Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo, Place of the Budding Flowers, is an independent martial and cultural arts school located in Edmonds, WA in the United States. We offer extensive training in Aikido, Aiki-Weapons, and Iaido. Additional coursework is available in Ki Meditation and Breathing disciplines, Kiatsu-Ryoho Massage, Shodo brush calligraphy, Ikebana flower arranging, and Bonsai tree potting.

The dojo has more than 50 black belt graduates and is a founding member of the Pacific Northwest Budo Association, a federal nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering appreciation for Japanese martial arts and traditional culture through the administration of grants and scholarships to artists and educational organizations.

Our chief instructor, Jonathan Bannister Sensei, is a master Aikido instructor with 30 years experience. He is the current president of the Pacific Northwest Budo Association, and is ranked 4th-degree black belt in All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) Iaido. An avid horseman during his childhood, he is a dedicated scholar of western and Asian philosophies and art. In high school and college (he earned a BFA in Fine and Applied Art from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1987) he was introduced to Zen and Shingon Buddhism. He began Aikido training in 1979 with Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. Joining Kokikai-Ryu Aikido in 1982, he soon became a senior instructor under that organization?s founder and president, Maruyama Shuji. Devoted to the study of Aikido basics and Aiki-weapons practice, Bannister Sensei began training in Iaido in1982, later adding Shodo, Ikebana, Bonsai, and Kyudo to his personal practice.

From 1994-2006 Bannister Sensei served as Northwest U.S. Regional Coordinator for Kokikai Aikido International, founding a regional headquarter dojo in Seattle, WA and overseeing branch programs throughout Washington, California, and British Columbia (Canada). In 1999, he was appointed U.S. representative of Tsubomi Seishin Kan Iaido Kai of Tokyo, Japan. He is a bronze medal winner of the Hachioji Iaido Taikai (Tokyo 2007), and 1st place winner of the Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation Iaido Taikai (Bellevue, WA 2008).

In 2006, after 30 years of daily effort to pierce the heart of Budo, Bannister Sensei experienced a tremendous epiphany in his practice: new levels of calmness and relaxation enabled him to throw even the strongest attackers. Bannister Sensei founded Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo to give expression to a new and unique method of training and to share profound insights into the nature of conflict and the essence of humanity.

With full support from his teachers in Japan, Bannister Sensei established a broad and deep curriculum – coordinating the study of Ki Development, Aikido, Aiki-Weapons and Iaido in a comprehensive program designed to provide students with all the tools necessary to achieve self-mastery through Budo.

Bannister maintains a daily training regimen of personal study in Ki Development, Aiki-Weapons, and Iaido. In addition, he leads classes at the Tsubomi Dojo, oversees branch programs, and is active in providing volunteer programs to schools, businesses, and community groups. A man on a mission, Bannister Sensei wants the world to experience the value of self-discipline, self-mastery, and the active means for peaceful reconciliation between people and nations as modeled by Budo martial arts.

He maintains strong friendships with martial arts instructors and organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan, and is active in the Japan- America Society and the Japanese Culture and Community Center of Western Washington.

“The pursuit of technique alone is in itself a technical dead end. True Budo martial arts should express a spirit of loving protection for all beings.
Tsubomi Dojo offers a new paradigm in conflict resolution, one in which personal empowerment need never come at another?s expense.

We wholly repudiate the notion that violence is ever a legitimate means to resolve conflict. First master yourself, then express your highest ideals by working to save others from the self-destructive consequences of aggression.”
Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Kaicho, Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo

Mon (crest) of the Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo. A lotus flower surrounds the kanji character for Ki, translated as internal spiritual power. Our name, Tsubomi Seishin Kan, means “Place of the Budding Flowers.” Our students are like flower buds, on the cusp of fully realizing their
potential.

The moniker was created by 20-time Kendo champion akakura Kyoshi from characters in his own name, and given to Yoshimoto Trent Sensei (Kendo Nannadan Kyoshi, Iaido Nannadan Renshi) when the latter founded his dojo in Tokyo. In 2006 ? in consultation with the Nakakura family ? Trent Sensei transmitted the name to us along with a beautiful kanban (wooden signboard) that hangs in our headquarters dojo.

Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo Basic Principles for Life

Create a Calm Center
Be Comfortably Relaxed
Practice Dependable Posture
Seek the Simplest Solution
Smile and Be Natural

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Aikido: A Gentle Art of Defense
In old Japan, travel was very difficult, so clans lived in villages where everyone was related to everyone else. Resort to weapons and violence to resolve conflicts was very undesirable: doing so caused blood-feuds within families. A need arose for a kind of technique that would minimize bloodshed, and restore harmony between enemies.

Aikido, the most modern martial art of Japan, was developed by Morihei Ueshiba in 1927 to give modern expression to a profound philosophy of non-violence. His new art represented a radical departure from the killing arts of old, as he believed that the deepest level of martial arts should express a spirit of loving protection for all beings.

Ueshiba redesigned older grappling techniques, developing an entirely new art that compromises an opponent?s posture and balance without causing injury. His fondest wish that this art be used to create bridges of friendship between all peoples and all nations. Aikido was recognizes our common humanity, and breaks down simplistic barriers that alienate one person – or one nation – from another.

Aikido practice begins with the careful examinations of the simple movements at the core of self-defense techniques. By testing one another in cooperative practice of exercises and techniques, we develop mind-body coordination and a calm self-confidence born of real martial arts ability. Emphasizing natural rhythm and relaxation to harness our full potential, Aikido techniques rely on dependable posture, redirection, and elegant timing to harmlessly render opponents incapable of further attacks.

Physical strength is not needed in Aikido training, and the practice is suited to all people regardless of size, age, or gender. Practices are gently aerobic, gradually ratcheting up to our ultimate self- defense goal: effective, non-violent response to simultaneous, multiple attackers. Aikido?s tools for self-mastery polish the mind, tune the body, and offer a new paradigm for personal and social harmony so needed in modern times.

Iaido: Japanese Swordsmanship

Release your inner Samurai! Modern Iaido sword arts combine non-combative forms practice with rigorous physical and intellectual discipline. The extraordinary technical requirements of this Japanese Swords art foster calmness, self-discipline, and profound insights into the nature of violent conflict. Iaido traces its roots back to the 1600?s when quick- draw swordsmanship was truly a matter of life and death.

Today the art’s beautiful movements are turned towards the larger purpose of character transformation and the creation of better world citizens. Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo enjoys the distinction of being the only authorized branch of a Japanese dojo outside of Japan. Affiliated with the Tsubomi Seishin Kan Iaido Kai of Tokyo, Japan, we make group trips there each September to participate in special training, rank promotion examinations, and competitions.

