Hello,

  Spring is here and the cherry blossom trees are blooming. The cherry blossom trees are one of the many unforgettable  sights at the Sakura Budokan Dojo, If you are close enough to come see them I would recommend it. The blossoms only last about 3 days so don’t hesitate. If you are one of our faithful members from far away, I have put together a small gallery of pictures on the main website. Click the link below to check them out! Please be patient while images load there are 48 pictures total. Please Enjoy!

SAMURAI SWORDSMANSHIP

by Masayuki Shimabukuro

Samurai Swordsmanship features Black Belt Hall of Fame member Masayuki Shimabukuro (Weapons Instructor of the Year, 2006) and his senior-most student, Carl E. Long, Demonstrating and explaining the history, construction, rituals and techniques associated with the samurai sword.

This three-volume DVD collection covers basic, intermediate and advanced concepts and features Interviews with both instructors! Topics include mat cutting, forms, uniform care, sword etiquette, cleaning your weapon, thrusts, drawing and sheathing the sword and much more.

Vol. 1 : Basic Sword Program                      DVD Code 9569 — Retail $29.95
Vol. 2 : Intermediate Sword Program          DVD Code 9579 — Retail $29.95
Vol. 3 : Advanced Sword Program               DVD Code 9589 — Retail $29.95

Buy all 3 DVDs for $69.95 — Code X163

Order Your Copy Today!

Call Black Belt Magazine – 1-800-581-5222

Or Visit Black Belt Magazine’s Website!

Carl E. Long & Masayuki Shimabukuro

 On June 17th, 2008 Shimabukuro Hanshi and Long Shihan were officially appointed as Representaive and Coordinator for the International Iaido and Batto-Do divisions of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai by Dr. Hiroyuki Hamada, Vice President of DNBK Hombu and Chairman of the DNBK ID. They will be serving the DNBK ID as the official representatives for all sword styles under the direction of the Japan Hombu and the DNBK International Division outside of Japan. The DNBK is chaired by Japans Prince, Higashi Fushimi Jigo. These appointments are an extention of the authority of the DNBK Hombu and it’s governing body.

Martial arts throughout the Japanese Empire fell directly under the jurisdiction of the Dai Nippon Butokukai, which in turn was accountable only to the Emperor and his administration. As the sole agency in charge of budo in Japan, originally the Butokukai was supported in large part by Meiji bureaucrats, the Ministry of Education (Mombusho,) and the military. As such, any and all ancient and modern martial arts or related activities in the country were reported to, and invariably scrutinized by, the Butokukai. These arts included all Kenjutsu, Kobudo, Jujutsu, Karatedo, Aikido, Judo, Kendo, Kyudo, etc…

Branches of the Dai Nippon Butokukai are now being established throughout the Western world in an effort to (re-)introduce the profound teachings of the ancient Japanese warrior and his unique philosophy of living in harmony with nature and his fellow man. Martial arts master Dr. Hiroyuki Hamada (Hanshi), the international chairman of the Dai Nippon Butokukai, is the principal force behind the campaign to establish foreign branches outside of Japan.

Organizations, schools, and or individual disciples of the Japanese Martial arts seeking more information regarding the DNBK can find it here: http://www.dnbk.org/index.cfm

To learn more about Japan’s first and foremost fraternity of classical and modern martial arts are invited to write to Dr. Hamada c/o College of Education HPER, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA 23508 or contact Shimabukuro Hanshi or Long Renshi at hq@jikishin-kai.com or clong@jikishin-kai.com