President of Mongolia and Six Cabinet
Members Visit Nippon Kan
Hitohiro Saito Jukucho, Iwama Shin
Shin Aiki Shuren Kai Tanren Juku, Iwama, Japan, Visits Nippon Kan.
AHAN Monogolian School Named Hope Fundraising Kick-off Seminar
in Aspen, Colorado
Homma Kancho Conducts Mexico Seminar
Tour
Homma Kancho Visits Nicaragua
Used Computers, School Supplies and
Sewing Machine Drive Begins!
Bi-annual Volunteer Project Held in
Conjunction with Denver Parks and National Trails Day
Summer Colorado Japanese Martial Art
Instructors Meeting
Community Awards of Appreciation
President
of Mongolia and Six Cabinet Members Visit Nippon Kan.
July 18th, 2004
 Touring Nippon Kan, the President and First Lady. |
At the reception, Homma Kancho was officially introduced to the President by the Mongolian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Ravdan Bold. Mr. Bold went into detail as he reported the efforts that Homma Kancho, Nippon Kan and AHAN have made in humanitarian support for Mongolia. After the introduction, the President spoke to the assembly about Nippon Kan. “I am aware of your activities that have worked toward the betterment of the Mongolian Community here in Denver. I want to thank you personally for your support of Mongolian seniors in Denver, and your other efforts in bringing Mongolian culture and heritage to the United States”. The First Lady also spoke, “I, as well as many, appreciate the efforts you have made to support the children of Mongolia in need, we hope you will continue in your support”. The President then presented Homma Kancho with a large framed photograph of Asa Shoryu, a Mongolian national who has won the title of Japanese Sumo Wrestling Champion eight times in Japan.
Another very important visitor, Lama, the highest Buddhist Llama from Mongolia also accompanied the President on this visit. He was a gracious guest, and thanked Homma Kancho for a temple restoration donation that was made by AHAN. He took the time to offer a blessing at the Nippon Kan dojo shrine, and spent much of his time greeting Nippon Kan members and members of the Denver Mongolian Community.
The President and the First Lady, finished their dinner, and thanking Homma Kancho for the delicious meal he had prepared, retired at about 9:30 pm.
 The President arrives at Nippon Kan. |
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 The First Lady, Homma Kancho and Emily Busch, AHAN President standing in front of the Nippon Kan ger. |
 The President and First lady relax in the ger. Standing: The Mongolian Ambassador to the United States. |
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 The President presents gift to Homma Kancho. |
 The President, First Lady and Homma Kancho. |
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 Choijamts Hamba Lama, Homma Kancho and Emily Busch, AHAN President |
 Choijamts Hamba Llama and Homma Kancho relax in the ger. |
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 Mongolian Cabinet members in the Nippon Kan museum. |
 A dinner fit for a…President. |
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 Mongolian musicians for the event. |
Domestic Seminar Reports
Hitohiro Saito Jukucho, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai Tanren Juku, Iwama, Japan, Visits Nippon Kan.
July 22-26th, 2004
 Hitohiro Saito Sensei’s family after practice. |
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 Happy family on vacation! |
On vacation with his family, Hitohiro Saito Sensei came to
Denver this past July. Homma Kancho asked Hitohiro Sensei
if he would
mind teaching for a couple of days while he was here in Denver.
Even with short notice, and minimal advertising, about
eighty people came to join in this special opportunity.
Many of
Hitohiro Sensei’s
direct students from different parts of the United States
also took the opportunity to join in the seminar. Hitohiro
Sensei
was accompanied by his wife Hisako-san, and his three
sons Yasuhiro, Mitsuyoshi, and Harutada. Fighting jetlag,
and
the high altitude,
everyone joined in for this special practice.
The practice was rigorous, but the mood of the seminar
was relaxed and friendly with a family atmosphere. On
Saturday, July 24th,
Hitohiro Sensei’s and his wife Hisako’s 15th
wedding anniversary which was celebrated by all students
with a surprise
cake and gifts. The family, (including Hitohiro Sensei)
had time to see the sites in Colorado, and seemed to
enjoy what
the Rockies
had to offer before they returned to Japan. Hitohiro
Saito Jukucho will be returning to the United States,
October
1st-3rd when
he will be teaching a seminar in Reno, Nevada hosted
by Aikido of
Reno (Vince Salvatore Sensei). Click here for
more information on this seminar.
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 Hitorhiro Saito Sensei teaching at Nippon Kan |
 Stephanie
Yap Sensei from Florida and Hitohiro Saito Sensei’s
wife Hisako. |
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Hitorhiro Saito Sensei teaching at Nippon Kan |
 Vincent
Salvatore Sensei from Reno, Nevada. |
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 Saito Sensei presents Homma Kancho with a framed calligraphy written by his father the late Morihiro Saito Shihan. |
AHAN Monogolian School Named Hope Fundraising Kick-off Seminar
in Aspen, Colorado.
