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Out
of Country Seminar Report.
The Formation of AHAN Nippon Kan Nepal Begins.
January 28th, 2005
Homma Kancho visited Kathmandu, the
capital city of Nepal, January 25th through Feb 2nd, 2005.
This was the first trip to Nepal for Homma Kancho, and indeed it
was an interesting one. He was asked to teach an Aikido class for
a group of students, most of which had not practiced Aikido before
but were highly trained in other martial arts.
On February 1st, the Nippon Kan staff in Denver became surprised
to learn that a government coup had taken place in Nepal! Communication
by phone and email were cut and air travel was restricted. Back
home, everyone was worried that Homma Kancho might not be able
to leave Nepal as scheduled! Luck was with him however, and against
the odds he made his flight out of Nepal to Bangkok.
Homma Kancho has written a touching article about his experiences
in Nepal titled “Prayers
and Guns; a Report from Nepal.
Nippon Kan Mongolia Holds Special Classes for Homma Kancho in Ulaanbaatar.
Feb 5th, 2005
Written by Alimansar Nanmildorj
AHAN Mongolia Staff Coordinator
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| With security company expert bodyguards.
Center Mr. Ganzorig. |
After practice, Homma Kancho remarked, “They are all such
nice people! They are strong, tough men, and they don’t smile
a lot, but they are serious and attentive students and very respectful,
especially to their elders or superiors”.
When the Japanese Sumo Grand Champion Asa Shoryu and other Mongolian
celebrities or government officials are in Mongolia, they are protected
by professional security companies. In Mongolia, it is a custom
to gain good luck by touching someone like Asa Shoryu who is a
bonified
Mongolian hero. When he comes back to Mongolia from Japan, there
are literally thousands of people who come to see him and touch
him if possible for good luck. This obviously proposes a mighty
challenge for the security company in charge of his safety during
these visits back home.
One owner of a well known security company, Mr Ganzorig asked to
have a special practice taught by Homma Kancho for his top six
expert bodyguard security staff. He was of course, interested in
seeing “effective” Aikido techniques.
The group of assembled students was made up of large men skilled
in the arts of Mongolian Sumo, Kyokushin Karate, Judo and Sambo,
which they practiced daily. These were dedicated students and on
more than one occasion, these men would stay at their dojo overnight; “on
call” in case of an emergency.
My name is Alima, and my brother has practiced Kyokushin Karate
in Mongolia for many years. When I first saw Aikido practiced,
I honestly wondered to myself, “Is this really a martial
art?” Homma Kancho instructed sixteen tehodoki (techniques),
to the bodyguard staff, and as I watched, I found myself being
really surprised at how effective the techniques were, even on
these strong, large security guards. Homma Kancho kept a smile
as he worked the techniques with these special students. Everyone
was surprised I think at how he could move these students from
right to left at his will.
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| Practice
with the bodyguards. |
After practice, Homma Kancho’s arms were spotted black and blue with bruises
left by the tight grip of the hands of the bodyguards. As he glanced at the marks
he said “Practice with these kind of students is very valuable for Aikidoka.
Teaching Aikido to strong people of other disciplines is a great challenge. While
I was being grabbed tightly by a very strong wrestler of close to 300 lbs. there
came a point when I thought I would not be able to move…it is times like
that, that real power comes. Real power does not come from one’s technique;
it comes from experience and from inside oneself…
I have learned many things developing Nippon Kan in the United States, but I
have also learned a great deal by teaching in other countries in the last few
years; especially at “front line” or pioneer dojos in third world
countries. There have been many occasions where I have taught students who have
never practiced Aikido before, but are very strong in other arts. In situations
like these, words like “ki” or “Aiki ki”, blending and
harmony have little meaning. Even kokyunage, kotegaeshi and shihonage become
child’s play. Here in Mongolia, all of the students I have taught are very
strong, and very BIG! They grew up breaking horses with their bare hands for
goodness sake! I think it is because of their strength and size that I have been
able to survive in this practice situation. Really strong people are usually
very kind. I am just glad they did not try to break me like a horse!”
After practice, Mr Ganzorig took Homma Kancho and his students to dinner. The
conversation and communication was enthusiastic and rewarding. After dinner Mr.
Ganzorig pledged to join Mongolia Nippon Kan Aikido and offered his company dojo
as a place to practice Aikido in Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia Nippon Kan Staff Instructor
Bold Tumenjargl and Mr. Ganzorig are currently in the process of setting up a
regular Aikido practice schedule for his body guard employees.
AHAN International Activity Report.
AHAN Rio de Janeiro Negotiates for Land Sanctuary with the City of Buzios, Brazil.
