Training in Tokyo – Summer 2024

During last summer our Kaicho (Lionel Reynaud) went to Japan to train within different Dojo and Organizations.
Here is the summary of his visit to the Muribushikan Dojo (Koenji – Tokyo).

A Memorable Visit to Japan: Training and Family Time

This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Japan, reconnect with my family, and, of course, dedicate some time to training.

After spending a few serene days near Mount Fuji with my loved ones, I ventured into several dojos across Tokyo (東京), Shizuoka (静岡), and Kanagawa (神奈川). Each visit offered an enriching and unforgettable experience.

One particular highlight was an early morning Sanchin session, basking in the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Fuji. A truly inspiring moment for practice, wouldn’t you agree?

Today, I’d like to share my experience at the Muribushikan Dojo (群星館道場) in Koenji, Tokyo.

The Muribushikan Dojo

The Muribushikan Dojo is part of the Uechi-Ryu Tokyo Association, which represents Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai (上地流空手道協会) in Tokyo. This is the same organization I am affiliated with in France (URKDE) and the one where George Mattson, the grandmaster, honed his skills.

Although Mattson’s teacher, Ryuko Tomoyose, left the Uechi family organization to establish Okikukai with some of Kanei Sensei’s former students, Mattson Sensei remained with the organization, honoring a promise he made to Kanei Sensei upon earning his black belt in Okinawa.
To this day, he continues to teach the traditional forms and techniques passed down from Kanei Sensei to his advanced students.

One notable moment in the dojo’s history was when Kanmei Uechi promoted George Mattson to 9th-degree black belt in 1997—a testament to the deep respect and tradition upheld by the organization.

Finding the Dojo

The Muribushikan Dojo is located on the third floor of a building near Koenji Station.

Navigating there can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the area. The only external marker is a terrace adorned with a Shisa—a mythical lion-dog statue commonly seen in Okinawa, symbolizing protection.

In the nearby street, a small wooden sign reads “Okinawa Karate Uechi-Ryu,” offering another subtle clue to the dojo’s location.

To access the dojo, you pass through a restaurant corridor on the ground floor and climb up to the third floor.

Unlike many dojos in Europe, which often share space with judo groups and train on mats, the Muribushikan Dojo has a traditional wooden floor, typical of Japanese and traditional U.S. dojos.

I was warmly welcomed by the head instructor, Kantaro Takahashi, a 5th-degree black belt, and his dedicated group of karateka.

Inside the Dojo

The training session was a classic example of traditional Uechi-Ryu Karate, starting with the customary Japanese bow, followed by Junbi Undo (準備運動) and concluding with Shinkokyu (深呼吸)—deep breathing exercises that are often overlooked in Europe due to time constraints.

After the warm-up, we moved on to Hojo Undo, where I observed some fascinating differences between the European, American, and Japanese approaches.

We then practiced the full range of Uechi-Ryu katas along with their bunkai (applications). Here’s a quick refresher on the katas:

• Sanchin (三戦)
• Kanshiwa (完子和)
• Kanshū (完周)
• Seichin (十戦)
• Seisan (十三)
• Seiryū (十六)
• Kanchin (完戦)
• Sanseiryū (三十六)

Each kata provided an opportunity for participants to showcase their personal interpretation and understanding of the techniques. Observing the subtle differences in execution—such as fist positioning and elbow angles—was a valuable learning experience.

The session concluded with a demonstration of various katas. As we discussed traditional forms and “the Old Way,” the sensei and sempai asked me to perform the Sanseiryū kata using an older template from the 1960s.

To honor the Muribushikan Dojo, I incorporated a kiai into the performance, adapting the kata for competition while maintaining its Old Template.

A Wonderful Experience

It was an incredible afternoon spent with a passionate and skilled group of practitioners. I deeply appreciate their hospitality and the opportunity to train together.

I look forward to visiting the Muribushikan Dojo again in the future. Thank you so much for the warm welcome!

戻ってくると約束します。

群星館道場、本当にありがとう。