Golden Week 2025 Adventures with the Dai Nippon Butokukai in Kyoto, Japan

Historical Context & Significance

Founded in Kyoto in 1895, the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 has served as steward of Japan’s martial traditions, elevating arts from technique (‑術) to principled ways (‑道). Re‑organized in 1953, it recommitted to cultivating character, culture, and peace through Budō. The Butokuden itself, consecrated in the early 20th century, is both training hall and living archive; its floorboards have been polished by generations of practitioners whose discipline still resonates underfoot.

Related on gojuryu.net:
Choosing a Dōjō •
About Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley •
Butokukai Primer (placeholder)

2025 April 24 (Thursday) Arrival & Orientation 桜花到着と登録

According to the “2025 7th WBS Information on Hotel, Bus” memo, our block checked in at the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel 京都東急ホテル between 14:00–18:00.

Upon arrival, I found the rate, and for the quality, well worth entrusting our hosts with reservations. Earlier in the day, I returned to Kansai Airport to meet Hanshi Dan Taylor and see to it his travel to Kyoto was well navigated; then back we went to collect our DNBK ID Participant Packs, DNBK‑embroidered tote, identification lanyard, printed program booklets (day‑by‑day timeline), fulfilled pre‑orders, and additional event details.

That evening, international members and leaders met informally in the garden lounge, mutual respect already setting the tone. Dinner was “Royal Host,” a Western‑style eatery across the street. Conversation centered on which Butoku Sai demonstrations to prioritize.

2025 April 25 (Friday) Koshūkai 高習会 (Seminar) & Orientation for Ise Jingū

Tokyu Hotel Breakfast Buffet & Bus Pickup（各ホテル→武道センター）The buffet far exceeded expectations; meeting nutritional needs (and perhaps a touch of greed) before boarding chartered buses outside the vestibule en route to the Kyoto Butokuden 武徳殿武道センター.

08:30 Koshūkai Opening Ceremony 高習会開会式： In the front hall, a grand welcome, Shōkai 紹介 (introductions), confirmation that all DNBK ID members had registration packets and clarity on the coming days.

Koshūkai Seminar (Kobujutsu 古武術クラス)： Groups divided by discipline (Karatedō, Kobudō, Iaido, Jūjutsu, etc.) and experience (junior, intermediate, senior). I was placed in Kobujutsu under Hanshi Murayama with a Matayoshi‑ryū 又吉流 focus. The instructional quality was high, appropriately paced and remarkably attentive to varied skill levels.

Bentō Lunch（武徳殿厨房弁当）： A familiar rhythm at DNBK events. Over lunch, I reviewed the “Re: 2025 7th WBS Updated Information for DNBK ID Teams” email, noting that black formal attire (jacket, slacks/skirt, DNBK tie) was required for travel to Ise Jingū.

Shinsa 審査（testing）apparently all week:
After lunch, while others reviewed the pilgrimage and protocol to Ise Jingū (attire, comportment, sacred significance), I reported to the Budōkan for Shinsa 審査 (for 7th Dan) participation, and to get a feel for the floor. I intended to perform Kata Anan, but quickly learned that the well‑used white‑ash floor, near mirror‑polished from ~125 years of wear, magnified the momentum of my higher center of gravity, making such a choice unreliable. On Shōtei (open hand strike) I slid approximately 20 cm; I pivoted, choosing to Sūpārinpei 形壱百零八 (Gōjū‑ryū Karatedō 剛柔流空手道) as an obvious choice. If you ever have the chance to grade at, or even walk on, the ancient and sacred floor of the Butokuden, choose kata wisely and prepare for a surface unlike any other: no splinters, but a slipperiness equal parts history and humility.

Only a fraction of attendees tested this year. A small group attempted 8th Dan (including Mr. Grant Campbell (Ryūei-ryū 劉衛流) whom I’ve intended on meeting in person for some time now), myself and a slightly larger group are attempting the 7th Dan, and each Dan grade lower the number of those seeking a higher grade increases. There is no shortfall of those interested in testing, there is only the limitation of time and personally, to make the best of my presentation. My focus: present Sūpārinpei with the tension of Sanchin, the strength of Shiko dachi, the explosiveness following Shimeru, the dynamics of Muchimi, and guided control of Furi‑geri, allowing the kata to speak without anxiety for the verdict.

