El primer Seminario de SMR Jo-do in Zanshin-Madrid
From the 22nd to 24th of June this year a seminar in SMR jodo was conducted at Zanshin Madrid Dojo, in the Spanish capital. This was the first seminar presented by Vicente Borondo since leaving Japan after 9 years of practice. Assisting with the direction of the seminar was Adrian Knight from Australia, also a direct student of Nishioka Sensei with 6 years of practice in Japan.
We were almost 20 practioners each day, and among the group were those who practiced regularly with Vicente Borondo in the Zanshin Madrid dojo. There were also visitors from other dojo's and martial arts, with the group comprising members already experienced in other kenjutsu schools to those who had held a jo or bokken for the first time. The seminar was open to all.
On Friday evening the seminar commenced with uchikomi practice, with the more experienced students holding the sword. This was followed by the kihon (basic) techniques, step by step. Vicente placed much emphasis on the small details of each technique from the beginning, wanting to transmit the details which make the difference between a good practice and a bad one.
On Saturday morning we finished with the rest of the kihon waza, and in the afternoon the whole group was divided into two levels for kata practice: Omote group and the beginners. The Omote group was lead by Vicente, who introduced us to the first katas in the series: Tachiotoshi, Tsubawari, Tsukizue and Hissage. Meanwhile Addo lead the beginners. They were doing the kihon and the first Seitei kata, Tsukizue. I was really impressed as even without talking a word of Spanish Addo was able to connect perfectly with the group, and the group with him.
After practice we went to a resturant called Tio Pepe where we enjoyed a typical Spanish dinner and very typical Spanish laughs as well. The practioners were happy asking questions to vicente about jodo, and Addo was busy drinking sangria and eating Iberico ham, so as for him not to feel lonely I helped him with that. The good group atmosphere that began in the dojo continued long into the night.
On Sunday, the last day, we did kenjutsu. After doing suburi we started with the kata. Vicente emphasised in this case the correct way of handling the sword, and spoke a lot about tenouchi. We did four kata and then changed partners. We ended the seminar with the Shinto rei and and thanking Vicente and Addo with big applause. There were a totoal of 9 hours of intensive practice in jodo over three days.
After the seminar there were programmed some exhibitions of the different martial arts practiced in the dojo. The Kung-fu exhibition by Gustavo, our Argrentinian instructor with incredible flexibility, gave the chinese touch to the event.
Carlos did a series of advanced katas from Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido.
In aikido Dani and Addo took ukemi for Vicente, who seemed not to get tired of throwing them everywhere with great ease and power. Santi, Oscar and Carlos (among others), kendo instructors and also Jodo practioners, gave a powerful kendo exhibition. The demonstration finished with Vicente and Addo showing kenjutsu, jodo and jutte-jutsu from Shinto Muso Ryu.
After all this we all enjoyed some snacks and draft beer courtesy of the Zanshin Madrid Dojo. we all said goodbye looking forward to the next seminar.
I would like to thank all of the attendants for the practice and great atmoshpere in and outside the dojo. thanks as well to the zanshin Madrid Dojo for the organsisaton, and snacks and beer.
I think we are very fortunate to have Vicente and Addo and I want to thank them for making a success out of this seminar. Vicente Borondo is now teaching in Madrid and plans to conduct at least 2 seminars a year in the Spanish capital, the next one being held in December.
Daniel Villamor
