Kobudo Quest 2024 (Part 1)

For students of Kobudo, who have committed to travel and train with the source of our arts in Japan, the travel bans associated with COVID were a test of patience. So, it didn’t take much of a push to schedule a trip to take place this April 2024.

Fresh off a successful Kobukan Kobudo seminar in Canada, with one Shibu leader expressing interest in wanting to give his son a trip to Japan that had been pushed off for years, the idea quickly escalated for all Shibu leaders and a few others to visit for training, sightseeing, and friendship. It would also be a great chance to discuss organizational plans and have a “dry run” for future visits.

Before the trip, Wright Sensei began working with students on Kobukan Hanbo-jutsu Shoden Menkyo techniques – containing over 30 techniques as taught directly in the densho. Visiting instructors would have the opportunity to test in-person during the trip, and non-attendees would have the chance to test after the trip, beginning in May.

The Journey Begins

Day 1 of our journey began with attending instructors from the United States, meeting up with our Canadian brother, Troy Wideman Kyoshi, at a connecting flight in Canada. From there we all travelled together on the 12-hour flight to Tokyo.

Not having taken such a long flight in a while, it was a perfect re-boot flight, with many rows empty, great conversations between martial artists, and plenty of quiet to get rest.

Arriving in Tokyo, we were greeted by Wright Sensei, along with our great friend, Aly, who took us to our final destination outside of Tokyo. 

For those experienced in training at schools from very traditional Japanese tradition, there can often be a strictness that can feel rather impersonal and formal. This was not the case, however. It’s true that the Kobukan teaches traditional martial systems with extremely high standards, however, from the beginning a foundation of community and family is our underlying culture for the organization. And, this was in full display during our 3-hour drive to our hotel. We enjoyed catching up with friends, laughing, and yes… talking about martial arts. 

Wind & Rain

Our first full day in Japan was a wet and windy one. We made our way through what felt like monsoon weather, the wayward wind gust ripping our umbrellas and turning them inside-out, as we made our way to a number of martial arts stores to buy new Kobukan black belts.

We also stopped by Shinjuku for anyone needing currency exchange, and while there, tried to scratch our itch for sushi at a local kaiten sushi restaurant. And while great sushi alluded us that day, we were excited for everything to come.  

To be continued…