[Photo Report] By Patrick from PIASS ④
Here is the Study in Japan report from Patrick Muhirwa who started his program from September 2022.
The Budo Culture Experience
The 5th Cohort of Budo culture experience
During this winter season, I was blessed to participate in this year round seminar on the Japanese Martial ways that focused on philosophy, history and the cultural connections. It took place in Katsuura city of Chiba prefecture at the training center of Nippon Budokan and lasted for several days. This memorable time had alot including the very cultural bedding set and the Nihon style dishes including Miso, curry, and the Okonomiyaki.
The practice covered different ways like Kyudo, Aikido, Karatendo, Sumo, Nagiinata, Kempo and Kendo. Then continued with non physical exercises of Zen Meditation and the challenging Calligraphy. It was such an amazing and outstanding experience to me to the level I wish to continue but that was all by this time.
Learning the Target with Kyudo Instructor
Taking Shots with The Kyudo Students from Budo International University
At The Session of Challenging Calligraphy took place and I tried to write in Kanji some words and finally drew two words in which one called “Gakusei” kept it and brought it at the hostel.
Drawing this calligraphy was so challenging but its philosophy gives courage and momentum to do so. “It is said to be a challenge to make a stability and control of the mind to the task someone is doing” which is so interesting and motivating.
The Karatendo and Kempo Spirit with the Instructors
This is so memorable. I loved the spirit of these martial arts and when I practiced Nagiinata, the instructor said a very inspiring quote that “Do not stop because you seem to fail it, rather continue moving forward at a certain place you gonna make it” which is extra-ordinary in all dimensions of development and growth. I had an amazing time in Katsuura and feels missing the practice even though while have just arrived yesterday.
I HOPE TO PRACTICE THESE MARTIAL ARTS ONCE AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE BUT FOR MEDITATION, I WILL TRY MY BEST ON IT FOR MORE TIMES.
To Nippon Budokan、 Instructors、 and the Fellow participants、 I would say ありがとう ございました。
Special Thanks to all who support my stay in Japan and have these wonderful memories and experiences.
Thank you!
