Author Archives: shioya574
A few thoughts on entering
Recently I had a much needed review session at the hombu. I have thousands of corrections to make, but what stuck with me the most was the importance of creating the opportunity to enter the opponent’s space in order to … Continue reading
The importance of weapons training
In my short time practicing Japanese arts, I have come to appreciate the importance of weapons training in relation to both preparing for various scenarios and for helping to deepen my understanding of the “empty hands” portion of Motoha Yoshin … Continue reading
Different Students, Different Styles
I’m very grateful that I’ve had the chance to train at the main dojo or “honbu” these past 2 years. It’s allowed me to see that while there are sometimes small differences, overall students around the world train martial arts … Continue reading
The Harmony of Japanese Budo
I’ve recently noticed and thought more about the harmony that is a part of Japanese culture. An example of this is when listening in Japanese, native speakers make various sounds to indicate that they are listening. Quite different from native … Continue reading
The end of summer, the arrival of Fall
Summer ended here with a bang. We had our athletic festival in the middle of September. It was nice weather thankfully, instead of the searing heat that I experienced the first two years I was here. We got rained out … Continue reading
Midsummer madness
Summer is now is full swing in Japan and the heat and humidity pack a double wallop of brain melting, insanity inducing weather. The students are less eager than ever to study and even the academic students would rather be … Continue reading
Houten Ryu Sword
After an intense and tiring morning of spear training, what better thing to do than train some more in the afternoon! I am not sure if I envy professional martial artists who train 6-7 days a week and twice a … Continue reading
The Spears of Hozoin
I must say, I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to live and train in Japan. It’s my firm belief that understanding the culture of a martial art is just as important as studying the art itself. I use … Continue reading
Living to work vs. working to live
I must say, one of the biggest differences I have noticed between Japan and America is the concept of work. In America most people work to live. We work to pay the bills, to have money for our interests, and … Continue reading
The challenge of self improvement through Budo
The more I read about traditional Japanese martial arts, the more I am impressed with the ideals they try to instill into practitioners. When I was younger I read an autobiography by Gichin Funakoshi that impressed me. It stated that … Continue reading
everlastingsakura 