Iaido techniques are generally practiced solo, and the modern art comprises a non- combative martial discipline. Each waza consists minimally of four main components: the defining movement nukitsuke combines drawing and cutting in one smooth motion, while kiriotoshi is a final overhead cutting action. Zanshin, or continuous mind, is practiced through the technique?s conclusion.

Consisting of chiburi, a blood-shaking motion, and noto, or re-sheathing, the entire performance is intent on cultivating ki-ken- tai-ichi: spirit, sword, and body becoming one. When Iai is performed correctly, the practitioners complete character is revealed as raw material to be polished in the cultivation of our humanity. Nakakura Sensei brushed a piece of calligraphy that hangs in our dojo that reads Ken-Shin-Ichi-Jyo, Sword and Heart are One. This correctly and beautifully expresses our goal.

Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo
Basic Principles for Swordsmanship

Correct Footwork
Correct Grip
Correct Sword Motion
Correct Blade Angle
Correct Distance

Aiki-Ken / Aiki-Jo: Principles of Peace Applied to Sword and Staff
Every member of Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo is invited and encouraged to learn the powerful and beautiful forms of
Aikido’s weapons practices. Each rank is associated with a particular sword or staff kata that serves to reinforce the lessons provided by the student’s other technique studies. Ultimately, the realization dawns that the real enemy is not the attacker, but the myriad forms of violence lurking in our hearts. Only by diligent training can we overcome our aggressive instincts and discover the heart of Aikido, “The Art of Peace.”

Ki Development
All Tsubomi programs include Ki Meditation & Breathing and Ki Development Exercises in order to help students make their strongest natural state a dependable experience. When the mind and body are correctly unified tremendous power results which can be applied to any
challenge, whether it be a self-defense situation or simply meeting adversity in daily life. We also provide individual instruction in a rare art called Kiatsu Ryoho. Created by martial arts genius Koichi Tohei, this is a kind of Ki massage that aids the healing of soft tissue injury. Tsubomi Seishin Kan students are encouraged to study the arts of peace in addition to the arts of war!

A close observation of Nature is essential to
realizing our human potential and our place in the world.
Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Kaicho, Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo

Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo members are invited to discover other samurai arts that are important aspects of Bannister Sensei?s Budo practice. In fact, he ascribes his success in the martial arts to lessons discovered through appreciating rhythms in Nature. This “teacher’s teacher” regularly shares the essence of the arts with school children, community groups, and businesses, and is eager to show others how a close connection with the natural world leads us to discovery of our own potential for strength coupled with compassion.

3. What are the principles and concepts you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Banister Sensei often says that he has no special talent for martial arts beyond the fact that he enjoys self-discipline. By trying hard for a long time he has developed a high degree of skill, but he wants his students that real martial arts ability is freely available to anyone who will put in the effort to practice.

“There really are no secrets,” he says. “We show you everything right up front and invite you to try. If you like it, stay a long time and become strong like us!” This is the first lesson for new members of the Tsubomi Dojo: Bannister says “If I can, so can you.” He encourages students to commit to doing, rather than merely trying. Day by day, step by step, practice will always make us better.

Later lessons become more profound. Bannister Sensei, despite being at times quite ferocious, is in fact an avid pacifist. But his genuine desire for peace in the world is coupled with a practical, martial arts sensibility. ?It is both a privilege and an obligation of the strong to be kind.? He teaches how to develop extraordinary self-control, applies it to supremely effective technique, and finally ties all that ability to a profound philosophy of non-violence. Real courage, real integrity, requires Budo-ka to develop the utmost ability and then refrain from resorting to violence.

“Violence is inherently self- destructive, and an illegitimate means to resolve conflict,” Bannister says. “I want to make my students so strong that they have the ability to establish leadership in even the most combative situations. Then they can begin to work towards the creation mutually- beneficial solutions. It?s never easy, but I like a good challenge!”

The Gojo
Five Virtues of the Samurai
Jin – Benevolence
Gi – Righteousness
Rei – Propriety
Chi – Wisdom
Shin – Faithfulness

I want our students to reflect deeply on these ideals, and form an image of themselves as heroes. Five pleats in the front of the hakama represent these virtues; I think about them every day while dressing for practice. Real practice is like surfing: we ride the wave, fall off, get up again. I am not content to simply admire others? achievements from a distance. I want to become that which I most admire. This motivates my practice, and I want our students to feel the same fire in their bellies. Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Kaicho, Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

What do people think about when they think of Japan? Anime, electronics, pretty decent cars, sushi . . . But we feel that the single most important and influential export of Japan is not its excellent consumer products, but rather the social and civic movement of Budo that is currently sweeping the globe.

The modern martial arts of Japan advocate a profound philosophy embracing human rights and offer a much-needed, new paradigm of conflict resolution uniquely deserving of our attention. In contrast to the martial arts seen in books and movies, modern Budo are dedicated to principles of character development and non-violence.

Thanks to the Japanese government, numerous international arts & cultural organizations, and the efforts of countless individual artists and instructors world-wide, Budo martial arts are now practiced by millions and taught in virtually every nation on Earth. The world can learn much of value from Budo, and it begins with interested individuals dedicating themselves to exploration in this fertile field.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

Many years ago a martial arts teacher was asked this question and replied ?teaching people to tie their belts correctly!? But seriously, I?ve been actively teaching for 26 years and have pretty much encountered every difficulty imaginable. The easy stuff can be dealt with through further education, like the business of running a martial arts school.

Martial artists are qualified in their arts, but not necessarily in business. It took a long time before I figured out what worked for me. I found it difficult, for instance, to strike a balance between a professional need for income, and my desire to maintain the demanding standards of our arts. I have made a distinction between my personal practice -  in which I invite others to participate – and my expectations of students whose lives are complicated by competing demands from family and work. It’s important to keep our priorities straight: first family, then work, then dojo. I’m pretty lucky, since all three are combined in my life.

Another interesting aspect of my teaching career is how my body has held up – or not – over 40 years of intense training. I have had many injuries resulting from incorrect training, and have found physical limitations very informative as I develop a more logical and natural training system for our dojo. Some years ago I realized that long-term success in Budo required a new paradigm for practice, one based on intelligence, refined timing, and rhythmical movement suited to the human body.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Good question! I can offer four pieces of advice:

First, find a good teacher. Everyone must belong to someone, especially in the first 20 years. Judge a teacher not only by his technique, but also by his character, and the quality of the training experience. Observe the community: do the students and teachers treat each other with the respect and care every human being deserves ? Follow your gut: if it feels off to you, don?t hesitate. Politely move on and keep looking. Remember that some of the best teachers are not especially advanced, but they have a clear idea of where they are going, and are sincerely willing to help you. Treat your teacher with courtesy and respect, and expect the same in return.