January 21st, 2005
Luc Leoni Sensei of Nippon Kan Brazil and AHAN Rio de Janeiro have successfully
negotiated with the Buzios City Management Counsel and the Buzios City Biological
Department to lease 250 acres of environmentally protected land for the period
of 100 years. Approval has been given by the City Council for AHAN to use the
land to build a retreat center, plant gardens, design nature paths and maintain
and protect the natural habitat for future generations. The purpose of this project
is to educate people on local environmental awareness and to protect the environment.
Earlier this year, AHAN Rio de Janeiro became recognized by the Brazilian Government
as an Organization Social of Public Interest (OSCIP), which is the highest status
available for non-profit organizations in Brazil. With this OSCIP certification,
AHAN Rio de Janeiro was able to lease this property for 100 years at no cost.
Plans are currently underway for the lay out and design of the retreat center,
which will be the focal point of this AHAN natural sanctuary.
Congratulations to Luc Leoni Sensei and his team for the tremendous effort it
took to make this dream come true.
Homma Kancho Visits Nepal and Mongolia
January 26th February 12th, 2005
Nepal Report
Written by
Nepal coordinator Puja Rai
After finishing up the busy New Year’s schedule of events at Nippon Kan
headquarters in Denver, Homma Kancho took off for his first visit abroad for
2005. This trip was to take Homma Kancho to Nepal to do preliminary research
for AHAN project development through Nippon Kan. The trip, January 26th-Feb 3rd,
was coordinated by Nepal coordinator Puja, who lives in Kathmandu, Nepal.
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| The Himalaya Mountains visible from
the Nawa Buddha Temple. |
Even though the trip from the US through Thailand to Nepal was a long one, Homma
Kancho arrived in Kathmandu full of energy. The first stop was the hotel where
Homma Kancho checked in before attending an activity meeting with local Nepalese
staff. After the meeting Homma Kancho said that he had been instructed by friends
from Nepal living in Denver to go to neighborhood temples to light candles and
give donations in their honor. One of the most holy temples in Tibetian Buddhism
is Nepal’s Boudhanath Pagoda where we stopped to light candles and pay
respects.
The following day Homma Kancho began his research into environmental and social
service support organizations in Nepal. He spent a great deal of time gathering
information and talking to representatives from different Nepalese NGO organizations.
(Non government organizations; the equivalent of non-profit organizations in
the United States). Homma Kancho also met with instructors and organizers of
martial art programs in Nepal, and was able to instruct one class for students
involved with the military and police. Besides all of these activities we were
able to visit Swayambhunath; Nepal’s oldst Tibetian Buddhist Temple, and
Pashupatinath, Nepal’s largest Hindu Temple. We also found the time to
visit the Nawa Buddhist temple about a two hour drive outside of Kathmandu.
Homma Kancho was not interested in the average souvenir shops in and around Kathmandu,
but he was fascinated by the local markets. He made many trips to the markets
by himself, venturing out by rickshaw to see the crafts and wares sold by local
merchants. He also took the time to visit with the families of Nepalese friends
back in Denver, delivering to them photos and letters from there loved ones so
far away. Homma Kancho seemed to enjoy Nepalese home cooking, and particularly
delighted in a homemade wine similar to Japanese sake called chang, and a distilled
liquor similar to Japanese rice shochu called rakshi.
We were all surprised that Homma Kancho’s visit would be marked by a political
coup, and we feared that he would not be able to leave as scheduled. All communication
with the outside world was suspended and he was not able to communicate with
his staff in Denver. I am sure they were very concerned for his safety, and luckily
he made it out of Nepal on time without incident.
I enjoyed the time I spent with Homma Kancho and learned many things. I hope
to continue my role as Nepal coordinator and help Nippon Kan and AHAN develop
in Nepal in the future.
Homma Kancho has written a touching article about his experiences in Nepal titled “Prayers
and Guns; a Report from Nepal.
Nepal Photo Album
Mongolia Report
Written by Alimansar Nanmildorj
February 13th, 2005
My name is Alima, and I studied volunteer operations at Nippon Kan in Denver
for about a one year period. Currently I am a Mongolian coordinator for Nippon
Kan’s AHAN (Aikido Humanitarian Active Network) here in my home country
of Mongolia, and serve as translator for Homma Kancho in Mongolian and Japanese.
I would like to report on Homma Kancho’s visit to Mongolia this past February,
2005.
After leaving Nepal, Homma Kancho stopped over in Tokyo for one evening before
continuing on to Mongolia. In Tokyo there was just enough time to arrange for
a meeting of the Nippon Kan Japan staff to discuss support operations for various
AHAN projects and also the Nippon Kan Japanese website.
