DNBK International Division

Noble Spirit of Butoku filled with joy and honor in Tenchi Dojo, Portugal (June, 2005)

In the majestic ambience of the City of Sintra, the Tenchi dojo founded by Hanshi Stobbaerts in 1978 became the official site of European Rensei Taikai of DNBK in Portugal. More than two hundred participants from 17 nations gathered in the most memorable exciting event in the European continent. It was truly impressive to witness the impeccable organizational coordination and fine program contents assembled by DNBK branch and DNBK ID and the Honbu. Every detailed planning, including the entire itinerary was well executed by so many wonderful volunteer workers of the Tenchi dojo.

On Friday, upon our arrival, Hanshi Stobbaerts invited DNBK ID officials to the special dinner function held in the Tenchi compound. It was an occasion of special quality which people will not forget. " Aiki Bisen no Mai", ballet of beautiful fan with Aiki spirit, was performed so gracefully and harmoniously by his students. Well synchronized Tai Sabaki and expressive Aiki-love truly moved the hearts of every attendant. Tree planting of Cherry blossom was also an important signature event where we cherished the bond of lasting friendship.

On Saturday, June 25, the DNBK ID conference took place in the Tivoli Hotel and Hanshi Kuwahara, VP of Honbu board of directors addressed the appreciation speech to all leaders. Hanshi Hamada delivered the vision statement and future projects for the next several years. In the afternoon, the official seminar was conducted at Tenchi's three dojo areas. Hanshi Stobbaerts and Hanshi Chalmagne from Belgium led the large Aikido section with their excellent skills and leadership. Kyoshi Edelman from the USA, Renshi Aroca from Chile, Renshi Burgermeister from Switzerland led the enthusiastic Karatedo section, and Kyoshi Ansell and Hanshi Tattersall from UK led the Iaido section along with Kendo groups. The seminar training offered the diverse dimension of DNBK traditional Budo and the participants earnestly delved into the ardent instruction provided by all leaders. During the course of seminar, the actual clinical testing of all Dan grade candidates was vigorously conducted. At the conclusion, outstanding instructor awards and service and leadership awards were presented by Hanshi Hamada.

On Sunday June 26, long awaiting Rensei Taikai in Portugal took place in the dignified manner in Tenchi where every participant showed their tremendous skills and disciplined and respectful decorum. Rensei means great cultivation of mind, body and spirit through Budo and it was truly befitted event where DNBK members demonstrated their passion, dedication, mutual respect and noble honors. Diversity of Ryu Ha is the inherent strength of DNBK and each stylistic characteristic based on martial disciplines showed the colorful uniqueness in the technical delivery. However, the central core of our tradition is based on spiritual quality that needs to be second to none. The participants of 17 nations displayed such noble tradition as élan of Bushido spirit and chivalry virtues of Butoku.

At the official beginning, Hanshi Hamada called to an order on behalf of Sosai Higashi Fushimi, Jigo. Hanshi Kuwahara and Hanshi Stobbaerts gave inspirational speeches for the occasion. Mayor Seara of the City of Sintra also gave warmest welcome speech. Melissa McDonald delivered the spirited Senshu-Sensee Pledge on behalf of all members. Then, Hanshi Hamada gave the Harai no Gi with his Ittoh Ryu Iaijutsu Kata to commemorate his special visit to Tenchi dojo. Then, Hanshi Kuwahara, Shike Kitano, Renshi Koshima gave their traditional Shinden Ryu Jiujutsu demonstration. Their demonstration was very impressive as to show the simplicity and practicality of Yawara dynamics. Hanshi Stobbaerts's Tenchi dojo gave the most spirited demonstration of high quality with all eighty or so members. Without a doubt, this presentation gave the most inspirational impact to all other international delegates. With puissant positive flow of energy, all other international demonstrations followed their lead of Tenchi's passionate drive for excellence. As a result they all were able to achieve outstanding efforts and attainments. The USA group led by Barry Edelman attempted to do their best of the Chishin Ryu Heiho and their demonstrations were completed with solid energy. To complete the auspicious Taikai, Osame no Gi was executed by Barry Edelman, Kim Baylor, Melissa McDonald, Laura Brown, and Herbert Aroca.

In addition to the disciplined display of Budo excellence in the Rensei Taikai, what equally impressed all of us was that of love and friendship and respect shown ardently by Tenchi dojo members led by Hanshi Stobbaerts, Joao Almeida, Raul Pinto and all other wonderful colleagues in Portugal.

It was an event true Budo spirit and their special celebration of special bond where caring inspiration brought forth the highest quality of DNBK camaraderie and consequently effected positively in the heart of everyone. Sintra has irresistible charm of medieval city, beautiful mountains forest and castle town of restored elegance. Mystic air and evanescent clouds gently moving in and out of the Atlantic Ocean, its untamed nature embraces the visitors with subtle magic of uncommon quality. Concurrently, the people of Tenchi dojo, Sintra, and the land of Portugal, all integrated soul moved our hearts in the very special way, which will be everlasting. European Rensei Taikai in Portugal was not only a very successful event filled with inspirational Ki and martial skills of classical Budo, but also it was one of the most unforgettable event where we shared the inner most feeling, joy of life and beauty of Ichigo Ichie, one moment and one chance.

