Tokushikai Inside Look: Recent Episodes
Patrick Suen
The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
In this episode, Andy Watson and I continue our conversation around "Control & Calibration" (C&C) theory for approaching Iaido practice. To learn more, go to the Ryoshinkan website: https://www.ryoshinkan.org/cc
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Markus Frey is from Helsinki, Finland, and has been training for over 30 years. He holds the rank of Kyoshi 7-Dan, was a member of the Finnish National Team as participant and coach, and is currently preparing for the 8-Dan test when the pandemic has sufficiently reduced to allow for travel to Japan.
In this fascinating conversation, we speak about his start in Kendo, the similarities in mindset and reinforcing benefits of budo and other creative/professional practices.
We speak about international travel, the global community, and transitioning into a leadership role.
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This Podcast is a volunteer effort sustained through community support.
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Monia is from Bologna, Italy and has been practicing for over 11 years. She holds the rank of 4-Dan in Iaido and 3-Dan in Jodo.
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Juandiego Fonseca Quito, Ecuador and has been training for over 16 years, during which time he studied and lived in Japan for 6 years, where he participated in a Kendo World Cup, and worked on a series of Budo documentary films.
Juandiego holds the rank of 3dan in Kendo and 4dan in Kyudo, and is the founding director of the Ecuadorian Kyudo Association.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore Juandiego’s journey in budo, ripe with ups and downs, including his involvement in several Empty Mind Films projects, and the days in Sendai during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.
Looking towards the future, we talk about ways of improving communication in Budo, and how Juandiego is approaching the subject of making Budo content be more accessible for people all over the world, regardless of their mother language and where they practice Budo.
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Juandiego Fonseca Quito, Ecuador and has been training for over 16 years, during which time he studied and lived in Japan for 6 years, where he participated in a Kendo World Cup, and worked on a series of Budo documentary films.
Juandiego holds the rank of 3dan in Kendo and 4dan in Kyudo, and is the founding director of the Ecuadorian Kyudo Association.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore Juandiego’s journey in budo, ripe with ups and downs, including his involvement in several Empty Mind Films projects, and the days in Sendai during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.
Looking towards the future, we talk about ways of improving communication in Budo, and how Juandiego is approaching the subject of making Budo content be more accessible for people all over the world, regardless of their mother language and where they practice Budo.
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This Podcast is a volunteer effort sustained through community support.
You can keep it going by:
💪 Sponsor this podcast → https://www.patreon.com/tokushikaicanada
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Café Geiko is an interview program developed by Santiago and Kendo Uniandes as a space to meet and connect with the international kendo community.
The project started at the beginning of the pandemic with a single test season of 6 episodes, and through hard work of the organizers and the generosity of the guests, is now in the midst of its 6th season.
In this stimulating conversation, we talk about the similarities and differences in how we approach our interview shows, and share some of the behind the scenes work that goes into make these possible.
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This Podcast is a volunteer effort sustained through community support.
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Kostyantyn Stryzhychenko is from Kharkiv, Ukraine, and has been training for over 20 years, and has been the President of the Ukrainian Kendo Federation since 2008.
Kostyantyn holds the ranks of 5-Dan in Kendo and 2-Dan in Naginata, and is a Professor at the University of Customs and Finance
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about his start in Kendo, and the experiences and lessons he’s gained from practice and relationships over the years.
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This Podcast is a volunteer effort sustained through community support.
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Tim Macmillan is originally from England, and now living in La Honda, California, USA. He holds the rank of 5-dan in Kyudo, and is the Vice President of the Redwood Kyudojo.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about starting Kyudo in the UK then moving to Japan on a whim. Tim takes us on a bit of a behind the scenes look at the training of Yabusame and Ogasawara Ryu, and how to overcome a near debilitating medical condition to regain a high level in budo.
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Sean “Hiro” Ow Yong is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and has been training for over 7 years.
Hiro Ow Yong holds the rank of 2nd Dan and was accepted into the special budo program at the International Budo University in 2019; one of few who participated over the age of 30.
Due to the COVID pandemic accommodations had to be made, and in this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about his experiences in both Malaysia and Japan.
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This Podcast is a volunteer effort sustained through community support.
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Douglas Tong is from Orangeville, Canada, and has been teaching kenjutsu since returning from Japan in 1994 at Tokumeikan.
He now continues his studies under Mutoh Sensei’s successor, Master Yasushi Kajitsuka, the 11th soke of Yagyu Shingan Ryu Taijutsu (Edo-Line) and 3rd shihan of the Ohtsubo Branch of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu.
In his professional life, Mr. Tong has a Master’s Degree in Education. He taught overseas for many years in Japan. When he returned to Canada, he was employed as a lecturer and course instructor in the Department of Applied Linguistics at Brock University. He is currently a public schoolteacher with the Peel District School Board, the second largest school board in Canada. All in all, he has 30+ years teaching experience (20 years in public school teaching, 5 years at Brock University, and 5 years overseas).
An experienced Master Teacher, Mr. Tong has served for years as an Associate Teacher (mentor) for many Teacher-Candidates (interns), mentoring and instructing young teachers who are just entering the profession. Mr. Tong is also dedicated to making a difference in the schools that he works in, serving in various administrative committees to do with staffing, culture and climate, and leadership. He is furthermore dedicated to improving the lives of the teachers he works with. Serving as Union Steward at his school, he safeguards the rights of, mediates for, and counsels teachers. Finally, Mr. Tong is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers in good standing.
Mr. Tong is the leader of the official study group (keiko-kai) for the Ohtsubo Branch in Canada under Master Kajitsuka.
In his' words:
“Kenjutsu (Japanese sword-fighting) is endlessly fascinating. Whether you are fighting with two swords, have only a short sword, fighting against a naginata or a spear, dueling sword versus sword, or even trying to survive when you have only your bare hands against an opponent wielding a sword (“muto” – the famous theory of No-Sword), there is always something to learn: about the weapon, the tactics, the psychological mindset, the style’s particular approach, or even about yourself. These moments of realization, these sudden epiphanies. That is the real beauty of the art.”
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This Podcast is a volunteer effort sustained through community support.
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Esteban Hernandez Estrada is from Medellin City, Colombia, and oversees Ken Zen Dojo Colombia.
He has Kendo 5-Dan and Iaido 3-Dan and is a graduate of the International Budo University where he learned many
life lessons.
Esteban has so many amazing stories to share, that this interview had to be conducted in two parts. In this episode,
we discuss starting Kendo in most dangerous city in the world, connecting with Ken Zen Dojo in New York City,
going to the US and facing the Columbian Stereotype, Hosting the CLAK Championships and convincing Jaica to
allow Japanese citizens to help, and how difficult it is to find a partner that understands and is ok with the “Kendo
baka”
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Kenneth Morgan is from Toronto, Canada, has been living in China for the past 6-years, and has been practicing for over two decades.
He holds the rank of Jodo 5-Dan and Iaido 4-Dan, and assists instruction at a CKOU dojo in Beijing.
In this wide-ranging conversation we dive into the discipline and technical benefits of lifting, and about travelling the world and continuing budo practice in areas of varying maturity. This was a fascinating exploration of differences in cultures, government structures, and the need for patience and resilience in continuing a practice that you love.
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Otsuka Ryunosuke is from Munich, Germany, and has been training for over 13 years, during which time he became the 7th generation soke of the Hokushin Itto-ryu Hyoho.
Ryunosuke holds the rank of Dai-Mokuroku (Menkyo-Kaiden) of Hokushin Itto-ryu Hyoho, and in this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about starting down the koryu path, earning his place in the school through many obstacles, and the meaning of family.
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Eddy Devisse is originally from Montreal, Canada, and now living in Trinidad & Tobago.
Eddy has been training for over 30 years, during which time he’s competed and trained in over 10 countries before landing in T&T and establishing the Shoshin Kendo Dojo, and founding the Kendo Federation of Trinidad & Tobago.
He holds the rank of Kendo 5-Dan.
In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about his history in Kendo, moving to Japan and then USA, and about teaching and building an organization from scratch.
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Robert Stroud is from Boise, Idaho, USA, and has been training for over 40 years, during which time he’s been a board member of the All United States Kendo Federation and the Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation, the latter of which he held the position of Committee Chairman.
He’s also taken positions as the Coach of the Mexican Kendo National Team, and head instructor of the Obukan Kendo Club in Portland, Oregon, and now with the Idaho Kendo Club.
Stroud Sensei holds the rank of Kyoshi 7-Dan in Kendo, and more recently earned Renshi 6-Dan in Iaido.