With AHAN Nippon Kan Mongolia
staff in Ulaanbaatar |
I, Alimansar, Nippon Kan Mongolia staff coordinator, happened to be in Japan
for a conference, and returned to Mongolia on the same flight as Homma Kancho.
We
arrived in Ulaanbaatar just before midnight. The temperature outside was -42
centigrade when we arrived. Nippon Kan Mongolia staff members Bold and Enk along
with an entourage were waiting to greet Homma Kancho upon his arrival. Both of
them had a coat, hat and gloves in hand for Homma Kancho who laughed, wondering
how he was going to wear all of those clothes at the same time!
A Visit to Pay Respects at the Japanese Prisoners of War/Memorial Gravesite.
Homma Kancho at the Japanese
prisoner of war memorial. |
The next morning, Homma Kancho began his visit to Mongolia
with a tradition he has maintained over the past few years. We visited Gandan
Temple, the largest
Buddhist temple complex in Mongolia which is located in Ulaanbaatar. Last July
2004, the President of Mongolia, Bagabandi Natsag, visited Nippon Kan in Denver.
In the President’s company was Choijamts Hamba Llama, the highest Buddhist
Llama in Mongolia. On this visit to Gandan Temple, Homma Kancho was able to visit
with Choijamts Hamba Llama who was at Gandan Temple to oversee the New Year ceremonies
being performed there. Because he was in the midst of ceremonial prayer, there
was no chance for a photo, but the two were able to spend a few warm moments
together.
At the Gandan Temple Aikido Nippon Kan Mongolia Instructor
Bold Tumenjargl with Homma Kancho. |
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Choijamts Hamba Llama visiting
Nippon Kan in July 2004. |
From the Gandan Temple in Ulaanbaatar, we headed north about 15 kilometers to
the Damba-Darjaa Memorial. The memorial gravesite at Damba-Darjaa is dedicated
to the Japanese prisoners of war who died in Mongolia after being held prisoner
in Siberia during WW2. Homma Kancho brought white and yellow chrysanthemums as
an offering of respect to these Japanese soldiers of so long ago that never made
it back to their homeland.
Damba-Darjaa Memorial Hall |
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Paying respects. |
Buddha carved of stone near wooden memorial marker. |
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Temple near the graveyard |
In 1945-1947 at the end of WW2, Japanese prisoners of war that had been held
in Siberia were moved to Mongolia. There were over 14,000 of these prisoners,
of which 1,500 died in prison camps in different sites throughout Mongolia. In
2001, the remains of these prisoners were moved from various gravesites to this
location at Damba-darjaa. At this new memorial, their remains were ceremoniously
cremated and laid to rest together. The governments of Mongolia and Japan built
this monument in their honor. Still today in Ullanbaatar there stands a building
that was built by slave labor from the Japanese prisoner of war camps of WW2.
Visit to the Zorig Foundation.
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| Zorig Foundation staff. |
As a development in AHAN projects in Mongolia Homma Kancho went to visit Dr.
Sanjursen Oyun of the Zorig Foundation whose office is located in the building
housing the Mongolian Parliament. The Zorig Foudation was founder by Mr. Zorig
who was a hero involved in the democratizing of Mongolia. On October 2, 1998
Mr. Zorig was assassinated, and his sister, Dr. Oyun took over the administration
of the Zorig Foundation.
Homma Kancho with Dr. Sanjursen Oyun. |
Today, the Zorig Foundation has grown to be one of the most outstanding humanitarian
aid organizations in Mongolia, with sponsors in many countries including Japan
and the United States.
In December, Nippon Kan and AHAN shipped thirty computers to the Zorig Foundation
in Mongolia to be distributed to Mongolian schools in need. This visit was a
follow up check to see how the computers were distributed and to discuss plans
for future shipments of computers and other related projects. At this meeting,
Homma Kancho was able to explain the goals and scope of activities of AHAN to
Dr. Oyun. The meeting ended with mutual thanks and a pledge from Dr. Oyun for
future support of AHAN projects in Mongolia
Visit to the School Named Hope.
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| Children with Nippon Kan donated instruments.
Can't wait for the first concert! |
All of the children gathered around in excitement as we arrived at the School
named Hope. The School named Hope is located about a thirty minute drive from
Ulaanbaatar in the town of Bayan Khoshuu. Today the school has ninety two students
and is supervised by Principal Ayaya Sensei and four associate instructors.
