Looking Ahead

Written by Rick Polland | 11 December 2007

The Rembukan Dojo continues to try and offer traditional budo within the context of Western culture.  It is fair to say that Westerners and Japanese learn and process information differently coming from very different cultural backgrounds.

  We will continue to practice Jo and Iai with a focus on the old ways, paying attention to the myriad little details that separate what we do from other traditions. Towards that end and with an eye on quality control, we will continue to demand the best efforts of our instructors and students.  We are fortunate in that our teachers in Japan believe as we do in the importance of fundamentals and in reinforcing correct postures.

 There will always be a need for an umbrella organization whether it be the All Japan Kendo Renmei (AJKF) or a branch within another country.  Finding a common denominator between the various viewpoints of many ryuha (schools) and teachers in order to promote unity and standardization however is not without its challenges.

 Though public and private dojo instruction, as well as world-class seminars by excellent teachers, we hope to help promote the legacy of good Japanese budo that was offered to us.  We will remain vigilant to the pitfals as traditions do evolve with the insight that comes from training and devolve from unwitting changes that occur through training.

There is reason for hope that these arts will survive the 21st century.  However there are real issues, too, that must be acknowledged.  Some folks today want to get licenses and develop skill sets without the blood, sweat, and tears required to gain mastery of these complex arts.  Some, though sincere, can't invest the time required to fully understand these arts.  Still others, are collectors interested in self aggrandizement as they have a need to teach and loudly self- promote themselves without regard to accuracy.  The days of dueling are at an end and it is hard to know which information is good and which is not.    This is a challenge　挑戦 for all of us. 

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