Kajitsuka Sensei Seminar 2015

 
Seminar Report:

Kajitsuka Sensei Seminar 2015
March 2015
Toronto, Canada

copyright © 2015 Douglas Tong, all rights reserved.

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In March of 2015, we once again had the honour of hosting a visit from Kajitsuka Sensei. This time, Sensei presided over a two-day seminar in Yagyu Shingan Ryu jujutsu. He also attended a few regular sword classes and finally he presented a seminar on Empi, one of the kata sets of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu.

For this seminar report, I thought it might be interesting for our readers to hear from one of our seminar participants, Hector Bravo. Hector is the head of our affiliate group in Mexico. He took many pains and a lot of expense to travel all the way to Canada to attend this seminar and this is what he had to say about it. I must thank Hector for the chance to reprint his review of the seminar. It offers another eyewitness account to document this landmark event.

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Starting On The Path

After several years of training in Jujutsu and Taijutsu, I had the opportunity in Mexico to meet my eventual master, Sensei Douglas Tong. Through his pleasant and diligent teaching in just two years, he has created in me a love for the Way of the Sword. In particular, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu.

After reading about the school, its founders, and their descendents, I noticed with surprise that the Soke of this branch of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu was also the Soke of Yagyu Shingan Ryu. So I then decided to try to learn all about and understand the path that leads a person onto this Warrior’s Way.

I received with joy the news that Tokumeikan (through its founder Douglas Tong, my Master) would hold a seminar in Toronto on Yagyu Shingan Ryu, led by none other than the headmaster of Shinkage Ryu and Shingan Ryu, the man who is also the Secretary-General of the Nihon Kobudo Shinkokai and the Master of my Master, Soke Kajitsuka Yasushi.

When I heard of the event, my first thought was: “I definitely have to go, by any means possible.” I made preparations. I was told by my Master to be ready and prepared, so I trained in earnest. Then I started my journey.

 
The Introduction

I entered the dojo where the seminar would take place and directly went to change. I was extremely excited to train in this art that I love. But even more than that, I knew that I would be training under the eye of a man who has dedicated his life to preserving the traditions and principles of an art form that has been handed down through the centuries, a part of the history of Japan.

Upon leaving the dressing room, I greeted my Master. With great kindness, he introduced me to his Master. What I noticed first about Kajitsuka Sensei was his deep look, and then his gentle smile. I noticed his presence. Kajitsuka Sensei is a man who possesses an unwavering spirit.

 
The Training

Although at times the verbal translation given by the translator was a problem for me, I was relieved to see that actually a linguistic translation is not always necessary on the mat because on the tatami, the language of Budo is a universal language for all practitioners.

At the start of the training after having talked a little about what we would be doing in this seminar, Kajitsuka Sensei surprised us all with a detail that we all appreciated and treasured. He gave us a ‘hachimaki” (headband) which is a hallmark of this style of jujutsu. Sensei showed us its many uses, many of which are an exclusive secret of this school of martial arts. With great joy, we put it on and began the training.

We started doing Ukemi Waza, followed by some beautiful Jujutsu techniques. They were practical, strong, and logical. Through various explanations and demonstrations, I began to understand the reason for each technique and how it has evolved from its classical roots (Kobudo) to its modern derivations (Gendai Budo).

We worked on techniques with and without weapons. We talked about the history and the secrets of the school. Practical demonstrations were always accompanied by explanations on the rationale behind the moves. Kajitsuka Sensei performed all movements and techniques with gentleness and also with passion.

His method is the method of a wise, old master. Kajitsuka Sensei is objective, thorough, a perfectionist. He would have us repeat each technique while he patiently polished every detail until we came to realize the logic of each movement.

 
The Meeting

One day after training, Soke told me through my Master Douglas Tong that I would have the chance to have a brief audience with him, to interview him and get to know him some more. We all went to a local cafe and talked about martial arts, philosophy and human development.

I asked Kajitsuka Sensei, “What are the most important things that Yagyu Shingan Ryu practitioners should take into account?” He replied:

1. Love humans.
2. Train nonstop to develop physical strength and inner strength.
3. Always be gentle, never engage in violence.
4. Never fight with anyone but yourself.
5. Have a GREAT hope in humanity.

Upon receiving this response and after hearing his explanations on each of these points, I realized that this seminar, these techniques, and martial arts in general are empty unless the practitioner truly wants to become a better human being.

He went on to explain that schools have changed, the purpose has changed from killing to preserving life, especially in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu. We must train nonstop. Through the practice of Kata, only then can we hope to wrap ourselves in and come to understand the spirit, mind, and hopes of the founder.

He said that Budo was born a long time ago, but it is not only for Japanese people. It’s for everyone in the world, and it is meant for peace and hope. By embracing the spirit of the founder and practicing the principles of Zen through the practice of kata, we can eventually become experts in being good human beings in the world.

Overwhelmed by this message and with much to ponder, we finished our coffee and our meeting. We all said goodbye, went back to rest and to get ready for the seminar the next day.

Kajitsuka Soke is an affable person and has a highly reflective nature. The attention he gives to all those around him is outstanding. Being the great master that he is, he acts very simply and his words, though sometimes few in number, are full of philosophical depth that really make an impact on all who listen.

 
In conclusion

In short, I must thank Sensei Douglas Tong for inviting me and giving me the chance to meet our Soke, Kajitsuka Sensei. Given the chance to come again, I will attend with great joy in the hopes that I can once again have another great experience with Kajitsuka Sensei. Until then, I will endeavour to make sure everyone at Muso Dojo in Tijuana follows his teachings and practices earnestly in the spirit of the founders of Yagyu Shingan Ryu and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu.

Hector Bravo
Muso Dojo
Tijuana, Mexico
www.musodojo.org