The Dōjō - Place of the Way (2024)

26/02/2024

Saigoku Budō Kaikan

Name (ENG): Saigoku Budō Kaikan
Name (J*P): 西国武道会館
Address (ENG): 5-chōme-2-34 Hakataekiminami, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0016
Address (J*P): 〒812-0016　福岡県福岡市博多区博多駅南5丁目2番34号
How to get there: 20min walk from Hakata station
What to know: I would call it the Cathedral of modern dōjō architecture. A privately (!) owned dōjō for the sole purpose of preserving budō. The target is to provide people with a place to practice, which also explains the rental fees of 500Yen for two hours! There is one main dōjō (312m2) with several smaller dōjō (with tatami mats) in the same building. Hinoki wood has been used for the interior and the flooring of the dōjō. It is huge and well maintained. A true gem in the heart of Fukuoka. If you ever have the chance, please go and visit it. It is a marvelous place. You can find additional information (pictures) if you follow the link below.
Things to consider: Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer size of that dōjō.
Link: https://www.saigoku-kaikan.com/index.html

12/01/2024

Hanyū Kōbukan

Name (ENG): Hanyū Kōbukan
Name (J*P): 羽生興武館
Address (ENG): 1336-1 Kuwasaki, Hanyu City, Saitama
Address (J*P): 348-0043埼玉県羽生市桑崎1336-1

How to get there: Located in Hanyū City in Saitama prefecture, it takes about 2 hours by train from Tōkyō (Otemachi Station). One can get off at Hanyū Station and just walk the rest of the way. Coming by car makes it a bit more comfortable though.

What to know: The Dōjō has been founded in Meiji 21 (1888) by Ozawa Aijirō (1864 – 1950). Ozawa first studied Ono-ha Ittō-ryū under Matsuda Jūgorō at the Kōbukan Dōjō. Matsuda was the official swordsmanship instructor of Oshi-han. Besides Ono-ha Ittō-ryū, he also studied Kyōshin Meichi-ryū, Jikishinkage-ryū and Hokushin Ittō-ryū, receiving menkyo in all of them. Currently, judging from the information listed on their webpage, only Kendō keiko is being offered. I once went at had the chance to look at the Dōjō from the outside. A very nice place with an impressive entrance gate! On their page you can find further information and pictures. One goal for 2024 will be to pay them another visit and receive access to the Dōjō itself.

Things to consider: In case you are in the area and feeling hungry: Pay a visit to “King Diner” – decent burgers with American diner flair!

Link: https://koubukan.site/

06/01/2024

I was able to pay a visit to the Bishindō Dōjō in Ōmura, Nagasaki prefecture. Since my last visit 9 years ago a couple things changed: The city of Ōmura finally recognized the importance of the 170 year old building and designated it as a cultural asset of the region. A nice signboard, written in Japanese and English, has also been erected. According to the teacher in charge, there is a good group of people maintaining the building. Next step will be to raise money in order to replace the outer walls, which were usually completly black due to the use of „Yaki Sugi“ (burned sugi) material, where sugi (Japanese cedar) timber is chared, which is said to have merits in preserving the wood against damages such as bugs. An interesting side-note: the planks of the inner walls (on the side of the Kamidana) are mostly consisting of the old floor planks of the original dōjō.

22/12/2023

Kashima Shintō-ryū - Yoshikawa Dōjō

Name (ENG): Kashima Shintō-ryū Yoshikawa Dōjō
Name (J*P): 鹿島新当流　吉川道場

How to get there: From Tōkyō Station via the Highway Bus bound for Kashima Jingū. Buses drive frequently between Kashima Jingū and Tōkyō Station, so it is quite convenient getting there. The dōjō is not far from the main road leading towards the shrine, close to the “Bokuden Hiroba”.

What to know: Built in Meiji 10 (1877). A fairly small dōjō, with one training ground and one area for spectators and students waiting for their turn. Currently, keiko is conducted each Thursday night, supervised by the current head of the school, Yoshikawa Tsunetaka. On the grounds of Kashima Jingū, another dōjō can be found, the Butokuden. Open to the public, it can be rented on a daily basis after prior reservation.

Things to consider: This dōjō is owned by the Yoshikawa family, meaning it is not open to the public, although making an appointment with Yoshikawa-sensei should be possible, as long as one is able to communicate in Japanese. The contact information can be found online, for example on the page of the Nihon Kobudō Kyōkai.

17/12/2023

Sanbu Mori no Budokan, maintained by Sanmu City (Chiba prefecture).
Local Budokan which is rented out to local groups. Currenly being used by practioners of Kendō, Jūdō, Aikidō, Jikishinkage-ryū Naginatajutsu as well as Katori Shintō-ryū (Shinbukan Sanmu Shibu).

11/12/2023

Bishindō - Shintō Munen-ryū

Name (ENG): Bishindō - Shintō Munen-ryū
Name (J*P): 微神堂神道無念流
Address (ENG): 2 Chome-656-1 Kuidetsu, Ōmura, Nagasaki 856-0828
Address (J*P): 長崎県大村市杭出津2丁目656-1

How to get there: The easiest way of getting to Ōmura is via plane, as Nagasaki Airport is just a few km outside of the city. The dōjō can be reached either by car or by foot from Ōmura station within 20min.

