Remain Present – Stay Aligned

We have just completed a very special karate journey to Japan.

Our trip included a memorial visit to Sosai Oyama’s grave at Gokoku-ji Shrine, training at Sosai Oyama’s Honbu Dojo in Ikebukuro, an early morning session at Shirahige Shrine in Otsu, and a seminar in Ritto. We also had the opportunity to train with Jukucho Akio, visit Kancho Sawahira in Aichi, and spend time with Yamada Sensei and Tagami Sensei in Mie. In between, we visited the Golden Pavilion and Ryoan-ji in Kyoto.

This journey allowed me to share my own experiences and memories of Japan with Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do students from around the world. For all of us, it was both meaningful and memorable.

Throughout the journey, Leigh and I noticed a single crow. We saw it in Ikebukuro, Shirahige, Ise Shrine, and finally at Meoto Iwa. A lone black bird. Not intrusive, just present. Watching. Still. Consistent.

It became a quiet reminder of the purpose of our Budo journey. We often pursue progress through action. But true understanding is not always found in movement. Sometimes, it is found in stillness. In observation. In appreciating what is in front of us.

As we return home to Sydney, the reflection is clear: Remain present. Stay aligned with the path we have chosen. A modern expression of Budo firmly grounded in traditional practice.