Lectures & Individual / Group Classes Scheduled By Request
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Taiseisha?
The Taiseisha ( person of completion / perfection ) is one dedicated to social perfection through study and mastery of specific Japanese cultural arts, disciplines, virtues and the ideals of refined living quality such as Zentoku ( the living virtues of Patience, Harmony, Humility, Compassion, Moderation, Sincerity and Strength ), Geido ( Tea, Incense, Flowers, Calligraphy, Pottery, Performance ), Echiketto ( Etiquette, Poise, Social Grace ) and Shinbigaku ( Aesthetic Studies such as Wabi/Sabi, Yugen, Shibui ).
The art is a unique blend of Miyabi ( elegance, refinement ) and Iki ( understated sophistication, social grace ).
The Taiseisha is related in Koryu study essence and strict dedication to the learned arts and public form of the male Taikomochi ( drum bearer ) or Otoko Geisha, 1200AD and female Onna Geisha ( arts person ), 1751AD.
As one of the rarest of Koryu pursuits dating back over 900 years to the ancient Japanese Royal court advisor the Taiseisha is considered to be living art, a tradition embracing personal refinement, aesthetic appreciation and social etiquette. Being an ancient tradition very few Taiseisha exist around Kyoto and worldwide today.
Who can benefit from Taiseisha bookings?
Taiseisha performances, exhibitions, services and tutoring are living art. Potential clients include restaurants, hotels and resorts, conventions, martial arts dojos, clubs and individuals / groups with a specific interest in Japanese arts and aesthetics. Audience with a true Taiseisha is an extremely rare event even in Japan.
Companies may book services related to high quality improvement of customer or human relations. Corporate executives may desire to improve social etiquette and public interactive poise.
Taiseisha bookings may be one-time or seasonal in tenure subject to strict acceptance and approval.
What is a Tetsugakusha?
The Tetsugakusha ( Phliosopher ) is one that studies the concepts and nature of philosophical issues especially the eastern philosophies, Zen, Tao and the course of enlightenment ( self-awakening ).
What is the difference between lectures and classes?
Lectures are typically one time casual events of general topic discussion lasting 30 to 90 minutes. Classes are ongoing specific structured training in Koryu arts with dedicated students.
What is actually taught in classes?
Ki - Focusing Living EnergyTetsuri - Eastern Philosophic Principles, Philosophy
Geido - Tea, Incense, FlowersKaigan Kai - Meditative Contemplation of Truth and Awareness
Zentoku - Virtues of Uprightness
Echiketto - Social Grace & Etiquette
Shinbigaku - Aesthetic Studies & Ideals
The concepts of Ki, unification of mind and body, inner balance and awareness are critical components of living quality, stress reduction and any pursuit of martial arts. One learns concepts and skills on how to:
become more focused
enhance martial arts progress
develop emotional and mental strength
reduce emotional or mental distraction / chaos
revitalize satisfaction and happiness
in daily lifestyle
improve connection and quality of
personal relationships
recognize, develop, bond with and intuitively control natural Ki
pursue spiritual awareness and enlightenment through Kaigan Kai
Why is training in Ki important?
Ki is the living energy within you that defines health, performance, balance and bond with others and the environment. Relationships are a finely tuned dance of attractive / rejective Ki and the quality of results in meditation, martial arts and even career depend on developing, tuning and unrestricted smooth flow of Ki.
Understanding and learning to balance and extend natural Ki greatly enhances the quality of living and performance. Injury, ailment and fatigue signal the disruption, blockage or weakness in natural Ki flow.
What makes this training different from other courses / classes?
To be taught in the Koryu ( old style ) of the Japanese Masters is extremely rare today for several reasons.
First, Koryu skills are passed down and there are very few people living today that have been accepted as personal students of a Master sensei or dedicated the decades of focused training to acquire the knowledge.
Secondly, Koryu family arts have traditionally been limited to the eastern world and therefore are very rarely available anywhere in western society. Modern western programs acknowledge and honor the traditions, but don't incorporate Koryu depth. Many Budo / Aiki arts are very form based and meditation more mindfulness.
Finally, Koryu master teachers are still first and foremost students. The training is an ongoing dedication of a lifetime so master teachers tend to be somewhat reclusive, sparing of time and not commercially inclined.
In the past some great masters taught only a handful of private students during their lifetime.
What is the difference between Koryu, Budo and Aiki?
Eastern terms relating to arts and philosophies tend to defy simple definition.
Many people even advanced martial arts students often confuse Budo intent and Aiki forms such as Aikido. Budo means martial ( fighting ) way. Budo forms are conflict based. Aiki means joining energy and most Aiki forms are intended to reduce conflict situations. Ancient Aikijutsu is a harder family form than modern Aikido.
Both Budo and Aiki forms utilize Ki for natural bond, balance and strength.
Koryu means old school and references ancient ( pre-1868 ) arts that may go back a thousand years or more. These arts were often family / clan based and were passed down through the generations. Koryu incorporate fighting forms, non-conflict forms and even philosophical / enlightenment arts and may be an amalgamation of skills from several countries and time periods.