Homma Kancho with students. |
In the late 1980’s, communism began its fall in Russia, and satellite countries
such as Mongolia began to change as well. In 1992, the Peoples Republic of Mongolia
officially became Mongolia; an independent and democratic country. This was a
time of great transition of not only Mongolia’s politic systems but also
its economic, educational and social systems underwent radial changes as well.
Schools like the School named Hope are a product of these times of transition,
and serve a special need in the greater Mongolian community.
With Mongolia’s new found freedom, free trade began and in many cases,
people from the countryside came to Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia’s capital city)
to find work. The families of these people came with them, and the children in
these families needed to go to school.
In Mongolia, to move from one locality to another requires a residency permit.
A residency permit allows for benefits, one of which is the acceptance of the
children of permitted residents into publicly funded schools. Some people who
come to “the big city” to work, cannot afford the proper permitting
or are working only seasonally so their children are not allowed to attend public
schools.
In China it is common for parents to leave their families behind in the countryside
with other relatives while they seek work in other cities. Mongolia however is
a country with a nomadic lifestyle and it impossible to leave the children behind
to move with the herds as needed for grazing. In Mongolia, the entire family,
(including the house at times), leave the countryside for the promise of a better
future in Ulaanbaatar. If they have money, these new city residents can get the
proper permitting and find an apartment to live in within the city. If there
is no money, the family ger (traditional nomadic dwelling) is commonly set up
outside the city limits to house the family while the parents would look for
work.
The public school system in Mongolia with the help of the Mongolia government
and international support from counties, most notably, Japan has been overhauled
to meet more modern standards. The school buildings have been renovated, electrical
and sewer systems replaced and educational tools and programs implemented. The
government public school system has not been fully implemented everywhere in
Mongolia however, and especially the children of nomadic workers have somewhat
fallen through the cracks. The School named Hope is a special school that services
the needs of these children of nomadic families. The School named Hope is a “private
school” which has a much different reality than private schools have in
the US. In Mongolia, the term private school means that government funding is
not available, and the school must on private donations to survive; donations
that fall short of meeting the needs of this organization as well as others.
The School named Hope became a target project for AHAN when Homma Sensei first
visited the school in January of 2004. Since that time, AHAN and Nippon Kan has
supported the school by supplying computers, school supplies, musical instruments
to develop a traditional music program, sewing machines to teach vocational skills,
electrical improvements and phone line installation.
The AHAN donated computers are now functioning at the school and maintenance
and computer education programs are being overseen by AHAN Mongolia staff. The
musical program is being supervised by nationally known morin huur (a traditional
Mongolian string instrument) master craftsman Mr. Ulambayar. Mr. Ulambayar himself
is a national treasure in Mongolia and his crafted instruments have been presented
by the Mongolian government to the Queen of England.
Mr. Ulambayar volunteers his time to teach the children from the School named
Hope their musical heritage with passion and dedication.
Playing the Morin Huur. |
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Mr. Ulambayar teaching the children. |
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Learning on the newly donated computers is supervised by
Nippon Kan AHAN Mongolian staff member, Enkbayar. |
In recent years, the School named Hope has received support from the Zorig Foundation
which has helped to improve the teaching conditions. This school may be poor;
there is still only one biscuit and a cup of sautéed brown tea for the
children’s lunch, but it is rich in human heart. The staff here is wonderful
and very dedicated, and the children are bright, happy and ready to learn. Looking
toward their own future and the future of their country, they study with enthusiasm.
Two of the five teachers at this school have physical disabilities, which is
still a severe barrier in Mongolia. This makes their dedication and talents just
that much more admirable. We can all learn from them the results that dedication
and sense of purpose can bring.
Dr. Ovun of the Zorig Foundation and members of the Mongolian Parliament are
currently in the process of obtaining support for schools such as the School
named Hope from UNICEF.
Just wait little children…more support from many parts of the world is
on its way!
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| Large See you all again soon! |
New Year in Mongolia; a Time for Paying Respects.
Nippon Kan Mongolia staff Bold Tumenjargl’s family home. |
February 9th marks the New Year in Mongolia according the Tibetan Buddhist calendar.
Following Mongolia custom and tradition, Homma Kancho dressed for the occasion
and went home to home to visit families and friends in Ulaanbaatar. Between February
9th and 10th, we visited a total of seven family homes, each offering a feast
of food and drink for the celebration.
Each visit does not consist of knocking on the door and saying “Happy New
Year”, this would be totally inappropriate according to Mongolian custom.
At the door, guests are greeted by the entire family. This greeting is followed
by an exchange of small gifts or money tokens with the family householders accompanied
by a special New Year arm to arm and cheek to cheek embrace and the salutation
of “Omaraino”.
