For all the photos from this voyage click
here.
Jodo is a martial art that utilizes the short staff (the Jo). This is a relatively rare martial art in Canada, with the majority of practitioners residing east of Winnipeg. Due to the rarity of this art this year was the first time that a grading has been held in Western Canada. I was fortunate, as for this event, I was invited to sit on the grading panel.
The logistics were dealt with and everything was arranged. Well, last weekend was the weekend of the grading, and this is how it went...
On Saturday morning I flew from Edmonton to Vancouver to be picked up by Thomas Groendal, the instructor of the Hoshu Dojo in Vancouver. I had not met Thomas before, but we introduced ourselves at the airport and then were on our way. That morning we had a quick breakfast and then headed to the Steveston Dojo where the grading would be held. The Jodo grading wasn't until the afternoon (Kendo was before) so we found a flat piece of land (a baseball diamond in the case) and we started practicing.
Thomas and I have had different teachers so how we practice our techniques is slightly different, but we both know the seitei jo (standard jo) techniques and were able to practice with each other easily. I was fortunate that Thomas was willing to share his experiences with me to help me improve my technique. He has given me an enormous amount of knowledge that I will have to pick through bit by bit as I try (as always) to improve.
Thomas had focused on me in the morning, but in the early afternoon his focus again returned to his students. All of Thomas' students were grading for either ikkyu (the entry grade) or both ikkyu and shodan (first black belt). I took notes from our earlier session and watched Thomas' students as they practiced.
It did not take long before it was time to set up the grading and get ready to go. Typically there is a head table where the examiners sit, and the challengers for the grade will perform their techniques. For the examinations for ikkyu and shodan challengers will perform a set of basics on their own, and then a set ot two person techniques. On this rare occasion challengers were permitted to challenge ikkyu and then challenge shodan immediately afterwards.
Me, Thomas Groendal Sensei, Bruce Campbell Sensei
Thomas and I were joined by an very experienced Kendo/Iaido Sensei to make a panel of three. It was time. As the Cheif Examiner for Western Canada, Thomas presided over the grading, and over the next minutes his students challenged the two exams, and I am pleased to say that all challengers passed their exams.
In movies, and books, and whatever, we have heard people say "its an honour." Well, it truly was an honour to sit on the panel for those students. I hope that I treated them appropriately, and that my comments (which have been passed onto their Sensei, Thomas) will help them on their journey to become better martial artists.
The Challengers
With the formalities done we headed to a nearby pub to celebrate.
After the celebrations I was dropped off at one of the challenger's apartments where I would be spending the night. I was tired from the day of travel (on the road at 5 am Alberta time), but I was in Vancouver and it wasn't that late. I dropped off my gear, took my camera, and headed on foot to find the ocean.
I never got to the open waters of the Pacific, but I found an inlet that was clearly filled with Pacific waters. Sunset. Photos. Tobacco.
Video: Why I'm Here
Video: The View
Amazing.
Without a sun, and with a lot of tired, I headed back to the apartment where I found rest.
In the morning I got up early, and walked.
After my walk I was picked up by one of Thomas' students and he and I trained. It was interesting seeing the differences in their Jodo, and in learning why and how they do the things they do. I was fortunate to be able to train that much but the time came when our session ended.
I was brought to a train station, pointed in the right direction, and I was on my way to the next event. In the same dojo as the day before there would now be an Iaido grading. I was not grading, but there are several high level Sensei living on the west coast, and since I was there I figured I should try to sneak in a few hours of training.
I did.
Steveston Dojo
I have more notes now, more things to work on, and more ways to improve.
Video: En Route
A bus, a few trains, an airplane, and a long drive later I made it home. It was late, I was tired, and in little time... I was asleep.
I want to mention how blessed I am to have taken part in this weekend's activities. I met some amazing people, learned more than I could have imagined, and participated in something important. Thank you everyone, for your help, your generosity, and for just being you. I can't wait until I get to train with you all again.
Soon.
