Hanshi - The Path to 8th Dan : Masago Takeshi Hanshi

"The principles of the Kendo Kata are different from those of the shinai kendo!"

                                                                                  - Masago Takeshi Hanshi

I had the pleasure of interviewing Masago Sensei at Seidokan in Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo. As he walked from the station on a light rainy day, he looked vigorous and hearty in his old age. After retiring from the National Police Academy, he served as a key member of the All Japan Kendo Federation and was active in teaching both professionals as well as general practitioners. What impressed me most were his words, "You shall be honored with harmony.”

Although there is the positive aspect of getting along with one another in "harmony," lukewarm harmony is useless. How does one live in a society of mixed interests without becoming a losing dog in the fight and without compromising? This is about the need to have something called ‘strength’ to rely on. I listened to his words and thought that it connected to the strength that budo contains that makes us capable of stopping conflict from occurring. 

Though the topics he spoke of were very serious, his Kansai dialect allowed me to relax and enjoy listening to him speak. On the way back to the station, he was kind enough to see some random young man like myself off until I was completely out of sight. His back was straight, and his chest was out. I felt the value in showing through actions that kind of care and kindness.

H.
- GEN Editorial Staff 

Hanshi - The Path to 8th Dan

Return to Episode Catalogue