As we bowed in to start the last formal training session of 2019, imagine my surprise when my sensei formally announces that he has been given the authority by Threadgill sensei to award me with a Shoden Teaching License. I feel privileged and humbled. Currently, to my knowledge, there are 61 Shoden licensed teachers worldwide and I would make the 62nd. By being bestowed with the license to teach I take on the responsibility of passing on my knowledge and ensuring the survival of the ryuha. That is not a small thing.
I also got the opportunity to borrow a copy of Shindo Yoshin Ryu - History and Technique to read over the summer break. It is written by Tobin Threadgill and Shingo Ohgami. What a beautifully put-together book! The content within its pages is amazing and I highly recommend any member of the Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin Kai to read it. In fact, anyone with an interest in koryu bujutsu should read it.
All in all that was a great Saturday and rounded off quite a mixed year for me. I started the year having 10 weeks off training due to an ongoing injury that wouldn't heal. When I returned to training it was sporadic as my daughter's soccer season was beginning and this meant more time away from training. Fortunately, the latter part of the year allowed me to get back into my training and I enjoyed a fantastic seminar with Marco Pinto sensei at the beginning of November. I have certainly felt like my own practice has really improved recently and I am feeling 'sharp'. To be able to come from no training at the start of the year, to then make great gains in my training by the end of the year, feels like a great accomplishment.
Wishing you all a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Train safe everyone!
Congratulations, Dean!!! Looking forward to training with you at the Chuden workshop in the near future. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Cheers!!
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point. I must get myself to hombu, it would be great to meet you and others in person.
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