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August 6, 2011 Canada WYBS and CBS
In all DNBK events, main thrusts of objectives are focused on the celebration of human life and spirit through Budo. Greater the challenge in that process, the better on the outcome of the impact shared. Higher the number and quality of participants, greater the reaching out is done for the best interest of everyone. Noble warriors of the past and today had to stand tall to be ready for the brilliant future to be ensured. The 2011 Canada WYBS and CBS were launched with such strong mind-set of high spirit and expectation that could change the history of Canada Shibu and DNBK ID for years to come. Humble and dedicated warriors of DNBK ID were ready to serve for such nobility with strong commitment. In the beautiful and pristine historic city of Kingston, DNBK members across the world gathered for one week to celebrate the spirit of Budo fellowship and friendship with tremendous gusto of energy and joy. Canada's first capitol of renowned city is filled with rich cultural heritage and the warmth of people welcomed heartily all DNBK members at the distinguished Queens University. The entire project of this noble mission was a result of concerted efforts and dedication of the entire Canada Shibu led by Hanshi-Ho Tallack and his able and disciplined teams across the vast continent. Hanshi-Ho Diliberto and his teams in Toronto region also were very instrumental in meeting the needs at the airport arrival. Incontrovertibly, amongst all elements of DNBK Canada Shibu leadership and division of assigned labors and committees, it took great patience and careful planning and delivery for the last 18 months to ensure the success of this grand event and opportunity. Renshi Arnorth as a key point person in Canada and Kyoshi Baylor of DNBK ID meticulously and tirelessly worked together in coordinating the various segments of the required details. Without saying, many unsung heroes worked very hard behind the scenes to help the cause. They all had to constantly adjust to the varying needs at the last minuets and maintained the smooth readiness throughout the itinerary. The optimal success of this project was attributed to such fine partnership and working relationship with care and respect, discipline and humility, and honor and pride. Self-less serving for the best of the entire groups was the key motivational factor. Honbu Kyoto with sixty three delegations praised the entire venue executed during their stay. Tree planting ceremony of fifty Yoshino cherry blossom trees at Lion's Civic Garden was very heart-moving and joyful occasion for all participants. Mayor Gerretsen was so gracious to host this significant ceremony that the young and old of several hundreds people from more than thirteen nations absolutely enjoyed the irreplaceable opportunity in the beautiful park. They planted more than the beautiful trees, but planted their promised future with great dreams to be attained as these trees will grow and flourish. Sakura trees as the eternal symbol of Japan shall witness such enduring and patient growth of the people and the nature with the finest beauty and grace. International Peace Award was presented to Hanshi Kuwahara and Hanshi Nakada as well as International Dedication Award by the city to Mrs. Tsumori. Then, Hanshi Kuwahara presented the pure silver Kabuto of ancient warrior, Lord Kusunoki Masashige of 1331 who was considered as Japan's illustrious warrior Samurai representing the highest virtue of loyalty and bravery. Military pageantry at Ft. Henry procession was another important cultural experience to the participants whilst the sense of honors were greatly felt and exchanged when Hanshi Kuwahara presented a gift of Kabuto to the drum major of the traditional elite corps. It was very touching to Honbu members when the official of Ft. Henry declared the moment of silent prayer for the victims of Japan Tsunami disaster. Their military drill presentations were very impressive and showed much pride in their historical traditions in Canada. Nature tour of the following day was also very enjoyable while they had a unique chance to meet aboriginal people of Canada. Home stay was one of the most important highlights for the Japanese youth members of 48 delegations, 10 to 15 years old and they were met with loving hospitality and warmth of Canada family. It was the sincere desire and hope of the Japanese family that their children would be so fortunate to meet the Canadian family and experience their way of life and thus their appreciation was truly beyond their words of gratitude. On Friday morning, the young students of Canada, US, France, UK, and Japan joined in their youth cultural exchange activities by sharing their specialties at ARC of the university, world class gym facility of Queens University. Japan offered traditional folk dance, while US put everyone in the popular dance mode, Canada likewise with lots of energetic motions in music and dance, UK with Rugby game, and concluded with small gift exchange. Their fun and games certainly promoted the sense of strong oneness as youthful brothers and sisters of DNBK family. Afterwards, swift rehearsal on orders of the WYBS was conducted to point out the planning of execution. In the PM, the Second World Youth Butoku Sai was finally set forth with a great sense of anticipation where each dojo delegation was put to test their well-prepared skills, will and determination. All participants showed great effort and dedication without fail. Some were more prepared than others varying degrees of skills prowess. However, all members were inspired by such encouraging cheers on their great effort showing the pride of their dojos and countries. Youth divisions demonstrated their best skills in Karatedo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Iaido, and