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Sergio is originally from the Netherlands, now living in Aruba. He has been training for over 30 years and holds the rank of Renshi 7-Dan in Kendo.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talked about Caribbean vs Dutch vs East Asian culture, Kendo Competition vs Philosophy, Integrating Family and Budo, and transitioning from practitioner to leader and teacher.
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Olivier Le Guen is originally from France, and currently living in Mexico. He’s been training for only a few years (3), during which time, and holds the rank of Ikkyu in Kendo (soon shodan) and shodan in Iaido (soon nidan!).
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talked about being an adult and starting (again) in Budo and how Olivier is approaching the practice and history of budo, especially kendo, iaido and naginata.
Olivier has produced many articles and videos that reveal the deep culture from which our arts originate. His personal academic website can be found at http://olivierleguen.free.fr
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Ivo van Roij from Tilburg, The Netherlands and has been training for over 10 years, during which time he participated as a national team member at the European Kendo Championships.
He won the national championships and created not only a Kendojo, but Kyudojo and Iaidojo from scratch. Ivo holds the rank of 4dan Kendo, 2dan Iaido, 1dan Kyudo and 1kyu Naginata.
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The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
In this episode, we talk about breathing concepts and practices in Eastern Medicine, and explore how it integrates with Western knowledge of physiology and physical activity.
Like this content and want to help?
Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/tokushikaicanada
Subscribe to the channel, like this video.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada
Sign-up to our weekly newsletter at http://subscribe.tokushikai.ca
This episode is also available at the following platforms
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Website: http://www.tokushikai.ca/insidelook
Maria Peterson is from La Honda, California (or San Francisco, California), and has been training in Kyudo for over 26 years, during which time she was elected Director of the International Kyudo Federation, President of the American Kyudo Renmei, President of the Northern California Kyudo Federation, and she built the Redwood Kyudojo in La Honda, California and set it up as a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization for instruction and training in Japanese Archery.
She got married in 2019 to Tim Macmillan, a fellow kyudoka who also practices Yabusame (horse archery). Maria holds the rank of Renshi Rokudan in Kyudo, Nihon tsugi-yubi license with the Ogasawara-Ryu, and Nidan in Aikido.
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The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
In this episode, we talk about the respiration of amphibians, and the fascinating diversity of species that each have different methods and abilities to capture oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. For those like me who haven't had exposure to these wonderful creatures since elementary school, this was a reminder of the wonders of nature that lies in our backyard.
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The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
In this episode, we discuss the many parallels between budo and the art of cooking - exploring concepts like patience, precision, repetition, vision, and many more -- all from the lens of specific dishes that Aurelien and Sida enjoy bringing to life.
This was definitely up there among my favourite podcast interviews so far, and look forward to exploring other side-interests that our global community of budoka have enjoyed mastery over in conjunction with their practice.
Aurlien was last seen in Episode #28 of this podcast, and Sida in Episode #34.
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Michael Lindsay (4th dan) and Shaw Furukawa (4th dan) co-lead the Tulsa Kendo Club in Oklahoma, USA. They are directly sponsored from the Shi Ku Kai Dojo (Kanagawa, Japan) under Abe Koki Sensei (6th dan) and Iwanami Yoshio Sensei (Kyoshi 7th dan).
In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss their individual journeys in discovering kendo and the impact it has had on their lives. We talk about the importance of the community and giving back as a leadership responsibility, and about their first big tournament and major inflection points in their budo journey.
Check-out a published interview with Michael Lindsay at https://www.kendo-world.com/post/katsujinken-the-life-giving-sword
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The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
This episode with Dr. David Bird, we explore the unique physiology and breathing systems among birds, and the wonders of nature. His current pet project is to establish the Gray Jay as Canada’s National Bird. Please support this initiative by signing the Change.Org petition. Learn more about this amazing creature at https://www.canadajay.org/
In this fascinating conversation, we learn about:
- Bird Physiology
- The wonders of unidirectional breathing
- How different bird species have adaptations that fit their environment
Additional Biography https://www.askprofessorbird.com/about-dr-bird
Recently retired as an Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology and Director of the Avian Science and Conservation Centre of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and now living on Vancouver Island, Dr. David Bird has published 200 peer-reviewed papers and supervised 50 graduate students on a wide range of wildlife themes, including endangered species, toxicology, captive propagation of birds of prey, human-wildlife conflicts, and today, the application of UAVs to wildlife research and conservation.
He has taught several university-level courses, including ornithology, wildlife conservation, ethology, and scientific communication. He has written and/or edited no less than ten books, the most recent ones being ‘Birds of Eastern Canada’ and ‘Birds of Western Canada’ in 2013.
Dr. Bird is a past-president of the Raptor Research Foundation Inc., past-president of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, an elected Fellow of the American Ornithologists Union, a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Birding Association, an elected member representing Canada on the prestigious International Ornithological Committee, and recently, a member of the Board of Directors of Bird Studies Canada. He is the Founding Editor of a newly launched peer-reviewed publication, the Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems and sits on the board of Unmanned Systems Canada, an organization dedicated to the use of unmanned vehicles.
Besides his innumerable public lectures and radio and television appearances, Dr. Bird was also a regular columnist on birds for The Gazette of Montreal and continues to write regular columns on birds for Bird Watchers Digest magazine and Canadian Wildlife magazine. In 2013 the Canadian Wildlife Federation honoured him with the Roland Michener Award for Wildlife Conservation.
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The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
This episode with Sheena, we explore the sport of freediving, her journey from landlocked Alberta to the deepest parts of the ocean, and the mental and physical processes involved in being a master freediver.
Sheena is a continental and national recording holding Freediver, Apnea Total Master Instructor, and AIDA Instructor who has helped hundreds of students of all levels discover their aquatic potential. Strong and tireless in the water, she has also served as a primary safety diver during the 2017 AIDA World Depth Championships.
The 2018 Caribbean Cup International Freediving Competition was Sheena’s first foray into competitive freediving. During the Cup, she broke the long-standing Canadian national record in Free Immersion—twice! With big smiles and a lot of laughter, Sheena became the Female Overall Winner of the Cup.
This experience motivated Sheena to continue competing. To date, she has set five national records and one continental record in Free Immersion (FIM), two continental records in Constant Weight with a monofin (CWT), and one national record in Constant Weight with bi-fins (CWTB).
While she loves the challenge of diving deep, Sheena believes that freediving is firstly about enjoying your time underwater, be it on the line, in the pool, or on the reef, and she strives to share this mindset—and plenty of smiles—with fellow divers.
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The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
In this episode, Andy Watson discusses the formation of his "Control & Calibration" (C&C) theory for approaching Iaido practice.
To learn more, go to the Ryoshinkan website: https://www.ryoshinkan.org/cc
Videos include discussions on C&C Theory (2 episodes), ZNKR #10 Shihogiri, and ZNKR #3 Uke Nagashi.
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The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
This episode is Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Cousin and Dr. Alfandari, as we continue to explore the physiological mechanics of breathing.
Helene Cousin, Ph.D and Dominique Alfandari, Ph.D both teach and conduct research at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in the Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences.
QUESTIONS COVERED:
1) What is the role of nose breathing when it comes to humidification, filtration, and warmth?
2) Is there an optimal timing for the length of inhale and exhale when breathing?
3) How does breathing impact weight gain and weight loss?
4) What is the nitric oxide impact on intubated people compared to healthy individuals?
5) How are plants and animals linked in a closed loop through breath?
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This episode is also available at the following platforms
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Marian Bartko and Adriana Nagyova are from Kosice [Ko.shi.tse], eastern Slovakia.
They both have been interested in martial arts since they were teenagers. If we count the years together they've been practicing martial arts it’s an astounding 66! In the last 16 years they’ve become passionate about iaido and jodo.
In 2008 they attended the European Iaido Championship for the first time and since then they slowly built up the Slovak iaido and then later jodo national teams. Through endurance, diligence and encouraging each other, they made their little country with their accomplishments visible in Europe.
Marian holds godan in iaido, the highest rank in Slovakia and Adriana yondan. They both achieved the rank of yondan in jodo.
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Christopher Wong is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and has been training for over 20 years, during which time he’s competed as a member of the Malaysian National Team at the World Kendo Championships from 2000 (USA) - 2018 (Korea). Christopher currently holds the rank of 6-Dan Kendo.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about his initial discovery of kendo at a relatively older age, and how his prior sports experience in sports and dedication to practice helped him become national champion. We talk about his experiences representing Malaysia at multiple World Championships and the lessons and relationships he’s gained from participating.
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Franck Cengizalp from Paris, France, and has been training for over 50 years, and currently holds the rank of Iaido 5-Dan.
