After the Japan Taikai 2024, through October and November 2024 we spent time training at Honbu Dojo. I practiced the following levels of techniques, such as 6th Dan Ninpo, 6th Dan Jujutsu, Bikenjutsu and Bojutsu Chuden, Bagua, Asayama Ichiden Ryu Okuden for me and 3rd Dan Ninpo, 4th Dan Jujutsu, Bojutsu Chukyu, Bikenjutsu 2nd Kyu and Asayama Ichiden Ryu Shoden for Bruno Pešec, for which we wholeheartedly thank Soke and Kotaro Hanshi for their patient guidance.
Big thanks to Herny Steinberg Kyoshi for reviewing and teaching Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu Chuden and Gikan Ryu Iai-jutsu techniques in his free time. At Honbu, I had the honor of testing for Chugoku Kenpo Hakkesho (Bagua) 3rd Kyu while Bruno Pešec tested for Koryu Karate 9th Kyu.
In private training sessions with Soke, I was exceptionally honored and privileged to receive a Makimono (scroll) for Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu Shoden Menkyo. I also underwent a secret oral transmission for the scroll, which includes "Mokuroku no maki Yurushi no den" and "Atekomi Sanjuni Hou (Kyusho vital points)". Soke personally demonstrated to me immense secret knowledge, from theoretical aspects to additional weapon use in techniques, rope binding, resuscitation techniques (Kappo), the application of mudras (Ketsuin) from Takamatsu Sensei, special strangulation techniques etc.
The most impressive part was when Soke demonstrated all the vital points on me using various striking surfaces. I had never experienced so many different kinds of pain in my life. From dull pain to a sensation of pain flowing through my body, to delayed pain, and even acid reflux. All of this caused tears and screams as much as joy and laughter in disbelief at what was happening.
It was an incredibly direct experience that showed just how great and unique Tanemura Sensei is in this world, with his knowledge and abilities. It was a true dream come true to learn from a true Grandmaster and receive immeasurable knowledge as well as responsibility.
I sincerely thank Soke for this immense gesture, knowledge, experience and inspiration for further development.
During our limited free time, we went to Tokyo to visit the Japanese sword museum and other attractions around Matsubushi-Machi. It was a wonderful experience to visit Nakanodai where Discovery Channel filmed part of a legendary documentary about Genbukan. A special thanks to Marc Coppens Shihan for that, as well as to all the members with whom we stayed at the Genbukan house. It was truly an unforgettable and fun time spent together.
Soke and Kotaro Hanshi really made an effort to make everyone feel at home and took us to wonderful restaurants. In the end, I can only say that training at Honbu is like going to heaven, the goal we train for our entire lives.
