that if you are submitting an article, please supply a ‘Word’ or ‘RTF’ document , preferably with photographs in either RGB or CMYK format that is at least 8”x6” and 300dpi (ppi) so we can make the photograph visible. Old photographs will be cleaned-up in the studio so don’t worry if the shots are not top notch.

v1. no.3 | Kodōka | 3

Editorial

Stephen GraystonHanshi Judan

Editor-in-Chief

By Col (Ret) Roy Jerry Hobbs-hanshi 10 DanPhotographs by Unknown

To understand the Dentōkan style of Ju-Jutsu one must first travel back to ancient Japan. It was in that bygone era that one of the most famous schools of

Ju-Jutsu had its beginning. The style was called Daitō-Ryu.

Daito-RyuIn The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu (pages 13 and 14), Shiro Omiya describes the history of Daitō-Ryu as follows: “The Daitō-Ryu is believed to have originated within the family of Emperor Seiwa (reigned A.D. 858-876) and to have been greatly developed by one of the emperor’s descendants, Shinra Saburo Minamoto no Yoshimitsu, in the eleventh century. Yoshikiyo, his eldest son, settled in the village of Takeda in Koma (in present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) and founded the Takeda branch of the Minamoto clan. The Daitō-Ryu tradition of Yoshimitsu was thereafter handed down in complete secrecy to successive

generations of the Takeda family. It was not until the nineteenth century - when martial art genius Takeda Sokaku began to teach the Daitō-Ryu to the public - that the art became widely known.”Takeda Sokaku had many students. Among these was Matsuda Toshimi (Hosaku). It was Matsuda who was Okuyama Yoshiji’s (1901-1987) first and primary Daito-Ryu teacher. Okuyama later became a direct student of Takeda Sokaku for a short time. This is important because Okuyama would go on to form his own ryu/ha (style/method) of Ju-Jutsu called Hakkō-Ryu as a derivative of Daitō-Ryu.In addition to Daitō-Ryu Ju-Jutsu, Okuyama also studied Iai-Jutsu (quick draw sword), Ken-Jutsu (fencing), Jō-Jutsu (short staff), Kusarigama-Jutsu (sickle and chain), Sō-Jutsu (spear), and Kyu-Jutsu (archery). Equally as significant, he made a study of oriental medicine. The study of which would greatly influenced the development of his particular style of Ju-Jutsu.

Okuyama Yoshiji received his Daitō-Ryu teacher’s license in 1936 and opened his first Daitō-Ryu school in 1938. Succumbing to the nationalistic fervor of the time he actively supported the ideals of Imperial Japan. It was in 1941, the same year as the attack on Pearl Harbour, that he founded his Hakkō-Ryu Ju-Jutsu. It was a style that combined the physical techniques of Daitō-Ryu with elements of oriental medicine. But, it was also firmly grounded in the state religion of the day. Upon the founding Hakkō-Ryu, in a Shinto ceremony, Okuyama took on the name of “Ryuhō” which literally means “Spine of the Dragon”.Hakko-Ryu translates to “Eighth Light Style”. This name was based upon the belief that there is an eighth band of light in the spectrum. This band of light is much weaker than the others, almost invisible, but actually very strong, like x-rays. As an analogy, Hakkō-Ryu’s techniques may appear weak, but are actually strong. It is quite common to confuse a lack of big sweeping motions with

Ju-Jutsu

Hobbs-hanshi with his master at the hombu dojō in Japan


a lack of power. Nothing could be further from the truth. Small, direct, well-executed techniques are normally far more effective than those consisting of a great deal of wasted motion. This is true in virtually all martial arts.

No challengeOkuyama’s nationalistic views changed as a result of the war. He became more peace loving as a result of the pain the Japanese people had to endure. This new philosophical outlook was reflected in a change in his approach to Ju-Jutsu. Thus Hakkō-Ryu took on the characteristics of “No Challenge, No Resistance, and No Injury”. It was a move away from the brutal combative approach normally associated with Daitō-Ryu and its various off-shoots. This approach was reflected in the Ju-Jutsu taught at the new Hakkō-Ryu Hombu Dōjo established in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, in 1947.I began my study of Hakko-Ryu in the United States in 1965. My teachers included Carl Miller, Dr. Roy L. Creasy, Jr., and the Reverend Clement Reidner. I also attended seminars conducted by James Benko. In 1968 I received my Shōdan (Beginner level Black Belt) in Hakko-Ryu Ju-Jutsu and continued my study of Hakko-Ryu, other forms of Ju-Jutsu, and Judo.I lived in Japan from 1980-83, where I studied at the Hakko-Ryu Hombu (headquarters) Dōjo (place of the way). My principal teacher was Irie Yasuhiro, a direct student of Okuyama Ryuho

since childhood. Other significant influences upon me were Segawa Shuzan and Okuyama Toshio. Following three years of study at the Hombu, I received my Shihan Menkyō (Master’s Certificate). The certificate was actually presented to me by Okuyama Ryuhō.

KoKoDōIt was also during this period (1980-83) that I studied Aikido at an Aikikai affiliated dōjo in the Tokyō area. Aikidō interested me because of its unique footwork. Although both Aikidō and Hakkō-Ryu trace their origins to Daitō-Ryu, Hakkō-Ryu tends to be much more direct. It was my good fortune to also earn my Shōdan in Aikidō prior to departing for my next assignment in England. While living in England for three years I taught Hakkō-Ryu and found my knowledge of Aikidō to be very useful. The reason being that a number of Aikidōka (Aikidō Practitioner/s) came to study Hakkō-Ryu, resulting in the rapid spread of the style throughout much of the country.Okuyama Ryuhō passed away in 1987. Not long after Okuyama’s death, like a number of the seniors, Irie founded his own ryu/ha. He named his style of Ju-Jutsu “KoKoDō”, which translates to “Imperial Light Way”. This came as little surprise to most since he had been the chief instructor at the Hakkō-Ryu Hombu Dōjo for over twenty-five years and had developed his own unique approach to Hakkō-Ryu.From 1997 to 1999 I once again found myself

living in Japan. I again studied with Yasuhiro Irie, becoming a part of his KoKoDō Ju-Jutsu. Before leaving Japan I received Menkyo Kaiden (Certificate of Total Transmission) directly from Irie Sensei. Kaiden can also be literally translated to “All Passed”. It designates that one has learned the complete syllabus of a particular ryu/ha.With Irie Sensei’s blessing I formed Dentōkan Ju-Jutsu just before leaving Japan. It traces its origin in a continuous stream from Daitō-Ryu, through Hakkō-Ryu and KoKoDō into its present form. The system utilizes the Hakkō-Ryu/KoKoDō waza (techniques) lists of Shodan Gi, Nidan Gi, Sandan Gi, Yondan Gi, Shihan Gi, Kaiden Gi, and Sandaikichu Gi to establish a firm base for further understanding and development. Knowledge and proficiency is increased by fully understanding the Henka (variations) possible within the standard waza. Still further expertise is gained by fully understanding the underlying Gensoku (principles). Through the understanding of Gensoku, one is able to develop practical Goshin (self-defense) Oyo (applications).

AikiBecause of Dentōkan Ju-Jutsu’s Daitō-Ryu lineage and resemblance to Aikidō, it is sometimes correctly referred to as Dentōkan Aiki Ju-Jutsu or Dentōkan Aiki-Jutsu. Regardless of the name, this martial art uniquely provides one with a full spectrum of techniques. These include Kansetsu Waza (joint locking techniques),

After A certificate presentation (many dignitaries present)


Nage Waza (throwing techniques), Shime Waza (strangulation techniques), and Atemi Waza (striking of techniques). These techniques coupled with an understanding of Henka, Gensoku, and Oyo make possible a graduated response to any attack. One’s response can be one of simply pinning or restraining an opponent to an all out counter attack. It is a self-protection art developed for the battlefields of old Japan, yet still applicable to today’s legalistic society.

Bibliography:Omiya, Shiro, The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu, Kodansha International, Tokyo, New York, and London, 1998.Discussions with Yasuhiro Irie and other Hakko-Ryu Instructors, 1965 to 2003.

About the author:

Roy J. Hobbs-hanshi 10 Dan is a retired USAF Colonel and has lived in Japan and studied Ju-Jutsu, Aikidō And Karate-Dō. He is Technical Editor to KODŌKA magazine, and Technical Director to Kodo Butoku Renmei and well as a prominent member of the Hanshi No IInkai.

Hobbs-hanshi receiving menjo at a traditional ceremony at the hombu dōjo - Japan



International Martial Arts CourseBoden, Sweden

B O D E N B U S H I D Ō

11th/12th October 2008

• Grayston-hanshi 10 Dan (Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō)• Carslake-hanshi 9 Dan (Kyushōshinjitsu Ju-Jutsu)

• Shelley-kyōshi 7 Dan (Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō)• Holland-renshi 3 Dan (Kobudo & Nikawa Kobujutsu)

Plus Other masters and Teachers

For more information contact:Mohamed Dekhla-sensei

[email protected]

w w w . b o d e n b u s h i d o . s e

合気武道友愛エセックス武道館Aikibudō Fraternity Essex Budōkan

BUDŌ COURSE武道コース

Sunday 19th October 200810am -4pm

Dovedale Sports Centre, Vicarage Road, Chelmsford,Essex CM2 9PG

• Stephen Grayston-hanshi 10 Dan• Chris Moslin-kyōshi 7 Dan• Anthony Cox-kyōshi 8 Dan

• Stephen Mitchell-sensei 4 Dan

£12 under 16’s and £16 adults

• A I K I D Ō • J U - J U T S U • K A R A T E - D Ō •

• Students should bring a packed lunch •

Moslin-kyōshi is International Director for Aikidō to Kodō Butoku Renmei

三国際名月体

3 r d I n t e r n a t i o n a l M e i g e t s u T a i 1 3 / 1 4 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 8

TAI K AIEach year, the Masters of Meigetsu Tai, hold a Tai Kai in Felsted Spirit Dōjo and offer their knowledge to students.