Over the years, Franck has achieved the position of Champion and Vice-Champion of Europe and France on many occasions, as well as holds a responsibility as federal technical manager and national & International EKF referee.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about the many people in the budo community who he sees as positive role models and the positive experiences and lessons from competition. We talk about the philosophy of budo practice, of character building, and spirituality, and the joy of seeing others grow in their own journeys.
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Website: http://www.tokushikai.ca/insidelook
The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
This episode with Nathalie Jaspar, we explore the importance of Breath in the discipline of Reiki.
Nathalie Jaspar is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She’s a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health, the International Center for Reiki, and with Reiki master Pamela Miles at the JCC Reiki Clinics in New York.
To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide, available on Amazon in English, Spanish, French, and German. Nathalie has been invited to demonstrate Reiki practice at venues such as Soho House, the New York Jet’s Athletic Center, and Fashion Week. Her latest book, the Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press), is now available on Amazon.
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This episode is also available at the following platforms
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
Helene Cousin, Ph.D and Dominique Alfandari, Ph.D both teach and conduct research at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in the Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences.
QUESTIONS COVERED:
1) What is actually happening on a physiological side when we breath?
2) What happens when we have poor breath control?
3) What affect does holding the breath have on our bodies?
4) Will a rapid or short inhalation be adequate to support a slow or long exhalation?
5) With consideration to your education and research, how do you regard the notion that inhalation creates an opening for attack?
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This episode is also available at the following platforms
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Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Warren Ho is the Head Sensei at the Rivonia Kendo Club (RKC) based in Johannesburg, South Africa and offers training both at a physical venue, as well as via its virtual, online platform.
He is the Founder of Defence Unlimited, an organisation that aims to empower everyone with knowledge and skills in self-defence, and trained thousands of individuals in its unique methodology of self-defence through various corporate engagements, school & education-institution programs, and group & private training.
He currently holds a 4th Dan in WTF-styled Taekwondo, a 5th Dan in Kendo, a 2nd Dan in Hapkido (World Hapkido Federation), a Level 2 Certified Pressure Point Instructor (Kyusho International) and a Level 1 Krav Maga Instructor (Krav Maga South Africa).
Warren is also a “Martial Arts Coach” who holds a SAQA NQF Level 4 coaching certification that he completed under the auspices of the Martial Arts of South Africa (MASA).
Warren has represented South Africa at the European Kendo Championships in Helsinki, Finland (2008), in Debrechen, Hungary (2010), and Macedonia (2016). He has also represented South Africa at the World Kendo Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil (2009), Novara, Italy (2012) and Tokyo, Japan (2015). Warren has earned his South African National Sports Colours in Kendo 6 times for representing South Africa at each of these events.
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This episode is also available at the following platforms
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
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Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Thomas Groendal is from Portland, Oregon, USA, and is the Jodo Godan (ZNKF), Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Sandan (Daitoryu Aikibudokai). He's the Chief instructor at large in North America for Hoshu Dojo, and the Chief Instructor at Hoshu Portland Dojo.
- Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu, 5th degree black belt, since 2002, under Kei Goto Sensei
- Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu, 3rd degree black belt, since 2003, under Kei Goto Sensei
- Aikido, 1993-2007, started under David Rodriguez Sensei
- Instructor of APU Masakatsu Aikido club, 4 years, 2 years as “Gaibu Komon” or sanctioned instructor of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Japan, 2003-2007
- Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, 2nd degree black belt, 2000-2004
Tom spent ten years in Japan, including a year in Nagoya and Tokyo as an exchange student, six and half years in Oita Prefecture and three years living in Osaka. He is a partner in Translation Business Systems Japan, and works in the translation/interpretation industry. For more detailed information see his CV here.
Tom is also currently the chief regional examiner for Western Canada in the Canadian Kendo Federation and is working with others towards the establishment of a Jodo section in the All United States Kendo Federation. He hopes to support the spread of both Daito Ryu and Shindo Muso Ryu throughout the Americas.
Topics covered in this interview include:
- Reason for doing martial arts: Aikido is using mind to win physically
- Japan Exchange then Translation/Gov job
- Small town history/heritage show
- Jodo teacher a mix of new and old; open and closed personality
- Remote Student and Teacher
- Inside-Out; Outside-In learning
- Big Fish Control Ego
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
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Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Checkout a Special Episode of our podcast with Peter West on Concepts that overlap between Music Training and Iaido.
The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series is to explore subjects adjacent to our budo practice — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
Topics covered in this conversation include:
-
How the Breath is used in Wind Instruments
-
The Benefits of Applying this Training to Iaido
-
Determining What Breath to Use through Understanding the Scenario
-
Coordinating the Body with the Breath
-
How the Quality of your Tools (instruments/weapons) Impact a Performance
-
How the Setting and Environment Impact a Performance
-
What it means to “Make a Kata Your Own”
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TokushikaiCanada/
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../tokushikai.../id1523336799
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Transcripts, Deeper Dives, and other Exclusive Content can be found on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/tokushikaicanada
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Andrea Kralik is from Tiszaújváros, Hungary, and has been training for over 13 years, during which time she earned 2nd place in the individual at world championship of Heki ryu Kyudo, and 1st place at East Asian Kyudo championship.
Andrea holds the rank of 4th dan in Kyudo and 3rd kyu in Kenpo Karate
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about how her studies led her to Japan and the opportunity to teach Kyudo at one of the elite sports universities in the country, we talk about those who have influenced her thoughts on education and the practice of Kyudo, and explore the mindsets help you adapt to new situations.
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This episode is also available at the following platforms
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Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
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Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Marko Vejvoda is from Rijeka, Croatia, and has been training for over 12 years.
Marko holds the rank of 3-Dan in both Iaido and Kendo, is one of the founders of Kendo klub Rijeka, and has various podium finishes in both Kendo & Iaido.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about the journey Kendo klub Rijeka has had during the last 10 years and how Marko is working on developing himself and the dojo. We talk about passion to practice and getting out of your comfort zone, including his first time at the European Iaido Championships and attending the Kitamoto kendo camp.
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This episode is available on the following platforms:
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Marianne Denise Rueda is from Asuncion, Paraguay, and has been training for over 7 years, during which time she has experienced Kyudo practice in South America, Europe, and Japan.
Marianne holds the rank of 2-Dan in Kyudo and currently helps to develop the art in Paraguay.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about discovering Kyudo and the values that complement her studies. We talk about the various Kyudo practitioners that have meaningful influences on her practice, and the responsibilities of developing and promoting this art in South America.
Tomas is from Saito, Miyazaki prefecture, Japan, and born in Chile.
Tomas has been training for over 20 years, during which time he’s become National Champion and representative of Chile internationally as a National Team Member; was Sensei at Club Providencia in Santiago; Studied 2 years at International Budo University and is now living in Japan working at Zen Nihon Budogu.
He has continued the Budo journey with experiences such as Kendo instructor for kids, Coach, Shinpan or Referee and competitor in Japan
Tomas holds the rank of Kendo 6-Dan, Iaido 1-Dan, and Jodo 1-Kyu
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This episode is available on the following platforms:
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
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Ashley Mason is a friend of Ron Beck (Iaido 5-Dan, Rochester USA) and is a member of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus in New York City. http://www.metchorusartists.com/chorus-roster/ashley-logan
Ashley graciously shared her experiences with us over a morning group conversation.
TOPICS COVERED:
1) To focus on breath, or to let it come naturally?
2) Where should you feel the breath in your body?
3) Balancing tension and flexibility
4) Breath exercises to reduce stress and anxiety
5) Breath exercises when nervous before a performance
6) Common challenges like "stacking the breath"
7) The importance of "getting rid of air" to have more air
8) Use of the entire body when breathing
The goal of the “In-Depth Look” series of videos is to explore these subjects in more detail — examining the relevance, efficacy, and methods of incorporating these work and life experiences into budo practice, budo teaching, and community building.
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Vladimír Hyndrák is from Ceske Budějovice, Czech Republic, and has been training for over 25 years, he’s organized seminars in Zlin city for over 14 years, and led the Kokki dojo to 2nd and 3rd place finishes at the European Iaido Championships.
Vladimír holds the rank of Iaido 5-Dan and Kendo 1-Kyu, and has been leading the National Iaido Team for the past two years.
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We have additional videos and articles available exclusively on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tokushikaicanada
This episode is also available at the following platforms
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Hiro Imafuji is from Indianapolis, USA, and has been training for over 40 years.
He holds the rank of Renshi 6-Dan in Kendo, and is the founder of Kendo Guide.com, author of Kendo Guide for Complete Beginners and Kendo Guide for the Intermediate, and has produced tutorials and other products to help share kendo with the global community.