Colorado and California Mission (July, 2005)

University of Colorado group led by Shihandai Zinnen celebrated 10th anniversary of Bushin Kan Dojo with great gusto and energy. San Francisco Budo Seminar was also conducted with great number of the youth participants from California State. Our Honbu team gave tremendous energies to the both events to ensure the optimal success.

I wish to express my hearty gratitude to Kim Baylor, Thor Torgersen, Mike Son and Suzan Nguyen, Mike Bloom and all his students, Leslie Roy, Kathy Wooldridge, Nick Karasek and Kelly Williams, and four top Elite Youth Teams, Melissa McDonald, Hollie Kumpaitis, Geneva Travis, and Mathew O'Hargan. Everyone gave his/her best spirit and skills to the auspicious events in the celebration of martial spirit. Especially it is noteworthy to mention the tremendous inner strength and courage of Erin Bloom and her family. Despite the tragic loss of her mother one week before the event and she lost both parents and uncle in one year, and yet she gave all she had to the demonstration of her skills and spirit to represent the Bushin Kan dojo of San Francisco together with her son Mathew, daughter Kennedy and Mike Bloom. It was an emotional moment where we all joined and dedicated the Kata together to celebrate life and spirit. Melissa McDonald's Harai no Gi in Chidori no Mai Chuden was outstandingly executed to signal the significance of the brilliance of the future and Osame no Gi was executed by Honbu Youth Teams and California Youth Teams sending the message of unity and strength of the next generation. Kim Baylor as a leader of this mission partook in all Heiho skills to demonstrate the unified and mature excellence out of diverse disciplines.

We saw dynamic enthusiasm and energies of the young power rising in all over the world as I sent the strong message to the entire DNBK association in the international divisions several years ago. My vision has been very simple and directly addressed to all instructors and leaders of all martial art schools in the 25 nations. That is to build the best youth division of classical Budo in each nation where they might make major and positive future differences in their chosen domain when they grow up as productive and powerful citizens and leaders. The true and real elitism in both martial spirit and scholastic attainments are the strong creed of the Butoku Virtues of Sword and Pen philosophy. We must do all we can to support and motivate this campaign to elevate the highest level of excellence in all young participants. It is strongly encouraged to draw forth the best talents and innate abilities of each young student and continually reinforce with greater enthusiasm and Ki energy to support their mission. It is already self-indicative of our international colleagues how powerfully they have been implementing this mission.

Especially under the leadership of Hanshi Nakada in Japan, they have made total commitment to get their youth division to face our American counterparts in the First World Youth Butoku Sai. He indicated to me the American youth team became their critical target to overcome and compete in the excellence of all Budo fields. This new movement promulgated by our charge is truly exciting that the international members are now more focusing upon the youth of the future who will shape the future world.

The Elite Youth Program in ODU will be instrumental in one way to support the campaign of building the excellence. However, each dojo can and must do all possible way to support this noble campaign. Without this effort, there will be no future of the world. It is now our spearheading policy to help cultivating both youth and adult training program concurrently. We hope to witness the rising true Elitism from the USA and truly become the unfaltering strong leaders someday in their chosen profession.

France Rensei Taikai in Chartres, France (June, 2006)

Under the energetic leadership of Kyoshi Dimayuga and Michael Auger and all his France DNBK, the commemorative Rensei Taikai took place in the beautiful castle town of Southern France. Over 85 outstanding Budo practitioners from France and supporting DNBK members from USA, UK, Israel, Armenia, Belgium, Switzerland, and Hungary partook in seven major Budo disciplines where DNBK International Division proudly presented.

Harai no Gi performed by Kim Baylor and Roger Payne set the tone of dignified procession and the demonstration of classical Budo disciplines were executed with ardent energy of all members. Candidates for new ranks and title were tested precisely if their skills were applicable to adaptation and realism beyond the sheer prescribed pattern drills they practice. In fact, all of us must undergo such testing in our mind, body and spirit for it provides us a chance of greater humility and revelation about our steadfast practice as a trainee of classical Budo.

Without a doubt, new members from Kyoshi Maroteaux and his Takeda Ryu Aikijujutsu group and Renshi Merckel's Shorin Ryu Karatedo group as well as Auger's Jujutsu members brought forth new energy to DNBK France. It was all about building the tour de force of new France DNBK.

What impressed all of us was more than the sheer beauty of the charming historical town but the warmth and respect they showed toward the tradition of DNBK and Japanese culture. Madam Dorange, Sport minister of the city of Chartres so graciously welcomed us in the majestic city hall with such grace and warm hearted feeling. France DNBK members welcomed us with open arms and great camaraderie. We cannot forget all the tireless and dedicated individuals who have worked behind the scene to ensure the success of this event. Mr. Yamada, cultural minister of the Japanese Embassy was so proud of the special occasion of celebration and cooperation shared by all international participants.