Second, once you’ve decided on a particular teacher or school, commit to a sincere trial period of doing exactly what the teacher recommends. This means six to twelve months of putting your ego on the back burner. Be patient and diligent. At the conclusion of the trial period, reflect on your progress and direction, and ask if this method is taking you towards your personal vision of a great human being. Don?t be afraid to discuss this with your teachers. They have a vested interest in your success, and if they’re good, they’ll be willing and able to clarify what road will be of greatest help to you.

Third, and most importantly, be yourself and trust yourself. You are an important person, with hopes and dreams and aspirations that are just as valid as the next person. The goal of the martial arts should be to help each person realize their full potential. This does not require you to change your religion, or your race, or turn you into something you?re not and may never be. You do not have to become ’samurai’ or ‘go native.’ Appreciate your own culture in all its strengths and weaknesses, borrow what works and leave what doesn’t, and discover all that self-mastery can be for you and for your society.

Fourth, don’t quit! I don’t mean to say that you should perpetually stick to one school, one style, or one teacher. What I mean is that the road to self-mastery is long and challenging, but the rewards are fantastic for those who keep trying. Be diligent and patient, and walk the path daily. Ultimately, the result is up to you. A great teacher can get you pointed in the right direction, but you have to walk. Some day this may mean walking in a direction different from your teacher, but that’s actually desirable if you are going to fulfill your destiny as a unique individual and master martial artist.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

Aikido
Maruyama Shuji, Shihan Kokikai-Ryu Aikido. Student of Kiochi Tohei Sensei who eventually became deshi to Ueshiba Morihei Sensei, the founder of Aikido.

Iaido
Eura Kazunori, Iaido Hachidan Hanshi, All Japan Kendo Federation, Tokyo-To. Shihan of the Tachikawa Iaido Kai.

Yoshimoto Trent, Kendo Nannadan Kyoshi, Iaido Nannadan Renshi, All Japan Kendo
Federation, Tokyo-To. Kaicho of the Tsubomi Seishin Kan Iaido Kai, Tokyo, Japan.

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

We teach Eishin-Ryu Iaido, Judo, and Nihon Jujutsu. Eishin-Ryu Iaido comes to us through the late Yamaguchi Katsuo, Meijin 10th Dan, who traced his lineage back to Oe Masamichi, 17th Generation Headmaster. Our Judo and Nihon Jujutsu come from Sato Shizuya, Chief Director of Kokusai Budoin, who studied with Mifune Kyuzo and Ito Kazuo at the Kodokan both before and after World War II.

The Japanese Martial Arts Center was founded by Nicklaus Suino Sensei. He sought to create a dojo in which the best aspects of budo could be found, such as excellence in technique, a serious but joyful atmosphere in practice, and character development through long-term, concentrated training.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Understanding of technical principles, constant striving to improve, and a willingness to work with others to help them improve.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

Martial arts provide an environment where excellence and cooperation are encouraged. In many areas of life, politics, money, and social class make success difficult, but inside a good traditional dojo, one can work to better oneself, knowing that improvement is possible.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

There are challenging students and difficulties in operating a dojo, but the main obstacles as an instructor are keeping one’s enthusiasm and being open minded to improvement. We have found that when our instructors are able to learn new techniques and to meet with even more advanced martial artists, they continue to learn and remain enthusiastic.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Read everything you can get your hands on. Search far and wide for the best instructor in your area. Commit yourself fully to your chosen art form. Practice nearly every day. Never stop training.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

Born in 1960, Suino-Sensei began training in judo at the Ann Arbor YMCA in 1968. Beginning in 1979, he studied karate, aikido, and kung-fu at the Asian Martial Arts Studio, an Ann Arbor dojo where he was a member of the instructor’s training program and taught for a total of 10 years.

After earning his BA and MFA at the University of Michigan, Suino lived in Yokohama, Japan, between 1988 and 1992, where he studied judo, jujutsu (jujitsu), iaido (swordsmanship), and kyudo (archery). He studied iaido at the home dojo of the late Yamaguchi-Katsuo, one of the greatest of the WWII generation swordsmen. In 1989, he was appointed secretary to the Foreign Department of the International Martial Arts Federation, Tokyo HQ. He was four-time All-Tokyo forms champion in iaido at his rank level between 1989 and 1992, and
represented the Kanto region in the All-Japan tournament in Kyoto in 1992. He continues to visit Japan regularly, visiting and training with some of the world’s most respected instructors of aikido, iaido, judo, jujitsu, karate, and koryu bujutsu.

He is widely published in the martial arts, having sold over 50,000 copies of his books, including The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship, Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship, Arts of Strength, Arts of Serenity, and its revised version, Budo Mind and Body, and Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship. He is one of three primary directors of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association and a Michigan Regional Director for the US
branch of the International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF-Americas). He was director of ITAMA Dojo in East Lansing, Michigan, from 1993 until 2003. In 2006, he returned to Ann Arbor to open the Japanese Martial Arts Center, a traditional dojo offering classes in Jujutsu (jujitsu), judo, and iaido (art of drawing a samurai swords).

Suino Sensei has been called “one of North America’s foremost martial arts teachers.” His personal mission is to master the most profound aspects of Japanese heritage martial arts and pass them on to his students.

2. What forms of martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?
We teach Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate. Ed Parker is known as the founder of American Karate and opened the first commercial Karate School in the continental United States in 1954. American Kenpo Karate is a system of practical Self-Defense based on logic and common sense. The student learns to defend oneself while developing conditioning, physical coordination, and mental concentration. Kenpo employs a wide variety of strikes, blocks, kicks, punches, locks, chokes, and throws to subdue an attacker.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?
We teach the old school Martial Arts values such as respect, determination, discipline, honor and integrity. We are not a black belt factory! Each student must earn his or her rank through hard work, discipline and rigorous testing. All techniques are done live, on bodies, with realistic contact. Sparring is part of the curriculum, and as such is required on testing day as well. I believe that contact fixes most problems, so all techniques are done on bodies, not on the air. I believe competition is also good for the student and I compete both nationally and internationally. Competition allows the student to test themselves against martial artists of other styles from different schools.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?
I think it is important for everyone to study some type of martial art. There are so many different types of styles, and one should be able to find something that suits his/her goals. Some people want to learn how to defend themselves, some for sport or exercise or relaxation. Any reason to study a martial art is a good reason!

