Golden Week 2025 Adventures with the Dai Nippon Butokukai in Kyoto, Japan
By Johnpaul Williams – May 4, 2025
I wanted to share my reflections on the recent 7th World Butoku Sai (WBS) in Kyoto, Japan, an event that proved to be a truly memorable and enriching experience. My participation was part of the Dai Nippon Butokukai International Division (DNBK ID) teams. The week’s schedule, organized with exemplary effort and leadership, offered a profound dive into traditional Budo practices and greatly expanded my appreciation and respect for cross cultural training and comradery.
The Budo Seminar was a highlight, offering an instructional level that was appropriately-paced, all-the-while, the instructors displayed exceptional awareness of the participants’ varied skill levels. I appreciated the opportunity to study a Kobujutsu 古武術 system outside my usual practice, which was refreshing.
The 7th World Butoku Sai (WBS), held during Golden Week in Kyoto, was more than a celebration, it was a sacred reaffirmation of the spirit of traditional Budō 武道, a convergence of global practitioners, and a testimony to enduring cultural dignity. The event marked the 130th anniversary of the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会 and the 60th anniversary of its International Division (DNBK ID). As Director of Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley 誠和会空手シリコン谷道場, my participation in the DNBK ID delegation representing Heisei Seidokan was a deeply transformative experience.
2025 April 24 (Thursday) – Arrival and Orientation 桜花到着と登録.
According to the “2025 7th WBS Information on Hotel, Bus” memo, participants of our hotel block were instructed to check in at the Tokyu Hotel 京都東急ホテル between 14:00–18:00.
Upon arrival in at the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel 京都東怡ホテル, I found my room rate, and for the level of quality, was well worth having our entrusted our hosts to arrange our reservations and arrangements. I had gone to the hotel much earlier in the day and returned to Kansai Airport to meet Hanshi Dan Taylor and see to it his travel to Kyoto was well navigated, having just landed on his direct flight from the USA. Together, we arrived in time at the Tokyu Hotel Kyoto to locate our “DNBK ID Participant Packs,” which consisted of a DNBK-embroidered tote-bag and included:
- An identification lanyard,
- Printed program booklets (Day-by-Day Timeline),
- Fulfilled pre-orders according to each attending members requirements,
- Additional details of events.
That evening, various international members and leaders met informally in the garden lounge, already embodying the mutual respect that would characterize the week. Dinner for this evening was on our own, so I and Hanshi Dan Taylor sourced a “Royal Host“ restaurant (a Western Style eatery) just across the street from our hotel, where conversation centered on which Butoku Sai demonstrations to prioritize.
2025 April 25 Friday – April 25 – Koshūkai 高周会 (Seminar) & Orientation for Ise Jingū Orientation 桐集会と伊勢神宮オリエンテーション.
Tokyu Hotel Breakfast Buffet and Bus Pickup (各ホテル→武道センター)
The Tokyu Hotel Breakfast Buffet was a tremendous attraction and was well beyond expectations. After meeting our nutritional needs (or greed in my case), participants boarded chartered buses outside the hotel vestibule for the ride to the Kyoto Butokuden 武徳殿武道センター.
08:30 Koshūkai Opening Ceremony 高周会開会式
In the Butokuden front hall, began with a grand welcome, Shōkai 紹介 (introductions), confirmation that all attending DNBK ID members had their registration packets and expectations of events ahead.
Koshūkai Seminar (Kobujutsu 古武術クラス)
Seminar groups divided by discipline (Karatedō, Kobudo, Iaido, Jujutsu, etc.) and experience (junior, intermediate, senior). I was placed in the Kobujutsu group with the understanding that I was participating in the grading after the lunch break. I was assigned to the Kobujutsu 古武術 group under Hanshi Murayama, focusing on Matayoshi-Ryū 巻名樹流 techniques. The instructional quality was high, accommodating a wide range of skill levels.
Bento Lunch (武徳殿厨房弁当)
I had previously been briefed that bento box lunch was a norm to become accustomed to at DNBK events and to no surprise Bento Box it was. Over lunch, I reviewed the “Re: 2025 7th WBS Updated Information for DNBK ID Teams” email, which clarified that participants must wear black formal attire (black jacket, slacks/skirt, DNBK tie) when traveling to Ise Jingū.
Shinsa 審査 (testing) although today however is apparent all week.