It was clearly evident that Shin Ki Tai Gi which we all shared on the mats and floor shall be remembered for many years to come as it was a strong testimonial of DNBK warriors in France. The way of the knight chivalry and Samurai Bushido tradition were beautifully synthesized with great sense of oneness in DNBK international family. The future of France DNBK will be much stronger with such pure spirit poured forth by everyone.

It is the symbolic energy of DNBK going beyond the apparent forms of Budo and pressing on toward future greatness we all can achieve together. Therefore, we only bid the brief farewell to all and meet again in Kyoto in the Third World Butoku Sai to be held in April 2008.

Belgium Butoku Sai (June, 2006)

With the concerted leadership and tremendous organizational coordination of Hanshi Chalmagne and Kyoshi Dimayuga and Kyoshi Ramaeckers, Renshi Mathar, Renshi Fraser, and all his energetic Belgium/France members, and Kyoshi Baylor, Kyoshi Stinger and King of US teams, the first Belgium Butoku Sai took place in the suburb of Brussels, Ganshoren Sport Hall. Over 330 outstanding Budo practitioners from 22 nations gathered here to demonstrate their best of skills and spirit in front of the Honbu delegation of Kyoto Japan. The Honbu of Japan comprised of Hanshi Nakada, Hanshi Kuwahara, Hanshi Kumai, Kyoshi Ochiai, Mr. Morisaki, Mr. Koshima, Mr. Kitano, Mr. Asano and Mr. Imoto gave their best spirited energy and outstanding skills in this coveted occasion to celebrate the spirit of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai.

Training seminars held in June 24 provided all participants with the greater opportunity to polish their fundamentals and receive the first hand lesson from the top instructors dispatched by Honbu. Budo disciplines in Kendo, Iaido, Jujutsu, Karatedo led by Honbu instructors showed the great insight on how simplicity of the basics must work in our training. Hanshi Kuwahara commented the importance of releasing the physical strength, so real efficiency in physical dynamics can be attained. Hanshi Nakada stressed the importance of steadfast mental attitude in training. It was an invaluable learning that we all must bear in mind there will be always something new to be discovered as long as our cup is empty and ready to absorb. The relevance of Shuko Kanshin, "returning to the past, defining the future through ancient wisdom," means more than calligraphic words. DNBK has had historically rich tradition in varieties of Budo disciplines. Beyond the apparent differences in styles and schools of Budo, one has to penetrate the truth of his own existence. It was for that reason this Budo seminar was purposeful serving all of our participants in their own ways.

The charming historical town of Ganshoren will be remembered in our hearts as we planted a symbolic cherry blossom tree in the early morning of Butoku Sai. Madam Mayor Carthe and Deputy Mayor Dewaels so graciously welcomed us with such grace and warm hearted feeling. Belgium DNBK members welcomed us with great enthusiasm and camaraderie from the time we arrived at the train station and airport. We cannot thank you enough to all the tireless and dedicated individuals who have worked so hard behind the scene to ensure the success of this event. Mr. Hakkaku, cultural minister of the Japanese Embassy was so pleased and proud of the special occasion of celebration and cooperation shared by all international participants and prestigious event of Butoku Sai. Message of King Albert II and Sosai Higashifushimi gave this event an occasion of extraordinary opportunity for all the Budo enthusiasts gathered from every corner of the globe.

It was clearly evident that Shin Ki Tai Gi which we all shared and inspired each other on the mats and floor shall be remembered for many years to come as it was a strong landmark achievement of DNBK warriors of DNBK ID. Each nation has unique cultural heritage of martial tradition. The way of the knight chivalry from all over the world and Samurai Bushido tradition were beautifully synthesized with great sense of oneness in DNBK international family. That must be the total uniqueness, which we can stress. We need to be striving toward preserving the classical forms as faithfully as possible as beneficiaries of such pure tradition, however it is far greater task and incumbent of us to see how such tradition shall be translated into greater cause of mankind.

At the ceremonial procession, special honors were bestowed to all participants who gave their heart and soul in this event where their skills and spirit were tested in their own right. We send true Congratulations to all participants who selflessly and tirelessly gave their energy. Giving pure energy whatever and whenever is what we all need to do continually and abundantly. So such energy of love for Budo will be the foundation of humanity that will permeate in the generational age beyond our lifetime.

It is the invigorated energy of DNBK International Division we found together in Brussels and now we need to go beyond the apparent forms of Budo and pressing on toward future greatness we all can achieve together. There will be no barriers between nations, no boundaries between schools and styles, no divisiveness between branches and sections and only the essence of Butoku should be the key to our long-lasting honor we must seek. Therefore, we only bid the brief farewell to all and meet again in Kyoto in the Third World Butoku Sai to be held in April 2008. I am very certain DNBK international family will rise again together very proudly, honorably and joyously.

Future Events sponsored by DNBKID and Honbu:

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