Golden Week 2025 Adventures with the Dai Nippon Butokukai in Kyoto, Japan
By Johnpaul Williams – Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojūkan
May 4, 2025
Kyoto’s Butokuden (武徳殿), the architectural witness to over a century of martial discipline, proudly hosted the 7th World Butoku Sai (WBS) during Japan’s Golden Week.
Marking 130 years of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (大日本武徳会) and 60 years of its International Division, this sequential field report blends my personal participant observation, refined narrative, and reflective analysis—approaching Budō (武道) as a lived practice, a literary text, and an ethical path.
Historical Context & Significance
Founded in Kyoto in 1895, the Dai Nippon Butokukai (大日本武徳会) has served as the paramount steward of Japan’s martial traditions, elevating ancient combat arts from mere technique (-jutsu 術) to principled ways of life (-dō 道). Re-organized in 1953, the organization recommitted to cultivating character, culture, and global peace through Budō. The Butokuden itself, consecrated in the early 20th century, is both a functional training hall and a living archive; its floorboards have been polished by generations of master practitioners whose discipline still resonates underfoot today.
On This Page:
April 24 (Thursday) – Arrival & Orientation (桜花到着と登録)
According to the official WBS itinerary, our block checked into the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (京都東急ホテル) between 14:00 and 18:00. Upon arrival, I found the accommodations to be superb—well worth entrusting our hosts with the reservations.
Outside the Old Butokuden in Kyoto; century-worn white ash under every step.
Earlier in the day, I returned to Kansai Airport to meet Hanshi Dan Taylor and ensure his travel to Kyoto was well-navigated. Together, we returned to collect our DNBK Participant Packs, an embroidered tote, identification lanyards, program booklets, and additional event details.
That evening, international members and organizational leaders met informally in the garden lounge, with deep mutual respect immediately setting the tone for the week. Dinner was at Royal Host, a Western-style eatery across the street, where conversation naturally centered on which Butoku Sai demonstrations to prioritize watching.
April 25 (Friday) – Koshūkai (Seminar) & Shinsa (高習会)
Tokyu Hotel Breakfast Buffet & Bus Pickup: The morning buffet far exceeded expectations, meeting our nutritional needs before we boarded chartered buses 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, we received a grand welcome, Shōkai (introductions), and confirmation of the itinerary for the coming days.
Koshūkai Seminar (Kobujutsu 古武術クラス): Groups were divided by discipline (Karatedō, Kobudō, Iaido, Jūjutsu, etc.) and experience level. I was placed in the Kobujutsu group under Hanshi Murayama with a Matayoshi-Ryū (又吉流) focus. The instructional quality was phenomenally high, appropriately paced, and remarkably attentive to the varied skill levels on the floor.
Shinsa 審査 (Testing Day)
After a traditional bentō lunch, while others reviewed the protocol for the upcoming Ise Jingū pilgrimage, I reported to the Budōkan for Shinsa (審査) to participate in the 7th Dan grading and get a feel for the floor.
I had originally intended to perform the kata Anan, but quickly learned that the well-used white-ash floor—near mirror-polished from over 125 years of barefoot wear—magnified the momentum of my higher center of gravity, making such a dynamic choice unreliable. On a simple Shōtei (open hand strike), I slid approximately 20 cm. Pivoting quickly, I chose to perform Sūpārinpei (形壱百零八) as the obvious, stable choice.
“If you ever have the profound chance to grade at, or even simply walk upon, the ancient and sacred floor of the Butokuden, choose your kata wisely and prepare for a surface unlike any other: no splinters, but a slickness equal parts history and humility.”
Only a fraction of attendees tested this year. A small elite group attempted 8th Dan (including Mr. Grant Campbell of Ryūei-ryū, whom I have intended to meet in person for quite some time). Myself and a slightly larger group attempted the 7th Dan. There is no shortfall of those interested in testing; there is only the limitation of time and the personal pressure to make the best of your presentation.
My focus: present Sūpārinpei with the internal tension of Sanchin, the rooted strength of Shiko dachi, the explosiveness following Shimeru, the flowing dynamics of Muchimi, and guided control of Furi-geri—allowing the kata to speak for itself without anxiety over the judges’ verdict.
I entered the Butokuden with my personal aspirations hand-written, neatly folded, and securely tucked into the knot of my Obi, exactly as I have done many times before.
April 26 (Saturday) – Ise Jingū Pilgrimage (伊勢神宮)
A predawn 3:00 a.m. wake-up call. We dressed in full formal suits and DNBK ties. Full formal attire was mandatory, no exceptions. This meant planning for a thorough shoeshine later; shrine sandō (参道) paths are legendary for their dry gravel (excellent for irrigation, incredibly unkind to patent leather). I wisely chose my “old-man” orthopedic black oxfords.
Transit to Ise Jingū (外宮 Gekū): The coach traversed the Ise Peninsula past rice paddies and towering cedar (杉) forests—a sacred 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 I had then produced images so grainy they weren’t worth saving; today would be a treasure, especially as we were sworn to a vow of silence and photography was strictly prohibited.
