Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Here come the Americans and Chile

We're off to see the Sensei


Arrive in JAPAN



Fun city

Beautiful people welcome GIJIN
Wow.
Welome
GRAVE SITE OF GICHEN FUNAKOSHI FOUNDER OF SHOTOKAI-SHOTOKAN
Stewart Ratzker. Lenchus Sensei. Kawanabe Sensei. Heyden Sensei . Jenn and Steph
Guardians of the Castle Sensei Varon and Sensei Leonosky
Group shot before rest of the troops arrived
Two happy senseis Mike and Eli
Happy time at big party
Kawanabe Sensei son and beautiful daughter
Everybody SMILE
GREAT SHOT of Mayor and Kawanabe Sensei
Everybody SING..."Start spreading the news..."
Godzilla and Kusako Sensei
Group Shot led by Sensei George White
So long for now from Odawara Castle
You may sleep well under the protection of Shihan Varon

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Kawanabe Celebration of 50 years

It was a very good time from the flawless flight to landing in Narita Airport Japan and making our way to our Hotel Tohei to recoup.
We were lost in small packets Carlos, Steve and the ladies went off their way.
Arizona teams did their thing, and Vermont represented By Chris Price and New York by Lenchus Sensei and Stewart Ratzker found things to entertain themselves and stay busy.

We worked out at the Mother Dojo with Kawanabe Sensei and Professor Heyden of Chile joined us.
Workouts are long and hard which is great when you are aching for knowledge.

We visted Funakoshi Gichen Senseis grave which was very moving and did rubbings of his gravestone, and brought back small stones from the graveside.
In Kamakura we visited the big Buddha, then to a major sword maker who is the 24th generation of the greatest swords makers in Japanese history where we all purchased something to commemorate the meeting

Before the big day we worked out a few times to practice and on that major occasion we received medals, belts, tee shirts, and certificates of Promotion

At the Saturday celebration, many dignitaries from the Mayor to other major Martial Artists came including the JKA and Numba Sensei who is very strong.

We all demonstrated then went to a dinner party where I was re-introduced to Kawanabe Senseis family who I had not seen since 1959.
We laughed and danced and ate and took lots of pictures which we will share with you in weeks to come.

We are all now safe at our respective homes and back to work, but the memories live on.

Lenchus

Sunday, June 17, 2007

50th Anniversary Celebration-Atsugi, Japan