Guests are then escorted into the family home where they sit down together to
drink chai (a lightly salted milk tea). Elders pass around snuff in beautifully
adorned snuff bottles, and it is tradition to share in this ritual as well. The
feast then begins with steaming lamb dumplings called buuz (pronounced boz) which
arrive at the table piled high on serving plates. These dumplings are considered
a good luck food at New Years, and it is customary to serve this dish in each
household. It is not uncommon for a single family to prepare 1000-3000 dumplings
to serve for the New Year holiday!
The centerpiece for the family New Years table is boiled sheep; the fatty butt
of the sheep being the most desired portion reserved for guests. The fat and
the meat of the sheep is carved and served with a quite substantial looking knife.
Ulboov is also part of the New Year table which is a fort of cookies stacked
on top of one another covered in dried milk frosting and sprinkled with candies.
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| The New Year activities are important in all Mongolian households. |
Not to be forgotten in any Mongolian celebration, Arhi (vodka), which is considered
a holy drink at New Years is shared in special wooden and silver overlaid cups
called mungunayag. When receiving the cup, it is customary to dip the third finger
of your right hand and “flick” two drops of vodka before drinking;
one flick toward the sky and one towards the mountains. Then before consuming
the drink one is required to give a speech. Some families also served their own
homemade brew made of distilled milk, or airik (fermented mares milk) which is
considered a delicacy, especially in winter when the mares are not with milk.
Also adorning the New Year’s tables are plates of sliced salami, pickles,
carrot and potato salads. All of these dishes have a Russian flavor; a testament
to Mongolian history, and are also holiday favorites. These days, many Mongolians
seek work in Korea, and kimchee, a spicy pickled Korean cabbage dish is also
a new holiday favorite. It is interesting to see how foods follow history and
change with the mixing of cultures.
Every house we visited had the traditional sheep, buuz, salads and of course
vodka to share with guests, and the guests do come for this holiday from morning
until night for two to three days in a row! It is a busy time, not only for the
hosts but also for the guests! At each home we visited, we stayed at least an
hour or two, and we visited many homes one after the other. There was enough
hospitality served at one home for an entire evening of entertainment, but in
Mongolia the people are strong and hearty and love to share in each others company
in celebration.
I think Homma Kancho did well at keeping up with this holiday marathon. He commented
to me as we left for the second house on our list, “If I ate and drank
everything that was offered to me, I would not make it past the first house!
I think I have figured out though that the protein film skimmed from boiled milk
and the sheep fat protects my stomach from overeating, and protects my head from
the effects of all the strong drink I am offered”.
The home of Professor Sodnomdorj who was Nippon Kan’s
first contact in Mongolia. |
After the New Year holiday drew to a close and before his return to the US, Homma
Kancho found the time to visit a morin huur factory, and a ger factory to discuss
future importing projects. It was a hectic week with Homma Kancho in Mongolia,
but the time spent was invaluable and rewarding for all. We look forward to Homma
Kanchos next visit, hopefully later on this year.
Aikido Nippon Kan Dojo Activity Report.
10th Annual Enshin Karate vs Aikido Nippon Kan Tournament.
February 27th, 2005
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| This year Nippon Kan loses. Ninomiya Kancho and Homma Kancho at the awards presentation. |
Ten years ago, a tradition began. It began as a way to celebrate the birthday
of a special friend of Homma Kancho, International Karatedo Enshin Kaikan Joko
Ninomiya Kancho. This year Enshin Karate took home the 1st place trophy for the
first time in four years and Nippon Kan had to settle for 2nd place. Participating
in the event were about 130 students from Enshin Karate and Aikido Nippon Kan.
As is tradition after the tournament, the Nippon Kan uchideshi, (being
the uchideshiof the losing team), were doused with twenty gallons of
ice water.
I hope you have figured out by now that this tenth annual tournament between
Enshin Karate and Aikido Nippon Kan was a BOWLING tournament, and has been a
wonderful vehicle over the past decade for friendship and fun between our two
dojos.
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Icy tradition for the uchideshi
of the losing dojo! |
See you next year! |
Also see:
Nippon Kan End-of-Year and New Year Activities;
A Collection of Notes from the Journal of Homma Kancho
Susuharai (End-of-Year Dojo Cleaning)
Keiko Osame (Last practice of the year)
Matsukazari (Putting up the New Year Decorations)
Toshikoshi Keiko (New
Year’s Midnight Practice)
Shinenkai (New Years Party)
Keiko Hajime (First Practice of the Year)
Four Sessions of Beginners classes begin for 2005.
Children’s School Field Trip Season
Begins.
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