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?
The main difficulty I have found to be that most Americans want instant gratification. There is no substitute for repetition to build muscle memory. The only way to become proficient at anything is to do it over and over. I have found that if you find a way to disguise this repetition, then your students are less likely to get bored doing “the same old thing”.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?
If you are interested in pursuing your interest in the study of martial arts, I applaud you! The best advice I can give you is to check out as many schools in your area as possible. Most people won’t drive more than 5 minutes to a karate school; expand that to include schools that are farther, but could be better for you. The style is less important than the instructor; watch a few classes to see if you like the style of teaching and what is being taught. If a school won’t allow you to watch, what are they hiding?

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?
Head Instructor David Coppock began training in Kenpo in 1981 and received his First Degree Black Belt in 1985 under Dr. John LaTourette. Mr. Coppock since then has received his 2nd, 3rd 4th and 5th Degree Black Belts in Kenpo under Master John Sepulveda. He also gained considerable experience in tactical security and executive protection when he worked for Vance International. He has trained in corporate security, surveillance, threat assessment, riot control, armed and unarmed combat, tactical response force, and diplomatic security and has experience in those fields from the violent coal mine strikes of West Virginia and Kentucky to diplomatic protection details in the finest five
star hotels.

Martial Arts Experience (1982 to Present)

• Senior member of Board of Directors Colorado Karate Association
• Owner/Head Instructor American Kenpo Karate School – Colorado Springs 1996 -

Present

• Tournament Promoter Summer Festival Karate Championships 2001 – 2009
• Began Training in Kenpo Karate in 1981, received First Degree Black Belt in 1985 under Dr. John LaTourette.
• Promoted to 2nd Black in 1995 by Master John Sepulveda
• Promoted to 3rd Black in 1997 by Master John Sepulveda
• Promoted to 4th Black in 2000 by Master John Sepulveda
• Promoted to 5th Black in 2004 by Master John Sepulveda

Competition Background (1983 to Present)
Mr. Coppock is well known on the karate tournament circuit, both locally and nationally. He is a 27 time Colorado State Champion in Sparring and Forms, and currently the National Black Belt League World Champion in Sparring.

• NBL Sparring World Champion
• Member of Team Acura National Karate Team, NBL Competitor
• Golden Gate Nationals Sparring and Forms Champion
• Pacific Jewel Nationals Sparring and Forms Champion
• Kumite Classic Sparring and Forms Champion
• Boston IKC Sparring Champion
• Beach Battle Sparring and Forms Champion
• Houston Nationals. Sparing and Forms Champion
• Mexican Open Sparring and Forms Champion
• El Paso Nationals Sparring and Forms Champion
• Salt City Nationals Sparring and Forms Champion
• 2008 U.S. Open Sparring Champion
• Toronto Nationals Sparring and Forms Champion
• Guatemala Grand Jaguar Sparring and Forms Champion
• USA World Championships Sparring Champion
• 1998 CKA Official of the year

Makoto Dojo was founded by myself, Richard Ray, in 1994. Training in martial arts since 1972, I started teaching what I knew to friends and students in the early 1980’s. This began in backyards, parks and garages. Then moved on to rented space in martial arts schools and gyms.

In 1994, I decided to focus my attention on sharing the Japanese martial arts that I had been learning since 1980. I chose the name Makoto for my Dojo because I vowed to share what I knew with sincerity and to reflect my personal search for truth in its ultimate meaning. I have always believed that universal truth is being “taught” to us at every moment in every day experiences. Which is why I came up with our Dojo motto: “Truth through experience…”™

The Genbukan Dojo which is the Dojo of our Soke Tanemura Shoto was formed in 1984. Tanemura Soke has trained in martial arts since the age of 9. After 14 years of serving on the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force, he decided it was his life mission to share traditional Japanese ninja and Samurai lineages with the world and thus founded the Genbukan Dojo. More information about Tanemura Soke and the Genbukan Dojo can be found here: www.genbukan.org.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

At the Genbukan Makoto Dojo, we teach a wide variety of traditional Japanese martial arts traditions which include the following:

• Genbukan Ninpo Bugei
• Jujutsu i.e. Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Kukishin Ryu, Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Daito Ryu, Shinden Tatara Ryu etc…
• Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu
• Genbukan Bikenjutsu (secret Japanese swords techniques. Coming from Kukishin ryu, togakure ryu, ono-ha itto ryu, mugen shinto ryu etc…)
• Koryu Karate (Shinden Tatara Ryu, Kijin Chosui Ryu etc…)
• Goshinjutsu
• And even Chinese martial arts of Ba Qua, Chin na and chi gong

Modern applications of these ancient traditions are also stressed as well.

Beyond the physical Bumon martial gate, we teach the Shumon or spiritual gate, coming from the Amatsu Tatara lineage, which is basically the study of truth. Our lineages stretch back 2000 years, some of our youngest lineages are more than 300 years old…

The Genbukan curriculum comes mostly from the arts taught by a man named Takamatsu Toshitsugu, but also has influence from other teachers of Tanemura Soke, such as Nagao Sensei and his Mugen Shinto Ryu iai and Aiki Jutsu, and Sato Kinbei and his Chinese martial arts…

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

At the Genbukan Makoto Dojo, we strive to uphold and teach the Butoku or Samurai virtues as well as placing a strong concentration on Seishin Teki Kyoyo or spiritual refinement. From the very first lesson, rei-ho or etiquette is taught and stressed. Like Tanemura Soke always says, it is not how high you can kick or fast you can punch but it’s how deep you bow. Even when you take off your gi and leave the Dojo, people can tell you are a martial artist because of your manners.

In addition to the above, we strive to uphold as best we can the lineages and traditions so kindly shared with us through our teachers. We also place a solid emphasis on being able to use these traditions at a very high level and not just “play” with them. This includes the physical as well as the mental and spiritual aspects of our arts…

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

I firmly believe that under the proper instruction, martial arts can change people’s lives in dramatic ways all for the better. People are searching for something… wholeness, confidence, understanding, empowerment… I truly believe that martial arts can deliver on those fronts and more.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

The challenges to teaching martial arts are many…

How do you deal with the realities of owning a business and doing what you need to do to be successful without “selling out” or watering down what you do?

How do you deal with difficult students or parents?

How do you find time to keep up with your own training?