July 9-11, 2004
By Rick Thomson
Yama Dojo Telluride, Colorado
 Discussing AHAN Activities with Homma Kancho. |
Having all of these dojos unite was unique in itself, but as we were soon to find out, this seminar was to unite a spirit that went beyond the scope of any usual seminar.
The purpose of this seminar was to kick-off AHAN’s fundraising efforts for a School named Hope, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This school was chosen by Homma Kancho on a visit to Mongolia earlier this year as a school in desperate need of school supplies, computers, musical instruments and even basic structural requirements like telephone, and electric wiring. The used computer drive at Nippon Kan has begun, and to date over thirty computers have been collected. Any profits from this seminar will go towards container costs for shipping the computers and the like to Mongolia.
Before the seminar began, I had a chance to talk with Homma Kancho about his thoughts for the seminar. He reflected, “The purpose of this seminar is not only to raise money or gather materials for the school in Mongolia. It is a good chance to raise awareness about people and Aikidoka in other places in the word and what conditions are like where they practice. This I think is very important for all of our future.
Today there are many costly seminars promoted in the United States that benefit mostly, the instructors. If we continue to schedule seminars where the purpose of the seminar goes beyond personal gain to that of benefiting others, it might begin to change this old school of thought.
If we can do this being an independent organization without branch dojos, why can’t the larger organizations with many branch dojos accomplish the same kinds of goals? The only reason they can’t I can think of is that they don’t.
There are so many seminars these days that are taught for tremendous personal profit. Instructors speak flowery words about the Founder, but yield little results in personally promoting activities that achieve the goals the Founder set for us to follow. If more instructors move toward raising funds that can help communities, this will be a positive movement with productive results for everyone involved.
One of my current personal goals is to support Aikidoka in countries less fortunate than the United States or Japan. What I wish to help create is a system to make dojos financially self sufficient. I want to support the efforts of dojo leaders I have met in other countries, to help them in their efforts to build a solid foundation for their students. We are laying ground work in countries where raw materials are less expensive to support grass root cottage industries. Small assemblies that can produce bokken, jo’s, hakamas, practice uniforms for Aikidoka here in the US and other markets; assemblies that can produce local crafts for export. Another idea is to help support a small restaurant that could serve as a foundation for the dojo. This idea is similar to a monastery that produces cheese or wine, it is a recipe for dojo survival.
Aikidoka in the United States can do their part by supporting the production of these products. As long as you are not attached to designer brand names, quality products are available for much less than what they sold for here. Nippon Kan, in efforts to support Aikidoka in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia commissioned the making of weapons cases that were the same quality as those sold in the United States for $60 to $80 dollars but at half the price. With this project supported by Nippon Kan students, we were able to return about $25.00 per bag to the Mongolian manufacturers which goes a long way toward supporting a dojo’s independence. We can send a big message and a great deal of support to Aikidoka in underdeveloped countries by supporting these type of industries, support that can go a long way in maintaining dojos and furthering their stability. I am very excited to say that soon we will have Iwama bokken and jo available through AHAN. This project is sanctioned by Hitohiro Saito Sensei as part of his support of AHAN philosophies and projects.
The development of AHAN and related projects has become the main mission and focus for the second half of my life. I am proud to see growing support, especially among young American Instructors”. As I sat listening to Homma Kancho, I reflected on the trips I had accompanied him on as otomo and uke in the past two years. His mission is firm, and so is his commitment in my eyes.
Our seminar in Aspen raised $1292.00 which will be donated to AHAN, for shipping container fees for the used computers to be sent to the School Named Hope in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
We did have a special guest visitor at the seminar in Aspen. Tom Crum Sensei of Wind Star Foundation fame, stop by to say hello to Homma Kancho and to watch practice. In attendance for this seminar were the dojos listed alphabetically below. Thank you to everyone for participating in this event. Click here for reflections on Homma Kancho’s teachings by CMC Aikido at Aspen Instructor Brad Manosevitz.
Aikido of the San Juans Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Aspen Aikido Aspen, Colorado
ASU Aikido Silt, Colorado
Boulder Aikikai Boulder, Colorado
Boulder Ki Aikido Boulder, Colorado
CMC Aikido at Aspen Aspen, Colorado
Eagle River Aikido Eagle River, Colorado
Glenwood Springs Aikido Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Shin Budokai Durango, Colorado
Yama Dojo Telluride, Colorado
 Starting
practice with the basic techniques. |
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 Homma Kancho takes of his hakama to illustrate footwork in weapons practice. |
 Seminar
donations presented to Homma Kancho for AHAN |
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 A visit by Mr.Tom Crum. |
Report On Events Outside of the United States.