Outside view of the Old Butokuden in Kyoto
After lunch, while others reviewed the protocol for the upcoming Ise Jingū 伊勢神宮 pilgrimage, including formal attire, behavior, and the significance of the sacred site, I reported directly to the Budokan for participation in the Shinsa 審査 (for 7th Dan) and the opportunity to get a feel for the floor. I intended on performing Kata Aanan however, I soon discovered that the well used floor had a near mirror polish which greatly magnified my high center of gravity and a slid approximately 20 cm when performing Shotei thus, I opted to use Kata Sūpārinpei 形壱百零八, representing Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō 剛柔流空手道. I should add, if you ever have the opportunity to grade on the floor of the ancient Butokuden, choose your kata wisely and prepare yourself for the white ash wood floors having been smoothed over with 125 years worth of wear. There are no splinters however it is slippery unlike any other floor I demonstrated on.
Only a small fraction of attendees are participating in the Shinsa 審査 this year. Among us is a small group attempting the grade of 8th Dan including Mr. Grant Campbell (Ryūei-Ryū 劉衛流) whom I’ve intended on meeting in person for some time now. A slightly larger group and I 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 to make the best of my presentation of Kata Sūpārinpei 形壱百零, thus offering the tension of Sanchin dachi and Sanchin Kamae as well as dynamics of muchimi and the classic Furi Geri, classics to our Goju-Ryu Karatedō 剛柔流空手道.
The follow-up – to the age old question “Did you pass?” shouldn’t be asked as I don’t want to dream of Gandalf the Great in Lord of the Rings howling “YOU SHALL NOT PASS!“
There is some comfort in having had the experience of grading across multiple organizations over the years, gradually building up to qualify for a next level, gauging when to apply if requested and actually moving forward with the opportunity. I have no expectations of greatness. I therefore have minimal worry as, if I am unsuccessful there is no perceived loss. This helps maintain my peace of mind for the rest of the events scheduled.
Return to Hotels & Free Time ホテル帰着、自由時間
Most participants returned to their hotels to rest. I spent time after the bus-ride to our hotel, reviewing mental notes and preparing formal attire for tomorrow’s visit to Ise Jingū. Then off to …. where did I go? Post grading, my mind went a-bit a-blur. Perhaps I should conclude this memo after some sleep.
April 26 Saturday – Ise Jingū Pilgrimage. Predawn – Breakfast 朝食 (各ホテル). I’m sure the Osaka Hotel Tokyu Buffett would have continued to amaze … but alas, we were up at 3:00 am, dressed and ventured out to our awaiting bus for a pre-dawn departure and a Bento-box breakfast…. I hadn’t mentioned it prior however the busses are nearly full-sized western tour-busses. Not quite as large, however because the seats are smaller I have nearly adequate leg-room and I’m not having knee pain upon arrival to our destination as compared to events (not Butokukai related) in Japan in the past. I must admit, the Dai Nippon Butokukai is a “Class A” group.
Full suit and tie is mandatory for our pilgrimage today with no exceptions. This means I’ll have to find a shoeshine when we return as Japanese Shrines are legendary for their dry Sandō 参道 (paths) which may provide excellent irrigation however are not so forgiving to patten leather loafers so I’m going with my ‘old man’ orthopedic black oxfords.
Transit to Ise Jingū (外宮 Gekū)
The coach traversed the Ise Peninsula, passing rice paddies and Sugi 杉 (cedar) forests on what seemed a specially carved route. After-all, the long-ago Emperor Tenmu designated Kōtai Jingū 内宮 (the official name of the main shrine (Inner Shrine) within Ise Jingu 伊勢神宮) in the 7th century, and now, Ise Jingu 伊勢神宮 has remained Japan’s spiritual center ever since. As we neared the entrance, sunrise filtered through the clouds, mist and dust kicked up by our coach, and there peeked through, the Ise Torii 伊勢鳥居 (Ise Gate). I recalled that I’ve been here 25 years before in a small Toyota van with Karate friends. The old digital camera of those days provided such grainy images, were not worth saving so this day would be a treasure even though we were not allowed to take pictures and sworn to maintain our vow of silence for the day. There it was, the breathtaking venue with a majestic atmosphere atop Higashiyama.
