Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai North American Hombu Dojo

07/08/2026

Our Sensei, Kiyama Shihan, would often say, "Doryoku... do your best every day." Doryoku (努力) means "sincere effort" or simply, "to do your best." The older I get, the more I realize Kiyama Shihan wasn't just talking about martial arts. He was talking about how to live...

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My Sensei, Kiyama Shihan, would often say, "Doryoku... do your best every day." Doryoku (努力) means "sincere effort" or simply, "to do your best." The older I get, the more I realize Kiyama Shihan wasn't just talking about martial arts. He was talking about how to live.

Over the past several years, I've had to learn this lesson in my own life. There have been times when Doryoku, along with Nintai (patience) and Gaman (enduring with dignity), were more than just Japanese words. They became lessons that life insisted I learn. Life doesn't always unfold the way we hope it will. There will be disappointments, setbacks, losses, and days when simply putting one foot in front of the other takes everything you have. Those are often the days when Doryoku matters the most.

In Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai, we spend years learning techniques, but those techniques are really just the vehicle for something much greater. Budo is about developing the whole human being. It teaches us to become more stable without becoming rigid, to adapt instead of resist, and to remain centered when life tries to pull us off balance. We learn to face pressure instead of running from it, and through that process we become stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate human beings.

Every time we step onto the mat, we have an opportunity to practice Doryoku. Whether we are receiving a technique or applying one, both require sincerity and our very best effort. There will be frustration. There will be techniques that seem impossible and days when nothing feels like it's working. That's part of the process. The important thing isn't whether you mastered a technique that night. The important thing is whether you gave your sincere effort. If you do that consistently, growth will always follow.

The beautiful thing is that this doesn't end when we leave the dojo. We can practice Doryoku with our families, in our work, in our relationships, and in the way we face life's challenges. Every day gives us another opportunity to become just a little bit better than we were yesterday.

The older I get, the more I appreciate the wisdom in those simple words. We spend so much of our lives worrying about outcomes, wondering if we did enough, or replaying the things we wish we had done differently. But in the end, we cannot control every outcome. We can only control the sincerity of our effort.

Kiyama Shihan would remind me that if you truly did your best that day, then when you rest your head on your pillow at night, you should sleep easily. Don't worry about the outcome of the day's events. Don't replay every mistake or wonder what you could have done differently. If you truly gave your best effort, then that is enough.

Doryoku... do your best every day.

06/06/2026

The 2026 Kodokai Kenshukai: Strengthening Tradition Through Training and Fellowship

Each year, the annual Kenshukai provides an opportunity not only to deepen the understanding of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai, but also to strengthen the friendships and bonds that unite the organization across countries and generations. This year's gathering in Sapporo was no exception.

This year's Kenshukai brought together approximately 25 Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai members from Japan and the United States, creating an outstanding opportunity for training, fellowship, and the continued strengthening of international friendships within the Kodokai community.

The North American delegation consisted of Danny Kiyama Sensei, U.S. Hombu-cho; Donald Quintana Sensei, U.S. Fuku Hombu-cho; Destrie Roy, Hollywood Branch Dojo-cho; and U.S. Kodokai members Sawyer Kalmus, Vito Lapiccola, and Charles Cunningham. It was an honor for the delegation to represent the United States alongside such dedicated practitioners and friends, all sharing a common commitment to the preservation and advancement of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai.

The annual Kenshukai was held at the Hokkaido Prefectural Comprehensive Sports Center, better known as Hokkai Kitayell, where participants had the privilege of learning from Kodokai Shihans Masakuni Matsumoto, Sōdanyaku; Toru Takahashi, So Hombu-cho; and Yoshio Araya, Fuku So Hombu-cho. Their decades of experience, dedication, and commitment to preserving the traditions of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai made every moment of instruction invaluable.

Beyond the official training, United States participants were also fortunate to enjoy four additional training sessions with Yuji Takigahira Sensei, Takeshi Shin-naka Sensei, and Tsukumi Yonaya Sensei. Held at the Nakajima Koen Sports Center and Kitagas Arena Sapporo, these sessions provided invaluable opportunities to deepen the understanding of Daito-ryu and reflected the generosity and spirit of sharing that defines the Kodokai.

This year's Kenshukai was also marked by the absence of Iori Manabe Shihan, who unfortunately was unable to attend. He was deeply missed by all in attendance. Over many years, Manabe Shihan has generously shared his knowledge, guidance, and friendship with practitioners from around the world. His instruction has had a profound impact on the understanding of Daito-ryu Kodokai by countless students, and many owe a great deal of their growth to his patience and willingness to teach. The Kodokai community treasures the countless lessons he has shared over the years.

Over the course of five days, participants took part in four additional training sessions and two Kenshukai sessions, totaling nearly 18 hours of training. It was an intensive and rewarding experience that challenged everyone physically and mentally while providing countless opportunities to deepen their understanding of Daito-ryu. Every session offered new insights while reinforcing the principles and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Just as valuable as the time spent on the mat were the moments shared away from training. Participants enjoyed wonderful meals together, exchanged ideas and experiences, strengthened old friendships, built new ones, and continued learning from one another in an atmosphere of mutual respect and camaraderie. These moments are every bit as important as the training itself and serve as a reminder that the Kodokai is not simply an organization, but a family united by a common tradition and a shared passion for learning.

The journey was unexpectedly extended by one day when Typhoon Jangmi canceled all flights into Tokyo. While travel disruptions are rarely welcome, the extra day provided another opportunity to spend time together, reflect on an incredible week, and further appreciate the friendships that make these journeys so meaningful.

Congratulations to everyone who received promotions during this year's Kenshukai. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to preserving the traditions of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai are truly inspiring and well deserved. These promotions represent countless hours of training, perseverance through challenges, and a commitment to carrying the art forward for future generations.

The North American delegation returned home with hearts full of gratitude for the exceptional instruction from the Kodokai Shihans and instructors, the friendships that continue to grow stronger each year, and the privilege of being part of such a remarkable tradition. Every trip to Japan serves as a reminder that there is always more to learn, both on and off the mat, and the North American Kodokai looks forward to the next opportunity to train with its friends and teachers in Japan.

Domo arigato gozaimash*ta to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible.

05/29/2026

Members of the North American Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai gather to train with the Japan Hombu members for the annual Kenshukai in Sapporo Japan. This is day one!