• Mikey Ryu
• May 24, 2024
• 0

An Upcoming Adventure In Japan

For as long as I can remember, my dad and I have shared a fascination with the samurai and their legendary martial arts. Growing up, our imaginations were fueled by tales of these noble warriors, their disciplined lives, and their mastery of the sword. This mutual passion has always been a special bond between us, sparking countless discussions, and even backyard sparring sessions. Now, as we prepare for a transformative journey to Kyoto, we are not only fulfilling a lifelong dream but also embarking on an adventure that will deepen our connection to the samurai spirit and to each other. This trip represents the culmination of years of shared dreams and a significant step in our martial arts journey, offering us the rare opportunity to train in Iaido, Kendo, and experience the ways of the ninja in the very heart of Japan.

Iaido Experience:

A Brief History Of Iaido:

Iaido, a Japanese martial art focused on the smooth, controlled movements of drawing a sword, striking an opponent, and returning the sword to its scabbard, traces its origins back to the revered samurai class of feudal Japan. These elite warriors developed and refined their sword techniques as a matter of life and death, emphasising the need for precision, efficiency, and mental fortitude. The term “Iaido” translates to “the way of mental presence and immediate reaction,” which aptly reflects the art’s core philosophy of maintaining heightened situational awareness and executing quick, decisive actions.

What’s Planned:

We are heading to Kyoto to have Iaido training with the renowned sensei, Isao Machii. This journey marks not only our inaugural visit to Japan but also a significant milestone in our lives as we immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage and traditions of this beautiful country. Kyoto, with its historic temples, serene gardens, and vibrant cultural scenes, provides the perfect backdrop for our introduction to Iaido. Training under Isao Machii, a master known for his extraordinary skill and precision, is an incredible opportunity that promises to deepen our appreciation for the art. This experience will allow us to practice Iaido, a martial art characterised by its elegance, discipline, and seamless flow of movements, for the very first time. We are excited and honoured to embark on this journey, learning from one of the best in the field, and we look forward to the personal and physical growth that will undoubtedly come from this unique and enriching adventure.

Kendo Experience:

A Brief History of Kendo:

Kendo, a Japanese martial art that translates to “the way of the sword,” is deeply rooted in the traditions and practices of the samurai class of feudal Japan. This dynamic and rigorous art focuses on the principles of fencing, where practitioners, known as kendoka, engage in striking their opponents with bamboo swords called shinai. Kendo emphasises not only the physical aspects of combat but also the cultivation of the spirit and mind. The practice of Kendo involves precise footwork, powerful strikes, and strategic movements, all executed with a keen sense of timing and distance. Wearing protective armour known as bogu, kendoka engages in bouts that simulate real sword fights, allowing them to develop both technical skills and mental resilience. Central to Kendo is the concept of “kiai,” a spirited shout that embodies the practitioner’s intent and energy, serving to intimidate opponents and focus their own power. As a modern martial art, Kendo continues to preserve the values of discipline, respect, and continuous self-improvement, making it a profound practice that connects contemporary enthusiasts with the noble heritage of the samurai.

What’s Planned:

We are going to Kyoto to take part in a two-hour Kendo session, marking a significant step in our martial arts journey. This will be our first time exploring the art of Kendo, a practice that was crucial in keeping the samurai sharp and battle-ready during the Edo period. The Edo period, spanning from 1603 to 1868, was a time of relative peace in Japan, which shifted the samurai’s focus from battlefield combat to honing their skills and maintaining their warrior spirit through rigorous training. Our session in Kyoto, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, offers the perfect setting for us to immerse ourselves in this traditional martial art. Kendo, with its emphasis on discipline, precision, and mental fortitude, will not only challenge us physically but also provide a deeper understanding of the samurai ethos. We are excited to don the traditional bogu (protective armour) and wield the shinai (bamboo sword) for the first time, experiencing the intensity and spirit of Kendo firsthand. This unique opportunity to train in the birthplace of so many Japanese martial traditions will undoubtedly be an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Ninja Experience:

A Brief History of The Ninja:

The history of the ninja, or shinobi, dates back to feudal Japan, where they served as covert agents and mercenaries. Originating during the Sengoku period (15th to 17th centuries), a time of intense social upheaval and warfare, ninjas were known for their skills in espionage, sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and assassination. Unlike the noble samurai, ninjas often came from the lower classes and were trained in stealth and deception rather than direct combat. The Iga and Kōga regions became famous for producing some of the most skilled ninjas, who played crucial roles in the power struggles of the era. Their techniques and strategies were shrouded in secrecy, often passed down through generations within ninja families. While the romanticised image of the ninja as a black-clad, shadowy figure is popular in modern culture, historical ninjas were more likely to blend into their surroundings, using disguise and subterfuge to achieve their objectives. Over time, the decline of feudal warfare and the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate reduced the demand for ninja services, leading to their gradual disappearance from the historical stage. Nonetheless, the legacy of the ninja endures in Japanese culture and folklore, symbolising cunning, resourcefulness, and the art of invisibility.

What’s Planned:

We’re heading to a ninja experience in Kyoto to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of the Ninja. During this adventure, we will learn a variety of skills and techniques that were essential to these stealthy warriors of ancient Japan. From mastering the art of throwing shuriken, the iconic star-shaped weapons, to understanding the silent and efficient movements that allowed ninjas to navigate undetected, our training will cover the full spectrum of ninja skills. Additionally, we will delve into the meditative practices and hand seals, known as Kuji-in, that ninja used to focus their minds and enhance their abilities. This experience promises to provide a comprehensive insight into the daily life and training regimen of ninjas, offering a unique blend of physical training, mental discipline, and historical education. In the historic and culturally rich city of Kyoto, where the legacy of the ninja still resonates, we will gain a deeper appreciation for their enduring mystique and the profound impact they had on Japanese history and culture.

Our upcoming journey to Kyoto is more than just a trip; it is the realization of a dream that my dad and I have cherished since childhood. As we prepare to train under masters like Isao Machii in Iaido, don the traditional bogu for Kendo, and delve into the clandestine world of the ninja, we are embracing the rich cultural heritage that has captivated us for so long. This experience promises to be an unforgettable chapter in our lives, filled with learning, growth, and the deepening of our father-son bond. The lessons we will learn and the skills we will acquire in Kyoto will not only enhance our understanding of these martial arts but also bring us closer together, united by our shared passion and the enduring spirit of the samurai. As we step into this new adventure, we look forward to honouring the legacy of these ancient warriors and carrying their principles of discipline, respect, and mental fortitude with us long after our return.