I can go on with many more, but all of these challenges are just that – challenges. But if you look deep within yourself and believe in what you are doing and then focus and do what you need to do, they all fall away… Each one then becomes a learning experience.

So how do I deal with difficulties and obstacles? I see them as learning experiences, I stay true to me inner vision and they cease to be a problem, they all become gifts…

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

First I would like to explain that traditional Japanese martial arts will require you to maybe shift the way you normally think and do things. In speaking to a Western audience, I know that we like to ask questions all the time, we want to know why, when, where, how, what if?

But the traditional way is to do, not to talk. If you trust your teacher, then do what he or she instructs you to do without a lot of questions. If you practice the kihon faithfully, many of your questions will be answered through the training itself!

When your teacher sees that you are ready, they will give you the kuden and then it will mean so much to you because you put in the time and hard work to understand it.

Another thing is patience. Traditional training will literally take you apart and then put you back together again and this takes time. What you will find out about yourself during that process will amaze you. It is very difficult, but amazingly powerful. Having been through the process, you will come to understand T.S. Elliot when he said: “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time” –T.S.Elliot

Look at your teacher, do you wish to move like them? Live like them? If so, listen to them and trust them, put your own ego aside and do the work. If not, find another teacher.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

Our Soke started training in martial arts since the age of 9 years old. He is the founder of the Genbukan World Ninpo Bugei Federation, the Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei and others. His official titles are Genbukan World Ninpo Bugei Federation, President Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei/Federation, and Executive Director.

Grandmaster Tanemura was born with the name Tsunehisa Tanemura on the 28th of August 1947, in the town of Matsubushi, which is located in Saitama prefecture, Japan. Tsunehisa was his given name, but later he took the name “Shoto” meaning the “Law of the Sword”.

He is the Soke or grandmaster of over 26 traditional martial lineages:

Mastered Ryu-Ha / Schools

• Hontai Yoshin Takagi Ryu Jujutsu – 18th Soke
• Hontai Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu – 18th Soke
• Gikan Ryu Koppo-Jutsu – 14th Soke
• Asayama Ichiden Ryu Taijutsu – 18th Soke
• Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin-Ryu – 18th Soke
• Amatsu Tatara Bumon & Shumon – 58th Soke
• Shinden Tatara Ryu Taijutsu – 55th Soke
• Shinden Kito Ryu Bojutsu – 55th Soke
• Bokuden Ryu Jujutsu – 15th Soke
• Itten Ryushin Chukai Ryu Jujutsu – 3rd Soke
• Chinese Martial Art Hakkesho – 5th Denjin
• Araki Shin Ryu – Menkyo Kaiden
• Yagyu Shingan Kacchu Yawara – Menkyo Kaiden
• Tenshin Koryu / Shindo Tenshin Ryu Kenpo – Menkyo Kaiden
• Kijin Chosui Ryu Daken-Taijutsu – Menkyo Kaiden
• Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu Yamamoto-Ha – Menkyo Kaiden
• Mugen Shinto Ryu Iai-Jutsu – Menkyo Kaiden
• Shinden Fudo Ryu Daken-Taijutsu Tanemura-Ha – Soke
• Shinden Fudo Ryu Taijutsu Tanemura-Ha – Soke
• Kukishinden Happo Biken-Jutsu Tanemura-Ha – Soke
• Togakure Ryu Ninpo Tanemura-Ha – Soke
• Gyokko Ryu Kosshi-Jutsu Tanemura-Ha – Soke
• Koto Ryu Koppo-Jutsu Tanemura-Ha – Soke

Trained / Studied Schools

• Iga Ryu Ninpo
• Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo
• Gyokushin Ryu Koppo-jutsu
• Tenjin Shinyo Ryu Ju-jutsu
• Yoshin Ryu Ju-jutsu
• Onoha Itto Ryu Ken-jutsu
• Shindo Munen Ryu Ken-jutsu
• Taiwado Ju-jutsu
• Shindo Muso Ryu Jo-jutsu
• Kageyama Ryu Ken-jutsu
• Kito Ryu Ju-jutsu
• Shin Kage Ryu
• Shikomizue Jutsu
• Takeda Ryu Aiki-no-jutsu
• Kendo
• Judo
• Karate
• Aikido
• Taikyoku-Ken
• Kei-i-Ken
• India Martial Arts

My direct teacher is Michael Coleman Kyoshi. He is Tanemura Soke’s longest training student in the United States and holds the highest rank in the United States as well. He has trained in martial arts since the early 1970’s and has spent over 20 years learning directly from Tanemura Soke in Japan as well as the United States and Europe. Coleman Sensei has taught all over the world and is highly respected for his skill and knowledge of our martial traditions. To find out more about Coleman Kyoshi please visit his website: www.futendojo.com.

I am the founder & chief instructor of our dojo, the Florida Jukido Jujitsu Academy (FJJA). I was prompted to establish our dojo from several different perspectives.

Firstly, there was a sense of obligation. The obligation was a welcome one and certainly a privilege – but certainly a sense of obligation. This sense of obligation is still one of my primary motivations for teaching these arts and expanding our organization. These arts and my sensei give me so much that there was really no way to repay what had been given. With this reality, there were only two things I felt I could do to genuinely repay the beautiful gift that had been given to me. One was to continue to be loyal to my sensei and continue to strive to become the best martial artist I could become, and secondly was to “pass forward” the arts to a new generation to the very best of my abilities. In lieu of being able to pay “back” what was given – I “pay it forward.”

Additionally, I was asked by my sensei, Shihan Paul Arel – the founder of our art – to head the effort for expanding our art and our organization into a region that didn’t have any exposure to our system. Given his confidence in me to build our art & organization from scratch in this region, it gave me the confidence to do what I wanted to do most – pass on the arts I love so much. At that point, I relocated to Palm Coast, Florida and established the Florida Jukido Jujitsu Academy as the regional headquarters & representative of our organization, the International Kokondo Association (IKA), and its honbu dojo (World HQ).

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

At the Florida Jukido Jujitsu Academy, we teach the traditional arts of Jukido Jujitsu & Kokondo Karate. We also compliment our training, at more advanced levels, with Kobudo or the use of traditional weapons – with the special focus on bo, jo, sai, and tonfa. Both Jukido Jujitsu & Kokondo Karate are jointly referred to as simply “Kokondo.” The International Kokondo Association (IKA) governs these arts worldwide. Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate are considered ‘sister’ arts within the IKA. Kokondo loosely translates to mean “The Way of the Past & Present.” This is to indicate that these arts draw from the lessons & principles of classical systems but apply them to modern day applications. As such we aren’t a “classical” school or koryu – but we are a school that follows the traditions and spirit of authentic Japanese martial arts.

