Winter Newsletter 2023: Hojo in Japan

Kangen Roshi and Eric Birkeland demonstrate the Hojo Kata at the Tsuyama Budo Conference.

Dick Teshima, Terry Ueno, Michael Kangen Roshi, Eric Birkeland, Andrew Ching, Christine Cordero, and Raul Betancourt traveled to Japan to participate in the first Tsuyama Budo Festival in Tsuyama. Kangen Roshi and Eric Birkeland demonstrated the Hojo, and were joined by Andrew Ching in doing Kendo keiko with some of the Japanese sensei present.

The trip also included a visit to the rural Yamashibu Iaido Dojo with demonstrations from 8th dan and 7th dan teachers. The group then visited Miyamoto Musashi's birthplace as well as the Musashi Dojo in Mimasaka.

Visiting Taizo-in at Daihonzan Myoshin-ji

After the Budo portion of the trip, the group traveled to Kyoto where they were invited by Daiko Matsuyama to do zazen at his temple, Taizo-in, in the Myoshin-ji complex. They were also allowed to observe the most important ceremonies of the year honoring the founder of Myoshin-ji, including a very unique style of okyo and buddhist robes in the style of the Song dynasty.

Tsuyama Budo Conference

Putting on bogu for Kendo keiko in Tsuyama

Visiting Musashi’s birthplace