Shoheijuku Newsletter July 2021

Chikushino Dojo

On Sunday, June 6^th, the examination and seminar for Chikushino Dojo (Mr. Yosuke Jozaki, Dojo Rep) were held at Renbukan in Chikushino City.

It was a large dojo with approximately 130 tatami mats, but it was kept so clean that we had a comfortable practice. I hear that it is usually used for Shorinji Kempo and Yoga classes.    

As the dojo director’s wife practices tea ceremony, she kindly treated all the participants with tea after the seminar. Because it was first time for most of the people to do the tea ceremony protocols, everyone looked full of curiosity. Especially, many youth members got seconds probably because it was so delicious.    

I also realized that I had forgot the tea ceremony protocols completely so it was a good learning opportunity.

It was a day I reaffirmed how important it was to keep practicing constantly as well as learning until it becomes automatic just like Aikido.     

Thank you very much for the heartfelt hospitality for all the participants.  

~ Rikyu’s Seven Rules ~

1. Make a satisfying bowl of tea (make it just right for the guest).
2. Lay the charcoal so that the water boils efficiently.
3. Arrange the flowers as though they were in the field.
4. Provide a sense of coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter.
5. Be ready ahead of time (importance of having leeway).
6. Prepare an umbrella even if it is not raining.
7. Act with utmost consideration toward your guests (Be considerate as if it is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity).

These rules have much in common with Aikido teachings, don’t they?