Although we teach both of the Kokondo arts at our dojo, we focus more heavily on Jukido Jujitsu. Jukido is a Japanese style of Jujitsu founded by Shihan Paul Arel in 1959. It is traditional in the sense that Jukido’s techniques are drawn from many of the oldest Bugei ryu (martial arts styles/traditions), as well numerous modern Budo styles. Jukido is based extensively on Sanzyuryu Jujitsu. The techniques of Kokondo Karate, Aikijitsu, Kodokan Judo, other jujitsu styles, as well as traditional kobudo are also included in the Jukido formula.

From a purely technical perspective, Jukido Jujitsu falls into the “jutsu” category of traditional Japanese martial arts because the absolute effectiveness of techniques in realistic self-defense scenarios is considered to be far more important than how well a technique does under the rules and regulations of competition. In fact, in Kokondo techniques, effectiveness in sport is never even considered. The Jukido student learns self-defense from a “jutsu” perspective with appropriate response and absolute success as the goals. From a philosophical perspective, Jukido is unquestionably a martial arts system that is dedicated to the ideals of real budo.

As one can see, Kokondo is truly unique in that it is both budo and bujutsu. From a technical perspective, it is bujutsu, with the emphasis being on absolutely effective techniques for self-defense based on appropriate response. From a philosophical and dojo relations point of view, we lean on the budo perspective. Thus the name “Jukido Jujitsu” accurately reflects both “do” and “jutsu.” In Kokondo, we strive to practice bujutsu and live budo.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

At our dojo and within the IKA, we focus on an updated perspective on the samurai code of Bushido. We apply these ancient warrior concepts into the mode of modern society. The seven codes of Bushido are as follows:

• Politeness
• Veracity (truthfulness / accuracy in words & actions)
• Justice
• Benevolence
• Courage
• Loyalty
• Honor

The codes of Bushido are absolutely central to our journey as martial artists. These values are held in the highest esteem within our dojo. As a Sensei, it is my job to instill these virtues into our students as a method of balancing to learning martial arts techniques that can maim or harm. The application of these principles both in and out of the dojo are among the highest goals from the budo perspective of our art.

In our training, we also focus on “appropriate response.” From a self-defense point of view, this means utilizing an appropriate response to the situation we are facing. We also apply this to our daily lives by having a measured response to challenges that face us personally.

The simple concept of safety is a principle we stress heavily. Safety in training, safety for ourselves and of our partners. The idea is not about hurting others but rather Jukido is about learning how not to get hurt. Jigaro Kano Sensei (founder of Judo) summarized this idea well with his maxim “Jita Kyoei” – or mutual benefit & welfare.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

There are a variety of reasons why I believe it is important for one to engage in a serious study of martial arts. However, it is important to ensure that (1) the study of martial arts is serious, and (2) the learning is taking place in a school that values authenticity.

All too often, schools promote the idea of “character development” in training and the schools are filled with 7 year old black belts and training uniforms that look less like traditional training gi but more like NASCAR drivers. The potential benefits of martial arts training – physical or otherwise – will not be achieved at this type of school. Even qualities such as “confidence” and “self-esteem” are taken from these schools (even if not real martial arts abilities), it is not sufficient in my view. Mainly because this increased confidence isn’t based on veracity or a truthful base.

If, on the other hand, one studies a martial art that teaches both the values & techniques of authentic martial arts – then this increase in confidence or self-esteem is built in something real – the knowledge that one has the ability to take care of themselves and the internal strength to know when fighting isn’t necessary.

Given that one pursues a serious study of martial arts at a serious martial arts dojo – the benefits are immense! From self-defense proficiency to health benefits and character development.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

In attempting to build strong students both physically and intellectually, there are always challenges. Among the most difficult challenges that any long-term instructor faces is the loss of a student who has given years to training and to whom you have given years of instruction. It is never easy to lose a long-term student. Thankfully, these are few and far between. Nonetheless, overcoming them is a matter of vision. Having a long-term vision of what you want for your school, your organization, and your teachings – it gives you the clarity to know that moving forward is a must. There are those who are still there, thrusting for knowledge. One of those individuals may be the next great sensei of the upcoming generation.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

If I had to give any advice, it would be two-fold. First, know what your goals are before searching for a dojo. If your goal is self-defense, don’t be sold to a school that is teaching an Olympic sport. Understand what you are looking to achieve in martial arts and investigate from there. Don’t sign up to a dojo simply because it happens to be the closest to your home or gives the best sales pitch. Know what your goals are and begin your search. Once you find a dojo & sensei you feel comfortable with – commit to that sensei & dojo. Joining a dojo is not like joining a workout gym. One of the fundamental concepts of martial arts is trust & loyalty. Certainly, it is a two-way street – nonetheless, once you commit…seriously do so.

The second piece of advice ties into the first. It would be to approach the arts with a sincere heart. One often hears schools advertise that they build character or give children better grades. I think it is a fair question to ask “how exactly does learning how to kick someone or throw someone give me or my kids better grades or a better outlook on life…” The honest answer (veracity) is that it doesn’t. The act of punching, kicking, throwing, or swinging a weapon doesn’t do those things. Rather, the approach in which the student, sensei, and dojo take in learning the skills of martial arts can build these qualities.

It isn’t the punch that makes you better – it is the manner in which you approach learning the punch. The spirit of respect. The spirit of constantly trying to outdo yourself to become the best that you can. The spirit of looking for deeper lessons beyond the physical techniques. If one doesn’t approach the arts correctly – it can simply become a collection of fighting techniques. The approach one takes in learning techniques makes one a better person, not the techniques themselves.

Balance equals power. There must be a balance. The character development must be built on a foundation of real martial arts skills and real martial arts skills need to be approached correctly to build character. Without this balance you have a confident person who has false-belief in his abilities, or a person who can do serious harm but doesn’t learn the responsibility that comes with these skills. Unfortunately, both of these are common in today’s martial arts circles. Many commercialized schools don’t teach real skills. Other schools focus on “toughness” for the sake of competition, sometimes, extreme competition (cage fighting) – but as you see on TV, they have the ability to hurt but many don’t demonstrate the respectfulness & strength of character that are the hallmark of real martial arts.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

I have been blessed to have many authentic martial arts sensei to guide me. However, I’ll limit it to the two primary influences in my development.