Homma Kancho Conducts Mexico Seminar Tour.
June 18th-28th, 2004
In conjunction with Mexico Aikido, Take Musu Aiki, (Fernando Roman Sensei and Rocio Aguero Sensei) Homma Kancho taught a series of seminars in Mexico to raise awareness for AHAN projects in Mexico City, Cuautla and Xalapa. This was Homma Kancho’s second visit to Mexico this year.
 In
front of dojo. From
left; Fernando Sensei, Alberto Sensei, his wife Rebecca
Sensei and Rocio Sensei. |
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Practice
in the Cuautla dojo.About two hours outside of Mexico City is the town of Cuautla which was where the first seminar of the tour was held. This seminar was hosted by Instructor Alberto Mansano Sensei and his wife Rebecca. A total of 120 students attended this weekend seminar which focused on weapons relations practiced outside under the sunny skies of Cuautla. Read Homma Kancho’s article about his time in Cuautla called “Memories of Home; A Visit to Aikido Cuautla Dojo in Mexico”. Click here.
 Mexico
Aikido dojo in Mexico City; advanced class. |
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After the weekend in Cuautla, Homma Kancho and his entourage made their way back to Mexico City where Homma Kancho taught a series of classes at the Mexico Aikido Dojo. The classes were arranged by rank this time with about 100 students total in attendance.
On the third leg of the seminar tour, the group traveled to the capital city of Vera Cruz; Xalapa, about five hours from Mexico City. There, four local dojo instructors joined together to organize this seminar held at the Xalapa University Stadium Annex. A total of about 140 students attended this two day event. Seminar proceeds were donated through Mexico Aikido in Mexico City to the Casa de la Amistad (click here for related articles on the Casa de la Amistad).This seminar tour was arranged by Fernando and Rocio Sensei. Transportation was provided by Sr. Jose Alvarez, and translation services were provided by Wimmer Mendicoa. Many sincere thanks to all for their outstanding hospitality, and special thanks to Cuautla Instructors Alberto Mansano Sensei, his wife Rebecca, and all Xalapa Instructors, especially Gabriel Canovas Saldana Sensei, Arturo Sensei, Fransisco Sensei, and Roberto Sensei from Vera Cruz City who joined this seminar with many of his students.
On this tour, Homma Kancho was accompanied by Nippon Kan students Diego Rodriguez-Warner who worked very hard as Spanish translator for Homma Kancho, Charles Bland and Marjorie Garner. Thank you all for your assistance, you did a great job! Please click here for related articles on this trip.
 On
the road on tour. |
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Homma Kancho Visits Nicaragua.
June 29th-July 5th, 2004
 Instructor Norman Navarro, Homma Kancho, The CAU University sports coordinator and Susan Kinne Sensei. |
Aikido de Nicaragua was founded in the capitol city of Managua by Susan Kinne Sensei, and is currently instructed by Norman Navarro, Instructor at the University of Central America. Homma Kancho taught classes for a total attending 150 students that gathered from different dojos at the University and at two other small dojos in Managua.
One of the primary purposes of AHAN is the support of small dojos that have been neglected and are struggling in underdeveloped nations. Homma Kancho is firm in his commitment to dojos like the ones he visited in Nicaragu in many parts of the world. Homma Kancho returned from Nicaragua excited about future plans for AHAN and the dojos in Managua. Homma Kancho’s first goal in Nicaragua is to help build a means of support to insure future survival for these very dedicated students. Helping start a cottage industry with local materials or any conceivable small business can only help build a dojo foundation that will last. Nicaragua Aikido pioneer Susan Kinne Sensei is excited about the prospects of becoming part of the AHAN network, and is enthusiastic about becoming a central AHAN Nicaragua representative. Click here for Homma Kancho’s article on his time in Nicaragua titled A Global Gap in the World of Aikido;The story of the first woman Aikido Pioneer in Nicaragua.
 Practice
at the first dojo. |
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 Practice
at the second dojo. |
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 Practice
at the third dojo. |
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Community Activity report.
Used Computers, School Supplies and Sewing Machine Drive Begins!
July 1st, 2004
This campaign is part of a new project for AHAN.
We expect more but right now we have collected over thirty used computers and
seven sewing machines to send to Mongolia and other
places in need. We began storing the computers as
they were donated in the hallway
leading to the dojo. Now, there is little room to
walk there, and there are more on the way! Nippon Kan student volunteers are now setting about the task of organizing and testing all of the computers to make them ready for shipping. They will be sent to the School Named Hope in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and also to Nicaragua, Brazil and other AHAN campaigns.