In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about motivation for starting Kendo, becoming successful in competition, experiencing Kendo in different countries, process of developing Kendo-Guide, important considerations when teaching Kendo
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Jessica is from Saitama, Japan, and has been practicing Kyudo (or the Japanese martial art of archery) for about three years, during which time she has reached the level of 2-Dan.
Jessica is also learning sports yabusame which is horseback archery, as well as hankyu and yokyu which also used smaller sized bows and arrows.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about kyudo and sports yabusame, and how Jessica is approaching work, life and kyudo in Japan.
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Valentin Vervack is from Ghent, Belgium, and has been training for over 10 years, during which time he’s achieved National and European Champion for Iaido and Jodo in both Individuals and Teams on several occasions.
Valentin currently holds the rank of Jodo 4-Dan, Iaido 4-Dan.
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Nicolas Diaz is from Santiago, Chile, is a graduate of the International Budo University's specialization program, and is currently the President of the Chilean Kendo Federation.
Nicolas has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years, and holds the rank of Renshi 6-Dan in Kendo and 5-Dan in Iaido.
He is the Director and Founder of the Santiago Budokan, the largest Kendo and Iaido dojo in the country, with over 70 practitioners that range in age as young as 10 to 60+.
Nicolas been a member of the Chilean National Kendo Team on multiple occasions, medaling several times in both individual and team matches; and is the legal representative before the Ministry of Sport and the Chilean Olympic Committee.
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Horng Bor Goh and Zoel Gan are the President and Vice-President of the Singapore Kyudo Association.
Horng Bor and Zoel have been training for over 6 years and currently hold the rank of 2-Dan and 1-Dan, respectively, from the All Nippon Kyudo Federation.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about the beginning of Kyudo in Singapore and dojo transition from field to school to range, their first trip to Japan and learning proper dojo etiquette, and the growth of Kyudo in South-East Asia.
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Matthew Sykes-Gelder is from Radelfingen, Switzerland, and is a member of the Shin Ho Kan Dojo for Iaido and the Sakura Dojo for Jodo, both in the Swiss capital of Bern.
Matthew has been training for over 20 years, during which time has become assistant teacher in the Iaido dojo and is the organisational leader for Iaido and Jodo in the Swiss Kendo + Iaido federation, having managed several national and international events to help with the progression and enjoyment of these arts in Switzerland and Europe.
Matthew holds the rank of Godan in Iaido, Yondan in Jodo and Shodan in Kendo, and has been a regular member of the Swiss Iaido and Jodo national team; winning two bronze medals in the Iaido and Jodo European Championships.
In this episode, we talk about transitions in budo corresponding with transitions in life, we talk about the benefits of hosting national and international events for the participants as well as for the organizers, and the importance of developing a strong network of instructors and practitioners across many countries.
This episode is brought to you by our amazing Patrons over on Patreon who have generously donated as little as a cup of coffee to as much as the cost of a bowl of ramen per month.
You can find episode videos for these interviews as well as deeper dives into other subject matters at https://patreon.com/tokushikaicanada
If you are enjoying this work, please consider supporting us.
Martin Arevalo is from Lima, Peru, and has been training for over 17 years achieving 5-Dan in Kendo, and is the only jodan practitioner in the country.
Martin has been part of the Peruvian National Team, achieving 3rd place in the teams, and making top 8 and kantosho in his latest Latin American Championships.
Martin has been the President of the Peruvian Kendo Federation since 2017.
In this stimulating conversation, we talk about the development of Kendo in Peru and the Latin American community, we talk about different approaches to Kendo and the benefits of travel, and we talk about integrating these many mindsets and methods into a program for the Peruvian National Team.
I continue to be floored by the unwavering dedication of practitioners in small and remote countries like Peru, and am motivated to work even harder to nurture this strength of character in my own dojo and organization.
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This episode is available on the following platforms:
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Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Jade Fraundorfer is from Johannesburg, South Africa, and now living in Coral Springs Florida, USA. He’s been training for over 21 years, during which time he’s achieved the rank of 4-Dan Kyudo, 1-Dan Karate, and 1-Kyu Kendo.
Jade was instrumental in bringing Kyudo to South Africa, and founded the South African Kyudo Renmei, Kyudo Cape Town, and South African Kyudo Federation, helping the country become an official member of the International Kyudo Federation
In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about the humble beginnings of Kyudo in South Africa, about travelling to Japan and making a good first impression, about building a dojo from the ground up, and the efforts to have South African Kyudo recognized internationally.
Jade’s individual grit and resilience in the face of incredible challenges is an inspiration, and shows that an ambitious vision and unwavering belief in oneself can bring people together and lead to incredible accomplishments.
This episode is also available at the following platforms
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Claudio Zanoni is from Turin, Italy, and has been training for over 23 years, during which time he’s placed first as an individual and in team an incredible 15 times in both the Italian National Championships and the European Championships, winning both tournaments last year in the 6-Dan category.
Zanoni Sensei now holds the rank of Renshi 7-Dan in Iaido and 3-Dan Jodo, and was recently appointed Technical Director for Development of the Italian National Team.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about how competition can change your mindset towards practice, we talk about the importance of mentors and peers that motivate and inspire, and discuss what it takes to persevere in budo over the long run.
I was a little nervous preparing for this conversation with Zanoni Sensei, as I’ve only his reputation for success to go on, but his sincere and humble tone quickly put me at ease. Even with over two decades into the art, his passion and commitment to Iaido and the community feels fresh and uplifting. A true inspiration.
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Subscribe to the channel, like this video, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada
This episode is also available at the following platforms
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
Mary Phan is from Toronto, Canada, and has been training for over 10 years, during which time she has represented Canada as part of Team Canada in both 2015 and 2019, culminating in earning a silver with the women’s national team at the World Naginata Championship.
Mary holds the rank of 3-dan in Naginata, and currently works as a lawyer in the provincial government.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Mary speaks about her experiences with
- On how Naginata compares with other arts
- On Budo being a place to get out of the daily grind
- On the 2019 World Naginata Championships
My favourite part of this episode was about how Team Canada dealt with the stress of training for and competing at the world championships, showing how even the most elite athletes will have their mental, physical, and psychological struggles.
It also demonstrated how a team built over the years, intentionally, and through shared experience can create a force that is capable of overcoming those with more experience.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Stephan Naji is from Paris, France, and has been training for over 17 years with extended stints in the US while teaching at New York University.
Stephan holds the rank of Iaido 5-Dan and Jodo 4-Dan and has earned several tournament honours including a series of Golds and Silvers in 2005 and 6 at the European Iaido Championships, the French Nationals, and the BKA International Taikai. He also achieved 3-Dan Bronze at the Ishido Cup in 2018 for Jodo.
In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about how he lucked upon an Iaido dojo, about different styles of teaching and leading a dojo, about the various ways in which the social aspect, the community, and the feeling of family can impact your life, not just the practice.
As a professor and researcher, Stephan’s eye of detail and spoken delivery of ideas and insight was such a delight. The clarity and conciseness of the different topics we discussed was so refreshing, and I’m looking forward to a round 2 to our conversation.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada
Eddy Varela is from Cuenca, Ecuador, and has been training for over 25 years, during which time he’s had many successes in national and international kendo competition, including: National Champion, Latin American Medalist, Pan-American Medalist, 2 times National Team Member and is also the first Ecuadorian to attend the International Budo University.
Eddy holds the rank of Kendo 3-Dan, Iaido 2-Dan, and 1-Dan in Judo and Taekwondo.
This interview was a fascinating journey through Eddy’s budo life that ranged from the study of sports and its relation to kendo, multiple mindset changes in how to practice and how to teach, and the challenges and rewards of starting a dojo.
This podcast was created to pay tribute to individuals like Eddy, and show fellow practitioners around the world that no roadblock is insurmountable in our pursuit of improvement, and no success comes without fear and doubt. Eddy is a wonderful example of what you can achieve with grit and perseverance, and I’m sure many of you will see a similar power within yourself as well.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada
József Bereczki is from Budapest, Hungary, and now living in Belgium
Jozsef has been training for over 17 years, during which time he’s had experiences with many of the traditional Japanese martial arts, and earned 4-Dan in Jodo, 3-Dan in Iaido, and 1-Dan in Kendo and Kyudo
Jozsefs budo journey has taken him many places, and in this interview we dove into his Year at the International Budo University, also known as IBU or Budai.
We talk about the application process and preparing for the trip, we talk about transitioning to life as a fulltime student of budo, learning how to behave in a Japanese dojo, and finding local hidden treasures like restaurants and bath houses.
