7th World Butokusai (WBS) and 130th anniversary of DNBK – Kyoto, April 2025

Days 1-2: Arrival of Canadian participants

The arrival of the participants was followed by a team meeting for the alignment of troops, delivery of supplies and an overview of the event. There was an atmosphere of excitement as everyone prepared for the days ahead.

Day 3: Seminar and surprise assessment (Friday 25 April)

I attended a seminar led by an iaido sensei I didn’t know. He concentrated on the basics of the kata butemphasizing the involvement of hara during little guyfollowed by furikaburi, kiri-oroshiand finally the finished In kesa giro. A great opportunity to refine the cornerhave blisters.

In the afternoon I was summoned with about ten international participants for what I thought was a presentation for my license Shihan. But when I was told: «Larry Foisy, Rokudan Karatedo»I understood that it was recommended to me for mine 6th day. Then I presented the kata Oxygenfrom the Shorinjiryu Kudaka-haunder the watchful eye of Hamada Hanshiin the prestigious Butokuden – an immense honor on this plane trampled by the pioneers of martial arts.

After all the introductions, we had the privilege of practicing individually for 20 minutes in Butokuden. The day concluded with a session on etiquette (Reishiki) in preparation for our visit to Ise Jingu.

Day 4: Visit to Ise Jingu Temple (Saturday 26 April)

Wake up very early, leave on the bus at 3.00. Halfway, during a stop, we witnessed the sunrise: a magical moment in a magical environment. Once there, we moved silently and with discipline, more Japanese than the Japanese themselves.

We put into practice the purification protocol learned the day before, kneeling with two pieces of white cloth and purifying our hands with river water. Isuzusymbol of the mirror of oneself. This moment of contemplation was followed by a ritual Shinto moving, marked by traditional instruments and the vibrant prayer of the priest.

In the evening, a first banquet brought together all the participants, in the presence of a prestigious guest: the princess Akiko de Mikasa, Sosai Higashifushimi Jikoetc Hamada Hanshi. The evening was enlivened by a magnificent concert of Japanese chamber music.

See Wikipedia’s description of Ise Jingu
Watch a video with Ise Jingu on Youtube

Day 5: Seiryuden (Sunday 27 April)

The day started at Seiryudentemple overlooking Kyoto, dedicated to Aofudoh Myooclassified as a national treasure. Several inspiring presentations followed. We were able to enjoy the terrace with a breathtaking view of Kyoto.

Then we went to the Budo/Butokuden Center to practice assembly and entry/exit protocols in preparation for the events of the following days.

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Day 6: Inauguration of the Peace Monument and opening ceremony (Monday 28 April)

Highly emotional moment: the inauguration of monument for world peaceon the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Budo Center.

I then attended the Conference with dinner in Shihanprivilege reserved for those who bear this title. We tasted a deluxe bento and discussed the code of conduct for professionals of DNBK on a global scale.

Day 7: 7th Butokusai World Championship – WBS (Tuesday 29 April)

The day began with a purification ceremony at the Heian Shrine. So, back to Butokuden : the Canadian group of iaido (3rd to perform) presented three kata, respecting the allotted time. Despite the freezing cold, my performance went well, despite a sageo sabaki particularly difficult.

At the end of the morning I introduced myself karate-do the paper Koshiki Kosoko,a long kata de Shorinjiryu with a unique signature: the three “reels” and the strike in Kizami Dachi opens the opposite arm. I was told that my performance did not go unnoticed, that it gave off a special energy. Mission accomplished: Shorinjiryu was brought to light, for the first time, on the floor of Butokuden.

In the afternoon, numerous Japanese presentations highlighted their strong involvement in iaido. Significant anecdote: a Japanese man, met by chance, recognized me as a fellow referee of the August 2024 IKKF Koshiki World Championship. No one is a prophet in his own country!

Day 8: CIRT and Closing Banquet – 130th Anniversary (Wednesday 30 April)

Au RIGHTI presented five of them waza of iaido, under the gaze of an international audience and members of the MJER/KNBK. It was a successful demonstration, which lived up to my expectations.

During the break we repeated the protocol for presenting awards. At the end of the day, Hamada Hanshi mine officially announced promotion to 6th dan in Karatedoin the presence of everyone, even though I have not yet received the official diploma.

The closing banquet was hearty. I met new members of DNBK Canadaand I took a moment to put it back Kinoshita Sensei (mother) a letter of thanks to your daughter Rabbitwho introduced me to iaido. A well-deserved tribute.

The evening ended with a breathtaking drum show (Code)then a presentation of gifts, including a handmade porcelain samurai figurine.

To conclude this unforgettable stay: relax in the onsen artificial of the hotel.

Day 9: Departure (Thursday 1 May)

Last lunch at the hotel, then walk to the Butokuden with Tallack Hanshi for some souvenir photos. We crossed paths Ohmi Senseifounder of Iaido Canada. Then towards Kyoto station, then Osaka for the return flight to Vancouver.