Hanshi - The Path to 8th Dan : Toyomura Azumori Hanshi

"If you do not have good balance between static and dynamic states, you will not be able to fight effectively!"

                                                                                                                           - Toyomura Azumori Hanshi

Toyomura Sensei has been cooperating with me on product videos and training at Rensei Kaikan for several times. Sensei's Kendo is strong in spirit and he is delicate with a sword. He could not be perturbed by a desperate ki-seme or ken-seme at all. When a last-ditch effort waza was used, it was treated with ease, judged, and struck. Each attack was dealt with with ease and in the moment that each was dealt with the instant and clarity in which it was done remains clear in my mind.

 I solved the mystery. “The output of spirit is proportional to your physical output!”

These words are burned into my brain. The more you give out strong spirit, the more you use your body to relax, the more you become fully energized. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your body becomes, the more real power comes from relaxation.

No one is a top-notch athlete in any sport with tense shoulders. I always felt my teacher was an aloof and elusive person. “It's a special talent to be able to work hard. I don't have that talent," he said, "so don't think too hard and just relax. That's why I don't think too hard and just relax. (Laughs) The experience of being an 8th dan evaluation examiner...you can't copy that.”

This is what draws people to the 8th dan Sensei and what gives them that allure.

Hanshi - The path to 8th dan

Return to Episode Catalogue