Lee’s Japan

   For those of you who don`t know… Tuesday was the Taisai celebration here in Iwama. Taisai is a festival for the Aiki Jinja. Lots of aikido students come to the old dojo here in Iwama to watch the Omoto kyo ceremony at the Jinja.

Also after the ceremony the Doshu (Aikikai top banana) does a demonstration and after there is a big party in the old Dojo.  However since we are not part of the Aikikai we don`t really take part in Taisai. However we do also have a big rival party in remembrance of Morihiro Saito. 

The night before we were told to meet at the Dojo at 8:30 the next morning. but in typical Sensei style he changed his plans and not tell anyone. So Me, john the Big Russian Group and the uchideshi were all standing down at the Dojo for 30 mins before we decided to go up to the Shin Dojo. At 9:30 we all went across to the Jinja and Sensei did a short prayer. After that we stood around waiting to see the Doshu`s demo. The Omoto kyo ceremony began at 11am and I thought it would be about 20 mins at most. one hour later we are still standing there. bored out of your skulls.

Eventually the demo began and about half way in a decided to go for a wander partly because I could not see much and what I did see was not very inspiring. After the demo we were treated to another Shinto ceremony. This time in the shin dojo. After about 30 mins it was over and we could begin to eat. The party lasted about 4 hours. With a few exciting moments when Sensei decided that we needed to be forcefully enlightened as to how to do things at a Japanese party.(im sure all you Iwama veterans are reading between the lines here). I have added a few photos on my web gallery from the day. I will be adding more over the next few weeks so check back at later dates to see some more photos from the day. 

Just thought I would share my first attempts at shodo (Japanese calligraphy) with you all. The characters are just simple Hirigana Characters not complicated Kanji. But I created them using a Brush and Ink and my Right Hand!!! For those of you who dont know I am left handed. I was very proud of myself. I hope you enjoy!

So Just to let you all know I have received my Ni Dan from Sensei at Keiko this morning. Thank you to everyone for the messages of support. 

Last night we had a sushi and movie party, mainly because we could think of a reason not to have a small party… It was attended by Me, Kaspar and the two uchi deshi (Justo and Jor).

We bought a party platter of sushi from the local sushi restaurant, and got though a bottle of Jor`s home made wine, 1.5 bottles of Shochuu, and giant can of Beer. A good time was had by all.You can see some photos on my web gallery.

I knew my life was going too well. Now Sensei has decided that he wants me to test for Ni Dan AARRGGHH!. I like being shodan…:(

But really, its good news. Just need to start practicing, and hopefully I will get lots of time before the test begins. So wish me lucky and I will keep you all posted as to how I am getting on!

A few months ago, Sensei asked one of his carpenter friends to build a new kami sama in the house that he owns near the water fall on the far side of Mt. Atago. I know this because one morning we were all asked to go and help but up a large wooden beam to support the ceiling.   Well, after a few months of waiting the kami sama was finally finished. The shinto ceremony to “bless” the new kami sama was to be held on sunday.

We found this out because sensei told us after Keiko. Closely followed by the words “but you dont need to come”  Since Japan is the country of never saying what you mean we all took this to mean that he would like us to come. other wise why would he mention it, right…?So myself, Volker (who was in Japan on business, and popped to Iwama for a brief stay) and Justo the Uchi deshi went to take part in the ceremony.

Anyone who has even been to a Shinto ceremony knows that the participants usually sit in seiza (Seated Kneeling position) for the whole thing. A position that isn’t easy for most western people over long periods of time. To say I was suffering by the end was an understatement. First my knees when dead, then my hip started to hurt. luckily the ceremony ended before I started to cry.

After the ceremony Sensei made us soba noodles which was very tasty indeed, and went well with the Nihonshuu sensei was plying us with. You can check out some photos from the day on my Gallery. The link is on the right side of this page under favorite sites.  I hope you enjoy!

Yesterday I went to see a friendly football match between Kashima Antlers and Mito Holly Hock. This was the equivalent of Man U playing Burnley. As Kashima are currently the champions of Japan and Mito are in the Division below them.  