This year we have two guest sensei and are very pleased that we will be able to feature Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō, for the first time at Meigetsu.

The arts taught by the following masters are ALL Japanese:-

• Drake-sensei • Moslin-sensei • Richardson-sensei • Strode-sensei• • • Special Guests • • •

• Grayston-sensei • Mitchell-sensei •

The folllowing subjects will be taught by the seven masters and teachers.Aikidō, Aikijutsu, Budō, JuJutsu, Judo, Karate-Dō, Ninjutsu, and Ninpō.

Budō incorporates, Kenjutsu, Naginatajutsu, Tantōjutsu, Bōjutsu, Kyujutsu, Tanjō-jutsu, Yawara-jutsu, Shuriken-jutsu and Shinai Randōri.• • • Tea Ceremony 茶の湯 (Chanoyu) • • •

There will also be night skills exercises (ask for details).Our leading master, Akemi-san, will be demonstrating the Nihon Tea Ceremony which is a special event for us,

we are very grateful to be able to experience this very old traditional, cultural treasure.

Please contact your participating Sensei or check the British Fuma Ryu website for further details.Venue for the event: The Memorial Hall, Braintree Road, Felsted, Essex.


AikibudōWaterford Road, Ipswich, Suffolk UK

Chief Instructor:Leeroy Blake-renshi 5th Dan

Aik ibudō | Ju-Jutsu | Aik i Ju-JutsuOpen to all (aged 10 and over).

For details of training and class timesplease email or telephone

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 07983 481243 (UK)M emb er s of the Aik i Budō Fraternit y & Ko dō Butoku Renmei

Shin Wa Kan Dōjo• Genuine Koryu Bujutsu Training •

• No fee for belt testing • No competitions or trophies •• Authentic traditional martial arts in the samurai tradition •

• Emphasis on personal growth and character development •• Effective self-defence, ju jutsu, and a variety of weapons, including

several sword arts •• Includes instruction in Japanese arts, culture, history and language •

• See our online store: www.cafepress.com/budoimages •

(Ontario area, Canada)

+ 1 (905) 680-5272+ 1 (289) 228-7014

e-mail to [email protected]

大阪空手会Ōsaka Karate Kai

Hatfield Road, Dagenham, Essex, UKChief Instructor:

Tony Cox-kyōshi 7 Dan

Shindō-Ryu Karate-DōFor details of training and class times

please email or telephone

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 0208 596 0765 (UK)Affiliated to: Zen Eikoku Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō Renmei

Kodō Butoku Renmei

KARATE KAIShindo-Ryu Karate-Do

Chief Instructor:Brad Grayston-kyoshi 6 Dan

Hombu DojoFairhouse Infants School,

Long Riding, Basildon, Essex UK

Kodo Butoku Renmei Members

Email:[email protected]

SF Nipponto Society (SFNS)Japanese Sword Education CenterJapanese Sword Restoration Center

P.O. Box 12235, San Francisco, CA [email protected]

+ 1 (415) 5 8 5 - 9 4 9 9P.O. Box 12235,San Francisco,

California, USA.

Available!Private sword consultation on E-Bay

sales items or how to collect Japanese sword.

Complimentary sword appraisals andFREE translation on Kanji or Japanese word!We do the free services to the fellow Martial

Artist and Dojo owners in the UK.

We appeared in the History Channel™ in 2005.

Sensei Harunaka Hoshino appraised the 2 Naginata (Japanese halberds) belong to the

H.M. Queen Elizabeth in 1997.

ENSō MARTIAL MEDIA

WORLDWIDEDISTRIBUTION

FILMING,

PRODUCTION &

EDITING

Martial ArtEvent/ Training DVD’s

e-mail:

[email protected]

Some photographs were shot in July 2008, and the interview was conducted in August 2008…

Can I start by asking you about your early life?

I was born in London in 1932, and so spent much of my early life during the War (WWII) Living in Middx at the time, there was an aircraft factory (DeHavilands) close by, which meant we attracted the German bombers most days and every night, which as a teenager I found quite exciting rather than worrying. I had no ambition as to what I wanted to do for a living, my Father was a printer, so when he came out of the Army at the end of the war, I took up an apprenticeship to follow him in the print trade.In 1950, at 18 years of age, I was called-up for National Service, I passed all the fitness tests, and when I was asked if I had any preference as to where I served my time , I said, “I just want to get it done, and get back to my apprenticeship.” It came as some surprise to get orders to report to the Guards training depot at Caterham. I spent several months on ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace and various other prestigious places which I quite enjoyed before I was posted to the 1st Battalion serving in the

Canal Zone, Egypt. I was demobbed in 1952, and had achieved Corporal when I left. I then went back to finish my apprenticeship and married my wife (Jackie) in 1956. We moved to Hayes in Middlesex that same year. Hayes is where my martial art tuition began.

How did you first get involved in Budō?

In 1958 I decided that I needed to do more exercise, so I attended the local night school intending to sign up for the ‘fitness class’. I was promptly told it was full, but there were vacancies in the ‘Judō’ class, which was quite ‘physical’… Needless to say, I signed-up. My first Sensei was a third Dan with the ‘Anglo-Japanese Judō Association.’ I enjoyed the training and became quite good at break-falling, which I have to say has been very useful on many occasions in the early years, and since! In the autumn of 1959, a work-mate told me he had just started Judō in London, and wanted to know if I wanted to start a club at our work place (The Evening Standard) so we could train after work. We managed to get some second-hand mats, and permission to use the works canteen after work. A few other work-mates who knew no better were convinced that this was a great way to get fit and of course we assured them that they would not get injured…

We also had a black belt second Dan by the name of ‘Ernie Jones’ working in the warehouse, and that gave us the making of the ‘Evening Standard Judō Club’ which existed for nearly thirty years and produced several black belts (including myself), and attracted visits from some very good Judōka, and international players as well. Ernie Jones was a member of the British Judō Council, so that became the association we all joined, and I have remained a member to this day. At the same time I joined the ‘Matsuro Otani Society of Judō’ which worked alongside the B. J. C. , which meant that at that time I had two Japanese Sensei – Abbe Kenshiro and Otani Matsuro.I trained at several local B. J. C. clubs, including the one known only as ‘The Hut’ that was in Middlesex. It covered many martial arts: Karate with Harada-sensei, Aikido with Abbe-sensei and Ken Williams, and Judō, with again Abbe-sensei and many of his high rank students.There was also training in Kendo, Iai-Do, along with many visits by senior high ranked Japanese Sensei (from various arts). Anybody training there at that time was indeed surrounded by excellence. Abbe-sensei returned to Japan in 1964, when Judō became an official Olympic sport for the first time, the Olympics were also held in Japan that year. When Abbe-sensei

Traditional Judō & Jujitsu

Interview by J. DroetsPhotographs by Grayston-hanshi, and Norma Harvey


John StrodeHanshi 8 Dan

John Strode-hanshi 8 Dan has been a guiding light in Judō & Jujitsu for many years, and was area representative for the BJC for Middlesex, and later Essex. He is head of the Sakura Kwai in

Laindon, Essex (UK), and is proud to say that in September 2008, he has been training for 50 years… He has been awarded his 8 Dan and Hanshi shogo from Kodō Butoku Renmei.

returned to England in 1970, he was a different man, he’d suffered some sort of breakdown while in Japan and did not stay in England very long before he returned to Japan for good. It was with a great amount of sadness that that I heard of his death several years later.Otani Matsuro-sensei meanwhile took control of the British Judō Council and my training continued. I became the Area Representative for all the B. J. C. clubs in the Middlesex area, which I quite enjoyed as I was surrounded by supporting friends, I was also talked into taking on the role of Editor to the B. J. C. magazine ‘The Judōka’ and did the job for over four years. In 1972, we moved to Basildon in Essex (UK), I visited some of the local clubs to introduce myself, and in my innocence caused a lot of panic, as I was then fourth Dan, and the highest rank in the area… I think they feared I was going to take over their clubs! It took a while for the local Sensei [plural - Ed] to relax and realise I was not a threat to them. In fact I started my own club ‘The Sakura Kwai’ and was asked to take on the job of Area Representative for the County of Essex. This transpired to be a far more difficult job than the one in Middlesex, as most of the clubs had not worked together much, if at all! Although it was all for the benefit of the clubs, it was hard work, but I did make many very good friends. The job did mean that I had to make some decisions that upset some others, but that goes with the territory I suppose? I finally handed-over the job in 1982, and by that time I was heavily involved in Jujitsu training in East London, and

later Liverpool with John Steadman-sensei and Robert Clarke-soke. However, I remain to this day fascinated by Judō, but the Jujitsu world opened up so many different doors with new techniques and new fields of study, such as Kobudo (weaponry).I started my training in Jujitsu in the late 1970’s, and with all the years of Judō experience behind me, I took to it well. I appreciated the fact that the Jujitsu world I was training in, was very concerned with etiquette, discipline and respect of the martial arts that I had been used to at the start of my Judō training. I felt these important aspects of the arts were beginning to slowly be ignored by many Judōka, with the emphasis instead being placed on contest and the winning of medals and trophies. It has almost become the be-all and end-all of Judō… Whereas my early Japanese influences had been about ‘self-improvement’ and it was stressed that the greatest opponent is… yourself.

You mentioned weaponry, do you practise Kobudo (weaponry)?

Yes, I do practise and teach some of the traditional weapons, not as well as I would like to, but each weapon is in itself a lifetime study. However, I try to do as well as I can. My favourite weapon is the katana (sword) and the Jo (small staff). I have had a love-affair with the Japanese sword since the early 1960’s, in fact, I remember paying seven pounds and ten shillings for my first sword [a fair amount of money then - Ed].

