Shihan Dirk Mazet and his students at the Hombo Dojo

This is what makes a good stay at the Hombo Dojo – self study, self study, self study. A training usually follows the instruction of a Sensei. This week was different. All of Shihan Mazet’s students showed what martial arts is all about – overcoming your own self and train relentlessly in order to get better.

Sometimes students expect the sensei to make them better in their techniques or to “deliver” the techniques. They train them for a while until they decide for themselves that it is time to get/ask for the next technique. It is more like a teacher – customer – relationship rather than a sensei – student – relationship. But that’s not how the study of martial arts works, regardless of whatever art you study. Students adapting to the teaching routines of a dojo rather than the sensei adapting to the student is the most distinctive difference between a traditional dojo and a modern school of martial arts.* But enough on the theoretical part for now.

During the whole week all of the students showed incredible dedication to their training. Shihan Bernaschewice gave advices here and there indicating the proper path but for the rest everyone was busy with studying his/her programme for him-/herself exploring the very essence of Chi Ryu Aiki-Jitsu and Matayoshi Kobudo. This atmosphere culminated in excellent examination at the end of the week. Thank you for such a wonderful training time!

Congratulations to all students with their exams!

 

Chi Ryu Aiki-Jitsu

Nils Kurzyca (5th Kyu)

Dominique Winkler (3rd Kyu)

 

Matayoshi Kobudo

Nils Kurzyca (2nd Kyu)

Tom Kurzyca (2nd Kyu)

Philip Schneider (1st brown stripe)

 

 

 

* Further readings on this topic: Lovret, Fredrick J. (1987), The Way and the Power, Secrets of Japanese Strategy, Boulder: Paladin Press, p. 14-18.