Guided Tour & Ritual: Lines formed at the temizuya (手水舎) for ritual cleansing before we crossed the iconic Uji Bridge (宇治橋) and proceeded through the Inner and Outer Shrines. We offered norito (祝詞) at Toyuke-no-Ōmikami, silently praying for the DNBK’s mission of global peace.
The prohibition on photography was wise. Hundreds of formal black suits with smartphones aloft would have completely undermined the sanctity of the day. The lesson was clear: Presence over possession.
April 27–28 – Seiryūden Ceremony & Peace Monument
Seiryūden (est. c.1590, Tendai). Moss-soft stones, cryptomeria, and the Heart Sutra’s clear bell.
Entering through Kakkimon (閣見門), past stone lanterns and up ancient steps, we gathered in the crisp mountain air of the Seiryūden. A Tendai monk led a quiet, powerful service where we recited the Heart Sutra (般若心経). Photography was again not allowed; I resolved to return in a few days without the ceremony, so the place could teach me at its own quiet pace.
The following day, a monument in the Budō Center courtyard was unveiled to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War—an ethical axis for our martial practice. The Opening Ceremony included poignant speeches from Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō, Princess Akiko of Mikasa, and Mayor Kōji Matsui. Her Highness emphasized the vital importance of friendship and peace, showing that the martial way is guided not by force, but by heart.
April 29–30 – Demonstrations, CIRT & Certification
The Butokuden floor creaked with history as the International Division teams presented their demonstrations. Each performance was a masterclass in form, spirit, and etiquette spanning Karatedō, Jūjutsu, Iaido, and more. The Japan Honbu team exemplified technical refinement, spiritual commitment, and absolute composure under extreme formality.
The Awarding of Menkyo (免許) & Menjo (免状)
Bokuto (Bokken) of Miyamoto Musashi
In a grand, sweeping ceremony at the Butokuden, each recipient was called to come forth. All of us bowed in unison and remained at a low, formal angle (Saikeirei) for the duration of the event.
This proved to be an intense test of physical and mental endurance. As the minutes ticked by, I broke concentration briefly to peer side-to-side, noticing the legs of the master to my right trembling under the strain, and the master to my left shaking even more. Moments later, a slight quiver began in my own legs, which I had to actively suppress by taking control of my breath and relaxing my center.
To produce the formal, deep bow of Saikeirei (最敬礼) a hundred times a day during a Butokukai event is common. To do so in my own dōjō is expected. But to remain locked in that deeply lowered position for well over five minutes is an excruciating and unexpected exercise of the martial mind.
I received my official certificates for Nana-dan 七段 (7th Degree Black Belt) and Kyōshi 教士 (Master Teacher Certification) in a surreal moment of déjà vu. While holding the Saikeirei posture, my shoulders were physically tapped with the actual Bokuto (wooden sword) once wielded by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵).
As I received the Menkyo (license) and Menjo (diploma), it felt as if the past and present completely folded over one another. Whether it was a buried memory or pure manifestation, the core lesson remained the same: practice is a vow constantly renewed.
Understanding DNBK Academic & Martial Titles:
- Menkyo (免許): A license indicating a practitioner has achieved a high level of verified proficiency and knowledge, authorizing them to teach within the lineage.
- Menjo (免状): The physical diploma certifying the completion of a specific grade or rank.
- Shihan (師範): An exemplary master teacher. The DNBK recognizes three specific levels of Shihan: Renshi (練士), Kyōshi (教士), and Hanshi (範士).
- Kyōshi (教士): Translated as “Teacher of Teachers,” this Shōgō (称号) honorific signifies advanced teaching ability, deep experience, and technical mastery.
Official certificates: Nana-dan (七段 7th Dan) & Kyōshi (教士 Teachers License),
Endorsed by Sōsai Higashifushimi Jikō with the gold-leaf crest and DNBK shuin (朱印).
May 1–3 – Departure & Reflection
Kansai Airport (関西空港): The rhythmic echoes of Taiko drums from the farewell banquet still echoed in my mind, alongside the hush of Ise’s cedars and the profound stillness of the Seiryūden.
Returning home to California, I am recommitted to teaching at Seiwakai Silicon Valley Gojūkan (誠和会空手シリコン谷) with the unwavering understanding that Budō (武道) is not merely physical form. It is the lifelong cultivation of sincerity (誠), respect (敬), perseverance (忍耐), and harmony (和).
Why Join the Dai Nippon Butokukai (大日本武徳会)?
Are you ready to take your martial arts journey beyond physical technique and connect with a 130-year-old lineage?
- Participate in immersive Budo seminars in Kyoto.
- Gain access to high-level instruction and authentic global fellowship.
- Integrate culture, ethics, and practice into modern Budō.
- Earn internationally recognized grading and titles (Shōgō).
- Experience ceremonies in historic venues like the Butokuden and Ise Jingū.
Orientation, membership, and next steps are just an email away. Whether you are based in the US or Japan, there is a place for you in the DNBK.
– 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
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