Chito-ryu Karate-Do - United States Chito-ryu Karate Federation

CHITO-RYU KARATE-DO NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2008Memories of the 2008 World Butoku SaiThe April trip to Kyoto, Japan with Hanshi, Okusan andthirty plus Midwest DNBK colleagues was truly arewarding adventure. First of all, it’s just fun being withsuch a decent bunch of people. Kyoto is a beautiful citywhich, since it was spared bombing during WWII, stillmaintains much of the charm of pre-modern era Japan.The Japanese are inherently polite and, though reserved,usually quite friendly. So we were treated well.We were told to expect military style regimentation –hurry up and wait, be on time (i.e. early), anticipate longwaits and frequent last minute schedule change. Incontrast, the discipline was gentle and necessary tocoordinate such a massive undertaking with thousands ofpeople from all over the world. I really enjoyed our twoby two marches to the Butokuden each morning; thecamaraderie mixed well with the cool morning breeze andthe beauty of the city.The evening meals off site at local restaurants were atreat. The food was tasty and the friendship even moresatisfying. We weren’t fed anything too bizarre, yet themenus gave us a sampling of a variety of Japanese culinarystyles.Ample time was given in multiple sessions to practice ourdemonstration of Midwest DNBK karate styles – whichwas much appreciated and likely contributed to ourrecognition by the DNBK Board at the awards ceremony.liked that.One morning we were given time off to do whatever wewished. I had visited Kyoto on vacation a few years ago.So instead of sightseeing places I’d already seen, I spent afew hours strolling through the gardens of the HeianShrine near the Butokuden. I mixed some Christianprayer with a bit of Zen meditation (hillbilly style Iguess). It was so peaceful. What a contrast to the chaostoo often part of everyday life at home. We did wellduring our Butoku Sai and Rensei Taikai demonstrations.I was honored to be part of the group. Just being wherewe were, surrounded by so many individuals of like mindand spirit, despite such dissimilar nationality and martialstyle, was thrilling.But the highlight of the trip for me was witnessingHanshi perform ‘Osame no Gi’ for the DNBK board, theJapanese Honbu and the International DNBK members.He received a standing ovation by all. I don’t cry much,but I sure did then.At the final dinner, Hanshi and Okusan were each givennumerous awards recognizing their accomplishments andtheir world renowned contribution to the practice ofkarate and the spirit of Budo. It was a perfect conclusionto hear at a late night meeting that Hanshi had beenpromoted to Ku Dan (9th Degree Black Belt). There is nohigher rank till after death for a traditional karate-ka; weare not in a hurry for Hanshi to reach 10 th Dan. May hebe healthy, happy and with us as Ku Dan for many yearsto come.By: Roy MoserYoseikan HombuThe Budo Training Seminar was a unique opportunity tobe taught by senior Japanese sensei alongside karate-kafrom multiple foreign lands, while sweating, punching,kicking, and rolling around on the Butokuden floor. IUNITED STATES CHITO-RYU KARATE-DO FEDERATION PAGE 8