My wife Jackie tried to talk me into buying a wakizashi (short sword), and I remember me saying to her that although the sword was in near-perfect condition, the price of £25.00 was far too much and I would ‘never’ pay that for a sword… She does remind me about that now and again!I also managed to collect a number of swords, tanto (knives), aikuchi (daggers), and larger weapons like yari (spear) and naginata (halberd) before the prices shot out of my reach. I was also a member of the ‘To-Ken’ Society of Great Britain’ for some years, it is a society of people who collect swords, and sword ‘furniture’ (which I also collected). My collection is much smaller these days, around 16 swords. I haven’t purchased one for many years. Their price is now sky-high… I only used replica blades for practise these days.I think the hardest examination I ever took was for Godan (in Jujitsu), the shinsa was conducted by Robert Clarke-soke over a two-day period in Liverpool (UK). It consisted of knowledge on kata, and 12 different weapons! Clarke-soke was not easily satisfied and I was a nervous wreck at the end of the two days. I have practised sword work under several Japanese Iaido Sensei from different schools. My favourite was probably Fanaka Fumon-soke and his daughter Midori from Osaka. They came to Liverpool to teach a course and I have many fond memories of the training.

Are any of your family involved in the martial


An early photo, Strode-hanshi with Mick Wood-sensei (September 1987) and katana

arts?

Well, just about everyone in my family is involved in one way or another. Some years ago, there was a challenge in a Judō magazine about a family that had nine Judō members and they wanted to see if that could be beaten? Well, on the last count there were twelve members of my immediate family practising Judō at the time, not counting the Jujitsu ranks and grades…My wife Jackie is a 5 Dan Judō, and 5 Dan Jujitsu, my son (Russell) is 6 Dan Judō and 2 Dan Jujitsu, my eldest daughter (Tracey) is a 2 dan Judō and 3 dan Jujitsu, my youngest daughter (Kim) is a Brown belt Judō, and my son-in-law is 2 Dan Jujitsu and Brown belt Judō, and the other is Blue belt Jujitsu. Of my eight Grandchildren, seven are on the Judō mat and five are Shodan (1 Dan) – so, that is my martial arts family.

Have you achieved all the things you wanted to in the martial arts?

Far from it, in fact if I ever feel I cannot get better or learn more, or improve in any way, then I feel my life would be over.In September 2008 I will have been trying to do better for fifty years, and I will continue to try for as many as I have left.

Do you have any contact with Japan?

I have friends in Japan, and have travelled

there a couple of times. I have only been on the main island (Honshu), but I been over quite a bit of that. I’ve been to Tokyo several times and visited the Kodokan (the home of Judō). I’ve also been to; Kyoto, Osaka, Senda, Matsumoto, Matsushima, Nara and Hiroshima. My favourite area is Kanazawa, which still has a Samurai district and a beautiful Koen (park). Osaka-ji (Osaka castle) is my favourite castle with its ‘singing’ floor wonderful history. I also had the opportunity to go up Fuji-san (Mount Fuji) as far as level six where the snow starts, and you can see the red-faced monkeys. I love Japan (the modern side) with the Shinkansen (bullet train), with ‘accurate’ timetables. And moreso, old Japan with its Shinto and Buddhist temples, castles, and most of all, its magnificent Koen (parks). The Japanese people are so very polite and respectful, so honest and helpful. They truly appreciate any attempt by a Gaijin (foreigner) to speak even basic Nihongo (Japanese). Which, I add, is definately needed once you leave the main cities… All in all, Japan fits with my ideals in the martial arts and reinforces my attempts to be a true martial artist.

Thank you for the interview.

You’re welcome.

Note: In September 2008, for his fifty years service to the martial arts, John Strode is to be presented with his Hachidan (8 Dan) and Hanshi (example warrior) award.


November 1984: L-R Strode-hanshi, Yasumoto-sensei, Jackie Strode-sensei, Maureen, Inoue-soke, Mick Morgan, Chris Morgan, Vic, Inoue-soke’s son, Mick Wood, and Charlie Lovewell.

July 2008, and still got it…


July 2008, Strode-hanshi 8 Dan with some of his seito (students) at their Laindon , Essex (UK) Sakura Kwai dōjo

November 1986: Strode-hanshi, Inoue-soke & Jackie Strode-sensei at the Ongar Sports Centre, Essex (UK).

The Zen Eikoku Shindo-Ryu Karate-Do Renmei held a one day Kata Course on 30th March 2008 at the Whitmore

Way Junior School in Basildon, Essex, England. Although the attendance was only around 28, all enjoyed a days training in Shindo-Ryu Karate Kata (forms) from some of the senior Masters and Teachers of the ryu (style).

Osaka DōjoAs we arrived it was a miserable rainy day, and not much change for UK weather, but I already knew that Grayston-hanshi 10 Dan (founder of Shindo-Ryu), and Sean Nash (their official photographer), were hoping to get some outside pictures of the students as well as the indoor training. The hall was selected because of the

highly polished floor, Cox-kyoshi 8 Dan said, “It reminds me of the floor in the dojo in Osaka where we taught when we toured Japan in 2004. That was also a very nicely polished floor.”

KeikogataThe formal introduction by Grayston-hanshi, then the students were introduced to Waddoups-tasshi 2 Dan who proceeded to take the whole group through the Shindo-Ryu Keikogata series, ichi, ni and san. The series was devised to teach students the awkward turn at the start of Tanshiki Kata Nidan. The Tanshiki series are the Itosu Pinan/Heian equivalent. The group responded well to Waddoups-tasshi tuition and explanations and even a yellow belt (9th kyu) student soon grasped what was

happening.

QueuingAfter a short break, Webber-renshi 4 Dan instructed the group in Tanshiki Kata Nidan, and with the work that Waddoups-tasshi had done in the previous session, they were ahead of the game. Webber-renshi is very popular with the junior girls and had many of the young Yudansha (black belt holders) queuing to assist her.

Group photoLunch was certainly a treat for the course Masters and Teachers, as several of the Mums had organised a lavish spread in the teachers’ staff-room — however, I made do with the sandwiches I had made earlier. The course

Kata Course

Article by Elise LawrencePhotographs: Grayston-hanshi & Sean Nash

Zen Eikoku Shindo-Ryu Karate-Do Renmei Kata Course

L-R: Webber-renshi 4 Dan, Cox-kyoshi 8 Dan, Grayston-hanshi 10 Dan, Shelley-kyoshi 7 Dan, Waddoups-tasshi 2 Dan


Masters and Teachers were then taken to the outdoor area in front of the school for a group photo, and then promptly returned for the next sessions. Shelley-kyoshi 7 Dan (Technical Director for the Shindo-Ryu organisation) was introduced and then took the group through Tanshiki Kata Sandan and Yondan. He stopped along the way to explain various aspects of the bunkai and their street use equivalents.

Cox-kyōshiA short break was taken, and then Cox-kyōshi 8 Dan (Vice President of Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō)

took the group through Tanshiki Kata Godan, and whilst it may appear an easy enough form on the surface, he explained that much of the form is spent defending against a bo staff or similar weapon. He explained every detail to the youngsters and adults and many commented after on what a good session he taught.

Very PleasedGrayston-hanshi oversaw the later sessions on Bassai, Rohai and Ananku – and rather than go into detail as he normally does, he chose to be repetative so students could grasp the

movements and concept of the form. He said after, “I was very pleased with the youngsters today, they worked hard and many have learned the pattern and concept of their Kata.”In was then outside again for a group photo, and then certificates were presented the participants and the closing ceremony commenced.

HelpfulnessIn all it was a very enjoyable day and my son Scott (who trained) learned a lot. I was very impressed with the helpfulness of the black belts, adult and junior and look forward to the next event.

The Kata Course Participants 30/03/08

Junior girls (giggling again)… More junior students… Reiss Nash caught in the lens…

Cox-kyoshi 7 Dan instructing Tanshiki Kata Godan


T here is an old Zen parable about the flesh, the bones, and the marrow of understanding. Too often, we as students (deshi) get involved with the flesh and the bones of our particular style or

system (ryu-ha) and don’t see the marrow. In many ways, these concepts are equivalent to “Shu,” “Ha,” and “Ri” that are often talked about in the martial ways (budō).The flesh of understanding and the Shu (obedience) of budō can be likened to the beginner learning forms (kata). Kata is a simple schema that provides a framework for kinesthetics and a beginning understanding of the martial underpinnings of a ryu-ha. It is this flesh that outlines the whole course of training. In concrete terms of Shu, this means that one adapts their body to fit the language of the system. Every system has its own flesh and, consequently, its own language. The beginner

uses kata to learn the language and wear the flesh.

IdiosyncraticOne could ask, why do we need to learn to wear this flesh? For a style to imbue its followers with its martial philosophy, its followers must understand its biomechanics at this level. Every ryu-ha has some idiosyncratic movement that often can only be understood much later at a higher level. Yet, to drill this into the student, one must practice and learn to wear the flesh.Learning to wear this flesh can and should be a long process. In fact, to truly feel comfortable in it, it will take 10 to 15 years of constant training. Constant training is not what passes for training most times nowadays. For instance, when I trained with my instructors in the 60’s and 70’s, that meant four nights a week 2 1/2 to 3 hours a night. There was usually a Sunday class that went for as long as 5 hours. However, the amount of

repetition and movement taught us how to wear the flesh of our style. This is the obedience (Shu) that many of the older teachers talk about.If this is the flesh, what do we mean by the bones? A system’s bones are the more advanced application of the system’s kata. This is referenced by terms such as bunkai, and oyo. In learning the flesh, oftentimes obvious application of kata are taught, which many people refer to as bunkai, I will use the term omote (obvious). When one begins to learn a system’s bones, several things occur.