Kendo. Japan led by Hanshi Nakada and Kyoshi, Morisaki, Hanshi Kurumaji and Hanshi Kitano, while Canada teams were led by Hanshi Ho Tallack and his team leaders, UK by Kyoshi Payne, US by Hanshi Shockey and Kyoshi Baylor and her fellow dojo leaders, US and France combined team led by Bruce Myers, all teams showed very strong skills and spirit. At the recognition ceremony, all international delegations were honored and accordingly, they mutually shared their hard work and praised their effort. At the end, official assessment critiques were given by Honbu and they stated nothing but very positive impressions on the youth performances. DNBK stresses far more importance in enduring life-long journey in keeping the Budo Keiko rather than a mere accomplishment in one event. Youth members at this event realized their continuing future would be far brighter as long as they will persist in the path of training in never-ending future. On the next day of the itinerary, after seeing the energetic demonstrations of the youth, Canada Butoku Sai mainly for adults was conducted just as vigorously with high discipline and spirit. Before the Taikai, Budo Koshukai seminar offered an opportunity of fine learning in Sojutsu, Karatedo, Iaido, and Jujutsu. Hanshi Nakada taught Sojutsu skills, while Hanshi Shimabukuro, Kyoshi Long, Renshi Imoto instructed Iaido, Musojikiden Eishin Ryu, and Karatedo was instructed by Kyoshi Morisaki, Hanshi Kurumaji, Hanshi Shockey, Hanshi-Ho Tallack, Kyoshi Diliberto, Kyoshi Blanchett, Kyoshi Burgermeister, Kyoshi Mark, Kyoshi Riley and Jujutsu was instructed by Hanshi Kitano, where all instructions were simultaneously orchestrated in the large and efficient gymnasium. CBS was an excellent platform of Canada teams and the fellow DNBK ID members where they gave their best skills and spirit to share mutual Budo inspirations. This was also a wonderful opportunity where the family members such as son-father, daughter-mother, brothers, and so on were afforded to participate in joint performance in all fields. This Taikai showed great pride in their skills and traditions, and without a doubt, the Honbu witnessed the fine and serious commitment of all DNBK international members in their own domain of Budo disciplines. Harai no Gi was executed gracefully by Renshi Imoto and Hono Enbu was honorably offered by Hanshi Kurumaji, Hanshi Nakada and Kyoshi Hiroo Nakada and Osame no Gi was harmoniously presented by Hanshi Shimabukuro and Kyoshi Morisaki. Long-standing Budo traditions of DNBK are based on the depth and reverence of Kata which each Ryu-Ha schools have preserved as their legacies. They demonstrated such traditions with high sense of honor and respect. At recognition ceremony, an official assessment was given by Honbu and indicated the harmonious strength and high caliber Budo skills demonstrated in this event. With tremendous gratitude and appreciation for all participants, Banzai finishing echoed through the finest facility of ARC to conclude the memorable and luminous Taikai of WYBS and CBS in Canada. Following the event of Taikai, most enjoyable and heart-warming reception was held in the splendid campus facility. All participants shared a moment of another wonderful opportunity for extending mutual feeling of cheers and joys during the entire week long itinerary. Fine dining and friendly fellowships warmed everyone's heart and brought forth the satisfaction of mutual accomplishments. Honbu and Hanshi Kuwahara presented the special gift of Kabuto, Samurai helmet to Hanshi-Ho Tallack and all hard working leaders of Canada and also expressed their deep appreciation to all host families who gave lovely and caring hospitality for the Japanese youth. Youth of all nations especially developed the fine camaraderie and friendship of a lifetime and thus very hard for them to bid a farewell. By saying to all, simply thank you in heart and action to each other, the night of exceptionally joyous occasion was completed. As a customary tradition, official diploma presentation ceremony was conducted with tradition and dignity by Honbu DNBK ID and the honors and designations were bestowed accordingly. On the following final stay of Canada, Honbu and US members escorted by Canada team went to Niagara Falls tour and enjoyed the finest natural wonders of the world. Their departure from Canada on August 1 came too soon to many, but their carefree smiles were indicative of their radiant satisfaction and joy for coming to this beautiful nation and meeting the wonderful people of Canada. In reflective thoughts, WYBS and CBS were not meant to be ordinary Budo events, but rather a great opportunity to unite all generations of Budo trainees for appreciating the past and present and aspiring spirit for the future. Youths are constantly inspired by the adults, and adults are eagerly motivated by the youths. In Budo pursuits, and or in any artistic endeavors, beyond generational differentiation, human mind and body are incessantly challenged to face their own self-transformations through the process of such rigors. Nothing shall be standing still as long as constant learning is taking place in their path. The vision of DNBK ID was set forth for the best interest of member's constant drive toward greater positive change and self-transformation through Budo. Such noble objectives were shared through pure-hearted efforts given by all participants regardless the conditions. Canada WYBS and CBS remains forever in people's heart and soul that it was the beauty and spirit of human mind and dedication that produced the lasting confidence in the bright and shinning future of all generations. Gassho, Tesshin Hamada © Copyright 2004-2011 DNBK - All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from Honbu Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, USA and International Division |