What to know: Built by Saitō Kannosuke in 1854 while teaching Shintō Munen-ryū in Ōmura-han (present day Nagasaki prefecture) and constructed on his personal property by a design of the 12th head of Ōmura-han, Ōmura Sumihiro. Nowadays still used for the practice of Kendō although moved from its original place in 1912 and 1918. Unfortunately, I don´t have any (good) pictures from the outside (I included a picture I found on X instead) – although some nice shots from inside the dōjō. I might be paying it another visit in January while on a trip down to Nagasaki and will update the post accordingly. I saw that there is a small group of people practicing Shintō Munen-ryū in Nagasaki, but I am not sure if they are currently using the building as a training hall.

Things to consider: It is a small but nice dōjō in good condition. Unfortunately, it doesn´t seem to be very well received by the city of Ōmura. The previously available webpage is not functioning anymore. Places with such history could be used in many different ways to promote local (martial arts) culture. Below, a Facebook link to the kendō group currently using the dōjō.

Link: https://m.facebook.com/p/%E5%BE%AE%E7%A5%9E%E5%A0%82-100063727292958/

23/11/2023

Noda-shi Shunpūkan Dōjō

Name (ENG): Noda-shi Shunpūkan Dōjō
Name (J*P): 野田市春風館道場

Address (ENG): 278-0037 Chiba-ken, Noda-shi, Noda 376-1
Address (J*P): 〒278-0037 野田市野田376番地の1

How to get there: A trip from Tōkyō by car takes about one hour, depending on the traffic. For the train connection, take the local train to ‘Tsuchiura’ (Ueno-Tokyo Line) and get off at ‘Kashiwa Station’. Change to the ‘Tobu Urban Park Line’ for Omiya and get off at ‘Nodashi Station’. It takes about 10min by foot to get to the dōjō.

What to know: Excerpt from the official flyer: “The Shunpūkan Dōjō is a truly symbolic building of ‘soz sauce town’, Noda. In 1917 (Taishō 6 on the traditional Japanese calendar), this building, once part of the headquarters of the Noda Soy Sauce Company (present-day Kikkoman Corporation) was brought to this site, and in June 1928 (Showa 3), it was formally opened as a martial arts training hall (dōjō) with the name ‘Shunpūkan’ (lit. ‘House of the Spring Wind’).With the exception of the post-war ban on the practice of martial arts, the dojo has remained a place for the study and exchange of ideas for local enthusiast of martial arts such as jūdō, kendō and kyūdō.[…] The dōjō is not far from the local history museum which is also worth a visit (entrance is free).

Things to consider: The dōjō is open from 9am to 9pm and can be rented. The fee is 120 Yen / hour for people not living in Noda City (80 Yen for residents).

Link: https://www.city.noda.chiba.jp/shisetsu/kouen/1001082.html

17/11/2023

Kōshikan - Maniwa Nen-ryū Higuchi dōjō

Name (ENG): Kōshikan Maniwa Nen-ryū Higuchi dōjō
Name (J*P): 傚士館馬庭念流樋口道場

Address (ENG): 370-2104 Gunma, Takasaki, Yoshiimachi Maniwa, 80
Address (J*P): 370-2104群馬県高崎市吉井町馬庭80

How to get there: The easiest way would be to take the Ueno-Tokyo line bound for Takasaki (one could also take the Hokuriko Shinkansen, but this would be more expensive). Get off at Takasaki station and take the train on the “Joshin Dentetsu” line bound for Joshu-Tomioka. Get off at “Maniwa Station” (7 stops) and walk the rest of the way to the dōjō (about 6 minutes by foot). The total journey would take between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the train connection.

What to know: The current dōjō has been constructed in 1867 under the supervision of the 20th head of the school, Higuchi Sadahiro. Next to the Henmi dōjō probably one of the prime examples for late dōjō (farmhouse) design. The right part of the building was used for the storage of agricultural equipment. According to the Higuchi family, the dōjō was also used as a social gathering place for members of the village. The dōjō has a total size of 52 Tsubo (or 170m2) including the gate as well as the connected storage spaces. The actual training floor has a total size of 3 ken (ca. 5,4m) * 5,5 ken (ca. 9,9m). The main pillars are erected at a distance of 1 ken (ca. 182cm). This is also due to the fact that the practice of Ma-ai can be supported by using the location of the pillars as an indicator. Maniwa Nen-ryū is famous for practicing outdoors, which is still being done today. This practice is called “Nodate-keiko”.

