Body Dialogue Special Edition Dokan 2024

by Robert Gaston

Dokan 2024 International gasshuku, in a significant way, started for us at different times. For the organizing team and Director of Instruction it began several years ago after the 2021 exams. Plans and theme ideas began percolating in their heads, with artwork and discussions. The location, Worth Abby, was tested out last year at the British Shintaido Daienshu and it worked well. At the closing ceremony Ula Chambers announced the theme of the 2024 International, Dokan, the way of the circle.

Enthusiasm for Dokan ’24 grew over the year and there were 54 people in attendance.  People came from Japan, USA, UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and Italy.  Also, this was an opportunity for many of the international attendees to link their gasshuku travel to a trip to Europe. We began to arrive on 15 August at Worth Abby and saw the location in a beautiful country setting, 30 miles south of London. Connections and warm greetings began.

The first day, began with checking in and finding our rooms, getting an orientation, meeting of teams and lots of hugs, reconnections and chats with old and new friends from around the world.

For some of us, it included the International Technical Committee (ITEC) meetings and keiko.  For those not in ITEC, it was a chance to practice for exams or organize their gasshuku job teams. 

For me, there was a wonderful afternoon keiko taught by Pierre Quettier on Goho Batto-ho in the sports center. 

We met up with the rest of the early arrivers for dinner at the cafeteria, pulling our tables together so we could hear as many conversations and reconnect as much as possible. Those not in the ITEC keiko, talked about a wonderful time of practicing together in preparation for exams in the gorgeous Victorian wood and stain glass appointed, Whitehead room, lovingly called the Harry Potter room.

Following a welcoming meal, the evening included ITEC meetings about upcoming examinations and further planning. Others,  hung out in the tea corner over seen with love by Margaret Guay who throughout the gasshuku could be relied upon for sustenance, warm feeling, conversation and laughs.

There were, 25 people, who had stayed the night and woke up with Taimyo led by Margaret Guay. In the morning light, and with dew on our feet, Taimyo transported us to calm old English countryside.

For ITEC members, the morning was filled by a thought provoking keiko by David Franklin on Renki kumite where we explored our way of breathing and moving , our connection to our partner and the outer limits of our balance.

In the afternoon we held joint SOA and ESC examinations. Heather Kuhn from USA, took her Graduate exam, and Craig Thorn, from England, took his Kenjutsu Nidan exam. 

The Dokan ’24 International Gasshuku officially began at 5pm with the opening ceremony and a dedication to Ito sensei.  His picture was posted on the wall and remained there throughout the gasshuku. Charles Burns, organizer extraordinaire, welcomed attendees. The opening ceremony concluded with Nicole B. presenting Minagawa sensei with Ito Sensei’s sword.

 After supper we started the Opening Keiko in the Sports Hall.  This was led by Ula and Gianni bringing everyone one together with a theme of Tenshingoso (solo, kumite and Tenshingoso massage). “The keiko had a warm, uplifting feeling and reminded us how nice it was to be all together in person.” 

This keiko was followed by a presentation by Minagawa sensei and Michael sensei to announce the end of a “first wave” of Shintaido and a new era of leadership. Connie sensei and Ula sensei were awarded the rank and responsibilities of being our Doshu for the next 4 years. “The air in the room changed dramatically for me. Like a poof. All the unspoken contracted energies released in an instant.”  This announcement of the new Doshu brought a palpable energy and excitement.

Each morning of the main gasshuku started with an early morning Taimyo taught by various ITEC members, Mieko H, Connie B., Robert G. and cumulating with Charles B. They were in a grassy open space looking west over the school’s golf course and the woods beyond. The scattered trees and expansive view had participants returning to the space throughout the gasshuku, whether for their private practice and meditation, or in groups to work on kumite for exams.  There were spontaneous gatherings for a beautiful sunset that boggled the mind. The Taimyo practices and the draw of the space had reoccurring circular feel for me. It was the place that I came back to observe the changes in me throughout the gasshuku. 

Keiko Two, Three and Four on Saturday the 17^th and Sunday the 18^th were longer, held outside on the sports fields a short walk across a bridge over the road. 

There were Shintaido warmups for the whole group. Led first by Shin, then Pierre, and lastly Alain. Then we split into three groups that participants could join, Kenjutsu by, Pierre Quettier, Bojutsu, by Alain Chevet or Karate, by Shin Aoki. The keiko space was immense so each group moved to various edges of the field and focused on the curriculum.

Please read the descriptions of each keiko provided by the Goreisha.

Kenjutsu Program: From Common Standards to Personal Fluency

by Pierre Quettier

First of all, I wish us to review and set-up a formal toitsu-kihon program, specific to kenjutsu, performed with either a bokken or iaito. This study will include a review of the stepping exercises particular to the needs of this program. These exercises will be presented in the light of our experiences in France teaching complete beginners: those otherwise ignorant of Shintaido conventions.

In the same spirit, I will share our approach to Shoden-no-kata.  At this event I will introduce a formal (sei) version of the kata, in preparation for the flowing (dai) manner that we are accustomed to. 

In different vein, I also look forward to sharing most or all of the various battō-ho (sword-drawing exercises) handed down by Master Ito from the Toyama-ryu tradition he studied with Master Obata. These will be new to some people, while familiar to others, so we shall work together to harmonize our understanding of this new aspect of the shintaido kenjutsu program.  

Last, but not least, I will invite all participants (according to their level) to engage with – and enjoy combining the above with – familiar exercises, such as san-nin ichi-retsu or jissen kumitachi, with one or several partners.  