Guided Tour & Ritual 外宮拝観と儀式
Upon arriving, we formed two lines at the Temizuya for ritual cleansing as previously coached; before crossing Uji Bridge 宇治橋 guided through the Naikū (Inner Shrine) and Gekū (Outer Shrine), highlighting architectural features (Chigi 千木, Katsuogi 鰹木) and symbolic elements like the Gohei 御幣 streamers. We offered Norito 祝詞 (ritual prayer) at the Toyuke-no-Ōmikami 豊受大神 shrine (Toyuke Shrine god rules over the southern heavens), blessing our DNBK’s continued mission of peace. Here, DNBK photography was strictly prohibited by attending members and dedicated silence from all participants was mandatory. Only approved DNBK ID staff carried official cameras. I agree – several hundred individuals dressed in formal attive marching in unison with cameras pointing in every direction would be a distraction for their primary purpose of presence. Everyone with their mobile phones and tripods out would have been a nuisance. This guided experience offered a far deeper appreciation for the cultural, artistic, and spiritual dimensions of the shrine. The inclusion of this day’s event reminded me, that Budō is inseparable from Japan’s rich heritage and values.
During lunch, the DNBK had reserved a large meeting room. For some reason I can’t recall either the name of the room nor what was included in the Bento-box meal as there has been so much to absorb in the moment. It was invigorating to disconnect from technology, (cell phones and digital cameras) to take in the spirited atmosphere and now, I can appreciate the well needed brain-breather.
Assemble for Departure 移動準備 Transit back to Kyoto ホテル帰着
I believe it was approximately 2:45 when we began the trek back to our awaiting coaches for our return to Kyoto. Officially, this is trip is just over 2 hours by car and included a stop at a roadside rest area at what I believe is a location called Otsu.
Back on the bus now, my eyes filled with dust (we were not allowed to wear sun-glasses during our adventure). I’m doing my best to record notes on my tiny mobile phone with my big fingers while the bus navigates the terrain back to the Kansai valley. I’ll make a return trip next Friday after most others return home, to quietly absorb the ambience, the serenity, and natural harmony surrounding landscape. It leaves me now with a lasting impression.
April 27 Sunday – The Seiryūden Ceremony at Seiryūden 西龍殿 provided a breathtaking venue with a majestic atmosphere.
Seiryūden Temple Golden Week 2025
Seiryūden Temple 西龍殿参拝 (est. 1590, aligned with Tendai Buddhism) honors Aofudō Myōō 青不動明王, the Blue-Throated Fearless Wisdom King. Entering through the Kakkimon 閣見門 gate, we passed moss-covered stone lanterns 石灯籠 and ascended stone steps leading to the main hall. A quiet ceremony, led by a Tendai monk, called for us to recite the Heart Sutra 般若心経, absorbing mountain breezes and distant temple bells.
Photos weren’t allowed during our visit, here to, I’ll return in a few days to quietly absorb its serenity and harmony with the surrounding landscape. The later, more contemplative visit allowed me to appreciate the moss-covered stones intricacy and ancient cryptomeria trees far beyond the formal ceremony.
April 28 Monday – Peace Monument and Grand Opening Ceremony. A monument was unveiled in the Budo Center courtyard honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War. The ceremony was an important reminder of Budō as a practice of peace, patience and presence. Remaining focused, despite physical discomfort, was a practice in itself. This introspective experience highlighted areas in my personal training that require deeper cultivation.
The Shihan Kai 師節会 Leadership Conference followed at the Westin Miyako Hotel, where key DNBK policies and recognitions were reviewed. This evening the opening ceremony shall be attended by Princess Akiko of Mikasa 宮下明子親王女 and other dignitaries.
Opening Ceremony 開会式 (武徳殿大講堂).
Display inside of the Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto
Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō entered in Sokutai 束帯 (old ceremonial court dress). Seated alongside him were: Hanshi Tesshin Hamada (浜田哲心範士), Princess Akiko of Mikasa (親王女彰仁内親王殿下), Mayor Kōji Matsui (松井崇寿市長), the Chief Priest Takayuki Kinoshita (木下崇之大住職) of Seiryūden, and Chairman Yasumasa Tanigawa (谷川康正師範) of DNBK ID. The Opening Ceremony Included: Speeches 演説 from Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō, by Princess Akiko of Mikasa, by Mayor Matsui and from Hanshi Hamada. Her Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa message was profoundly moving. In my role working with the public, I understand the urgent need to promote peace, empathy, and nonviolence in our communities. Her words were a graceful and a timely reminder that even small acts of kindness and discipline can ripple outward and influence a more peaceful future. Her elegant communication was profoundly moving, highlighting the need to promote peace and empathy in our communities.