While I’ve heard of IBU in passing over the years, I never really got a sense of what it would be like to be a student in the program. This episode was a fascinating exploration into that world and I hope encourages more foreigners to participate in this wonderful program.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Genaro Luis Cervantes is from Mexico City, Mexico, and has been training in martial arts for over 28 years.
Genaro founded an Mexican Asia Budokan in 2003 and started teaching both Iaido and Jodo shortly after, currently holding the rank of 5-Dan in Aikido, 4-Dan Iaido, and 2-Dan Jodo.
Genaro is a huge proponent of Iaido and Jodo in Mexico, having organized seminars with Pam Parker Sensei and Thomas Groendal Sensei from the US, and Nicolas Diaz Sensei from Chile.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about his personal journey in martial arts, the primary motivations that drove him to pursue these disciplines and their development in Mexico over the last decade.
Genaro’s story is an important reminder for us that if we set goals in our lives, face challenges head on, and build relationships to sustain you, the results will come in good time.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Patrick Demuynck is from Belgium, and has been training for over 40 years, during which time he has been running the dojo AGEHACHÔ, and is a member of Belgium Iaido/Jodo Technical Commission.
Demuynck Sensei holds the rank of Kyoshi 7D iaido - Renshi 6D Jodo, and has participated in EIC since 1993 and as a referee for the past 20 years
In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about Demuynck Sensei’s discovery of Iaido and the early days of Tamiya Ryu in Europe, we talk about how balancing budo and family, and the sudden events that may impact one’s everyday life and budo training.
It was a pleasure hearing the stories of grit and resilience in the pursuit of the practice from such an influential figure in the European Iaido community, and I hope the listeners are able to gain as much from this conversation as I have.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Li Chak Fai is from Hong Kong, China, and has been training for over 12 years, during which time he’s achieved the rank of 3-Dan from the International Kyudo Federation and was a founding member of the Hong Kong Kyudo Association.
In this engaging conversation, we talk about the early days of Kyudo in Hong Kong, attending his first Kyudo seminar in Japan under the shadow of the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami, and the many lessons he’s learned and continues to share from Kyudo biographies and conversations.
As with many of the stories we’ve already heard about starting a dojo and federation where previous there was none, the Hong Kong Kyudo Association also came from humble beginnings and unique contextual challenges. What has remained consistent is the resilience and dedication the early practitioners have for these budo arts, and the patience they’ve shown to get their communities to where they are today.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Takami Matsumoto Tanner is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA, and has been training for over 35 years, during which time she’s earned the rank of Renshi in Atarashii Naginata, been a US National Champion in the women’s division, and actively promoted the art in the community, acting as a bridge for Japan Sensei.
In this wide ranging conversation, we cover the different goals and approaches to the practice of Naginata, we talk about motivation and the mindset of a teacher, and ultimately what matters most in this journey of martial arts and life.
All of us practice these arts for a reason, and along this winding journey, we can sometimes get lost or confused. Inspiration for continuing can come from anywhere, and many of the lessons that Tanner Sensei learned over 3+ decades and shared in this interview can help us when the time comes.
I hope everyone listening takes her advice to heart -- go slowly and steadily with compassion, and love.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Piotr Kukla Jr. is from Utrecht, the Netherlands, and has been practicing budo for nearly 30 years, during which time he has won the national championships iaido and jodo in several categories, represented his country on multiple occasions, including placing first in the godan division at the EIC in 2016; and is the currently the tournament manager for iaido and jodo in the Netherlands and manager of the Dutch iaido team
Piotr holds the rank of 5-Dan in Iaido and 3-Dan in Jodo, and has been teaching iai (as assistant and teacher) for over ten years, including several seminars abroad; and was jointly responsible for the organisation of the Ishido Cup for several years.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about the place budo plays in building up one’s character and growing as a person, and delve deeply into the meaningful relationships in a global community, and creating a unique connection that can't be found anywhere outside of direct family.
Piotr is such an engaging individual, and I found myself talking a lot more than usual, so apologies for that, but I hope you enjoy this stimulating conversation.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Masa Ando is from Anchorage, Alaska, USA, and has been training for over 30 years, during which time he’s achieved the rank of Kyoshi 7-Dan in Kendo and 5-Dan in Iaido.
Ando Sensei is the instructor of the Alaska Kendo Club, and in this stimulating conversation, we talk about his decision to move away from Japan, his motivation for studying Kendo and Iaido to connect with traditional budo movements and culture, and the benefits and challenges of continuing his journey in a remote and harsh area of the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, and felt Ando Sensei’s dedication and commitment energizing for my own budo pursuits.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Hamed Qashash is from Amman, Jordan, and has been practicing martial arts for over 30 years, including Karate, Taekwondo, and more recently Iaido, where he currently is 4-Dan, and Jodo, and Kendo, currently 3-Dan.
Hamed was part of the early group of Jordanians who worked tireless to nurture and develop these traditional disciplines in the country, and continues to encourage others to contribute and participate in this lifelong journey.
The growth and spread of budo around the world has seen many peaks and valleys over the past few decades, and it is only due to efforts of people like Hamed that these arts are available for us to enjoy outside of Japan.
For those listening to this episode with similar experiences, let’s take some time to appreciate our own journeys, and for those just getting started, know that it is possible, and support is just around the corner.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Osvaldo Marsella is from the city of San Carlos de Bariloche in the Argentine Republic, and has been training in Kyudo for more than 10 years, during which time he has obtained the 4-Dan awarded by the All Japan Kyudo Federation.
In this starting Kyudo and helping to develop this art in Argentina, we talk about his travels to learn, and the discovery and growth of his relationship with members of the Mitsui Dojo in Okayama, Japan, and the many lessons he’s learn from Sensei, Sempai, and Kohai along the way.
Osvaldo has kindly shared his notes from the interview, which can be found via a link in the description. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vklDsqSwUermsu0QEd_mPHZVaVD_roZjBF2jjbr9wUk/edit?usp=sharing
Despite his age, Osvaldo continues to exude the qualities of a beginners mindset, and is a role model for anyone who wants to follow these martial practices at any point in life.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Kevin Adams, Kevin Lee, Garfield Li, Michael Suen, Patrick Suen and Hanna Ikeda-Suen live in Toronto, Canada, and on November 2007, went to Japan for Iaido for the first time as a group.
In this whirlwind 10-day journey across central Honshu island, we visited castles, shrines & temples in Osaka, Kyoto, Inari, and Koyasan; we spend a night at the Jigokudani Monkey Park near Nagano; we practice Iaido in Ohara with Trevor Jones Sensei, and in Tokyo with Kikkawa Sensei, Yoshimura Sensei, Kuwata Sensei, Hatakenaka Sensei, and Tsubaki Sensei.
Through all the walking, all the trains, and all the challenges of traveling in a foreign country, we've stuck together as friends for all these years, and the experiences we had on this trip 13 years ago has given us memories of a lifetime.
This podcast was created specifically to share meaningful experiences of budo practitioners around the world, and this was an amazingly fun alternative to the traditional 1-on-1 interviews.
In fact, if this format seems popular enough, I would love to host a similar session with others in the budo community.
One thing to note. Since our discussion is conducted while looking at some video and photos we took on this trip, there is much more context for those watching on Youtube, than on a podcast app with audio only. Although, I think that’s sufficient as well.
If you want to find this episode on Youtube, go to https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada
David D’hose is from Brussels, Belgium, and has been training for over 27 years in Atarashii Naginata and about 10 years Tendo ryu
David holds the rank of Renshi 5-Dan and has been the President of the European Naginata Federation since 2010.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about David’s beginnings in Naginata, including a trip to the World Championships in Tokyo that coincides with a 6-month seminar in landscape architecture. We talk about developing Naginata in Belgium and Europe over the past almost 3 decades, and the structures and contributions from people that have made it a stable and generous community.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
David Smits is from Nieuwegein (close to Utrecht), The Netherlands, and has been training for over 18 years, during which time he’s grown into the position of co-leader of Yushinkan dojo as well as the European Shinkage Ryu group
David holds the rank of 6-Dan in Iaido, and was recently awarded Renshi by the Dutch Kendo Federation.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talked about growing up in Iaido, reconnecting with his Japanese heritage, the people he’s had the privilege of sharing this journey with, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Many of these topics resonate with my own personal experiences as well, and I look forward to picking David’s brain again in the future.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Andy Fisher is from Blackpool, UK, and has been training for over 20 years, during which time he’s represented his country in 7 European Championships, and 4 World Championships. He’s taken 1st place in both the British Open and Team Championships as well as gold in the French Open.
