Japan Training Tour 2019
Two years in the planning by Sensei Philip Kear (8th Dan) and Kobayashi Sensei, our group had the honour of invitations to visit and train in private dojos in and around Tokyo, Japan.
We set out for an early morning flight and after cars, planes, trains and taxis we arrived at our hotel in Shinjuku. Sensei Phil Kear was in reception to greet us, help us get our bearings, grab breakfast, and organise train cards.
Training that evening was at 6pm. Sensei wondered if we were up for it after all the travel.
After checking into our rooms and a short rest, we met the rest of the group—karateka from Sweden, Finland, Australia, England and Ireland.
The tour had already begun, and our late arrival meant we had to be ready for training straight away. The others had already trained with Kobayashi Sensei at Uenohara, with Arakawa Takamasu Sensei at the famous Nippon Budokan, and at Arakawa Sensei’s Shiramizu Dojo in Saitama.
We headed to the train station (which became a daily ritual) to train at Sagamihara Dojo with Toshiyuki Iwaki Sensei (8th Dan), Branch Chief Instructor of the Wado Ryu Renmei for the Kanagawa Prefecture.
Iwaki Sensei and his students were excited to welcome us. One of his Dan grade students, Tsuyoshi Ikeda, had trained for some time in Sydney at Sensei Kear’s dojo. The hall was full of students, young and old, all training hard.
Iwaki Sensei told Sensei McGrath that he was 81 years young—a fitting description given his energy and speed.
Sensei Kear led the session, with Senseis Robert McGrath and Alan Smith training under both senior instructors. Kata and kihon were the focus.
Despite our 30 hours of travel and an 8-hour time difference, the class was invigorating and the perfect start to our Japan training tour. After many photos and gift exchanges, we headed back to Shinjuku for Japanese food.
Memorial Day
Monday, our second day, was a tour to visit grave sites. This may sound grim, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable and respectful days of the trip—even for non-karateka.
First stop: the Otsuka family grave in Fuchu.
Each of us bowed and poured water over the headstone. Kobayashi Sensei and his daughter Miyuki translated the inscriptions for us.
Next: the Emperor’s grave site in Takao.
We learned how to show respect using traditional ritual: wash hands, bow before entering the Torii gate, bow twice deeply at the grave, clap twice, then one final bow.
Last: Yokohama cemetery, where we paid our respects at the Suzuki family grave.
A photo of Suzuki Sensei was placed by the headstone, and Kobayashi Sensei requested we perform Nai-hanchi Kata as a tribute. It was emotional for those who trained under him.
We ended the day at the Kamakura monument to Funakoshi Gichin Sensei and the Giant Buddha. That evening we had a traditional banquet where Sensei Kear gave a speech.
Training at Uenohara
Tuesday evening, we trained at Kobayashi Sensei’s home dojo in Uenohara, Yamanashi. Nestled in the mountains, it was a truly traditional setting.
Sensei showed us the dojo kun calligraphy brushed by Suzuki Sensei—straight, perfect, and priceless.
Training included kihon, makiwara, and kata competition techniques. The emphasis was on kata for tournaments, not grading.
Machida Dojo
Wednesday was training again with Kobayashi Sensei in Machida. We began with traditional training and kata (Chinto), then joined by his students for kihon with weights.
Later we worked through drills, more kata (Nai-hanchi), and finished with presentations. Kobayashi Sensei received Irish whiskey and Guinness from McGrath and Smith Senseis.
Later that evening, Yukata were presented to Sensei McGrath and Smith’s wives by Miyuki and Mie, which brought much joy.
Budokan Training
Thursday we trained at the Nihon Budokan with Arakawa Sensei, senior instructor at Kokusai Budo University. We worked on Seishan and Nai Hanchi kata and explored their Wado and Goju Ryu origins.
Arakawa Sensei invited us to his course in Germany. After training, he brought us to a Chinese restaurant nearby for more conversation.
Sensei Kear said:
“The receptions we experienced from each Japanese dojo were exceptional. Arakawa Sensei standing to attention and saluting me at Budokan said it all—priceless.”
Final Days
Friday: final day of training, followed by Yaki Niku grilled meat night out with Sensei Kear.
Saturday: Bullet train to Kyoto, including the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and over 1,500 steps to the summit!
Sensei McGrath joked:
“I didn’t realise how far up it was… each level felt like the top. 52 floors and my legs were wrecked!”
On our final night in Tokyo, over beers, we reflected on the amazing experiences and warm hospitality.
Plans for the next tour were already being made.
Sensei Kear’s final words to us:
“Take all the experiences from this tour to enhance your Wado and training—and look forward to even greater achievements in the future.”