I entered the Butokuden with my personal aspirations hand-written and neatly folded and securely tucked into the knot of my Obi, as I’ve done many a time before.

There is some comfort have had the experience of grading across multiple organizations over the years, gradually building up adequate preparation to qualify for a next level, gauging when to apply if requested and actually moving forward with the opportunity, you have no expectations of greatness. I therefor, have minimal worry as, if I am unsuccessful there is no perceived loss, only an honest measure. (Pop-culture aside retained) The follow-up to the age-old question “Did you pass?” needn’t be asked; I’d rather not dream of Gandalf the Grey from Lord of the Rings howling, “YOU SHALL NOT PASS!”

Return to Hotels & Free Time ホテル帰着、自由時間： Most returned to rest. I reviewed notes and prepped formal attire for Ise. Then off to… where did I go? Post‑grading, the mind went a bit a‑blur. Perhaps the rest of this memo is best completed after sleep.

2025 April 26 (Saturday) Ise Jingū 伊勢神宮 Pilgrimage

Predawn 3:00 a.m. wake, dressed in full suit and tie. The buses are nearly full‑sized Western coaches; not quite as large, but with smaller seats I had almost adequate legroom (and, mercifully, no knee pain on arrival compared to other events in Japan). I must admit, the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 runs a “Class A” operation.

Full formal attire is mandatory, no exceptions. This means planning for a shoeshine later; shrine sandō 参道 are legendary for their dry paths (excellent for irrigation, unkind to patent leather). I chose my “old‑man” orthopedic black oxfords.

Transit to Ise Jingū（外宮 Gekū）： The coach traversed the Ise Peninsula: rice paddies, cedar (杉) forests, a route that felt purpose‑cut since Emperor Tenmu designated Kōtai Jingū 内宮 in the 7th century. I had been here 25 years earlier in a small Toyota van with karate friends. The old digital camera produced such grainy images they weren’t worth saving; this day would be treasure, especially as we were not allowed to take pictures and had sworn a vow of silence.

Guided Tour & Ritual 外宮拝観と儀式： Lines formed at the temizuya 手水舎 for ritual cleansing; we crossed Uji Bridge 宇治橋 and proceeded through Naikū (Inner Shrine) and Gekū (Outer Shrine). Architectural features (chigi 千木, katsuogi 鰹木) and symbolic elements (gohei 御幣) were highlighted. We offered norito 祝詞 at Toyuke‑no‑Ōmikami 豊受大神, praying for DNBK’s mission of peace. Photography by participants was strictly prohibited; only official staff carried cameras. The choice was wise, hundreds of formal black suits with phones aloft would have undermined the sanctity of the day. Presence over possession.

During lunch, DNBK reserved a large room; I can’t recall the room name or bentō contents, so much to absorb. Disconnection from technology helped the mind breathe.

Assemble for Departure 移動準備 → Transit back to Kyoto： Around 14:45 we began the trek back. Officially just over two hours by car, with a roadside stop I believe at Ōtsu. Back on the bus, eyes dusty (sunglasses not permitted), thumbs large on a small phone while the coach rolled toward the Kansai valley. I’ll return privately after most depart, to absorb the ambience in quiet.

2025 April 27 (Sunday) Seiryūden Ceremony 西龍殿参拝

Entering through Kakkimon 閣見門, past lanterns 石灯籠 and up stone steps, we gathered in mountain air. A Tendai monk led a quiet service; we recited the Heart Sutra 般若心経. Photography wasn’t allowed; I resolved to return in a few days, no ceremony, only stillness, so the place could teach at its own pace.

2025 April 28 (Monday) Peace Monument & Opening Ceremony 開会式

A monument in the Budō Center courtyard honored the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War, an ethical axis for practice. The Shihan‑kai 師範会 at the Westin Miyako reviewed policy and recognitions. That evening, Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō entered in sokutai 束帯; seated with him were Princess Akiko of Mikasa 親王女, Mayor Kōji Matsui 松井崇寿市長, Chief Priest Takayuki Kinoshita 木下崇之 (Seiryūden), and Chairman Yasumasa Tanigawa 谷川康正 (DNBK ID).

The Opening Ceremony included speeches (演説) from Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō, Princess Akiko and Mayor Matsui. Her Highness emphasized friendship and peace, showing the way not by force but by heart. The Kyoto Philharmonic’s performance braided aesthetics and ethics into one fabric.