Andy currently holds the rank of Renshi 6-Dan Kendo and is the founder and operator of Kendo Star, a top tier international Kendo equipment supplier, as well as the host of an extremely popular Kendo theme series on Youtube called “The Kendo Show”.
In this conversation, we explore Andy’s journey in Kendo, the many twists and turns, failures and successes, and hard work that has led him to where he is today.
This is an especially important episode that I think everyone should listen to, no matter the discipline, because it shows what it really takes to pursue these arts as one’s life calling. Like anything big in life, the highs are extreme, but so are the lows, and the strength, courage, and generosity Andy has shown to Kendo and the Kendo community cannot be compared.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Laurence Oriou is from Montpellier, France, and has been training for over 31 years, during which time she’s taught in seminars across France, Europe, and Toronto, Canada.
In May 2005, Oriou Sensei became the first western woman to receive the title of Kyoshi 6th dan, which is awarded for not only technical and aesthetic qualities of her shooting, but also possessing the human qualities required to be a leader within the French Kyudo community -- the largest such Budo community outside of Japan.
In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about her start in Kyudo and impactful moments, lessons, and relationships over 3 decades in this art. We talk about balancing competition and tradition, and wrap up with a philosophy about life and death.
I’m excited to share Oriou Sensei’ deep and insightful thinking and experiences around Kyudo, and I know that I’ll be drawing ideas and inspiration from this interview for years to come.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Jason Hankins is from Salt Lake City, USA, and has been training for over 20 years, during which time he achieved the rank of Renshi 6-Dan in Iaido and became champion of the highest ranked division in the 2019 All US Kendo Federation National Iaido Taikai.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about the Jason’s start in the martial arts and developing Iaido in a remote area of the country, the reinforcing cycle of learning between budo and real life-and-death tactical situations, overcoming ego for growth and development as a person, and the need to find connection between individuals in martial arts and in life.
This was a great opportunity for me to pick the brain of an Iaido practitioner I greatly respect, and the interview exceeded all my expectations.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Gur Nedzvetsky is from Jerusalem, Israel, and has been training for over 13 years, during which time he’s achieved the rank of 3-dan, was champion at the European Naginata Goodwill Tournament in 2016 and 2018, as well as at the World Goodwill Tournament in 2019
In this inspiring conversation, we explored Gur’s transition from the military to civilian life, and how Naginata helped him find meaning in his life’s pursuit, we talk motivating students, and about starting a dojo and the mindset of a Budo teacher.
This interview was jammed packed with so many lessons around hard work, perseverance, having a beginners mind, and even on parenting, that I hope everyone who listens, regardless of your discipline, will take the time to go all the way through.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Łukasz Machura is from Zawiercie, Poland, and has been training for over 16 years, and holds the rank of 5-Dan Iaido and 5-Dan Jodo
In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about the source of motivation for practice, the 3 key figures that have had significant influence on Lukasz Iaido and Jodo life, and the concepts and work that often lay hidden below the surface of these budo arts that we practice.
In the end, it’s about the people, and Lukasz reminds us throughout this interview to treasure the moments we have with them.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Christian Filippi is from Gossolengo (Piacenza), Italy, and has been training Kendo for over 38 years, during which time he’s represented Italy as a player in 9 European Championships, 5 World Championships, as well as a Coach of the Croatian National Team in 3 Europeans and 1 WKC.
Christian currently holds the rank of renshi 6 Dan Kendo, and has a decorated past as Italian champion 4 times, European Team Champion once, 3rd Place at Worlds, and Fighting spirit at the EKC.
In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about the importance of understanding the culture of a people and the origins of kendo, the value of remembering your first experiences to share with the next generation, and to adapt and refine the goal of your practice over time.
I found this conversation especially insightful glimpse into how a person changes over time, through life experiences, relationships, and taking on responsibility, and I’m grateful for all the wisdom Christian shared in the short time we had to speak.
I’m looking forward to many more conversations with him in the future.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Nicolai Sichlau is from Copenhagen /Denmark, and has been training kyudo for over 16 years, during which time he founded the danish kyudo federation and has nurtured the growth of young Kyudoka, including last year’s European Champion
Nicolai holds the rank of yondan, trained primarily under Liam O’Brien Sensei in the UK until his passing in 2015.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about Nicolai's practical and philosophical interests in Kyudo, the patience and persistence of starting a Kyudo community in his country, and finding the perspectives necessary to succeed in this mentally demanding martial art.
Many useful concepts around tensions in the budo arts was brought up in the conversation that I believe are valuable to practitioners regardless of art. The balance of desire to hit a target, shame in demonstrating poor technique, and Jutsu vs Do are all concepts we struggle with, and I found Nicolai’s descriptions both insightful and informative.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Sida Yin is from Stockholm, Sweden, and has been training for over 18 years, under Momiyama Sensei, during which time he has been on the board of the FSKA (Föreningen Stockholms Kendo Allians) and president for the past three years
Sida holds the rank of Godan in both iaido and jodo, and has competed and won in several European championships.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about various interesting topics related to budo including the positive impact of diverse budo events across Europe, growing into responsibilities in the dojo and the broader organization, the joys and pains of students joining and leaving, and even the benefit of Dance Dance Revolution to iaido and jodo training.
I found so many things resonate with me in this conversation with Sida, including emotional aspects that are commonly felt, but rarely shared in budo circles. I appreciate Sida’s openness to speak about his experiences, and hope you will too.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Eduardo Brito is from Braga, Portugal, and has been practicing budo for nearly 20 years, and holds the rank of 4-Dan in Kendo and 3-Dan in Naginata.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Eduardo talks about getting into Naginata and helping to develop the community in Portugal, his battles with mental health, dealing with ego in martial arts, and important lessons in life.
Eduardo speaks with wisdom beyond his years, and his courage to speak about life challenges that we all deal with is admirable and so valuable during these tough times. His message of resilience and affirmation touched me deeply during our conversation, and was just as impactful listening to it a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time while editing this episode.
I hope everyone who listens to this, considers his words deeply, and takes something away for their own lives.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
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Andy Watson Sensei is from the UK, and has been training for over 25 years, during which time he achieved the rank of Iaido Renshi 7-Dan and Jodo Renshi 7-Dan from the All Japan Kendo Federation, and has been a major contributor to the British Kendo Association, formerly as Bucho and National Coach of both arts
Watson Sensei currently teaches Iaido and Jodo at Ryoshinkan Dojo in London and Surrey, and form a family of dojos located in the UK, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary
Watson Sensei is also the author of the Shugyo Blog, and started Andy’s Nihongo Corner earlier this year, teaching Japanese language to Iaido and Jodo practitioners all over the world.
In this first, of I hope many conversations, we learn about his initial discovery of the budo arts and living in Japan, and cover many other topics including the process of language learning, martial arts coaching, and organization systems.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
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Gergey Vass is from Budapest, Hungary, and has been training for over 16 years, during which time he’s contributed as a member of the Hungarian Iaido team as competitor, captain, and most recently the national coach
Gergey holds the rank of 5-Dan and is the head instructor at the Hirabu dojo in Budapest, an affiliate of the Ryoshinkan Iaido family in the Ishido line of Muso Shinden Ryu.
In this fascinating and inspiring conversation, Gergey recounts the many trials and tribulations in his budo life before Iaido, and now taking on much greater responsibilities.
While his specific path may be unique, many experienced budo practitioners that have taken on leadership roles themselves will find resonance in Gergey’s story, and I hope that upcoming generations also pay heed to the lessons and experiences for their own growth.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
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Andrej Milosevic is from Belgrade, Serbia, and has been training for over 13 years, during which time he’s been in the Serbian National Team since 2014, is the reigning national champion in Serbia two years running, and has podium finishes in multiple European Championships, culminating with a surprise Quarter Finals finish at the 2018 World Kendo Championships in Korea.
Andrej holds the rank of 4-Dan and is the current leader of the Makoto Kendo Club where he’s applying knowledge from a degree and professional experience in physical training to kendo practice, and has helped lead the club to the most trophied club in foreign and domestic competition.
Andrej is an inspiring individual, with an incredible balance of attitude toward the traditional and the new, is both humble and confident, and has such a deep and introspective perspective on improving one’s physical, mental, and spiritual abilities.
I’m looking forward to picking his brain again in the future, and hope you take as much from this initial conversation as I did.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
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Elisa Corrêa is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been training for over 10 years, having begun Kyudo at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and is currently 4-Dan as provided by the International Kyudo Federation (IKYF)
Following this short stint in Japan where she specialized in Japanese language, and with the support of a few key individuals, Elisa founded the Brasil Kyudo Kai (BKK) and continues to serve as President of this organization.
