Japan November 2009

This years trip to Yokohama was a memorable one. 

We visited Sojiji and toured the temple grounds which included a short session of Zen meditation led by one of the temple monks.

Twice a day, 365 days of the year, the temples halls are wiped clean.  Now wax is used on these floors, just common rags, but when you touch it, it has the smoothest surface.

An example of how this cleaning is done is shown below.

(Photos courtesy of Ted Petit)

Sato Seiji Sensei performing Shihobarai at the opening of the 

Nakamura Ryu Batto-Do Taikai.

The day before the Taikai, we held a special Hono Embu (special demonstration) at Nakamura Taizaburo's grave site.

At the banquet, guests were entertained with a variety of performances including Kenbu, which is a traditional sword dance.

1st Annual Kern River Budosai

Bakersfield Budo held it's first Annual Budosai (or Martial Arts Festival) this last October.

This year's event focused primarily on Japanese Sword Arts and included seminars taught by the leading instructors from all over the country.

Dave Neely and Bill Henderson demosntrate Koryu at the demonstration.

Drawdy Sensei put on a great seminar focusing on Nakamura Ryu Kumitachi.

At the competition, our dojo did quite well, and we enjoyed the pressure of putting ourselves out there alongside some really great budo practitioners.

KoKoDo Seminar September 2009

The Shindenkan Dojo was pleased to host Soke Irie Yasuhiro

for a seminar on KoKoDo Jujutsu at the beautiful & spacious Bakersfield Budo Dojo.

We had a great turnout with old friends and students

of Irie Sensei from all over

traveling great distances to attend.

Irie Sensei is famous for leaving a great impression and a great deal of pain

to remember him by.

We're looking forward to having him come again next year!