My first and primary sensei, who recently passed away, is the founder of the Kokondo arts and the International Kokondo Association. During that time, Master Gregory P. Howard (7th dan) had been an important sensei in my development – second only in my development to Shihan Arel. Since his passing, Master Howard has become my primary sensei – he is also the Kaicho (head of association) and successor to the founder. Here is some brief history of both:

Shihan Paul Arel:

Shihan Arel served as the 1st International Director of the International Kokondo Association (IKA). He was the chief instructor of many IKA dojos during his nearly 60 year involvement in authentic martial arts. He began as an Instructor of Martial Arts in 1952. Shihan Arel continued training in traditional jujitsu exclusively until the mid ’50’s when he entered the United States Marine Corps. His leadership qualities and entering the Marine Corps as a black belt afforded Mr. Arel many advantages. For one, he was soon instructing Marines in unarmed and armed combat, including the most elite of the forces, certain Special Tactics Units, and various other Government entities.

Throughout the 1960’s while pursuing his study of jujitsu, Mr. Arel was also a private student of Mas Oyama and one of the first Branch Chiefs of Kyokushin Karate in the United States. Mr. Arel opened the first Karate school in Connecticut USA. In addition, Mr. Arel received principle training from Don Nagle and H. Ishikawa. His skills helped bring one of the first large scale shiais to North America. He has worked with, in one capacity or another, a great number of people familiar to most people who have been involved in Martial Arts for any period of time. They include Koichi Tohei, Gary Alexander, Peter Urban, Henry Cho, Daeshik Kim, Maung Gyi, K. Ueyno, H. Nishiyama and many more.

By the late 1960’s, Mr. Arel was recognized as the world’s leading authority on Jukido Jujitsu and was awarded the title of Shihan. His profound concern for the public’s well-being led him to blend his jujitsu experience with his training in Judo, Aikido and Karate into a dynamic and devastating system of self-defense. His skills helped bring one of the first large scale Shiais (traditional tournaments) to North America.

As time went on, Shihan Arel continued to perfect his art. Publicity led to numerous radio and television appearances, including the TONIGHT SHOW starring Johnny Carson. After working with Woody Allen and actress Barbara Nichols, Mr. Arel produced and was featured in the motion picture ART OF THE ANCIENTS. In 1998, he earned the rank of 10th Dan in Kokondo Karate and 10th Dan in Jukido Jujitsu. This achievement cemented the legacy of Shihan Paul Arel forever.

Kaicho Gregory Howard:

Kaicho Gregory Howard began his martial arts training as a child at the honbu dojo (world headquarters) of the International Kokondo Association (IKA) under its’ founder, Shihan Paul Arel (10th dan). Today, Kaicho Howard is the world’s leading authority on the authentic martial arts of Kokondo.

As the International Director, he is responsible for leading the IKA worldwide as well as maintaining the authenticity of both Kokondo arts. Kaicho Howard was promoted directly by Shihan Paul Arel to the rank of 7th dan in both Jukido Jujitsu & Kokondo Karate. He is currently the highest-ranking black belt in Kokondo.

The long martial arts history of Kaicho Howard began in 1972. The late Shihan Arel stated that Kaicho Howard as a child was a quiet but enormously dedicated student who desired to learn everything he could about Kokondo. Kaicho Howard’s passion for applying the powerful arts of jujitsu and karate for realistic self-defense has lead to a lifetime of study.

As a martial artist, Kaicho’s techniques are well known and difficult to forget. His encyclopedic knowledge of how to maximize the potential power of the human body is matched only by his knowledge of how to systemically control and fundamentally destroy that very same potential. Kaicho Howard is without question a master of the maxim Seiryoku Zen’yo (optimal use of energy).

The beginnings of Japan Karate Institute, Chiang Mai, were very happenstance.

Mike Spain learned karate in Kona, Hawaii, USA, under Roy Woodard at Nippon Kokusai Karate Center, which was an affiliated school of Kiyohisa Hirano’s Japan International Karate Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. When Sensei Roy moved to Alabama to take over the Southeast Region of JIKC, Mike became the Kona instructor.

In November, 2000, Mike moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to live. In searching for a Japanese karate school in Chiang Mai, Mike had no success. So he joined the Chiang Mai University Aikido Club. One day Mike noticed a young man teaching karate to another young man in the same area that the Aikido club was practicing. Approaching the young men and inquiring, he found that the young man teaching karate spoke English well. In further inquiry he found out that this man had been a high school exchange student to the USA. When the young high school student was in South Carolina, USA, he joined Dale Coker’s Japan Karate Institute, which is also an affiliated school of Japan International Karate Center. Mike offered to help the students since he was more advanced in the Japan International Karate Center organization, being a Nidan, or 2nd degree Black Belt in Japan International Karate Center karate.

After contacting Dale Coker, Mike found out that Sensei Dale would be visiting Thailand. To make a long story short, Mike began teaching karate in Chiang Mai under Dale Coker’s Japan Karate Institute in 2002.

In October of 2003, Mike tested and was awarded Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt) in the
Japan Karate Institute/Japan International Karate Center organization.

Realizing the relationship of Aikido’s movements and principles to what Mike learned under Roy Woodard, he embarked on a quest to learn more about Wado Ryu karate. Indeed, Kiyohisa Hirano was a student of Hironori Ohtsuka and in fact was part of the group, including Hironori Ohtsuka, Tatsuo Suzuki, and Yoshio Kawaguchi, which Walter Nishioka had arranged to visit Hawaii to demonstrate Wado Ryu karate in the early 1960’s.

In 2007, Mike visited Robbie Smith’s New Zealand Wadokai and practiced under the JKF-Wadokai vision of Wado karate. Fortunately, this was as a result of also attending Toby Threadgill’s Shindo Yoshin Ryu workshop which Robbie Smith was sponsoring in
Hamilton, New Zealand.

Later in 2007, Mike was fortunate in contacting Richard Mosdell who arranged for Mike to visit and practice at the Shiramizu Dojo of Sensei Takamasa Arakawa in Sugito, Japan.

In February, 2008, Mike returned to Shiramizu Dojo where Sensei Takamasa Arakawa, Richard Mosdell, and Lawrence Liang, along with all of Shiramizu Dojo, helped Mike prepare to challenge the JKF Wadokai Shodan examination in Tokyo. On March 2, 2008, Mike successfully challenged and passed the Shodan examination.

And now the quest and journey continues…… Japan Karate-do Federation Wado Kai karate at Japan Karate Institute, Chiang Mai.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

At Japan Karate Institute, Chiang Mai, we practice the style of karate known as Japan Karate-do Federation Wadokai, For short, JKF Wadokai karate.