HaThe actual physical movement begins to become refined and polished. The advanced student has become more comfortable in his or her flesh and is now beginning to examine movement and application. This is an example of the Ha stage. The student begins to find movements that fit their peculiar body structure

Article by William Stockey-hanshiPhotograph: Unknown

William Stockey-hanshi 10 Dan – Kodo Butoku Renmei Director for the U. S. A.

“The ultimate skill of martial arts is to learn how to live on the edge of a sword” – Hamada Teshin


while conforming to the stylistic requirements. The refined movements are more suited to the deshi’s own physical nature. More advanced applications of kata are taught (this is called ura as well as oyo). These advanced applications can include but are not limited to throwing, locking, and controlling. Students learn that a block is not always a block and a strike is not always a strike, but can be something much more.

ArtisticA student in the Ha stage will also start to diverge from what he or she has learned. Small movements in kata may be modified to suit the individual’s “artistic” temperament. Yet, this does not diverge from the system’s flesh part, but rather underscores that the bones for everyone are different than the flesh we wear outwardly. Additionally, situational awareness comes more into focus. The student in the bones/Ha stage begins to pay attention to his or her environment and surroundings. They now begin, although it is still a forced action, to pay attention to detail. This manifests itself in that they will be aware of the potential for trouble. They also begin to examine their surroundings and modify behaviours to restrict or remove potential areas of conflict. A student in the bones stage begins to become integrated with the conceptual schema of the ryu-ha. He or she is now able to discuss this from an intellectual point of view and has made major strides in making it part of their own code of living.

MarrowThe marrow is the most elusive of all of these thoughts. One can be a truly outstanding martial arts practitioner (budoka) and only live in the flesh and bones. Let’s try and see what constitutes the marrow and the Ri (separation) stage of the martial arts. Usually a person at this stage has been training consistently for more than 30 years. They are also usually older (in their late 40’s and on). They are not generally folks in their 30’s who go out and start new styles. These people may learn the marrow of martial arts, but often they are truly gifted physical technicians that for some reason or another have left their parent group

The marrow of martial arts has permeated the person’s entire existence. They no longer think in terms of awareness, they just are. For instance, when approaching a corner, they don’t have to stop and think about rounding it, they just do. They are very aware of the balance and relative position of everyone around him or her. The people that I have seen who reached this level never bump into anyone, no matter how crowded the situation.

No seperationTheir performance of a technique or kata is technically perfect but often understated. They will not wow an audience with their performance because so much is reserved, but an observer has the feeling that the kata is doing him or him doing the kata, in other words there is no separation between the kata and performer. There is no separation between the person and the act. This feeling is often referred to yugen.

SeamlessPeople who are learning the flesh or the bones often talk in terms of postures (kamae) or this response to that attack or move here. The person who has reached Ri will just do. It is as if everything is a bag of marbles that gets shaken and whatever pops up is used. There is no sense of urgency or worry, but rather a cool and calm manner. In fact, it is often hard to tell what martial arts they do because everything is such a seamless blend.

EdgeThis is not to say that the person who has reached this state cannot fall back into either the flesh or the bones. When watching them teach, you can see either or both states being used at any time depending upon what is needed to motivate/teach his or her students. Yet, there is an intangible difference in the feeling. Once the marrow is grasped, the person truly lives on the edge of a sword, able to fall to either side or remain unharmed.

Stockey-hanshi 10 Dan

Founder of Shoshikan

and Director for USA –

Kodō Butoku Renmei

Stockey-hanshi 10 Dan at a garden party at the Budosai UK course 2008

T here are many versions of the process of combat, and what, and how it affects the individual. The first thing to look at in a combat situation is the matter of perspective,

and this can be from either the defenders or attackers point of view.In the first instance of onset, where the threat is actually perceived as a threat, there are many things which are dealt with, in the defender, below the conscious level of response.These autonomic responses are triggered and dealt with by the survival impulses, which are the base levels of human response, and beyond, for the most part, any kind of conscious control on our part. Never listen to the idiot who says afterwards, ‘I was not afraid, you know, I felt really relaxed and confident’ the person who does not feel fear, is a walking dead person… There are only two types of people who don’t fear, the fool, and the aggressor, who get their kicks out of acts of violence. Fear is NOT negative, fear is your edge, and it is not fear that gets you killed or injured, it is panic. Panic is when you lose control of your reactions, and run, or act in blind haste, the hero is not the person without fear, the hero is the man or woman who accepts their fear, and keeps control of it, and still manage to survive.The survival Responses are closely linked to the fear reaction, and your survival may depend upon this very link. These responses depend to a large degree, on whether the victim is male, or female, as the reaction will be markedly different in each case.

The male responses • In the male, the autonomic responses react in a very specific manner due to the physical framework of the male body. • The scrotum tightens, pulling the gonads tight up against the groin or in some cases if the fear response is strong enough, actually up inside the body. • The lips pull back and tighten, making it appear that the person is snarling, with the teeth exposed, and in point of fact the canines do actually extend slightly, increasing the appearance of ferocity. • The eyes become slits, and the appearance of the person is that the eyes are ‘popping’ out of their heads. • The muscles in the hands tighten, and the blood flow to the hands and fingers slows

down, and the fingers hook, like claws. • The pulse slows, and becomes more strong and intense, and the adrenalin levels increase dramatically, causing the person to appear moving in a sort of dreamlike state, in this state, everything moves in slow motion, and what seems to take hours, may only take seconds. • The arms move up and out in front of the body, fingers clawed, and the face becomes florid, making it appear that the person is incensed with rage, when in point of fact; they can actually be quite calm and collected within themselves. • The whole body shakes, and do not be misled into believing this is fear, it most certainly is not, it is Adrenalin rush, and like this, the person can do superhuman acts, and they will not feel pain, on any level, until the threat is either passed, or dealt with. • The head lowers, and a sort of groan will issue from the throat, this is the lungs, expanding to take more air in, and feed the now active Human Survival Response Mechanism. • Anyone who thinks we are civilised, just take a look at these reactions and responses, and look in the mirror, and say you actually believe it.

The females responsesIn the female the stress responses to a violent or life threatening situation is for the most part, very different from the male response, and there are two main reasons for this. • The first primary survival instinct of the female human is the decision to fight or run [fight or flight] and the human female is incredibly fast at assessing a situation, and can make the decision far faster than the male, whose primary imperative is very simple, save the female, and fight first. This is not a violent animal, or a male chauvinist, it is a human male response, programmed into the very human genome. • The second response level of the female is to freeze, as movement may give away their position, and in the modern context, it is a stress/shock response, not knowing quite what to do, and the ability to deal with the shock of actually being confronted, violently or otherwise, is an experience and ability that has, for the most part, been bred out of the average modern female. • While this may seem cold and analytical, it is the way things are, and being equal, or unequal, is as much a state of mind, as a legal one. Survival is as important in today’s jungle, as it was in the primeval jungle, and in many ways, harder

to accomplish, due to the many more subtle threats there are to our survival as a species. • The first visible response is in the eyes, which ‘blaze’ and seem to ”pop” as the eyes move forward and outward, increasing the expanse of view, also the circumorbital ridge, in contrast to the male, flattens and appears like a boney prominence over the eyes. • The nose flares, as the sense of smell increases, due to the expansion of the small blood vessels, this increases the sense of smell so that they can smell two main odours, the smell of fear [wet chicken] and the smell of aggression, [faeces] beyond their own level, as this would be a trigger for the fight or flight response. • The blood vessels in the fingers then, and the skin moves back from the quick of the nails, causing the fingers to become sharp and bony, and the posture drops so that she looks hunched. This is to protect the mammary glands, and the chin drops, causing the person to look as if they were insanely glaring at the attacker. • The blood vessels in the legs thin, and the pulse rate goes up, causing an increase in the adrenalin levels, and at this point she will come up on to her toes, and feel very light and agile. • The stomach walls tighten, and the Omentum hardens to a rock like consistency, much more so than in the male, as the reproductive system has to be protected. • The body turns sideways on, and the hands come up to chest level, fingers clawed. • The attack points in the male will be anything that is available, in the female it will be eyes or throat, and in the modern female the hair, as it is closest to the face/throat, which are the first and ideal targets. • The lips thin, and become pencil thin, and the canines become exposed, the mouth opens, and an involuntary hissing sound comes from the throat when the full survival response is activated. This is now regression back to the primal survival responses, and at this point a small seemingly harmless woman could literally tear a big man to pieces. All this is happening in the fraction of a second, and changes, as the situation changes and develops, and all of this is only on the physiological level, and is very minor in comparison to the changes that occur on the mental level.

Attacker’s perspectiveFirstly, for a confrontation or an attack to take place, there has to be justification.

Physiology of an attack…

Article by Joseph Carslake-hanshiPhotograph: Unknown

Joseph Carslake-hanshi 9 Dan – Founder of Kyushoshinjitsu Ju-Jutsu


Even children are very familiar with this concept. Words like ‘now look at what you have made me do’. Do you have a problem? What are you lookin’ at? All of these are forms of justification, a reason that will satisfy the attackers need to abrogate responsibility for their own actions. • The attackerwill be very verbal, loud andproclaiming their innocence in the matter, laying full blame for their attack on the victim. • Theattackerwillbeflorid,forthemostpart,enraged and completely taken over by their act of violence. • Ifthereareotherspresent,thentherewillbeprotestations of innocence, that they really had no choice in the matter, etc.etc. • Ifthereisdrinkordrugsinvolved,thentheattacker will hardly be aware of what is going on, and may afterwards have completely blocked out the memory. • Once there isbloodshed, then the situation can go one of two ways, either the attacker will be taken over by a blood frenzy, and lose all control, or they will stop, and freeze, shocked at the thing they have done.

