Today is the 6th week I have been in Kyoto, and it's almost two months since leaving Toowoomba. Kyoto is in a valley and is a cesspit of heat and humidity in August, and I'm glad to say that is over and clear and dry days have brought much relief. I've been crazily busy getting my clinic started, and so I apologise for the lack of communication.
The Australian contingent at the International Jodo Gasshuku in Malaysia.
From 1st to the 8th of August 73 participants from 19 countries gathered to practice, share their knowledge and just have lots of fun at the 13th triennial International Jodo Seminar. The first seminar of the International Jodo Federation was held in 1979 in Malaysia, and the major theme was a tribute to the man who was the first foreigner to bring Japanese Budo to an international audience, Donn Draeger.
The participants woke up at 6am each morning, and trained for a total of 8 hours a day. This was of course followed by refreshments afterwards and then trying not to go to bed too late each night! The whole curriculum was shown and everyone practiced what they knew and learnt new things every day. The week finished with exams and demonstrations.
Ado and one of the Spanish crew (Feru) - Jo technique is Dou Barai.
During the seminar it was motioned that the next International Seminar be held in Brisbane in 2018. So make sure you join Eric and Adam and get busy preparing for an event where the standard of Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo is world class.
I'm currently looking for a training space so I'm hoping my next update from Kyoto will feature some news to that end. Cheers all, Addo.