Along the Way
A Personal Testimony From a Student Along the Way –
There has been some vigorous discussion on the internet regarding Tenjin Shinyo Goshin Ryu and its validity as a new, complete stream of knowledge as ordained by the current Master-Teacher of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu.
First, by way of introduction, I am the ‘creator’ and ‘administrator’ of the Tenjin Shinyo Goshin Ryu web presence. At the time when I first created the original website, over 12 years ago, I was a mid-level junior student who had just been introduced to the Goshinjyutsu of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu. Until then, all of my training had been in Budo, specifically Karate and Bando. To say I didn’t fully understand the Koryu, or Goshinjyutsu is a vast understatement. Nevertheless, I endeavored. I take full responsibility for that and the confusion that surrounds Tenjin Shinyo Goshin Ryu today.
My initial website was an attempt to share my understanding of the style with the world. It was a selfish motivation. It was as if I was saying, “hey, look here…see what we’re doing…see how special this is.” While it is true that Mr. Lester knew what I was doing, I’m sure he too, just like Kubota Sensei, was not fully pleased with my presentation. Still, he gave me ample space, but didn’t allow me to go too far. I recall many frustrations of not being allowed to present “this or that.”
Today, more than ten years the wiser, I look back on what I presented of the style and I see the errors of my interpretation. I can only smile at the knowledge of how much patience Mr. Lester has extended to me. For anyone who has children, it is easy to understand how he would have allowed me to express myself in the best manner I knew how, at the time. But, here’s the thing: he couldn’t tell me or share how shallow my presentation was because quite simply, I was not ready for it.
This past year, my daughter and son have begun their training. Each of them is just like me, full of curiosity. They, also just like me, like to seek and ask questions that are miles and miles down the road. I chuckle at how I have to respond to them in the same manner Mr. Lester has to respond to me. I smile. I listen. I give them an answer they are able to understand. Yet, many times, that answer is without completeness.
For those of you who actively train, you know as I do that learning never ends. I’m sure in time, what I will come to know and appreciate ten years from now will make my current understanding pale in comparison. But, that is the natural way.
The new, GoshinRyu.org website I posted towards late 2005 is more representative of the true essence of the style. It is complete for as far as the internet is appropriate. Moreover, I believe the page, “Origin of the Style” says everything that needs to be said about the respect and honor the style warrants.
Additionally, there has been discussion regarding what Mr. Lester actually learned and achieved as a disciple of Kubota Sensei. In response to various assertions and assumptions, allow me to say this: there are many publications from Kubota Sensei and those that preceded him, which speak to and validate the Goshinjyutsu of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu, and thus the existence of Tenjin Shinyo Goshin Ryu. It is Koryu.
- Jyujyutsu Taii Roku, written by Bo Terasaki (highest Disciple of the Ganso)
- Tenjin Shinyo Ryu Jyujyutsu Gokui Kyoju Zukai (Secret teachings and pictorial analysis) written by Iso Mataemon Masanobu (4th Generation Headmaster) and Chiharu Yoshida (3rd Generation Headmaster’s highest disciple, 2nd edition printing)
- Nippon Jyujyutsu, Chapter 5, page 122 (Japan Book of Formal Military Ways)
Excerpt: “Inlet Door – Goshinjyutsu of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu”
The inlet door period began when the disturbances of war caused crisis and emergencies. All organized assemble was suppressed by Armed Forces. Opponents used their bare hands to attack and assault. They dealt with skill, vigorously.
The aim, goal of the new body research, added this System to Tenjin Shinyo Ryu which flowed originally from our Ancestor whose development of crude Foot and Leg movements corrected by truth was the originating source.
The fame, reputation of our Ancestor’s skill was throughout the whole country. This influenced five thousand people to receive passage of this approach. The System was transmitted to “Respect and Honor Human Life,” even when wounding an opponent in order to defeat them. This is the aim, goal of this Branch, which was extended over a large area and became widely accepted.
In short, Tenjin Shinyo Goshin Ryu is authenticated today by the authenticity of its original beginning, which is well documented, and by the direct result of Mr. Toshihiro Kubota’s teaching of Mr. Lester, and his receipt of the subsequent transmission of the knowledge for completion.
If anyone is at fault for the juvenile manner in which this style was presented in the past, it would be me.
Harmony is the flower of virtue. Bujyutsu is the protector.
Thank you.
Steven W. Block, 5th Dan, Menkyo Tassha
Charlotte, NC