ThreatIn the threat situation, stress, and how we deal with stress as individuals, will dictate how we respond, short term and long term, and the speed, type, and efficiency of that response. The response will take one of three types, or any combination of these three, and again, a deciding factor will be whether the victim is male, or female, and whether a trained or untrained individual. The first type of response is typical of the female, and the untrained response, which is to freeze, and go from there into panic, or hysterical mode, both of which are almost certain to get you killed.

SecondThe second type of response is typical of the trained and hyper aggressive individual, which is to respond, or over-react, with excessive violence, like an unleashed wild animal.

ThirdThe third type of response is that of the laid back, trained individual, who takes it all in and then,

after proper analysis of the situation, responds with the necessary degree of force. In your opinion, which is the ideal response? In actual fact none of them, as any or all of them will place your personal safety in serious jeopardy. It is the blending of these responses which will, or can, make the ideal response to a life threatening situation.

Once a monthThis blending can only come from study and training, and once a month won’t do the job, it needs to be regular and intensive training, for a specific period of time, depending on what level of competence you are aiming for? There is an old adage, that there is no substitute for

experience, and this is actually 99% true, the sad thing is people don’t realize it, and it is only when they are actually attacked that they will then take steps to learn how to protect themselves. In a sudden onset, there will be a sensation like a small electric shock, followed by a momentary blurring of vision, trembling, and a sensation of a chill, this will be followed immediately by a strong smell, as the nasal passages become engorged, and then a feeling of floating, which is the adrenalin pump, the eyes seem to see more clearly, and there is a sensation that everything is moving in slow motion. As the brain assesses the threat, it is a fact that your survival cortex is making decisions at the rate of up to 71,000 a second:-•PerceivedThreat

•Clothing-weapons-unarmed•Distance•Speed-size-height-weight•Personal-clothing-well-injured•Environment/wet-dry,etc.•Howmanyothersinthearea-threat?•Exits/waysouttoflee•Personal,health-confidencelevels•Obstructionsadvantageornot? •Clearbehind•TheDefenderAbove is a very small sample of the type of assessment and decision making process going on, and being adjusted every second.The type of person you are will define how you react in this type of situation; there is no amount

of training going to prepare you for the sheer shock, and the dreadful emotional discharge, before, during and after.Afterwards, there will be a series of emotional discharges like this; outrage that such a thing could happen to you, as you feel at this point, you were an innocent party. This will last a short time, then will be followed by anger, and a need for revenge, this is short lived, but keeps returning. The next is self -doubt and self-blame, that you must have done or said something to provoke the attack, and this lasts a long time. Be assured, you were not to blame, if you are attacked suddenly, it is just an unfortunate fact that you were the wrong person, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Talk about itThe final stage is a need

to talk about it, and to justify your actions, as to whether you were right, or wrong. And it is imperative that you should talk about it, and voice your outrage, and let your personal feelings of injury be vented, it is helpful, and also lets you come through the other side, and maybe be wiser next time.The human being is such a creature who finds it necessary to learn from their mistakes, in the Martial Arts, the job of the good Sensei, is to shorten the learning curve, by cutting out the need for this method of learning. A lesson in self -defence in the street is kind of wasted when the student gets killed or seriously injured trying to learn the lesson on their own.


Adam Richardson-sensei has an extensive background in martial arts, training since 1968 in a wide variety of styles and systems. He has an extensive knowledge in the art of ninjutsu and

ninpo, having received training from world class ninjutsu masters and practitioners. This has given him a unique perspective on the art of ninjutsu with information from many traditional ryuha. • Weston-sensei (Sanada Ryu Ninpo) • Hoshino-soke (Fuma Ryu Ninjutsu) • Hatsumi-soke (Bujinkan Budo Tai Jutsu) • McArthy-sensei (Bujinkan Brian Dojo) • Habata-san (Shinto WM) • Speers-shidoshi (Kyujutsu)

FounderHe is the founder of the Sanada-Ryu Ninpo Ryuha within the United Kingdom; this school teaches aspects of traditional ninpo training and philosophies and is a combination of training from five different schools. He is also the founder of the British Fuma Ryu Ninjutsu Society (December 1992) currently holding the rank of Ryodan-chō for Fuma Ryu Ninjutsu as authorised by Hoshino Harunaka-soke and is the highest ranked Fuma-Ryu practitioner within the Europe and thereby, in the United Kingdom as well. This is a position he has held since 1992, and one he is very proud of.

MeigetsuRichardson Sensei is a registered instructor with the Aiki Budō Fraternity with the title of Shihan and has been teaching ninjutsu at the Essex Budō Kai seminars for the past 10 years,

in addition he has been privileged to be invited to teach ninpo and ninjutsu to the students of Eton college as part of their awareness into the world of martial arts for the past six years. He is a founder member of the Meigetsu brotherhood, hosted by Akemi Solloway-san who is the

Article by Paul Adams

About the author:Paul Adams Jōkyu Renraku Shinobi is a student of Adam Richardson-ryodan-chō, And has been for

over 15 years.


Richardson-senseiKodō Butoku Renmei Director of Ninjutsu

descendant of a Samurai Warlord and has hosted the Tai Kai of Meigetsu for this brotherhood for the past two years, the third Tai Kai is planned to take place this year, 13th – 14th September. Full details will appear in this publication in the coming months.

NiwaIn 2001 Richardson-sensei was inducted into the Combat Hall of Fame (CHF Fellow) for worldwide contribution to martial arts, in recognition of his commitment and devotion to the development of martial arts in the United Kingdom and around the world. In addition to his martial activities Richardson-sensei is a lecturer for the Japanese Garden Society (for over eight years), promoting the art of Niwa (Gardening), which is an important aspect needed to effectively understand ninpo

and ninjutsu and has association with the World Mate Shinto Foundation which is headed by Fukami-sensei, who agreed to act as the spiritual master for the Sanada-Ryu within the UK. Richardson-sensei has had the position of Yakuji-shi (Shinto Priest Apprentice) for four years. He is also a senior tutor for Adult Community Colleges across Essex teaching Tai Chi, Tai Kata Ki and Japanese Culture.

SuperstitionAs part of a dedicated group of instructors, Richardson-sensei has devoted the last 30 years to teaching students, and the public, the truth about the art of ninjutsu to overcome the popular myths and stereo types most people have developed from watching movies and reading popular fiction. The art of ninjutsu is full of superstition, secrecy and misinformation;

the work undertaken by Richardson-sensei has been to dispel popular myths in order for people to understand the true nature of the art. He hopes that this work will continue with his appointment as International Director of Ninjutsu for Kodō Butoku Renmei and Editor for KODŌKA Magazine.


THINK ABOUT ‘WHO’ YOU ARE TEACHING THE DEADLY ARTS TO…

Throughout the late eighties and early nineties there was collective thought in boxing, the martial arts and in many of the sport fields, that we needed to grab the young street punk types and

show them discipline by putting them in boxing, sports, and the martial arts. This methodology was favoured by half of the planet, well, in truth, the major bodies anyway, and many of the ‘lemming’ groups simply followed suit in the manner you would expect. All that is… except for me. I drew attention to the fact that if someone’s nature is animalistic, then that will always be their nature, that isn’t a ‘Leopard changing its spots’ comment, but based on factual proof gained by years of research at some of the world’s top universities.

TysonWhen I made my first comments about this,

I had only the university research to back up my claims, since then we’ve seen Tyson rape and chew-off half an ear, a ‘Street’ Cuban kick a referee in the face during the Olympics, and I have come across literally hundreds of minor mentions of this type of ‘wild animal’ behaviour over the years, that is attributed directly to the up-bringing of the offender in relation to the offender’s poverty level, early awareness of violence and peer group pressure.

NaturalThis behaviour may only manifest itself when the ‘street punk’ individual is pushed to the limit. Think of it as how posh your mother used to sound when talking to someone important on the telephone, and then relate that to how she sounded whilst screaming at your father during a row… We all revert to our ‘natural’ state when either ‘extremely angry’ or ‘stressed to the extreme’. Many of the groups that inducted the ‘street punk’ types in the late eighties and early nineties ignored these facts and saw no wrong as our candidates behaved perfectly well at the gym, arena, dōjo and classes. However, then it came to ‘world titles’ and Mr. Tyson displayed his

true self, as did the Cuban Taekwondo person. But, should we be disgusted at them? Or, should we finally begin to rethink the whole ‘kids from the street’ methodology before something far worse happens. Imagine if you will, that the Taekwondo incident happened on an Olympic shooting range…

BackgroundIf you put the label ‘teacher’ on yourself, then you also have a responsibility for the students you produce. What will they respond like when stressed or angry? Will they ‘kill’ instantly without a thought or care? Is that really what a student of the traditional martial arts should do? We all need to do a lot of soul-searching when we show students techniques, and moreover when we have new students join our dōjo, we MUST examine their background and mental stability, for although it may not be ‘politically correct’ to discriminate in this manner, it is the safety of others that takes prominence in our judgement and duty.

OutsideThe early masters of Japan and Okinawa would

(Bake no kawa o hagu)

TO UNMASK SOMEONE’S TRUE NATURE

Article by Stephen Grayston

About the author:Grayston-hanshi 10 Dan is founder of Shindō-Ryu

Karate-Dō, President of Kodō Butoku Renmei and

Chairman of theHanshi No Iinkai.

Opposite are example’s of his fude (brush) work that

hang in his office. They are a fusion of Japanese Shodō

and western art .