The term Koryu is Ko ( old ) combined with Ryu ( flow or style ) or an old style of familial traditional arts / skills. Koryu use Ki just like Budo and Aiki and some are specific to Ki development, control and application.
Koryu were often developed as a matter of practicality and even life or death survival. The Ki and enlightenment Koryu are arts of living energy mastery and spiritual awakening and far more than simple focus and meditation.
Who can benefit most from this type of training?
Anyone can take this training. The average individual will greatly benefit by improving living quality. Teenagers and young adults can develop emotional maturity and stability, better decision making skills, enhanced social integration, patience, respect, honor and new direction in life. Koryu training of Ki is essential in all the various Budo and Aiki arts, self awareness / spiritual awakening meditations and life energy healing endeavors.
In Japan, top business executives sharpen focus, instinct, discipline and perserverence through Koryu training.
Is there an age limit for classes / training?
Yes, students must be at least 13 years of age and don't become indoctrinated into Koryu studies until age 15. This is defined by the individual's emotional maturity and comprehension development not physical condition or the ability to follow verbal commands. Many Koryu and Ki concepts require adult reasoning and responsibility.
Are there belt colors and Dans / Degrees?
No the Koryu arts are subject to Menkyo graduation. The first two years are defined by nothing more than the standard white belt and gi. After two years every student then wears a black belt and hakama. This lack of belt color progression is traditional yet lacks prestige appeal especially among young people familiar with Budo arts. The attained Menkyo level may be noted on the belt, but the belt is worn under the hakama except for specific instructor / sensei designation and ceremonial events.
Shiniri Novice Beginner0 - 2 yearsKyoshuseiKohai Okuiri-sho Assistant Instructor5 - 7 years CertificationKyokanSenpai Sho-mokuroku Instructor 10 - 12 yearsKyokan
Go-mokuroku Teacher 15 - 17 years Sensei Menkyo Master Teacher 20 - 25 years LicenseSensei Menkyo Kaiden Senior Teacher 30 - 40 years Full Transmission / OrdinationDai-Sensei
How much do classes cost?
There is no charge for training. This is a tradition of the family Ryu and quite unlike commercial programs. Students may make a donation to the Ryu / sensei out of respect and gratitude for all training received. In this modern world of expense there is a need for income, but we will not deviate from tradition. Some programs we are affiliated with may charge a fee and donate part or all of it to the Ryu / sensei, but that is at their discretion and not a mandate of the Ryu. It is an honor to share knowledge and we appreciate any respectful contribution.
Where can I attend classes / training?
All training is provided in geographically local established facilities. The sensei travels to scheduled classes. Private training is conducted in the home or corporate environment as defined by the choice of the student.
Classes may be scheduled at local community fitness / training facilities, dojos and specific group meetings. Classes should be a minimum of 20 people and may be ongoing weekly or monthly by preapproved schedule. Koryu Ki training compliments all modern Budo / Aiki / Meditation training and offers true depth in experience.
How do I schedule a class / lecture or ask a question?
Simply send us an email. Questions are answered as time permits and classes can be scheduled within our booking dates with a minimum of notice.
How do disciplines like Tea, Incense, Flowers and Gardening relate to Ki and Budo?
The pursuit of living quality and excellence in all meditative, Budo and Aiki arts requires strong personal virtues and self-control. The Geido disciplines and strong personal development through unyielding virtues, Kaigan Kai and the refinement of human quality strengthen one mentally and emotionally. Meditation and the unification of mind and body are key steps toward the attainment of Ki sensitivity, balance and skill in Budo and Aiki arts.
Can you perform the Japanese Tea Ceremony?
Yes, ( Chanoyu / Chado / Sado ), The Way of Tea can be performed and taught. However, the experience is more meaningful considered as Teaism than the title Tea Ceremony. It's art ( Otemae ) requires very deliberate movements and timing and teaches patience, harmony and respect.
What was a favorite memory for Gentry Sensei during the past 40 years?
In the summer of 1984 after attaining Go-mokuroku I was requested to accompany Yamana Sensei to Chicago for a meeting with the great Aikido master Sensei Shirata Rinjiro, then a 9th Dan. I didn't know it at the time, but I was being groomed as a potential candidate for Wakasosho.
My utter silence in seiza during the discussions seemed deafening to me.
In our last meeting just before we were to adjourn Shirata Sensei turned to me and asked if I had a question. I had many, but reserved the moment for only one... How can one find the true center through Ki?
I have never forgotten his answer. "One cannot find that which is and always has been present. Open your eyes. Like the hand at the end of a baby's arm one must simply become aware of it's existence, grasp the wonder of it's functionality and then master it until it becomes an unthought of natural extension."
" One is... Thinking is a barrier to Doing, Doing is a hinderence to Being, Being is ineffective if you try. " Sensei Chou Li
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