Things to consider: Maniwa is very much countryside, so please plan ahead. According to my latest info, keiko of Nen-ryū can usually be observed on Saturdays, starting from 2pm until 5pm. As usual, making an appointment in advance is recommended. Nen-ryū was a very widespread school, up until the early Showa era. If one is interested in the history of the school, one might also consider a visit to Yamana Hachiman Shrine, not far from Yamana station. Here we can find the “Tachiwari Ishi” 太刀割石 (stone broken by a sword). The legend goes that the 8th head of Nen-ryū, Higuchi Sadahiro, in order to prepare for a fight with the Tenshin-ryū (Murakami Tenryū) in 1600, spent some time on the grounds of Yamana Hachiman Shrine. On the 21st day of his practice and the completion of his vows, he split a stone into two with a bokutō made out of Biwa wood. Afterwards he would defeat Tenryū at the shores of the Karasu river.

16/11/2023

Matsushiro-han Bunbu Gakkō

Name (ENG): Matsushiro-han Bunbu Gakkō
Name (J*P): 松代藩文武学校

Address (ENG): 205-1 Matsushiromachi Matsushiro, Nagano, 381-1231
Address (J*P): 381-1231長野県長野市松代町松代205-1

How to get there: By bus from Nagano station: Take the bus bound for Matsushiro (on the Matsushiro line) and get of at “Old Matsushiro Station”. From there walk past the castle ruins towards the Bunbu Gakkō.

What to know: Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00. Built in 1853 by the order of Sanada Yukinori. Domain school for the retainers of the Sanada family. Separate facilities for Kenjutsu, Sōjutsu, Jūjutsu and Kyūjutsu training as well as lecture rooms for the study of Chinese literature, military strategy, medicine and western artillery. Probably the best preserved Hankō to be found in Japan as many parts remain in their original state. Most of the buildings can be entered and explored. One of the few remaining schools which includes a wide area of training groups for the practice of martial arts.

Things to consider: While being in Matsushiro, one should also consider a visit to the Sanada treasure museum and the ruins of Matsushiro castle. I am a big fan of the whole complex, although I only went there twice so far. The local kobudō association hosts a demonstration twice a year, in spring and autumn, featuring schools practiced in that area.

Link: https://www.sanadahoumotsukan.com/facility_detail.php?n=3

16/11/2023

Yōbukan - Kōgen Ittō-ryū Henmi dōjō

Name (ENG): Kōgen Ittō-ryū Henmi dōjō (Yōbukan)
Name (J*P): 甲源一刀流逸見道場 - 燿武館　

Address (ENG): 368-0201 Saitama, Chichibu District, Ogano, Ryokamisusuki, 167
Address (J*P): 368-0201 埼玉県秩父郡小鹿野町両神薄167

How to get there: Located in Chichibu (Saitama prefecture) getting to the dōjō might not be an easy task. The most comfortable way is to just take a car and drive out to Chichibu. The dōjō can be reached within two hours from Tōkyō. Another way would be to take the express train on the Seibu line from Ikebukuro station to Seibu Chichibu. From there, one would have to take the Ogano bus line to Kuro and get out at “Kurokaido Guchi” (the 38th stop). The whole journey would take about three hours one way.

What to know: Built around 1770, the Henmi family Dōjō of Kōgen Ittō-ryū is one of the oldest Kenjutsu Dōjō in Japan. Built in the Kirizuma style, the Dōjō includes a training ground of approx. 33m2 and a waiting space of approx. 8.25m2. Next to the Dōjō a small museum contains items related to the school and the Henmi family.

Things to consider: The dōjō is family owned – meaning it is private property. A previous appointment is of the advantage and recommended. Having no Japanese language skills might prove difficult. That being said, during my three visits, Henmi-sensei was always eager to explain and point out the finer details of the building and his school. Once in Chichibu, one might also consider a visit to Mitsumine Shrine as well as a visit to the dōjō of Takano Sasaburō-sensei, located in Chichibu city.

Link: A short video showing Kōgen Ittō-ryū and the Henmi dōjō https://youtu.be/-bcle1NmOEU?si=dHHbm3c7gY-bl98K

16/11/2023

Name (ENG): Meishinkan Honkan
Name (J*P): 明信館本館

Address (ENG): 21-4 Nakamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0043
Address (J*P): 秩父市中町21番5号

How to get there: From Ikebukuro station, take the express train on the Seibu line to Seibu Chichibu. The dōjō is not far from Chichibu Shrine.

What to know: The Meishinkan was founded by Takano Sasaburō-sensei, a practitioner of Ittō-ryū Kenjutsu. Chichibu Shrine is close to the dōjō. A memorial stone for Takano-sensei has been erected in his honor. Enter the shrine grounds and turn left. The stone is being he kagura stage. The Meishinkan is a very nice dōjō which is still being used. A while ago I took some friends for a visit and we had luck as a group of Iaidō people were just preparing for their upcoming demonstration at Chichibu shrine the next day. We were able to watch a bit of their class and also had the chance to look around the dōjō. Right next to the old dōjō is a modern one which is also used by the local kids Kendō group.

Things to consider: Nothing in particular. If you look online for the dōjō by using the Japanese name, you will find many entries by people who have visited it in the past.

Link: https://www.city.chichibu.lg.jp/4422.html

The Dōjō - Place of the Way

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