ばけのかわをはぐ

simply not entertain the street thug types and history records many incidents where masters would make prospective students wait outside the dōjo for sometimes months before they were convinced of the sincerity and genuine intention. However, in the modern world of a ‘dōjo on every street corner’ are we letting our standards drop in order to gain more members? Are you sure of the true nature of your students? I have expelled many over the years because their ‘true nature’ has exposed itself, and I was not prepared to give them lethal knowledge when I could not guarantee what they would do with that knowledge? It has been an arduous task as many I have expelled have developed a severe hatred for me and taken part in hate campaigns against me – but what was the alternative? I teach them something they use to injure an innocent person…

DrugsDuring our organisations preliminary checks on a person’s background, we have come across habitual liars, convicted arsonists, drug users, and a female with a history of several mental problems. All would pass as completely normal if you had no idea of their background. And, it all comes back the same question… are these the type of people who should be practising a martial art? Needless to say, all were expelled as soon as the above information became apparent.

Social interactionAs an organisation we encourage a lot of social interaction, we like to see how students interact with one and other and, and we have found female students, parents and partners can be very good judges! If they do not wish to sit near a person because they find him ‘creepy’ – then perhaps you should examine his details a bit deeper…That is of course not the only purpose of social events, they also bring students closer together, and have on many occasions led to marriages and life-long friendships.

Double checkIs it not prudent, and indeed wiser to be the teacher who will take the trouble to examine the student closer, to be the teacher who tries to see the true nature of the student rather than be the teacher of the Cuban Taekwondo guy?Many checks are made on those who will be teaching, in the UK we subject them to Police checks, Health Authority and Education Authority checks, to ensure they are safe to be working with children or vulnerable adults, but what checks are done when they join as a beginner? What checks are done after they’ve got a few belts? For this reason it is wise to separate the adult and junior classes, as the friendly adult blue belt student helping the sweet little eight year old girl may be more than it seems…

ResponsibilityThe key word is responsibility, as a ‘responsible’ teacher will check the student, watch the student, and thereby ensure the safety of the other members of the dōjo, the organisation, and the general public… And, don’t let us forget, the general public also consists of your wife, or partner, plus children and parents…



News & Announcements

WelcomeThroughout June, July and the start of August, we’ve had a large influx of new members. Too many to name them all, but a very warm welcome from the President, and the Hanshi No Iinkai (governing board) of Kodō Butoku Renmei who publish KODŌKA magazine.

Kodōsai InfoThe event will take place in Marsala, Sicily (Italy) on 21 March 2009 – training times for the Saturday are: 09:30 start; 12:30 Break for lunch then recommence 16:00 - 19:00.Training on the Sunday 22 March 2009 will be:09:30 start; 12:30 Finish, then a break for lunch that will be followed by a tourist tour at 16:30.The training fees for the course are: €25.00 per person – payable in Euros at the course registration (21 March 2009). The hotel that is to be used for the event is the Hotel President in the centre of Marsala.Prices are:• Single Room: €45.00 Breakfast included• Double Room €80.00 Breakfast included• Triple (3 people) €110.00 Breakfast included Lunch at the hotel is €15.00 (with wine and water included). You can reserve a room/s at the hotel if you email:[email protected] reserve a place on the course, email: [email protected] is strictly no photography or filming allowed as the rights have been allocated, so please remember this when attending the event.There will be Kyu and Dan Shinsa held on the evening of Friday 20 March 2009, but this will only be up to and including Rōkudan (6 Dan) and Kyōshi level. Fees will be as per the country of residence of the applicant.

MeigetsuThe 3rd International Meigetsu Tai will take place on the weekend of September 13th and 14th 2008. Each year, the Masters of Meigetsu Tai, hold a Tai Kai in Felsted Spirit Dōjo and offer their knowledge to students. This year we have two guest sensei and are very pleased that we will be able to feature Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō, for the

first time at Meigetsu. The following masters will be giving tuition:- Drake-sensei, Moslin-kyōshi Richardson-ryōdan-chō, Strode-hanshi, and special guests, Grayston-hanshi and Mitchell-sensei. The following subjects will be taught: Aikidō, Aikijutsu, Budō, Jujitsu, Judo, Karate-Dō, Ninjutsu, and Ninpō. Budō incorporates, Kenjutsu, Naginatajutsu, Tantōjutsu, Bōjutsu, Kyujutsu, Tanjō-jutsu, Yawara-jutsu, Shuriken-jutsu and Shinai Randōri. The Tea Ceremony 茶の湯 (Chanoyu) will also be performed by Solloway Akemi-san, the Meigetsu’s leading master. There will also be night skills exercises (ask for details). The venue for the event is the Memorial Hall, Braintree Road, Felsted, Essex.

Sweden CourseThere will be an International Martial Art Course staged in Boden, Sweden, 11th October 2008. Boden has International flight links via Stockholm/Luleå and course organiser Mohamed Dekhla-sensei welcomes international guests, and whilst there are not too many hotels and Guest Houses in the Boden area – he is sure they will be able to accommodate you. For details of training fees, flight connections and accommodation, please contact Dekhla-sensei on: [email protected]

Twenty-fourMembers of Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō will celebrating on 13th September as the ryu celebrates 24 years. The ryu has achieved ‘third’ generation (the watermark for a true style of Karate) and produced many fine black belts since 1984.

ISA updateFrom October 2009, anyone working in the UK with children must register with the United Kingdom Government’s new Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). The registration is irrespective of existing CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks, and the latest information is it will be free to voluntary groups.

Future eventsPlans are currently being made for the next series of Kodōsai events, with the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and

Sweden looking possible as candidate countries. Kodō Butoku Renmei and the Hanshi No Iinkai are advising Head of Country representatives to submit proposals now for 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Budō CourseThe Aikibudō Fraternity & Essex Budōkan Are staging a Budo Course on Sunday 19th October 2008 (10am -4pm) at the Dovedale Sports Centre, Vicarage Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9PG. The course teachers are:

• Grayston-hanshi 10 Dan• Moslin-kyōshi 7 Dan• Cox-kyōshi 8 Dan• Mitchell-sensei 4 Dan

Course fees are: £12 under 16’s and £16 adults and students are advised to bring a packed lunch.

New SeibukanA new Seibukan organisation has formed in Japan under the patronage of Baron Okabe. The senior master for tuition is Kawano-hanshi and the group are based in Kyōto, Japan.

Kunshō awardsThe Kunshō awards that were due to be presented at the last Kodōsai are now a future possibility as Miguel Dias-sensei (Portugal) has located a foundry that may be able to help press the medals. More news in future issues.

PromotionsCongratulations to Shindō-Ryu Karateka Anthony Cox-kyōshi who was promoted to hachidan (8 Dan), and David Plastow-renshi who was promoted to yondan (4 Dan) on 28th August 2008. Both men are noted Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō practitioners and are often seen at Kodō Butoku Renmei events.

Cypriot politicsGrayston-hanshi, Grayston-kyoshi (M), Grayston-kyoshi (B) and Plastow-renshi all recently went to Cyprus to welcome the Cypriot contingent into Kodō Butoku Renmei. However, politics on the island may well hold up their membership for months to come as several associations who form their group continue to debate their entry.

If you, as a member, have news or an announcement, please email: [email protected]


KodōkaCalendar

v Sep: Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō Dan Shinsa (Private)

Available for Shindo-Ryu Karate-Dō Members only

v Sep 13: Shindō-Ryu Karate-Dō 24 year celebrations

Private celebration party to be held

v Sep 13/14: Meigetsu Course Felsted, Essex UK

Open to all Kodō Butoku Renmei members

v Oct 10/12: Boden, Sweden Course


v Oct 19: Aikibudō Tai kai

Open to all Kodō Butoku Renmei members - see advert in this issue.

v Mar: Kodosai Sicilia 2009


v Jun: Kodosai USA 2010


v Oct: Special Delegation Japan Tour 2012/3

Selection by Hanshi no Iinkai

For the dates of Kodō Please Butoku Renmei, members courses, events, etc. Please email Brad Grayston-kyoshi at: [email protected]

ENSō MARTIAL MEDIA

WORLDWIDEDISTRIBUTION

FILMING,

PRODUCTION &

EDITING

Martial ArtEvent/Training DVD’s

e-mail:

[email protected]

Q1. Could I start by asking you how and where you got into the martial arts?

A1. Sure, I started martial training at a very young age around the age of 5, my father was in the military so he felt that it was very necessary for me to learn to protect myself. So in a very small town in Kansas I started my training.

Q2. Was you teacher harsh and austere as some were years ago?

A2. Yes, very much so… Kobayashi-sensei was very hard on me with my training, it was done one way, his way, and that was it. I had to be able to physically do everything that everyone did, no matter what, even at such a young age. He drove me to be the best that I could be, he held nothing back in training me and I held nothing back in training under him, he was very much like a father to me.

Q3. I know you train with weaponry, but do you have a favourite weapon and why?

A3. In the ninja arts you are trained in all types of weaponry, and you have to be very accurate with all of them, so even if you do like one weapon over the other, you still have to be very proficient at all of them. If I have to say what weapon I trained the most in it would be the Japanese Sword, as this was the weapon of choice at that time. Q4. Your menjo (diploma) are mainly written in Japanese. Do you feel that the culture, language and customs are important to traditional training?

A4. Yes, this is the country that it came from, so I think that teaching the cultural aspects and the history is very important. Too many schools focus strictly on the combative aspects, but it does not take talent to hurt someone, anyone can throw a punch to create pain, but a martial art should have more to it than just punches and kicks, or locks and throws. All traditional and cultural aspects of the Shinobi are taught at my Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dōjo.

Q5. Which of your teachers had the greatest influence on you as a student?

A5. Kobayashi Ichiro-sensei; Master of the Tomo Ryu Shinobi Tradition from Hayashi, Nakashima (Japan).

Q6. Would you say as a female you have been underrated in the martial arts?

A6. I really don’t know; I don’t really pay too much attention to what others are saying or comparing me too. The Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dōjo has over 5,000 students on various training programs in 14 different countries. I have been told by many people that my school banner (Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dōjo) is the largest Koka Ninja organisation in the world. I would have to say that is pretty good for a woman?

Q7. Tell me more about the Menkyo Kaiden in Tomo-Ryu?

