Category Archives: Budo in Japan
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
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
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
Yagyu Village and Yagyu Kaido (Yagyu to Nara “highway”)
The past week was Golden Week, so of course everyone in Japan was on vacation at the same time. As usual the trains, roads, and hotels were jam packed. Luckily my friend had a great idea. “Lets hike the Yagyu … Continue reading
Centerline
The last class I went to I was surprised to hear the centerline being discussed. This is a concept that I had often heard in Chinese Martial Arts, but not in Japanese Martial Arts. The centerline is exactly how it … Continue reading
Infinite complexity in utterly simple looking movement
I have previously written about the fact that Jujitsu or Jujutsu can appear easy to mimic. Getting the correct movement down just right is a lifelong pursuit, one that has humbled me many times over my 20 years of martial … Continue reading
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