As indicated by the name, this vision of Wado Ryu karate is recognized by the Japan Karate-do Federation as one of the four main traditional karate styles of Japan.

Wado Ryu karate was formulated by Hironori Otsuka. Mr. Otsuka was well versed in Shindo Yoshin Ryu jiujitsu when, in the early 1920’s he watched a performance of what became known as karate. This performance was led by Gichin Funakoshi, the person that formulated what became known as Shotokan karate.

By melding together techniques, ideas, and principles of Shindo Yoshin Ryu and Shotokan, Hironori Otsuka made his style of what became known as Wado Ryu Karate.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Class Ceremony : This is performed at the beginning and at the end of class.

Purpose of Seiza – Orderliness and humbleness to the mind and body.

Close eyes, mokuso. Purpose of mokuso -
(beginning of class) Warming up the mind for training hard.
(end of class) Warming down the mind after training hard.
(Open your eyes)

Purpose of JKI training – Not to conquer others, but to conquer the weaknesses within oneself.

We do this by following 5 Dojo Precepts:

1. Uphold the Principles of Propriety and Courtesy
2. Cultivate the Spirit of Effort
3. Perfect a Mind of Patience
4. Live the Way of Truth
5. Do Not Lose Self Control or Act in a Violent Manner

3 Basic Factors for Mental Strength

1. Seriousness
2. Try hard
3. Never give up

3 Basic Factors for Mental Attitude

1. Initiative
2. Responsibility
3. Pride

3 Basic Factors for Relationships With Others

1. Appreciation
2. Consideration
3. Unity

The class ceremony is very important to Japan Karate Institute training. Each person must overcome the weaknesses within themselves so that they may live a good and harmonious life for themselves and with other people. We must discipline our minds and bodies so that we can do what is necessary to accomplish these goals and all other goals in our lives. The teachings of the class ceremony will help guide us on the right path. The guidance of the words in the class ceremony are more important than any physical technique. Indeed, by following the thoughts of the class ceremony it will help in improving physical technique along with mental strength, attitude, and discipline.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

BENEFITS OF KARATE TRAINING

Discipline the Mind and the Body

Health – Promote and maintain strong bodies and minds

Physical :

• Body Fitness
• Weight Control
• Improve cardio vascular efficiency
• Flexibility
• Stamina
• Co-ordination
• Reflexes

Mentally

• Make strong minds
• Improve focus
• Learn self control
• Build a strong spirit
• Increase will power

Develop concentration
Learn to make good choices, and the conviction to say ‘no’ when offered bad choices

Self Esteem

• Increase self-awareness
• Build confidence
• Make a person with good character

Recreation – Sport

Self Defense

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

Teaching martial arts in Thailand has been difficult because I cannot speak Thai. I have benefitted by having Thai students that can speak English and help in translation.

6. What advise and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Anyone who wishes to pursue a Japanese form of martial art should do so. Do not have fear or doubts. Persevere and don’t give up.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

Michael Spain

1991 :  Started training in Nippon Kokusai Karate Center (JIKC) under Sensei Roy Woodard, Kona, Hawaii.

1992 : Assist Sensei Roy Woodard instructing at Nippon Kokusai Karate Center, Kona, Hawaii.

1993 : Earned Shodan in JIKC karate.

1993 : Instructor at Nippon Kokusai Karate Center, Kona, Hawaii

1996 : Earned Nidan in JIKC karate.

1997 : Chief Instructor, NKKC, Kailua-Kona when Sensei Roy Woodard moved to Alabama to takeover JIKC, Southeast.

2000 : Moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

2002 : Start teaching JIKC karate under Sensei Dale Coker’s Japan Karate Institute to students at Chiang Mai University (not affiliated with CMU)

2003 : Earned Sandan in JIKC/JKI karate.

1992 – 1996 : Nippon Kokusai Karate Center Academy of Instructors

1994 & 1995 : Coach for JIKC-Kona team to USA-AAU National Karate Championships.

2007 :  One week training at Robbie Smith’s New Zealand dojo and attend Toby Threadgill seminar.

2007 : Two week training with Takamasa Arakawa at his Shiramizu Dojo in Sugita, Saitama, Japan.

2008 : Trained with Takamasa Arakawa at Shiramizu Dojo in preparation for challenging the JKF Wadokai Shodan examination. Successfully passed and awarded JKF Wadokai Shodan certificate.

My name is Andy Brown, I’m a 53 year old male who lives on the west coast of Scotland. I’ve been practicing Shotokai karate with Kyle Karate Club and have reached the level of 1st Dan Black belt. Shotokai was developed by Sensei Mitsuzuke Harada and brought to the UK in the 60’s when he moved here.

Over the years since then there have been some splits within the original group which has left us independent. We still recognise Sensei as the developer of our style even if we no longer have the opportunity to practice with him.

I, like so many others, got interested in martial arts during the time of the Bruce Lee movies. I tried Kung Fu from books (nearly permanently damaged my knee – ALWAYS go to a club with a good instructor!), Aikido, Judo, Sport karate and finally Shotokai.

I’m not an aggressive person and found that I was regularly getting injured when sparring at sport karate so gave it up. It did however give me enough knowledge to know that it was some form of karate that I wanted to study. I looked around locally and finally found Kyle.
Shotokai karate is closer to the traditional karate taught by Gichin Funakoshi and puts emphasis on relaxation and gaining a rapport with your opponent. In this way, you can react to his/her attacks almost as soon as they start.

Because of this relaxation and timing you find you have plenty of time to avoid your attacker. We also practice sensing your opponent’s body condition and movement with light touch. When you combine this with the previous you find that it takes very little “assistance” to cause your opponent to lose balance. This is the essence of our practice.

Some of the higher grades (3rd Dan and above) can take this to extremes and actually stop you attacking them by seeming to attack you a fraction of a second before you move to attack them. I can assure anybody who doubts this that it is possible. I have personally experienced it on numerous occasions and can tell you that it is the most frustrating thing I’ve felt.

Although we practice full contact (we don’t touch and pull back as is done in sport karate) we spend a lot of time training to maintain a safe distance and get out of the way when an attach comes. Even if you are hit, it’s nothing like as hard as it would be if you were standing still. I have to say that incidents like that are few and far between in our club. There is an atmosphere of helpfulness instead of the competitiveness I’ve seen in other clubs. Yes, we practice hard and try to catch our opponents. In that way they will get better and in turn put pressure on us to improve.

When I started with Kyle many years ago I promised myself “When I stop enjoying this I’d stop practicing”. I think the fact that I’m still a member says it all …….