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The
following is a summary of the discussion Soke had with a gathering of
Bujinkan Shidoshi and Shihan, 25 January 2004 at the Hombu Dojo, Noda,
Japan.
Soke
commented that it is now the 33rd generation of Gyokko Ryu and that it
has been 33 years since the passing of Takamatsu-Soke. This is a very
auspicious time in the Bujinkan. We need to see the whole iceberg, until
now we have mostly only seen the tip. The Heinan period was when Budo
was made into an art. Political, financial and military matters were included
in this Budo. The height is to master all three. Like Sanshin, these three
points are very important in our lives. Great Japanese leaders understood
this.
1-3
April will be Tai Kai held at the Tokyo Budokan in Ayase, Japan. On evening
of the 3rd will be the TaiKai party, held somewhere in Ayase. The reception
will start promptly at 5 pm. Dinner will be at 6 pm. Soke asked several
of the Shihan to think about doing demonstrations during the party.
Soke
mentioned there would be two more Budo demonstrations during the year,
one on October 14th and the other December 5th. Someya Shihan was one
who volunteered to assist with putting together the demos.
Concerning
the Godan test. Those who will give the test (14th Dan and above) must
be aware of the person receiving the test. We must be aware of their health
and spiritual condition. Seniors in the Bujinkan have a grave responsibility
for what they do. Hatsumi Sensei felt the weight of responsibility when
Takamatsu passed on the Soke-ship of the Bujinkan to him.
Now
is not a good time for Japanese Shihan to go outside of Japan to teach.
Soke specifically forbids any Japanese Shihan from teaching abroad right
now.
A true
warrior must know love in order to live properly. Butoku Ikko is warrior
ethics.
Dokkyo (courage), Iko (honor), (Seigi) justice.
Roppo
Kuji Bikenjutsu is this year’s theme. Roppo means 6 directions (all
directions). The kanji for Roppo looks like a drawing of man. Kuji is
spiritual power (from God). Bikenjutsu is the way of the sword. Putting
these together both literally and visually with the kanji and we have
the meaning of Man’s connection to God is used to bring Justice to
this realm.
Soke
wrapped up the meeting by saying that he was in great health and no one
needed to worry about him for quite a while to come. He had changed his
diet after being diagnosed as borderline diabetic (back in August). As
a result of his “ninja diet” within several months all signs
of diabetes had vanished. He had also been suffering from high blood pressure
and this too disappeared after two months on this diet.
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