Hoten Ryu Enten Dojo

As some of you may be aware, I relocated back to Japan over a year ago to take care of an ailing family member and to start a new job. My family joined me several months later. Here are some random photos we took over the last several months.

This memory popped up on FB today. 16 years ago, but it sure doesn't feel like that much time has passed. I miss the experience of visiting Tachibana Soke early in the mornings to meet for training. I count myself very fortunate to have had that experience.

Armor with a surprise! This exceptionally crafted Japanese armor or gusoku was created not for the battlefield but to signal wealth. It is an outstanding example of late Edo period (19th century) armor that revives traditional styles from before the sixteenth century. During the Edo period, a time of relative peace and stability, the practical use of armor decreased. High-ranking warriors who could afford a new suit focused on its decorative aspect. Although several examples exist where parts of an armor include compartments, the use of a medicine container with a spoon and an inkstone with a brush is unique and not seen on any other known suit. 🪶 “Helmet bowl” by Neo Masanobu 根尾正信 (Japanese, active early 18th century), “Armor (Gusoku) with Box,” 19th century; helmet bowl, early 18th century. Iron, leather, lacquer, textile, silver, gold, brass, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), feather, wood, glass, boar bristle. On view in Gallery 377.

Had a fantastic weekend meeting Yoshino Sensei in Kyoto and visiting with other Hoten Ryu members. It was great to have a gathering of so many teachers and friends, including some I hadn't seen in recent years.

If you visit Japan (or any foreign country for that matter), observe the etiquette. Be respectful. Remember that, good or bad, the example you set is how your country and your countrymen will be viewed.

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Hope everyone has been enjoying the holidays!

I'm a little late posting this, but I went to Tucson on Sunday to train and have lunch with some students from the southern part of the state. I won't have a chance to visit Tucson again for a while, so it was nice to squeeze in the visit ahead of the holidays.

Spent the day in Tucson training one of my students from the far southeastern part of the state. Usually he drives several hours each way to visit me in Phoenix, but today Jason and I were able to meet him a bit closer to where he lives. Other than it being a bit chilly today, it was a good day of training.

Prayed at Tachibana Soke's grave today and washed the grave stone.