The Brussels Yaegaki Kai is an 
Ichi-go ichi-e / 一期一会
Ichi-go ichi-e literally “one time, one meeting” is a Japanese term that is originally associated with the Japanese tea ceremony. It is also used in many other sphere such as martial art or day to day life. Ichi-go ichi-e also translated by “one chance in a lifetime” remind us that each meeting whether a tea ceremony, a martial art shiai or good time with friends is unique. The term in Budō, in a life-or-death situation, also means that there will be no chance to “try again”. Even though techniques may be attempted many times in the dojo, each should be seen as a singular and decisive event.
Despite this introduction I will not be focusing on Iaido this time but on another passion of mine which is good Food and Sake. Taking into account that the pleasure of eating good food only reaches its maximum when shared with friends in a relax and authentic environment and matching all those requirements plus the Japanese touch: Let’s talk about Izakaya …
Posted: April 5th, 2012 under Article.
Tags: Ichigo Ichie, Izakaya
With that kind of title, I hope you are all curious now … Japanese language is sometimes strange, especially when it comes to words having the same pronunciation but different meanings. Wazamae which could be translated by technique (ability/skill) in a martial art context is not embu 演舞 with 演 for (em) demonstration/performance and 舞 for (Bu) from Buyo (Dance) but embu 演武 with 武 (Bu) from Budo (Martial way). Simply said “Technique is not dance but budo”. This title comes from the “Iaido shinsain no me” book and more precisely from Kawaguchi Toshihiko sensei 8th Dan Hanshi Iaido chapter. The book is focusing on judges expectations concerning high grade examinations and Kawaguchi sensei goes straight to the point. Here are some chapter excerpts …
“In Iaido we always win against enemies” performing a kata slowly or quickly, result is the same … We win. Of course we are alone fighting against imaginary opponents and the scenario (Riai) says we win. How could we loose ? I did not deeply thought about this but writing it down suddenly gave me a strange feeling. Why should we be so sure (reassured) of the encounter result if we really live the kata, if we really live in the moment ?
This year the ABKF Winter seminar took place at the ADEPS in Auderghem between the 14th and 18th december. For some years now the Iaido teachers present in december are Kobayashi Tadao sensei – 8th dan Iaido Hanshi and Uehara Koichi – 7th dan Iaido Kyoshi. For those not familiar with Kobayashi sensei’s background, he is a former All Japan champion and an actual shinsain/judge for 8th dan examination held every year in Kyoto.