United States Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu _Gennankai

From September 18 to 25 of this year, Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu 15th Soke Tsumaki Kazuo Genwa visited Michigan again after a 7 year hiatus. During that time, Soke Sensei’s wife passed away and he retired from his position as an Architect with the Yokohama Prefectural Government after over 60 years of service. Having adjusted to living a much different daily lifestyle, he decided that the time had finally come to make the trip to MIchigan to meet with the members of the Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Gennankai once again.

His flight arrived ahead of schedule on September 18 and he was met at the airport in Detroit by myself and James Russell (Gennetsu), Gennankai Head Instructor. Surprisingly, he was most energetic after his long flight and was excited to settle in at our home for the coming week and begin his busy schedule of private training sessions and seminars. It was wonderful to have him as our house guest for the week and, after a delicious home-cooked meal, relax with us and enjoy “whiskey time”!

The following day, September 19th, after breakfast and spending the morning relaxing and going on “Sanpou” (long walk) with me and Riley-chan (our Corgi), Soke Sensei and I hit the floor of the Honbu Dojo for 4 hours of O-keiko. During that time, Soke Sensei reviewed many of the topics that he would be presenting over the next 3 days of seminars and spent considerable time instructing me about the proper way to perform “Tachi-Iai”: a method of performing Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Kata that are normally done from Seiza (kneeling posture) from a standing position. This method was created for two reasons: either for a formal demonstration at an outside venue or for those who are unable to sit in Seiza due to the condition of their knees. It was a real joy to be back in the Dojo training with Soke Sensei again and renewing our relationship as teacher and student and brothers-in-arms. That evening we introduced Soke Sensei to Tacos for dinner…it was the first time for him to experience assembling this traditional Mexican delicacy!

Koudansha Seminar - 9/20/2024

Friday, September 20, was the day set aside for the Kodansha (High-ranking Student) Seminar which was held in the Dance Studio of the local Community Center. From 12:00-4:00pm Soke Sensei gave instruction in the proper form of “Tachiai” or “Enbu (formal demonstration)/Shinsa (Testing) Moderating”, and reviewed all 14 of the Kata of the advanced scroll of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. Fortunately, William Smith (Genka) Sensei was able to be here for the whole weekend from his home in Texas and captured all of Soke Sensei’s lectures on video for future editing and production. After the seminar, all Kodansha were invited to our home for a Pizza Party, social time with Soke Sensei and many, many rounds of “Kanpai!”

At this point I must acknowledge the invaluable contribution made by our Southeast Michigan Branch member Kanako Taku-san, who acted as Soke Sensei’s primary translator for the entire weekend. Her translations of Soke Sensei’s instruction and the questions asked by Gennankai members was critical to everyone’s understanding of the material being taught and she is to be highly commended for her efforts!

Saturday, September 21 was the first of two “Zentai Koushuukai” or “All-Member Practices” held at the Commmunity Center with the second session held the following day on September 22. The activities over these two days included: a review of all 11 Kata of the first scroll, formal Enbu by all students following the proper Tachiai guidelines, Shinsa, Inkashiki (Certification Ceremony), and discussion of the topics “be bold in your Iaijutsu demonstration but humble in your heart”, “surround yourself with swords” and “your hand must be ever changing.” Following the Saturday seminar, all members gathered at our home for Sushi, BBQ Spareribs (Soke Sensei’s favorite!) and many more rounds of “Kanpai!” Special gifts for Soke Sensei were also presented; the most notable of which were a handmade wristwatch created by Daniel Mordan (Genzan) Sensei, Southeast Michigan Branch Manager, with artwork contributed by Southeast Branch member and Gennankai Artist Michael Kirsten and leather Tsuba presented by Andrew McMurphy (Genkai) Sensei.

Koushukai - 9/21/2024

Open Practice - 9/22/2024

Monday, September 23, was a very special day devoted to two activities: first, a private O-keiko at the Honbu Dojo for Head Instructor James Russell (Gennetsu) Sensei with Kana-san acting as translator, and a birthday party in the evening for Soke Sensei at Ai Fusion Sushi Restaurant in East Lansing. About 10 members attended the party to commemorate Soke Sensei’s 78th birthday and a splendid time was had by all.

As Soke Sensei neared the end of his time in Michigan, Tuesday, September 24, was a day devoted to “Omiyage” (souvenir gift) shopping, visiting several of our close friends and taking time to relax and pack for the trip home on Wednesday, September 25. During our “whiskey time” that final evening, Soke Sensei made a number of very positive comments and observations about the activities of the past week. The most significant comment, to me, was how impressed he said he was with the quality of the many questions that were asked by the members of the Gennankai during both training time and social time. He also said that he was extremely pleased with the steps that are being taken to make sure that the Gennankai continues in perpetuity.

Sadly, we had to bid goodbye to Soke Sensei the next day. Before leaving our home with me to ride the Michigan Flyer bus to the Detroit airport, he reiterated his promise to us to return to Michigan in 3 years time amid many tears and wishes of “Ja mata” (see you again soon). After going through the check-in process at the airport it was finally our time to say an emotional “Ja mata” to each other and for me to wish Soke Sensei a safe and easy journey back home.

Reflecting back over the events of that incredible week as I rode the bus back to East Lansing, I was struck by the fact of how fortunate the members of the Gennankai are to have such a close and meaningful relationship with Soke Sensei. It was plain to see during that week that the Gennankai occupies a special place in his heart and always will…something I believe is quite unique in American Martial Art Organizations. It is now up to all of us to take everything that we learned from him during his visit to heart and diligently apply it to our practice of Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu and to our lives as well.

Respectfully submitted,