Message from Sensei (2004)
Jan. 2004
A happy New Year to all. On this occasion, I would like to share a request with all our members.
Human beings are truly creatures of convenience. By this I mean that when things happen to us, we are always inclined to think of those things in a way that is convenient for us. Looking at this from the other side, we could say that everyone who encounters the same event perceives it differently.
For example, there are people who will look at an event with pessimism, and others who take the complete opposite view, who will look with optimism. The pessimist will usually think seriously about what has happened and try to overcome it so the future will be better. An optimist will usually think, "These things just happen. With time, it will resolve itself," and will leave things alone and make no effort at all.
For an ordinary person, either of these viewpoints may be fine. Looking from the viewpoint of a person like me who is devoted to martial arts training, however, I would choose the path of "worry now so you can relax later." This is training for a sense of what separates winning from losing in a life-or-death situation. In essence, it is training for "kake-hiki." I am talking about carefully analyzing an opponent's capabilities and taking measures to counteract them. Some of you may say there would be no time for this, but that is what training is for: learning to do this instantaneously. Shugyo (training) cannot be called shugyo unless it has included sufficient training of both the body and the mind.
I don't think it would be a bad thing for all of you to see just how strict you can be with yourselves. This year let's all work toward being "nai go gai ju" ["tough on the inside and flexible on the outside"].
Unsui Sensei
Jinenkan Kancho
Apr. 2004
I hope all our members are doing well.
This time, I would like to explain about my plan to return to Japan one year earlier then originally expected ( I'll be returning in mid-June).
As for me, I came to America to accomplish two goals. One of those goals was to teach as much as possible of whatever I could offer to many people, and for them to acquire that teaching . The second goal was to elevate the level of everyone's technique.
Presently, I think those two goals are 80% accomplished. Thanks to the hard work of each Dojo-cho, the number of members, including both regular members and associate members, has grown to include 340 people. Considering this, I've been able to interact with many people, many times, and I think they have learned lots of thing well. As for the remaining 20% ; a year from now I was planning to leave the Jinenkan USA in the hands of those trained to become its successors. Unfortunately, that originally attempted plan has now come to an end . Following up one this, because there are still many people with wonderful personal character, I sincerely hope to have a fresh start to that training and completing my original goal.
Next, although there are many undecided plans, I'll give a description of what's coming up. My guiding plan after this to make Japan my own home base. Last year I began teaching a 22 year old Japanese K-1 fighter, to guide him towards becoming a future champion. As for him, if he can train satisfactory and without injury, then in 2 or 3 years, becoming a champion won't be just a dream.
I'm also planning to spend a few weeks in other countries each year to hold seminars and guide those dojo. To begin with this year in mid-August there will be a seminar in Noda City, Japan. Next at the beginning of September I'm planning to have a business trip in Switzerland to guide the dojo, with a seminar held on the last weekend there.
Next year, I'll stay in United Kingdom for about 2 weeks in May to guide the dojo there and have a seminar. There will be a seminar in August in Japan and around the end of September I'd like to have a seminar in Dayton, Ohio. Details will be posted on the Jinenkan Homepage.
Everyone, please find the time to come and meet with me. I look forward to seeing you.
Unsui Sensei
Jinenkan Kancho
July 2004
I hope all Jinenkan members are well.
Beyond any doubt, Japan has very much entered a humid summer, but I must say I prefer an active summer over a cold winter.
On June 10th, I arrived safety in Japan. Thanks to everyone, the three years I spent in America were a great experience, one that afforded me many beautiful, lasting memories.
My time spent in America was, for the Jinenkan and for myself, certainly a great asset, the fruits of which will reveal themselves gradually. Above all, it was wonderful that I was able to talk with so many people and create a mutual understanding with you all. Once again, regarding everyone's budo, I am extremely happy to see everyone working earnestly towards the improvement of their technique. Shouldn't you all continue to train as you have until now?
As I discussed future seminar plans in detail, in the last installment of Seiryu, I will abbreviate our future activities and plans. At that moment, I am in the process of looking for a place to build a new Honbu Dojo. I do wish to build it as soon as possible, but as Japan is an expensive place, it may not happen in accordance with my wishes. However, it will be built. So please everyone, look forward to it in the future. As for other activities, working in the same manner as I approach practicing and teaching true budo (I.e trying new approaches), I will try, through kenjutsu, to help alleviate the great amount of stress plaguing the Japanese Office working Ladies.
I hope I will meet you all again very soon.
Unsui Sensei
Jinenkan Kancho
October 2004
As this year's world-wide, abnormally hot summer comes to an end. I wonder if all members are in good health. I, for one, striving to train heartily each day. This year, starting from September 1st, I spent two weeks in Switzerland. Thus, I would like to mention my thoughts and impressions regarding the seminar and other things during those two weeks.
I must first say that during this two week period, there was only one day that I did not put on my gi to train. My time spent in Switzerland was one that was full of maturing and enriching experiences.
I have only say, "Thank you, Thank you very much!"
The format of this training consisted of a combination of weekday and private lesson. These sessions were long, but they allowed me to give proper supervision and instruction to each student individually, one after the other. This method also afforded the benefits of seeing each individual ‘s technique /movement improve. Having fully understood my thoughts and opinions, this training was exactly identical to that of my own dojo and thus the rewards reaped were many and far-reaching. Of course, as you all will agree, the best method of transferring my "Jissen Kobudo", is directly, from me to you as was done in the seminar.
Therefore, I was extremely happy to view and confirm with astonished eyes, the progress that each of you had made.
This method is know in Japan as isshi-souden, the transmission of a secret from Father to Son.
Again, a seminar was held on the final weekend of my sojourn where a significant number of members arrived in Switzerland from eight different countries: USA, France, Switzerland, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, and Germany. As always, the participants were able to train in an environment full of peace and harmony with people from all over the world.
Furthermore, happily, within this period, one person was promoted to San-Dan, two to Ni-Dan, and three to Sho-Dan.
Next year, if at all possible, in the same fashion, I would like to stay and train for a considerable length of time. In closing, I would sincerely like to thank Marcel Benz, Dojo Cho of the Wettingen Dojo and the many participants for all their support and not allowing my stay to become at all tedious. Time at the seminar really seemed to go by quickly . I had such an enjoyable experience that all sense of time eluded me. Once again, thank you all very much !
Unsui Sensei
Jinenkan Kancho