A7. Before there were ‘black belts’ there were

Traditional Ninjutsu

Interview: Dale WallacePhotographs : Unknown


AnshuChrista Jacobson

Anshu Christa Jacobson is the senior teacher at the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo (Shawnee Mission, Kansas USA). The organisation has over 5,000 members in 14 countries… We asked her about

traditions, ninjustu and her path to where she is today…

Menkyo (license of completion) that was handed to the student for their training. Menkyo Shoden (initial transmission) was the equal to what we perceive as a black belt, you would be very strong in the basics, and know some of the combative kata that was practiced, at this level you were able to serve for the Jonin and fight for the Ryu (family). Menkyo Chuden (middle level transmission) was the equal to what we see as a 5 Dan black belt in most schools, again the constant training in the Kihon (basics) and get trained deeper in the kata of the ryu. Menkyo Okuden (Deep Transmission) this is considered mastery level and equal to that of the 10 Dan Black Belt. At this level you would know all of the “physical” training all of the practiced kata and so forth and you would be of grandmaster level at the philosophical aspects of the ryu also. Because of the influx in non-Japanese studying the arts, the masters only taught up to Menkyo Okuden because they felt at the time that a non-Japanese would not fully understand the arts, this is why it is considered the equal to a 10 Dan, they were not going to teach the secrets to outsiders. Very few would even be chosen for Menkyo Kaiden (full transmission) this is only taught to those that are going to inherit the art these are the secrets of the ryu. Since Menkyo Okuden is equal to a 10 Dan, this was a way for

the masters to give out a high rank and still keep the secrets of the ryu within. Each master gets to chose three Menkyo Kaiden in his life and from that one of them will be the one that becomes “head of” or “sōke” of the family Ryu. This is to ensure that the art will live on in case one of them was to pass away before he/she passed the art on. Not too many get Menkyo Kaiden anymore because of the influx of the ‘dō’ arts (Karate-dō, Tae kwon dō, Aikidō, Kendō, Iaidō, Judō, etc.), unless they are studying the old way in a Koryu art, everyone just gets black belts. When Kobayashi-sensei chose me, I was completely honoured.

Q8. Kobayashi-sensei chose you for Menkyo Kaiden, what was that like, and what is next for you in respect of martial art study?

A8. Kaiden training is for the next in line of successor. At this level it is more metaphysical than physical, the development of the mind and understanding the secrets of the ryu are more essential than combative techniques. Kobayashi Sensei only chose me with the Kaiden training, he told me that he does not wish to teach anymore. He said that if the art died with me, that he was ok with that as he honored his master Nakashima-sensei by passing the art

down. Now it is my job to teach the art, and to find my successor. This is why I developed the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dōjo (www.budoryuninjutsu.com) in this school we have seven ryuha (martial schools) that we teach. Through this training the student is trained in all areas of combat, and in this I will find my successor.

Q9. Out of the seven traditions, is Tomo Ryu the only art that you train for that honour?

The seven traditions of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dōjo are 1) Tomo Ryu Shinobijutsu 2) Tenjin Ryu Jujutsu 3) Koka Ryu Dakentaijutsu 4) Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu 5) Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu 6) Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu 7) Koto Ryu Koppojutsu. Out of these seven ryu only Tomo Ryu Shinobijutsu, Koka Ryu Dakentaijutsu and Tenjin Ryu Jujutsu are the arts that I will pass on Menkyo Kaiden to my successor with, the other four arts I am not Menkyo Kaiden in or head the art in anyway, I just teach those arts in the school as part of the collection of training. For me learning the other four arts (Togakure Ryu, Koto Ryu, Gyokko Ryu and Eishin Ryu) helped me in my journey and I had many wonderful experiences with those beautiful arts, I want to pass on all of those experiences to my students too. So no matter those four arts will always live on through our


Anshu Christa Jacobson at her hombu Dōjo

training too. Q9. Can you tell me more about Shinobi no Mono Magazine and how that came about?

A9. Shinobi no Mono is the best ninja movie series ever (in my humble opinion), it was a story of Ishikawa Goemon working under the great Iga Ninja Sandayu Momochi. The series was really good, but in today’s world most do not understand tradition or where any of these arts

come from, so I woke up one day and said I was going to start the Shinobi no Mono Magazine, the idea came from that movie series, so I started the production of it and right now it is the only magazine dedicated to the art of the Ninja (www.ShinobiMagazine.com).

Q10. You also run ‘Camps’ in the USA, how would you say they are beneficial to the martial artist?

A10. To the average martial artist I guess it is just ‘combative fun’, but for the ninja enthusiast this is where they truly hone their skills. The outdoor training of the Gogyo (also called gotonpo) is where we train in the elements of nature, if we are doing water training, than we are in the lake. Practicing your sword skills as well as your hand-to-hand fighting technique is much harder if you are in the water. This goes for all of the elements.


Anshu Christa Jacobson performing hand combat

I do this so that even in 2008, if people truly want to see the beauty of Traditional Ninjutsu it is here if they wish to train in it.

Q11. I know you have an interest in ‘Zen’ and things ‘Zen’ - can you elaborate please?

A11. I think with the martial arts we have to train our minds just as much as our body. Too many times people act in a negative way without

thinking, with zen, you train your mind to be strong, to not make mental mistakes, keep you mind as sharp as the sword that you carry and to be at peace with the decisions that you make as a warrior. This training is truly needed to understand the essence of Shinobijutsu. With this mental strength, no matter the situation, if you make the decision to do what is necessary to protect your family, you can live with it, with a calm mind.

“A Drop of ink can make a million think”

Thank you for you time and thank you for giving us an insight into your school and your arts.

You’re welcome.


When I came to San Francisco from Tokyo, Japan in August, 1971, I brought a few Japanese swords with me. They were mainly

the Ken-jitsu (Japanese sword fighting skills) and Tameshi-giri (test cutting with live sword) training weapons for my Japanese martial art training.

ProfitDuring the early to mid-1970’s, the majority of the Japanese swords could have been purchased for $5 or $10 in the United States of America. Sometimes, an expensive item, such as a Daimyo-Tachi (feudal warlord’s long sword) was sold at $50. The price of Japanese swords in Japan was 100 to 1,000 times more than in the USA. Anyone at that time with appropriate knowledge of Japanese swords could have made a lot of profit. Nobody knows the exact number of the Japanese swords existing in the USA since there is no sword registration system in the United States.We could find many Japanese swords from various sources in the USA in the 1970’s:

❙ Local pawn shops

❙ Antiques shows

❙ Local auctions

❙ Antique stores

❙ Flea markets

❙ Garage sale

❙ Gun shows

❙ Estate sale

❙ Yard sale

Nearly two thousand antique Japanese swords were chosen by the Japanese Government to be the National Treasure items, Important Cultural Assets & Important Artefact Items in Japan. The country, Japan, is the true birthplace of Samurai (Ancient warriors) & Ken-jutsu, which was created by the Samurai clansmen after fighting countless wars in the battlefield.

AntiqueThere is no other country, anywhere in the world, that has chosen their weapons to be their National Treasure items or Important Cultural assets. Since the modern-day rifles and hand-guns became the soldiers’ major weapons in the 1860’s in Japan, the Japanese soldiers should have quit carrying their swords at their waists. Instead, they picked their antique Japanese swords and mounted their family swords or newly custom-ordered swords with the newly established military style mounts. Thus, many Japanese swords were taken by the officers to the battlefields in the 3 major wars during the early and mid-20th Century.

RetainersThe Japanese swords posses the spiritual aspect and artefact value as well as the weaponry

quality. The value of the Japanese swords can be equivalent to anywhere from a quarter to a few million dollars. The Emperors and the Shogun gave the Japanese swords as the reward when their retainers fought well in the battlefields. Among the Feudal warlords, the Japanese swords were often used as the gift items since the 14th Century. Many Samurai fathers gave the daggers and halberds as their daughters’ wedding gifts. Many newlywed daughters brought their family swords and spears to their spouse as wedding gifts.

ClassificationThe 3 genuinely made important swords are (these 3 titles were given by the Japanese Government):

1. Kokuho (Nation’s Treasure or National Treasure)/$500,000 & up

2. Juyou-Bunkazai (Important Cultural Assets)/$300,000 & up

3. Juyou-Bijitsuhin (Important Artefact Items)/$200,000 & up

There are many sword-related rules and regulations that must be followed by the sword collectors and sword practitioners in Japan. The creators of the Japanese swords often purify themselves before the task of sword construction. The sword practitioners bow to the divine and the previous sword owners for respect. There is a large sword-related vocabulary existing in Japan. Among the daily

Article by 星野治中-宗家 Hoshino Harunaka-sokePhotograph: Unknown

Hoshino Harunaka-soke – President of the SF Sword Society and Headmaster of Fuma-Ryu Ninjutsu


日本刀Nihon Katana

Hoshino Harunaka-soke looks at the Japanese swords that were taken to the U.S.A. After WWII and examines their value and current availability.

conversation in the Japanese language, there are many words and wisdom that are related to the Japanese swords.

War trophiesThe majority of Japanese swords brought by the American GIs to the US are the Gunto (Imperial Japanese military swords) made from 1938 to 1945. They were their war trophies or souvenirs when they were leaving from Japan. No American knew the exact value, age or birthplace of the Japanese swords in those days. Nobody knows how many Japanese swords were destroyed or damaged in the US since August, 1945.

Despite the fact that most Japanese swords are of military type in the US, we can still find quite a few treasure swords locally. According to the Japanese Government, there are approximately 25 National Treasure type swords & 45 Important Cultural Asset type swords that have been missing since 1946. These numbers could be higher since not all the missing swords were reported by the previous Japanese sword owners in Japan. The majority of these missing swords can be located somewhere in the US. They are waiting for some knowledgeable person to locate them. They can be found in the pawn shop, local garage sale, yard sale, storage

area or possibly in someone’s attic. Where can we find an excellent quality sword in the US ? This is the question that I never can answer. Harunaka HoshinoPresident of the SF Sword Society.