Elisa’s story is one of grit and perseverance, having discovered a love for this traditional martial art, and was unwilling to give it up when no community, program, or space existed where she lived.
This experience resonates with so many of us in the international community, and demonstrates what we are capable of when we support each other physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I’m honoured to know Elisa as a person, and have this opportunity to share her continuing journey developing Kyudo in Brazil.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
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Aurelien Nacrour has lived in the US, France, and UK, before moving to Japan. He has been holds the rank of 6-Dan in both Iaido and Jodo, 4-Dan in Kendo, and trains with Ishido Sensei in Kanagawa
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about adapting to new cultures, deliberate training for competition and exams, and the relationship of a student with their sensei and their own bodies to continuously improve.
I found this conversation interesting and informative for my own practice, and has given me much to think about in preparation for when large scale events in the budo community can resume.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
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Charlotte Vandersleyen Sensei is from Brussels, Belgium, and is now living in London, UK, and has been training for over 24 years, during which time she’s achieved:
- World Championships: 3rd place in 1999 and 2007; 4th place in 2019.
- European Championships: 1st place in 2008, 2016 and 2018. 3rd in 2014, 4th in 2012,
- Founder of the Portuguese Naginata Association
She holds the rank of naginata godan, kendo sandan and teaches at Aspire Naginata Club in London
In this wide-ranging conversation, we go from Vandersleyen Sensei’s early days getting into Naginata to a wide range of initiatives and organizations she has helped found and lead for the art in Europe and more recently across the globe.
Naginata @ Home can be found on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRHpBTyJEKMKDpi9V7eti-A
We also talk briefly about the complex nature of human interactions within the budo world -- usually overly simplified as “politics”, and the challenges & blessings of being “sensei-free”.
Vandersleyen has shown courage and resilience in her Naginata career these past couple of decades, and has mostly succeeded in not getting sucked into politics, and practicing purely for your pleasure of the art.
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Melike Bayram is from Essen, Germany, and has been training for over 15 years, studying Muso Shinden Ryu under Rene van Amersfoort Sensei, has achieved the rank of Iaido 4-Dan, Jodo 3-Dan, and is the chairman of the North Rhine-Westphalian Iaido Federation
Melike has been a member of the German National Iaido Team since 2014, earning the title of European Iaido Champion in 2017 , and was a member of the 2018 European Jodo Championship Team.
In this wide ranging conversation exploring Melike’s budo journey from childhood to the present, I’m consistently reminded of how important mindset is to the practice of arts like Iaido and Jodo. At the highest levels of practice and competition, the physical requirements of the art give way to mental approaches and character building.
Melike’s honest drive for self improvement was evident throughout this interview, and I’m excited that it can be shared with listeners around the world.
This episode is also available at the following podcast platforms
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tokushikai-canada
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tokushikai-inside-look/id1523336799
Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMzk0OWVhNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Mf1mrLTfVT3Sbu8XM032m
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1523336799/tokushikai-inside-look
Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/tokushikai-inside-look
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/i9qbnxx7
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/tokushikai-inside-look-We0ozJ
To get the latest on what we’re up to at Tokushikai Canada, subscribe to our newsletter at https://subscribe.tokushikai.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram @tokushikai.canada, and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/c/tokushikaicanada
Robert Boyd is from Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and has been training in Iaido for over 7 years, during which time he’s earned the rank of 3rd Dan and has been a member of the UK National Team for 2017 and 2018, where he earned a last 16 placement in the European Championships. Additionally, Robert and his students of Roshukai Kensaki dojo have placed as high as 1st place in the BKA National Championships.
Robert recently completed a 700 cut challenge for Kidney Research UK bringing awareness to Kidney disease and research. Robert himself has gone through nearly two decades of treatment to stay alive and thrive through this debilitating disease.
In this fascinating conversation, we speak about the challenges Robert has had to go through, while also demonstrating the potential for strength and resilience in the human spirit. Robert is an inspiration, and I hope we can all learn from his example.
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Makiko Ara is from Vancouver, Canada, and has been training for over 30 years, during which time she’s participated in several World Championships as a member of the National Team.
Makiko holds the rank of Renshi 6-Dan, and is a director and VP - West of the Canadian Kendo Federation.
In today’s conversation, we talked about her experiences growing up in Kendo and developing into a leader and role model for girls and women in the sport. Her dedication to the next generation of practitioners has helped make the Renbu Kendo Club a beacon for young kenshi across Canada.
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Knut Högvall is from Uppsala, Sweden, and has been training for over 36 years, during which time he has explored various paths to find the aspects of budo that appeal to him, eventually picking up a number of dan grades and titles along the way.
Knut holds the rank of 6 dan shidoin in aikido, 4 dan in toho, 4 dan in kyudo, and 3 dan in iaido, has won the Swedish Kyudo Championships three times and the Swedish Cup four times, and is the founder and head instructor of the Issha Kyudo Kai kyudojo in his hometown.
In this fascinating conversation, we explore his journey into the art of Kyudo, and his most memorable experiences developing as a practitioner and as a person.
I personally found many important lessons in this interview, specifically the mindsets when approaching competition, practice, and teaching, and I hope you’re able to find some nuggets in there too.
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Katie Roche Sensei is from New York City, USA, and has been training for over 16 years, during which time she has earned a record 6x/U.S. Women’s National Champions, helped the Greater New York Naginata Team get 1st place 5x and maintain a top 3 ranking in the country
She has represented the United States on the women’s national team 3x and achieved 2 silver medals
Roche Sensei is currently the youngest 5-dan outside of Japan, teaches at the Ken Zen Institute in New York City
As part of her research work at Columbia University, where she is also the head coach of the Naginata club, she has pioneered an adapted curriculum for teaching Naginata to children with Cerebral Palsy.
This was one of my favourite interviews since starting this podcast, providing a brief glimpse into Roche Sensei’s drive and dedication to the art of Naginata. I feel very fortunate that there exists such an intelligent, resilient, and courageous young role model for the next generation of female budoka.
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David Merinero is from Madrid, Spain, has been training for over 16 years, was a member of the Spanish National Team from its creation in 2010, and runs SanGakuKai Iaido Club in Madrid.
David holds the rank of Iaido Godan and belongs to the European Shinkage ryu family led by Matsuoka Yoshitaka sensei and Kinomoto Miyuki sensei both Hachidan Kyoshi Iaido
In this stimulating conversation, we talked about the development of Iaido in Spain, David’s growth as a martial artist, and the value of the community above all else.
I found David to be a beautiful person, heart and soul, and I hope this episode is able to spread even some of that energy to the rest of the world.
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Daria Litunenko is from St. Petersburg, Russia, and is one of the driving forces of Naginata in her region of the world, having introduced the art to her hometown of St. Petersberg, and has since supported the growth of dojos in other cities around the country.
In this wide ranging conversation, we are introduced to the art of Naginata, explore its humble beginnings in Russia, and are provided a glimpse into a supportive global community.
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Konstantina Perlepe is from Greece, and now living in Italy. She's been practicing Iaido for over 10 years, and is currently 4-Dan in the European Kendo Federation.
In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about her journey through the European Iaido Championships from beginner to now, her relationships with teammates and practitioners from countries all across Europe, and the Senseis that have inspired her throughout the years.
The joy and liveliness with which Konstantina recalls her experiences was contagious, and an important reminder to us all what we can look forward to, and not take for granted, when the pandemic is more contained.
It was certainly a great reminder for me to keep these important connections alive and well during difficult times.
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Feliks Hoff Sensei is from Hamburg, Germany, and has been training for over 51 years, during which time he achieved the rank of Kyoshi 6-Dan from the All Japan Kyudo Federation, and was instrumental in spreading of budo, specifically Kyudo in Germany and Europe.
Hoff Sensei led the founding of the first kyudo group in Germany in 1969, the European Kyudo Federation in 1980, the German Kyudo Federation in 1994, was the taikai coordinator for the European Kyudo Federation for 28 years, and a member of the founding committee of the International Kyudo Federation, sitting as a director for the first 10 years of existence.
Hoff Sensei is also the author of the one of the preeminent books on Kyudo internationally, called “Kyudo: The Way of the Bow”
It was such an inspiring experience, speaking with Hoff Sensei, as he shared his budo experience that spans 5 decades, always maintaining the same beginners mind and passion of the practice.
His resume of achievements seems superhuman, and yet he comes across as the most humble, kind, and generous human being you could talk to. This conversation has lessons for any budo practitioner, young and old, and I’ve not doubt that the more we follow Hoff Sensei’ example, the better our world will be.
