March 2010

       

This month is a special time for Kobukan Dojo. Matsumura Sensei is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Kobukan Dojo. Apart from members of Kobukan and various other Kobujodokai member dojos in Japan, there were Kobujodokai representatives to join the festivities from Paris, Marseilles, New York, Los Angeles, Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow.

There was a great deal of training. We had one day where we participated in stage demonstrations followed by a formal dinner party. We then returned to the dojo for further celebrating.

It was a great experience. I was happy to be a part of it.
           Happy Anniversary Kancho.

Harvey




January 2010

   

In January Harvey King traveled to Tokyo for training in Jodo. He spent 10 days at Kobukan Dojo. Training was in both Seitei and Koryu under the instruction of Matsumura Sensei and senior teachers.

During that time the 6th and 7th Dan examinations were held. Nearly 40 people participated in each level. The failure rate was, as usual, about 80%. The tests have been changed recently. Only Seitei is demonstrated. You can no longer pick your partner. It is now decided by age and most likely you test with someone outside your dojo. I withhold comment on the wisdom of this arrangement.

Harvey witnessed a ceremony at Kobukan Dojo. First those students who were to begin the practice of Koryu pledged an oath to uphold the teachings exactly as they are, and have from the beginning, been taught. A second ceremony was performed where Uebayashi San, student of Ota Sensei, was awarded Shomokuroku by Matsumura Sensei. It was an honor to witness this.

I look forward to March and the 35th anniversay celebration at Kobukan Dojo.




March 2009



This March, several members from the U.S. Kobujodokai came to Tokyo for training at Kobukan Dojo. Harvey came from the New York group and Yoshimasa Kobayashi came from our group in the Los Angeles area. Corinne had arrived a week earlier from Marseilles France for some spring training as well.

Much was covered in Koryu training. Mr. Kobayashi had to train mostly in Seitei as he was training to take the shinsa on March 22nd at the Tokyo Budokan. Mr. Kobayashi took his Godan examination. Over the last few years the examinations have become stricter and more difficult to pass. Mr. Kobayashi did very well and earned his fifth dan rank. Congratulations, Kobayashi San!




October 2008



On October 17th six members of U.S. Kobujodokai arrived in Tokyo for Jodo training. Harvey and Olivier came to Japan for training. Bijan, Kaleeq, Josh, and Liz came to train and to take the Shodan examination.The group was well received at Kobukan Dojo. Matsumura Sensei was very helpful showing the students their weak points and enabling them to correct their mistakes. Other instructors and students were also very helpful. Corinne Sensei came from Shinfukan Dojo in Marseille France. She took a great deal of time working with our students. Sasha was there from the Russian Kobujodokai to take his Shodan test as well. Mikhail is from the Russian Kobujodokai originally but now lives in Japan and trains regularly in Kobukan Dojo. He was helpful to Sasha and to the American students.

The test was on the 25th of October. All the American students and Sasha tested very well. A hearty congratulations to all.

A special thanks to Matsumura Sensei, Corinne Sensei and and all of the Kobukan Dojo instructors and students.






July 2008



On July 5th Shinfukan Dojo based in Marseille, France kicked off their annual Jodo seminar. It was five days of training in Boulouris in the South of France. Training every morning and afternoon consisted of Seiteigata and Kihon. Emphasis was placed on options for both jo and ken in various situations during kata.

Classes were taught by Daniel Chabaud and Corinne Marie dit Moisson, both holding 7th Dan rank in Jodo. Harvey and Olivier came from New York to participate. There were small groups from Poland and Spain and, of course, a large group from various parts of France.

We stayed and practiced at the CREPS Sports Center. Their cafeteria is renowned for their seafood.

We all had a good time. I hope we can come back next year








October 2007



October was a busy month. Harvey and Tony left for Tokyo from New York. Steve came out from L.A. to join them. Corinne had come from Marseille to join in the training at Kobukan Dojo.

Among the old and familiar faces was Scott, an American training directly at Kobukan Dojo. He had moved away from Tokyo but recently returned. It was a pleasure seeing him again.

Training as always was rigorous. Kancho and the senior instructors all were very helpful.

Tony tested for his sandan and Scott for yondan. Both did well. A hearty congratulations from all of us here at Kobujodokai U.S.A.




July 2007



Steve and Olivier attended the annual Shinfukan Dojo summer seminar in Boulouris from July 14th to July 19th. Daniel Chabaud Sensei and Corinne Marie dit Moisson Sensei taught an excellent seminar, with a focus not only on the correct form of the seiteigata, but also on the correct intention of shi and uchi during the kata. In addition, Steve and Olivier practiced koryu with the senior members of Shinfukan Dojo.

It was good to see the seminar continues to grow, with about 50 participants in attendance.

After training, everyone enjoyed afternoons at the beach, a few games of "pétanque", an evening of karaoke, and the delicious local ice cream (especially Steve’s favorite, "le colonel").

They had a great time and look forward to attending again next year. Thank you Shinfukan for inviting us!






March 2007

Two students, Steve and Olivier, visited Japan to train at Kobukan Dojo. They attended all the regular classes, as well as several special training sessions. Matsumura Sensei and the senior members of the dojo were very generous in providing detailed instructions and corrections. They were also able to train with many members of the dojo in both koryu and seiteigata. It was an excellent training experience and Steve and Olivier will work hard to assimilate the many corrections they received.

After training everyone enjoyed dinner and good times with Matsumura Sensei and the members of the dojo. It’s always a pleasure to visit with everyone after training.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the home of Nishikawa Sensei. Nishikawa Sensei and his wife graciously hosted Steve and Olivier, treating them to a fine meal and memorable evening.

They didn’t have much time for sightseeing during this trip, but did manage to do some shopping at the ever-popular Tokyu Hands and Kinokuniya.

It was great fun to visit and train with their friends at Kobukan Dojo and they look forward to returning soon.



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