2025 April 29 (Tuesday) 7th World Butoku Sai Demonstrations 世界武徳祭演武

The Butokuden floor creaked with history as ID teams presented. Each demonstration was a study in form, spirit, and etiquette, Karatedō 空手道, Jūjutsu 柔術, Iaido 居合道, and more. Regarding our own ID enbu, more time on the Honbu Dōjō floor would have helped; its century‑old planks demand sensitivity that only direct contact teaches. The Honbu team exemplified technical refinement, spiritual commitment, and composure under formality.

2025 April 30 (Wednesday) CIRT Presentations 講演会, Certificates & Farewell 送別宴

The Commemorative International Rensei Taikai (CIRT) highlighted international camaraderie and ethical education. The farewell banquet at the Westin Miyako Hotel, with taiko, closed the week in resonance and fellowship.

In a grand ceremony at the Butokuden, each recipient was called to come forth. All bowed in unison and remained at a low angle for the duration of the event. Another test of patience, at the moment I thought to myself how long had we been at such a position I broke concentration to peer from side to side and noticed the legs of he to my right trembling, then he to my left trembling even more. Moments later a slight quiver in my legs as well, which continued to build up as I took control of breath in relaxation. To produce the formal bow Saikeirei 最敬礼 one hundred times a day while in attendance of a Butokukai event is common and normal. To do such in my own dojo is expected many-times-over in each class. To remain in the position for well over five minutes is a difficult and unexpected exercise of the mind.

• Eshaku 会釈 – A casual bow, typically at a 15-degree angle, used for greetings with acquaintances or in informal settings.
• Keirei 敬礼 – A more formal bow, at a 30-degree angle, used in business situations or when addressing superiors.
• Saikeirei 最敬礼 – The most formal bow, at a 45-degree angle or more, used for expressing deep respect or apology.

Bokuto (Bokken) of Miyamoto Musashi

I received official certificates for Nana‑dan 七段 (7th degree Karatedo) and Kyōshi 教士 (a teachers certification title, the 2nd of three levels) in a moment of déjà vu, whild hoding the Saikeirei 最敬礼 position: when tapped my shoulders with the Bokuto 木刀 (Bokken 木剣) of Miyamoto Musashi 宮本武蔵 upon receiving the Menkyo 免許 (Shihan license) and Menjo 免状 (diploma certificate). It felt as if past and present folded over. Unlike the repeating dreams that stay with you a lifetime, I could swear I had actually been in this very moment before. Whether memory or manifestation, the lesson is the same: practice is a vow renewed.

• Menkyo 免許 refers to a license that indicates a person has achieved a certain level of proficiency and knowledge in their art. Menkyo generrally have several requirements including the recipient is of a minimal certain age and has presented or is in possession of a specified and validated diploma or certificate of completion which is usually a Menjo.
• Menjo 免状 refers to a diploma to or certified completion of a specific level or grade.
• Shihan 師範 itself denotes an exemplary teacher or master, indicating a high level of skill and the authorization to teach. There are three levels of Shihan, they being:
  • Renshi 練士
  • Kyōshi 教士 and
  • Hanshi 範士.
• Kyoshi 教士, when used as a Shōgō 称号 (a Japanese honorific system for martial arts practitioners), signifies a “Master Teacher” or “Teacher of Teachers”, emphasizing teaching ability and experience.
  

  Official certificates: Nana‑dan 七段 & Kyōshi 教士, endorsed by Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō with gold‑leaf crest and DNBK shuin 朱印.

2025 May 1–3 Departure & Reflection

May 1 (Thu): I planned to depart on May 3rd, allowing a quiet return to certain sites.

May 3 (Sat) Kansai Airport 関西空港: Taiko echoes in my mind from the night before, the hush of Ise’s cedars, and the stillness of Seiryūden traveled with me. Those drums are reminiscent of Jumanji being that I can only hear them. Back home, I recommitted to teaching at Seiwakai Silicon Valley Gojūkan 誠和会空手シリコン谷 that Budō 武道 is not merely form, but the cultivation of sincerity 誠, respect 敬, perseverance 忍耐, and harmony 和.

Post‑Event Resources

• How to Prepare for Your First World Butoku Sai equipment, etiquette, training focus (placeholder)
• DNBK Membership Application & Steps (placeholder)
• SKSV International Representation Map affiliated dōjō worldwide
• Butokuden Visitor’s Guide history, architecture, etiquette (placeholder)