Elkins Shotokan Karate

09/07/2026

There will be no practice this week, Monday or Wednesday. We will resume on 8/14.

09/05/2026

Ken & Logan practicing Nage Waza (throwing) techniques.

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09/01/2026

Ronnie performing Heian Sandan,

08/30/2026

Himeji Castle, Japan. Home of the Honda samurai clan in the 1600’s!

08/27/2026

Now available on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/04qMC19P

08/25/2026

Armor of the Honda Clan – The Only Family Permitted to Wear the Tokugawa Crest

This suit of armor is a Tosei Gusoku (modern-style armor) that was handed down through the Honda clan, one of the most distinguished samurai families to serve the Tokugawa.

The Mikawa Honda family served the Matsudaira (later Tokugawa) clan for generations. Among them, Honda Tadakatsu became one of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s most trusted generals and is remembered as one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Tokugawa for his role in establishing the Tokugawa shogunate.

One of the most fascinating details is the Aoi (hollyhock) crest displayed on the armor. Tokugawa Ieyasu prohibited all families outside the Tokugawa lineage from using the Aoi crest—with one exception: the Honda clan. According to one tradition, the Honda family’s standing hollyhock crest even served as the model for the Tokugawa family’s famous triple hollyhock emblem.

The cuirass is a Japanese-made Nanban dō, inspired by European armor introduced through trade with the West. While imported European armor was too large, too heavy, and too expensive for most Japanese warriors, Japanese armorers adapted the design to better suit local needs. Unlike European-style breastplates with a pointed lower edge, this Japanese version has a straight lower edge.

The armor also features a Momonari kabuto (peach-shaped helmet), a style influenced by European helmets that became popular during the late Muromachi period. It is fitted with a crescent crest and decorative openwork cherry blossom motifs on the turnbacks.

The face armor is a Tsubakuro-bō (swallow-shaped face guard), named for its resemblance to a swallow in flight. Leaving the eyes, nose, and mouth uncovered, it offered excellent mobility and was widely favored during the Sengoku period.

Combining elegance with practicality, this armor was designed for both display and combat. It is accompanied by a matching arrow quiver bearing the same standing hollyhock crest of the Honda family.

📸 Photographed at Touken World in Nagoya, Japan.

08/22/2026

08/19/2026

***Notice***

There is no class tonight.
Class canceled 8/19/26.

08/14/2026

Mumon Karate at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan (June 2025).