Any Japanese sword-related question can be sent to me via E-mail: [email protected] sword appraisals & E-Bay sales item consultation will be provided to anyone with sincerity and respect.

星野治中-宗家 Hoshino Harunaka-soke with just a part of his extensive collections of Japanese swords.



| PLANNED SPECIAL FEATURE |

Imagine yourself training in the beauty of a place like the island of Sicily…Well, imagine no more, for in March 2009, dreams become reality…

K O D Ō S A I I N T E R N A T I O N A L M A R T I A L A R T S F E S T I V A L

ONE OF THE WORLD’s best traditional martial arts events just got bigger and better!The Kodōsai International Martial Arts Course is again being held in the beautiful island of Sicily (off the Italian Southern coast). This event will be a two-day spectacular held over a long weekend. There’s the promise of glorious sunshine, delicious food, superb wines, friendly people, and some of the world’s top martial art Grandmasters and Masters from the disciplines of Aikidō,

Ju-Jutsu, Karate-Dō, Kobudō and Ninjutsu. The event is open to all members of Kodō Butoku Renmei and group flights will be travelling from all over England and Ireland. Please check with your Master/Teacher for details in the coming months.

The Grandmasters, Masters and Teachers for the Kodōsai Sicilia 2009 will be announced in the coming months:

THE COURSE

21 March 200909:30 start; 12:30 Break for lunch

Recommence 16:00 - 19:00 End.

22 March 200909:30 start; 12:30 End. Break for lunch

16:30 tourist tour Training Fees: €25.00 per person

THE HOTEL PRESIDENTSingle Room: €45.00 breakfast includedDouble Room €80.00 breakfast includedTriple (3 people) €110.00 breakfast included

Lunch at the Hotel President is €15.00 (with wine and water included).

For hotel reservations, email: [email protected]

To reserve a place on the course, email: [email protected]



古道祭シチリア島

K O D O B U T O K U R E N M E IOld Ways Martial Virtues Federation

h a n shi n o i ink a i

In association with:

Imagine yourself training in the beauty of a place like the island of Sicily…Well, imagine no more, for in March 2009, dreams become reality…


Kyu & Dan

SHINSA20 March 2009

17:00 - 19:00

Applicants will be informed at the end of the examination if they have passed of failed.

Application - fee is payable at the ‘start’ of the examination.

Fees will be in the currency of the country of application.

No higher testing than Rokudan (6 Dan) or Shogo testing - Kyoshi at this Shinsa.


Good Link

Dear Hanshi and Budō friend,

Thanks so much for the sending of the last Kodōka and glad to see that many of my true Budō friends are inside it… Castoro-hanshi, Carslake-hanshi, Donna Del Cueto-shidoin…This magazine is very interesting on all the points of view and a good link between Budōka.Take a great care and hope to meet you again soon on mats with a huge pleasure.

Daniel BlanchetHanshi JudanRodez France

Thank you Daniel, I look forward to seeing you at the Kodōsai Sicilia - Ed.

Tolerance

Dear Steve,

I liked issue one and I like issue two.I think the saying that ‘variety is the spice of life’ is very true. The inclusion of the ‘female perspective’ was good and the coverage of Karate and Ju Jitsu equally interesting.Your ‘Osu’ article, I particularly enjoyed - how true are your words. Things are not necessarily wrong - just different. Tolerance to a point, is healthy. It is a privilege to read Castoro-hanshi and other Master’s comments and advice, I wonder, if all of us actually realise how fortunate we are to share our time with those who have so much knowledge of so many years, in the art we all love and enjoy, the martial way.

RespectfullyNinpo Ikan

Adam RichardsonRyodan-chōHalstead, Essex UK

Thank you Adam, I agree on the wisdom and knowledge - Ed.

Calendar

Hi Stephen Grayston-hanshi,

The second issue of the magazine is great, the information that you have acquired is a great help and great if you want some insight into the thoughts and teachings of the senior grades. The write-ups and interviews are helpful along with the photographs. If possible, when you have more details and dates on up-and-coming courses and visits from top-level instructors could you do a section dedicated to these events?May I take this opportunity to thank you and all the senior Dan grades for a great weekend, I really enjoyed working with the guest instructors and students from England, America and Italy. Keep up the good work, and congratulations to Chris Moslin on receiving his Kyōshi title and 7th Dan award. I look forward to the next issue of the magazine.

Yours in Budo,

Leeroy BlakeRenshi SandanIpswich, Suffolk, UK

Thank you Leeroy, a Calendar page has been added on your request - Ed.

Sorry!Dear Mr. Grayston,

I must apologise to you after reading your email and comments to my letter in issue 2. I sent article to the P. O. Box not knowing that it is no longer in use.

Again I am sorry.

Len Benton,Chadwell Heath,Essex UK

No problem - Ed

Miller

Dear Sensei,

I am trying to locate ‘Lee Miller’ who was a brown belt in Shōtōkan Karate in 1988 in the Richmond area of Surrey, England. I am writing to you in the hope that one of your members may know of him and know if he’s still training, or in the UK still?

Yours in karate,

Michael Linwood,Merton, Surrey

Hopefully Michael, with the amount of people in the UK reading this - it may help locate him, or information about him - Ed.

Osu

Dear Hanshi Grayston,

I loved your written piece in your last issue title ‘Osu’, it really summed-up many of the Internet forum sites. These sites are full of people berating others and taking the ‘holier than thou’ stance when really, many of these people have no better lineage than anyone else! When I came into the martial arts 25 years ago, I was told that martial artists are of good character and always try to live a peaceful existence! Well, I’ve had my eyes opened wide I can tell you. Petty bickering, ego trips, and political bullying have all been things I have come across almost every week. I like your publication (and your past mags) and am pleased with the content and direction you are going with it.

All the best,

Tina Lowds,Sensei Nidan,Marsh Green, Edenbridge, Exeter (UK)

PS. More individual club features if you can?

Letters to the Editor

NEED TO HAVE YOUR SAY?

[email protected](Only member letters will be considered)


Well Tina, I can say I’ve come across the same - it is time the martial art community cleaned up its act. We’ll see what we can do on the clubs thing if you want to send something in - Ed?

Fude

Dear Editor,

I read with interest in the Letter page of issue 2 that there may be a course in “Shodo” at future events. I have always wanted to try this and wondered if you can tell me if we have to bring (or buy) our own brushes, and if so, where do we get them from?

A. AhmedSensei ShodanSeven Kings, Ilford, Essex (UK)

I am not sure if you are Mr, Mrs or Miss, so I apologise firstly. The brushes are called ‘fude’ and we shall provide them as part of the session which will be at one of our events. The example shown is a very special Toyohashi Fude - Ed.

Certificates

Dear Mr. Grayston,

Would it be possible for you to display the current Kodo Butoku Renmei kyu grade and black belt certificates on one of the magazine pages, I know they were on the web site when you had it, then they disappeared.

Yours in budo

Kelly Shields,Brighton, E. Sussex (UK)

Sorry Kelly, we removed them from the site because they were literally downloaded several thousand times, and it wasn’t just to look at as we heard of copies throughout the country. We do not do kyu menjo - Ed.

Deja vu

Dear Sir,

I like the new Kodoka magazine very much, the layout is good and the articles are interesting, but can you not include a calendar page to show what Kodo is doing. You could also list members’ events on it?

Yours sincerely,

Mr J. WilliamsThorpe Bay, Essex (UK)

Mr Williams, I refer to my comments on the opposite page - Ed.

Female writer

Dear Mr. Grayston,

I was very impressed with issue 2 of Kodoka magazine and was especially pleased to see a female writer (Donna Murphy-shidoin) as many of the martial art magazines here (Great Britain) are predominantly fight-oriented and have little to interest a serious traditional martial artists, let alone a female one. So, I was really pleased when my teacher emailed me your issue 2 and I read the wonderful article by Sensei Murphy. I particularly liked the remarks: “There is nothing stronger than true gentleness. There is nothing gentler than true strength.” It was lovely writing.I hope there will be a feature on her in the future maybe?

Yours faithfully,

Mrs. Lynn GerrardHastings, E. Sussex (UK)

It was a good piece and I do hope to publish an interview with Murphy-shidoin in the future - Ed.

Sicily

Dear Hanshi,

I noticed in issue 2 of the Kodo magazine that the Kodosai course will be in Sicily in 2009, the advert did not give many details - could you supply them to me please.

Thanking you,

Colin Fry,Harborne, Birmingham (UK)

Colin, If you check the advert on pages 30/31 you’ll see a lot more information has been added - Ed.

Kobudo

Dear Sensei,

I think your magazine is great but would like to see more instructional pages featuring Kobudo and swords if you can.

Thank you,

Martin GilmoreWoodmansterne, Surrey (UK)

Martin, We shall see what we are sent as I’d also love to feature something on Kobudo as well - Ed.

Japanese?

Dear Hanshi,

The Kodoka magazine is really good and I enjoyed the feature about Hanshi Castoro in Italy and the Okazaki JuJitsu one. I know you can write Japanese and wanted to ask if you would write my name in Japanese and send it to me please?

Paul Trudwick,Shipley, Horsham,W. Sussex (UK)

Paul, I am glad you like the magazine but cannot help with the name thing as there are literally hundreds of sites that will do name translation for you for free, sorry - Ed.

Etiquette...

Dear Editor,

Could one of the high grades write an article on dojo etiquette as I here so many different things that it is very confusing.

Yours faithfully,

Moira LennonWalthamstow , London E17 (UK)

Yes, I sure one of them will (hint) - Ed.


79772918 ko doka magazine

Documents

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kodo butoku

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