This will be an ongoing project for Nippon Kan and AHAN. If you would like to donate a used computer in working order, call Nippon Kan or drop by during regular business hours. Nippon Kan is a 501 (C) (3) Non-profit organization. Tax deductible receipts will be available upon request. Value will be determined by our staff of computer experts.
Bi-annual Volunteer Project Held in Conjunction with Denver Parks and National Trails Day.
June 5th, 20004
 Our Nippon Kan young guys, combined age 142 years! |
Approximately sixty-five Nippon Kan members ranging in age from seven to eighty-tw participated in the day long event. There were a variety different jobs so everyone could find a job that matched their physical abilities and level of stamina. It was interesting to note that since Nippon Kan students have been involved in projects with the Denver Parks Department for over fifteen years, we now have a new generation of volunteers who are old enough to help their parents at these events!
“Becoming a good martial artist, means being a good citizen first”, is a Nippon Kan motto, and it is projects like these that help dojo members understand the importance of relationships in the community. Many thanks to all students, family members and friends who pitched in and got the job done! Many, many thanks to our wonderful leader again this year, Nippon Kan Instructor, Mary Powell.
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 Nippon Kan Vice Pres Emily, Denver Parks Coordinator Joan, City Councilwoman Rose, Nippon Kan Coordinator Mary and Homma Kancho. |
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Summer Colorado Japanese Martial Art Instructors Meeting.
July 14th, 2004
 Deputy Counselor General of Japan at Denver (second from left) Mr. Ikeda and Colorado Martial Art Instructors. |
Attending the meeting was Yutaka Yaguchi Sensei (Shotokan Karate) Sadaharu Kurobane Sensei (Wado Karate), Shuichi Otaka Sensei (Judo) Joko Ninomiya Sensei (Enshin Karate), Hiroyuki Tanabe Sensei, (Wado Karate) and Gaku Homma Sensei, (Aikido Nippon Kan).
Community Awards of Appreciation.
Minoru Yasui Foundation Inn of Court
June 10th, 2004
The Minoru Yasui Foundation is a well respected organization made up legal professionals in Denver formed in honor of human legal rights activist the late Minoru Yasui. The annual Inn of Court meeting was held at Nippon Kan’s Domo Restaurant Gardens on June 10th. Nippon Kan and Homma Kancho were presented with a plaque of recognition honoring their community service and humanitarian activities.
Colorado Japan America Society
July 7th, 2004
Nippon Kan and Homma Kancho were honored by the Japan America Society for their support of cross-cultural events on July 7th, 2004.
President of Mongolia
July 18th, 2004
Homma Kancho was presented with a large framed portrait of Asa Shoryu, (a Mongolian national who has won the title of Japanese Sumo Wrestling Champion eight times in Japan) by the President of Mongolia at a special reception held for the President and members of his cabinet at Domo Restaurant, July 18th. The President awarded Homma Kancho this gift in recognition of AHAN and Homma Kancho’s personal contributions in supporting projects in Mongolia, and in support of the Denver Mongolian Community.
Mongolian Ambassador to the United States in Washington D.C.
August 5th, 2004
A plaque was awarded by the Mongolian Ambassador to the United States to Homma Kancho for the reception held for the President of Mongolia on July 18th, and for support of the Mongolian community in Denver and in Mongolia.
Closing Footnotes.
*We are a little late getting these articles finished for the website. Sometimes Nippon Kan has so many activities that it is difficult to get caught up! Portions of the articles needed translation and special research which also takes a bit of time.
*News of the Mongolian Presidents visit to Nippon Kan reached Homma Kancho during his visit to Nicaragua. For only a three hour visit, this evening event took many days of organization and planning. About ten secret service men and women came to Nippon Kan days in advance to “check things out”, which even made Homma Kancho a bit nervous with all of this attention. When everyone finally left, Homma Kancho called for a toast and said “I cannot believe that the President of Mongolia himself was here to visit Nippon Kan. This was a big even indeed!”.
*Homma Kancho’s visit to Nicaragua was very valuable to him personally and he has many plans for visiting again in the future. He had not been back a day before he started making plans for future AHAN projects Nicaragua and the special students he met there.
*Currently, the used computers for the Mongolian Support Campaign have taken over the lobby…
*Homma Kancho chose the month of August as a period of serious, concentrated practice and organized the August Practice Marathon Challenge. The dojo has been jammed with students who took the challenge to attend all eighteen classes scheduled and instructed by Homma Kancho in August. It is a personal goal for Homma Sensei to teach this concentrated series in preparation for his busy fall teaching schedule which begins in September.