Coffee with Sensei

Thoughts and comments by Sensei Jorge Kishkawa

24-Aug-2018

Niten 25 years - Masters of Japan - Tameshigiri

"On August 21st, 2018, the Niten Institute held a valuable seminar with a Master of our Sensei. Shimamura Sensei, 6th Soke of Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu, also has extensive knowledge in Tameshigiri, he is Japanese champion´s master of Tameshigiri, and provided us with, along with Sensei Jorge Kishikawa, a seminar loaded of treasures not only about cutting but also about the importance of the feeling and respect behind each cut.

In every attentive gaze, the curiosity and determination to lose no detail were tangible: the correct inclination of the blade, the exact distance to make the cut, the positioning of the arms, how to use Koshi ... The Masters are like compasses in the search for perfection.

Shimamura Soke, firm in each cut, patient and attentive to each student, conveys tranquility throughout the seminar.

During the event, concentration and energy jumped to the eyes.

It was possible to feel in the air during each correction, each cut, and each Rei, something much more important than the excitement of being face to face with the Masters, it was possible to feel the will to give its best. Feeling that emanated from each student.

This feeling, motivated both by being able to represent the Niten Institute to Shimamura Soke, or by the will to do the right, by the will to put the courage to the test and to overcome the challenge, or even (and probably) by a combination of all these factors, concomitantly to all the valuable teachings, it´s an indescribable importance for the formation not only of the Samurai of the Niten, but of the human beings that compose it.

Not only would Niten not exist if it were not for Sensei Jorge Kishikawa, as surely would not be the same without his constant effort and dedication in learning and transmitting Bushido.

Bringing to a perfect end, this dedication was recognized again. Sensei is, once again, Menkyo Kaiden! Being able to be present at this moment of recognition, Sensei Jorge Kishikawa receiving the highest degree of the style Nito Shinkage Ryu Kusarigama Jutsu, in our Dojo in Sao Paulo, certainly brings a lot of joy!

There are many achievements to celebrate this year that marks the 25 years of the Niten Institute, too much history to consider, and hard work ahead. How nice!

May many more 25 years come!

Domo Arigatou Gozaimashita."

Larissa – Campinas