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Tea Pihlaja is from Helsinki, Finland, and began practicing Jodo and Iaido under Momiyama Takao Sensei (7.dan kyoshi), is currently 4.dan jodo and 3.dan iaido in the Finnish Kendo Association, and practices at the Helsinki Kendo Club "Ki Ken Tai Ichi"
In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about her introduction to the Japanese martial arts, the development of Jodo and Iaido in Finland, and her personal experiences around learning and leadership.
It was a pleasure speaking with someone with such a passion and dedication to the martial arts, and her enthusiasm for the developing herself and the arts is infectious and inspiring.
Not everyone is fortunate to have a high ranked sensei, or active leader in their hometown. This episode is a tribute to those who have taken it upon themselves to make the practice possible. Tea is a wonderful example.
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Jack James is from Darlington, England, and is currently living in Fukuoka, Japan. He is a practitioner of Jushin-Ryu Iaido and holds the rank of 5-Dan in the All Japan Kendo Federation. He currently works professionally as an interpreter for the mayor of Fukuoka, and is a regular attendee and supporter of foreigners participating in Iaido events in Japan
In this fascinating interview, Jack gives us insight into the complexities and rigour of interpretation as a profession and in the Iaido context. This deep dive has given me a much greater appreciation for our tireless interpreters at seminars outside of Japan.
At the end of this interview, we get a brief glimpse into the world of Jushin ryu, but I’ve cut short that part of the interview so we can go into more depth in the future.
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Spiros Drossoulakis Sensei is from Athens, Greece, and has been training for over 35 years, during which time he achieved the rank of Iaido renshi 7 dan, Kendo 5 dan, Karate Shotokan 4 dan, and has been a major contributor to the Hellenic Kendo Iaido Naginata Federation
Drossoulakis Sensei founded the Furyu Athens Dojo in 2002, and has since then functioned, apart as the main sensei of the dojo, as coach of the Hellenic Iaido National Team, Iaido Technical Advisor of the Serbian Kendo Federation, served previously as the General Secretary and is current President of the Hellenic Kendo Iaido Naginata Federation.
In this wide ranging conversation, we get a brief glimpse into a lifetime of martial training, relationships, and experiences, and the inspiring growth of budo in the country of Greece.
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Mihasu Asai Sensei from Nagoya city in Aichi Prefecture, which has the largest number of Kyudo practitioners in Japan.
Asai Sensei began his training under Asano Osamu Sensei (Kyoshi 7-Dan), and remains a member of the Nakamura Kyudojo
In this wide-ranging conversation, Asai Sensei speaks of his Kyudo travels to the United States and Europe, conducting research on the cultural impact of Kyudo around the world.
In addition to his tireless efforts as an interpreter at international seminars, Asai Sensei is also an inspiration to the next generation of young Kyudo leaders, having attained the rank of Renshi 6-Dan two years ago at the age of 26.
Asai Sensei speaks with experience, yet humility, and is a model of how budo arts like Kyudo help forge better human beings.
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Marcus Lee-Steere Sensei is from Melbourne, Australia, and has been training for over 20 years, during which time he achieved the rank of Renshi 6-Dan Iaido 5-Dan Jodo, and has been a major contributor to the Australian Kendo Renmei and Victoria Kendo Renmei.
Lee-Steere Sensei founded the Chikushinkai Iaido Club in 2004 and has participated in training seminars and tournaments in Japan and Europe.
In this episode, we talk about the general state of Iaido in Australia, the value of seeing Iaido in Japan, and the development of his Sensei-Student relationship, informed by episode 4 of this podcast with Peter West Sensei It was great to see this show growing into much more of an ongoing conversation.
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Douglas Tong Sensei is from Orangeville, Canada, and in this episode we continue our exploration of Japanese culture in budo.
Part 2 of this series will focus on the concept of rank, and where it fits within Japanese martial arts, and the broader society.
In this stimulating lecture, he shares insights from his Sensei as well as personal experience and knowledge from a lifetime in education, including a graduate degree and a career that spans decades.
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Andy Ho is from Toronto, Canada, has lived several years in Germany and is currently studying in Vienna, Austria.
Andy has a degree in Theatre Studies with a focus on dramaturgy and staging, and has worked in various theatre projects as assistant director.
Andy connects Iaido with his theatre praxis, as well as his passion for Noh and Jidaigeki (Japanese historical drama). In this interview, we explore
Andy’s various experiences training in different countries, and how he brings his skills and interests in theatre and narrative into Iaido practice.
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Earl Hartman Sensei is from Palo Alto, California, USA, and has been training for nearly 50 years, and has experience in Kendo, Iaido, Jo, and Nagao-ryu
Hartman Sensei’s primary martial art is Kyudo, where he holds the rank of Renshi 6-Dan from the All Japan Kyudo Federation, and studied kyudo with the late Urakami Hiroko Sensei, the first, and only, Woman Hanshi 10th dan in the kyudo renmei.
In this episode, he shares many fun and interesting stories from his personal experience, as well as those of famous Kyudo Sensei in history.
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Agnes Lee Sensei is from Hong Kong, China, and has been training for over 20 years She represented Hong Kong in 5 world kendo championships, and currently holds the rank of 5th dan in Kendo and Iaido.
Today we’ll be talking about what drew her back to the practice after nearly a decade away, and the challenges of becoming a beginner again. Agnes is an inspiration to me and many young budo practitioners for her selflessness and courage.
It was a pleasure to speak with her about her experiences and philosophy for practice.
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Trevor Jones Sensei is originally from London England, and has been living continuously in Japan for the past 21 years.
Many of us budo practitioners have dreamed about what it would be like to move to Japan and live a simple life of martial arts practice.
And in this wide ranging conversation around his life in Iaido and Kendo, Jones Sensei gives us a glimpse into what that life could be.
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Johannes Dobretsberger is from Linz, Austria, and has been a member of the Austrian National Iaido Team for the past few years.
Up to now, the podcast has been focused on more senior practitioners of the martial arts. Those with over two decades of experience and are currently leading their dojos and organizations.
But what makes the martial arts community such an amazing place to be is that leaders can come from anywhere, and it is the responsibility of seniors to nurture these tendency in upcoming youth.
I was recommended Johannes as the podcast guest for this reason, and cannot be more impressed by his understanding and dedication to the practice and responsibilities of the arts.
In challenging times like we have today, it is so important for young leaders like Johannes to step up, and it’s clear to me that he is ready for face these days head on.
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Elena West Sensei is originally from Russia, and now living in England. West Sensei has been training for over three decades in Jodo, Iaido, Kendo, Yoga, and is a certified massage therapist. I was really looking forward to this conversation, as the topic “How budo helps you survive and thrive through personal loss”, is so valuable to all of us, regardless of experience or rank. The interview blew away my expectations, and I’m sure you’ll take away some important lessons around community, parenting, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
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Douglas Tong Sensei lived in Japan for many years and has studied several traditional Japanese sword arts, including Katori Shinto Ryu, Ono-ha Ittō Ryu, Muso Shinden Eishin Ryu, and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu for over 30 years.
Tong Sensei has a Master’s Degree in Education and teachers on the front line of the public system. In this stimulating conversation, we talk about the role of Japanese culture in martial arts, and the complexities and challenges for students of understanding and abiding by these traditions.
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Peter West Sensei (Kyoshi 7-Dan Iaido; 4-Dan Jodo) is one of the most senior Iaido instructors in the United Kingdom, and the head instructor of Myoken Dojo.
He also teaches weekly classes on Zoom with participants from all over the world. In this conversation, we discussed Barriers to Progression, and while this discussion is based in Iaido, the concepts and lessons introduced are widely applicable to all walks of life.
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A conversation with Master Emerson Wong, founder and CEO of Pulse Martial Arts Academy, about how he started his successful schools in Canada and Haiti, and his current experience as a small business owner in this time of COVID-19.
This is wide ranging conversation with Grandmaster Tim Wakefield, of the Shaolin Martial Arts Centre in Aurora, Canada, we hear about his motivations for starting martial arts, the responsibilities of teachers vs coaches vs instructors, and the differences in methods for adults and kids.
Tim Sensei has been training for over 37 years, during which time he has traveled the globe to expand his knowledge of the martial arts and has achieved senior certifications in several unique disciplines, including 5-Dan Kendo Federation Iaido, 4-Dan in Kendo Federation Jodo, 9-Dan Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu, and is a Warrior Monk of the Shaolin Temple.
In our first episode, we talk to Michael Hodge (Iaido 6-Dan; Canadian Kendo Federation) about mistakes in Iaido, focusing on topics like:
- How to recover in the moment a mistake is made
- How to prepare for situations where mistakes are common
- How to deal with performance anxiety by identifying its source
- How to reframe being yelled at into a positive experience