The Last Tai Kai in the USA!

[Brian R. VanCise]

The last Tai Kai in the USA was held in 2003. It was hosted by Shihan Jack Hoban and Mark Hodel at the Ocean Place Resort in New Jersey. I was searching for video clips of Renyo for the other thread and came across this short video from the 2003 Tai Kai. It was a great Tai Kai and I enjoyed it tremendously while training with Shidoshi Bart Ugucioni and Shihan Michael Asunsion. You can even see Bart looping the cord of his Shoge around my neck in the first break. Hope you enjoy the clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxdmFoRtxn8

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

For everyone who was there please tell us what you enjoyed most about this Tai Kai.

 

[jks9199]

The last Tai Kai in the USA was held in 2003.

I'm curious; the way this is written combined with the time lapse suggests that perhaps there wont be another. Is this so? If so -- why? (I have learned that Hatsumi no longer chooses to travel the world; that may be reason enough.)

Or is it just "last" as in "most recent?"

 

[Bigshadow]

I'm curious; the way this is written combined with the time lapse suggests that perhaps there wont be another. Is this so? If so -- why? (I have learned that Hatsumi no longer chooses to travel the world; that may be reason enough.)

Or is it just "last" as in "most recent?"

As I understand things, Hatsumi believes the Bujinkan has enough good people in many other countries and doesn't need to constantly travel to introduce people to good training. I assume he feels people can now come to him.

Although, I saw a rumor on a certain website suggesting that he might do one last Tai Kai, but I believe it was a rumor as my Japanese sources indicate.

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

As I understand things, Hatsumi believes the Bujinkan has enough good people in many other countries and doesn't need to constantly travel to introduce people to good training. I assume he feels people can now come to him.

Although, I saw a rumor on a certain website suggesting that he might do one last Tai Kai, but I believe it was a rumor as my Japanese sources indicate.

There is a chance for a potential Tai Kai in Hawaii! It is not in any working stages yet but there is a chance. These are what my sources tell me.

As for Soke coming to the mainland of the USA. It has been said several times that he is not going to travel internationally anymore. Could he still come? Maybe. However, it is easier and probably better for Soke to let us go to Japan to train with him. Every week there are new people showing up in Japan to train with Soke and the Japanese Shihan. Plus there are many wonderful Shihan and Shidoshi located throughout the world.

 

[bencole]

As I understand things, Hatsumi believes the Bujinkan has enough good people in many other countries and doesn't need to constantly travel to introduce people to good training. I assume he feels people can now come to him.

It's not just that, guys. It's that these foreign Taikai COMPLETELY drain Soke of energy. Over the years, I observed how Soke's recovery time from a foreign Taikai went from a few days to two or three WEEKS! That's how long it would take for Soke to "bounce back" to full energy following those grueling international events.

I honestly wasn't surprised when he announced that he wanted people to come to Japan instead. It's important that people understand how much Soke has given us till now, and that it is time to "give back"--by remaining loyal to his wishes (and not going behind his back), by making the effort to train in Japan (or at least with people who visit Japan) in order to stay current, and by being the "good guys" out there.

All the best,

-ben

 

[Bigshadow]

Thank you Ben!

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

It's not just that, guys. It's that these foreign Taikai COMPLETELY drain Soke of energy. Over the years, I observed how Soke's recovery time from a foreign Taikai went from a few days to two or three WEEKS! That's how long it would take for Soke to "bounce back" to full energy following those grueling international events.

I honestly wasn't surprised when he announced that he wanted people to come to Japan instead. It's important that people understand how much Soke has given us till now, and that it is time to "give back"--by remaining loyal to his wishes (and not going behind his back), by making the effort to train in Japan (or at least with people who visit Japan) in order to stay current, and by being the "good guys" out there.

All the best,

-ben

Hey Ben,

I can easily imagine the drain on anyone who would do what Soke did. I also agree that it is our time to travel to him and enjoy the Budo that he teaches.