Bojutsu program: Return to the Future (a new approach to kata)

by Alain Chevet

It is with emotion that I express my gratitude to Ito Sensei for sharing with us his ultimate vision of the kata Shoshi-no-kon.

In keeping with the Dokan theme, it seemed obvious to me to dedicate this meeting to Shoshi-no-kon.

While being anchored in history, Shoshi-no-kon is also the manifestation of innovative creativity. All the kata are transmitted to us by the elders of past generations. It is up to us to study and practice them with respect. However, it is also up to us to bring them to life. We do this by practicing them to discover their multiple facets: martial, educational, social, spiritual…

In this spirit, I will share an approach to Shoshi-no-kon through interactions between the kata, the kugiri keiko from this kata as well as applications in kumibo.

This is also an opportunity to have a fresh look at the practice of kata in general. The participation of practitioners at different levels will promote a joyful practice imbued with “beginner’s spirit”.

Karate Program: Karate and the Rhythms of Nature

by Shin Aoki

In these keiko we will explore three elements that can enrich and deepen the experience of karate kumite:

• finding and connecting with our partner’s center
• managing the compression and expansion of space; and
• refining our timing through heightened awareness.

Toward these ends, our physical movements will include, respectively, renki kumite, irimi and stepping practice, and wakame, all of which will be applied to basic forms of karate kumite

Saturday evening David Franklin and Arin Farahini led us in a workshop on “Shintaido as a performing art.” We engaged in a keiko of sound and movement, emotion and contemplation. We used techniques from theater to think “outside the box” about what is performance and what is the relation to our own Shintaido. 

One person expressed, “I appreciated the profound presence of indigenous and holistic, communal wisdom.”  For me it changed a way of looking at both.  I could think of performance of Shintaido in new spaces for other more artistic reasons and what might be the feelings and thoughts of the observer watching me do Shintaido movement.

Sunday evening, Ula Chambers and Connie Borden facilitated a Keiko “stories activity.” We formed groups of 5-10, and shared past/present keiko experiences.  Impressions included, “I am proud of the international Shintaido culture. I believe our practice represents an expression of what so many American liberals are reaching for but struggle to find.” “I have been at many events that have aspired to the connection and honest expression shown here.”

Exams on Sunday and Monday Mornings

High level karate and Bohjutsu exams took place on Sunday morning on the large outside dojo. So many examinees did well and there were more highlights than can be easily expressed in one article. Observers said it looked if the examinees left everything on the field expressing all they had. Ito-sensei’s picture was placed prominently at the examiners’ table and his presence was felt. The closeness and feeling of the exam led to a spontaneous eiko-dai across the field by examinees and audience together and returning arms around each other’s shoulders to a large circle wakame before returning our dorm rooms and having lunch.

The second day of exams on Monday morning featured high level Shintaido Kenjutsu and Shintaido exams. Again, the exams were exciting and inspirational to watch and participate in.  The second day of exams concluded with Godan Kenjutsu by Alain and Pierre. This included performance with “naked blade”.   The results of all exams are posted at the end of this article. 

With the exams completed we headed into Keiko Five. Gianni sensei led us in a keiko to take care of our tired bodies. It focused tenshingoso massage from warming up to kumite making connection with other parts of body and unifying the movement by entire group. Images of people in laughter as they do Tenshingoso on their backs with their feet or massaging their partner by opening ahh as their arms massaged their partners’ back. Laughter and smiles erupting.  The three groups showed a demonstration to the other what was studied. Gianni finished the keiko with Eido Dai – in partners, whether with boh, Bokken or open hand with a partner. 

After this keiko and before dinner, exam results were given and the evening was filled with a festive party. We began after supper and stayed late into the night. Arin started with an invocation, Heather recited love poems, all were held in rapture as Marta and Jennifer sang and Jennifer accompanied on the piano, Reesa, Ida-san’s daughter, played a beautiful piece and Shin-san taught and led the group in line dancing.

Tuesday the 20^{th ,} the last day of the gasshuku began as usual with Taimyo. Charles chose to lead us from the far side of the valley. For me, this expanded my view and my keiko to be ready to go out into the world beyond the gasshuku. It brought up images from the gasshuku as I became an audience and a performer in a series of memories and my feelings and imagination reached out across the valley. 

After breakfast, we gathered in the gym for the final keiko led in parts by Ula, Connie and Minagawa -sensei. They prepared us well to leave with joy and brightness. Ula did warm ups and unified our movement. Images of energy flowing around the room and through us danced in my head. Connie’s gorei brightened our feeling and raised our energy while Minagawa brought us together in a connected deep closing meditation. 

Closing Ceremony and presentations were in the Whitehead room. Gasshuku teams were thanked and appreciation was given to the instructors and organizers. A special moment of appreciation was given to Ito-sensei and fellow Shintaidoist who died this past year. People gave feedback about the event and many tears (mine included) were flowing.  Diplomas were presented, and Michael and Minagawa- sensei expressed their faith in the future of Shintaido as the new Doshu, and Go-dan will act like bookends with all the Yon-dan and General Instructors’ knowledge on the library shelves. 

This link contains many photos from Dokan:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1l-xjkFaKxuteY3hn29UOB4SNrb1hUC_t?usp=sharing

16^th August, 2024 ESC/SoA Exam Results
Examiners: Shin Aoki, Connie Borden-Sheets, Pierre Quettier
Coordinator: Robert Gaston

Examination results