The event continued with a flag raising ceremony of the DNBK and the Japanese national flag. Participants pledged in Japanese: I believe the general translation was “We pledge to promote world friendship and peace with the spirit of Budo, and to show the way not by force but by heart” – “私たちは、武道の精神をもって世界の友好と平和を促進し、力ではなく心で道を示すことを誓います。”
The reception, featuring the Kyoto Philharmonic Orchestra, was extraordinary and emotionally resonant. It created a dignified yet festive mood, allowing attendees to connect more deeply with one another. One of the most striking impressions of the WBS was the collective dignity and harmony among participants from so many nations. The mutual respect across disciplines and generations spoke volumes about the unifying power of Budo.
April 29 Tuesday – 7th World Butoku Sai Demonstrations 世界武徳祭演舞. The Butokuden floor creaked with history as ID teams presented their disciplines. Each demonstration was a study in form, spirit, and etiquette. From Karatedō 空手道 to Jūjutsu 柔術and Iaido 忍道, the skill and composure on display were exemplary. The harmony between cultures and generations was palpable.
Regarding our own ID Enbu performances, I realized that more time to familiarize ourselves with the Honbu Dōjō floor would have been beneficial. Its historic wooden planks, some of which are 120 years old, demand a nuanced sensitivity that can only be appreciated with direct contact and practice. You must respect the floor. The Honbu team’s performance exemplified technical refinement, spiritual commitment, and composure under formality. Each movement resonated with decades of discipline.
April 30 Wednesday – CIRT Presentations 講演会, Certificate Ceremony and Farewell Banquet 送別宴. The Commemorative International Rensei Taikai (CIRT) emphasized international camaraderie and technical rigor. The CIRT presentations were informative and vital to preserving the ethical and educational dimensions of Budo. Finally, the Farewell Banquet, at the Westin Miyako Hotel, capped the event with a spectacular Taiko performance, food, and fellowship. It was a culmination of the week’s spirit, featuring a culinary presentation, an artistic Tailor performance, and heartfelt gift exchanges.
7th Dan and Kyoshi License from the oldest Martial Arts organization in Japan.
I received my official certificates for Nana-dan 七段 (7th Dan) & Kyōshi 教士, endorsed by Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō, decorated with the goldleaf Butokukai logo and sealed with the DNBK Shuin 朱印.
I experienced a profound moment of déjà-vu, when Hanshi Hamada 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 Menkyo 免許 (diploma certificate). Either I have manifested this destiny to reality or I’ve had this moment in the past. I’ve yet to understand such subliminal nuances of the universe. Either way, it will last as one of my “forever memories” in the future.
May 1 Thursday – I’m departing for the Kansai airport on May 3rd, a few days after the events concluded, a feeling of renewed commitment to imbue these values in every class, teaching that the path of Budo is as much about cultivating the heart as refining the form.
May 3 Saturday – Departure and Reflection. Departing from Kansai Airport 関西空港, I am filled with gratitude. Now boarded and seated, I reflected on the past few days, which transcended more than just the demonstrations alone: The echoes of the taiko from last night’s farewell dinner at the Westin Miyako Hote, lthe solemnity within Seiryūden timbered halls, the hush in forested pathways of Ise Jingū, will remain with me. I felt renewed commitment to teaching my Seiwakai Silicon Valley Gojūkan Dojo (誠和会道場) students that the essence of Budo is as much about cultivating the heart as refining the form. These days were not simply a martial arts event, they were a pilgrimage through the spiritual and historical soul of Japan.
Final Reflections 締めの言葉. I firmly believe that the 7th World Butoku Sai in Kyoto, a resounding success, was more than a sequence of seminars and demonstrations, of learning, of growth, and of deepened appreciation for the traditions upheld by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. it was an opportunity to build bridges across cultures and generations, an immersive tapestry of tradition, inspiration, patience, and intercultural fellowship. Each moment reaffirmed the timeless lessons of Budo: respect 敬, sincerity 誠, and perseverance 忍耐.
To walk under the torii 神社の鳥屋 of Butokuden, bow before the sacred cedar of Ise Jingū, and sit in stillness at Seiryūden is to understand that Budō is not merely a physical art, but a path of the heart. The 7th WBS reaffirmed that our roles as practitioners must be, to cultivate the values of sincerity 誠, respect 敬, perseverance 忍, and harmony 和諦 in all things.
Since returning home, I’ve renewed my attention to such disciplines and reintegrated this lesson into my teaching curriculum.
– Johnpaul Williams
Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojūkan
誠和会空手シリコン谷・指導者
📞 +1-650-394-6669 (text only for SKSV)
