2021 Taikai "Osae” After-action Report by Andrew Stevenson
It’s been about seven weeks since the November taikai, and if you’re like me, you are still buzzing with energy trying to sort through and incorporate all the techniques and insight Sensei so graciously shared over the course of the long weekend. Mr. Simms expertly communicated Sensei’s teaching throughout the weekend, and his demonstrations were superb. If you were not aware, Sensei taught through the weekend despite having recently undergone two surgeries. Sensei has always put the ryu first and this weekend was no different.
This is the first in-person taikai we’ve been able to have since 2019, and I had missed all that energy and excitement! We have 30 usable tatami at the Great Falls Budokan and we had about 25 people on the mat. Using the rule-of-thumb of one student per tatami, that was just about perfect. Thank you to all the deshi who worked tirelessly to host the taikai.
Some of the students on the tatami came from quite far away. I believe the prize for longest distance traveled has to go to Mr. Braddock, who came in from San Nami dojo in Panama. We also had visitors from as far as California, Illinois, and Vermont.
Mr. Barus once again traveled down the coast to attend the taikai this year, as he does every year. Those of you who are somewhat new to the art may not know how many decades Mr Barus has been training. His unceasing commitment and devotion to the art is an inspiration.
We were also very privileged to host Mr. Busan from San Diego and Mr. Ritacco from Chicago. These gentlemen are bedrock to the ryu. The expertise and experience they bring to every taikai is immeasurable.
Dr. Shapiro served as aide-de-camp, a very selective position if you can get it, and did an admirable job. Although coming in from out of town makes the job a little more challenging, it was good to see Dr. Shapiro back at Great Falls Budokan where he began training some years back, before moving to Alabama and then California, all the while continuing to train. He has also been studying online daily with Daiseki dojo. Well done, Dr. Shapiro, and congratulations on your promotion.
By the way, did you know Daiseki dojo has been conducting daily online training? It’s been very successful, and has attracted quite a few students. Training online may seem a bit odd for the old traditionalists among us (and I count myself among those), but it is undoubtedly the way of the future, and all dojo-cho should all be considering how to incorporate it into their teaching. If you’re still not convinced, just look at how many mudansha Dr. Musicar brought with him to the taikai. There were a lot.
Mr. Richard Gilbert demonstrated, as he always does, the pinnacle of polish and refinement. He received oku-sandan in the Yamate-ryu. This rank represents the dividing line between junior and senior yudansha. Mr. Gilbert’s dedication to the art, leadership, and exceptional spirit is evident.
Speaking of promotions, Mr. Brian Stamps, Mr. Douglas Whitener, and Mr. Kevin Reilly received Kyoshi licenses. This is important not just for them and their dojo, but for the ryu. These men are the next generation of teachers and have demonstrated the qualities necessary to carry the tradition forward. Well-done gentlemen! Thank you for what you are doing.
No tradition carries forward without a strong and vibrant group of mudansha. These new students are working diligently towards their first license that will initiate them into this long and fascinating journey. The many mudansha who put body and mind on the mat for the long weekend did an excellent job, and I’m excited for the future with this group!
Although Sensei’s instruction on the essence of osae provides for years of study, we have only three months before the next taikai! I’m looking forward to another excellent weekend of training, and the March weather in San Diego will definitely be an added bonus. Taikai provide such energy and drive to the arts we study, like a flywheel turning year after year. I look forward to seeing all of you there. Ganbatte!
The End