 I had to leave my house early as it was extremely windy yesterday and this was disrupting the trains. So Kaspar suggested that I go to the station early as the trains were running irregularly. However I managed to make it to the stadium in great time.  

Before the match I had some food and a Beer. I though about buying a shirt but looking at the price put me off. 15.000 Yen!!!I then went to my seat and I have to say it was fantastic, right in the halfway line as close to the pitch as you can get without standing in the dugout! The stadium was only a third full but the Kashima fans were making lots of noise. The stadium was very big, maybe 40,000  but it was only a third full as you might expect for a friendly.

The game finished 3-0 to Kashima. Mito only really has a couple of half chances if i’m honest but i have to say it was an enjoyable game.   

If you want to see photos you can visit my online gallery at http://gallery.mac.com/lee_attey#gallery

Its been a while since I have added anything to my blog so I thought It was about time.I am going to give you quick run down of what has been happening to me over the last month.I arrived back in Japan on Jan 5th flying into Narita Airport on a direct Virgin Airlines flight form London, Very nice.

On the 13th of Jan I took part in the New years demonstration. With people making the journey from as far afield as Tokyo to come and take part.The demo began with the visiting dojo`s students doing some techniques and after a while myself and Kaspar did our demo. (Kumi tachi, Sword partner exercizes) After a few more demos it was time for sensei and he called for me to be his Uke.At first I thought he was just clearing his throat but no he was calling my name. We performed the “Ki misubi no Tachi” and then several Tachi dori (sword disarming techniques).

A short time after this I injured my shoulder and had to stay at home for a few days to rest it as it was not getting better while I was still practicing.

The Weather has been very cold here in japan and a few days it has even snowed. But more often than not the sun is shining which helps it feel a bit warmer.

Yesterday was sensei`s Birthday so we had a big demonstration followed by a party. But luckily the demonstration was performed by Ken Jitsu students who were invited to the dojo by Sensei. Some of it was very interesting to watch but some of it was not my cup of tea and seemed to drag.Afterwards was the Birthday party which was a typical dojo party woth lots of sashimi and Sake / Beer. So when finally arrived home I was very tired and fell asleep on the sofa.

Yesterday I went to a Shorinji Kempo demonstration in Takahagi in Northern Japan. for those of you who dont know Shorinji is the Japanese pronunciation of Shaolin as in Shaolin Monks. There is  a temple in Shikoku (the island south of Honshu and east of Kyushu)  which is a training centre for Shorinji Kempo. They employ striking techniques and some throwing and join locks.

 Their fighting style is very distinctive  and not easy to confuse with Karate. Although it is different from the Shaolin Kung fu it does have its origin at the Shaolin Temple in China. Some of the high level practitioners wear long black robes over there keikogi. This robes are similar to those worn by buddhist monks here in Japan. 

The demonstation was mostly children which was very cute to watch. However there was some older teenagers and a few adults. I was very impressed with the speed and power of the strikes as well as fact that they take ukemi on hard floors. (they throw each other without mats) 

After the demonstration I got to talk to the  master. Which was fantastic he had studied at the temple in Shikoku and had been doing Shorinji Kempo for 40 years! We talked about martial arts, the philosophy and modern teachers. Its great being able to speak to people who love martial arts as much as me.

Yesterday I had my first real Japanese karaoke Experience. Although I have been to numerous bars which have karaoke machines the most popular way to do karaoke in Japan is to go to a Karaoke box. A building specifically for karaoke, which has numerous private rooms which can by hired out by you and your friends for private Karaoke parties.Your private room has everything that you need including a telephone which links you to a waitress service which you can use to have drinks and food delivered to your room! 

So since Simon is leaving today, Simon, Miwa and I went to have a small sayonara party at the karaoke box in Tomobe, and I can say that a good time was had by all! I started off singing a couple of Bankers “losing my religion” by Rem and “Maria” by Blondie but after a few beers I was singing Aerosmith and Brian Adams.  

By the end of the evening Simon and I were even brave enough to tackle “night fever” ! As well as a few Japanese songs… The evening ended with a boisterous  rendition of “500 miles” by the proclaimers and we headed back to Iwama for a well earned sleep.