Experiencing Japan with My Sensei Dad and My Monk
Last year I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a holiday to Japan with my Dad. He also happens to be my Sensei as well. We had the wonderful good fortune of having our dear Monk friend, Sueyoshi Akeshi, giving us his guided tour of Tokyo and Kyoto. For 10 days these two travel companions served as my guides, teachers and the source of memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Oh, and lets not forget all of the laughs along the way.
When I first found out that I was going to Japan, I was both nervous and excited. I had never travelled abroad to such a place as Japan, never experienced real foreign food abroad, didn’t know the in’s and out’s so to speak. I was nervous about the plane flight- as I’m not the best of flyers. On the other hand, the excitement really over- powered the nervousness. I was travelling to a place I had heard so much about, trained in a martial art which started over there and travelling with my Sensei Dad who had been to Japan countless times before. Not to mention, we were hanging out with my favourite monk while we were there. It was going to be an adventure of a life time! Four days before I left for my trip, I broke a toe and a bone in my foot. No, not training related, stupidity related. So now I had to travel with a broken toe, which was very difficult and painful to walk on. I was angry for breaking it and worried how this would affect our plans in Japan as some training and lots of walking were on the agenda. However, I sucked it up, took my bottle of Advil with me and off I boarded the first leg of my journey- Los Angeles to meet my dad, then onto Shanghai then to Tokyo, Japan. A total of approximately 26 hours of travel time by the time we arrived at the hotel. We were greeted by Sueyoshi with a big smile and a warm hug. Our adventure was about to begin.
My first impression of Japan was how paying attention to the smallest detail was a very important part in Japanese culture. From the hotel staff bowing graciously to a bus of visitors coming in and leaving the hotel, to the taxi cab drivers wearing white gloves and the taxi’s being spotless. It was amazing to see this attention to detail. After resting and putting ice on my very swollen foot, we went for dinner and discussed our plans. Temples, shrines, Bullet train,Kyoto, were all things we discussed and a few extras as well. There were literally so many temples and things we saw in the 10 days, that I can not talk about them all. However I will share with you some of my favourite moments.
One of the first places we visited in Tokyo, was Sengakuji. This was the number one place on my Sensei Dad’s list he wanted to visit. He had been there before, but wanted to share with me its history and its story. It is a famous and popular Buddhist temple. It is also beside the graves of the 47 Samurai who committed seppuku, in honour of their leader, Asano Takuminokami a Feudal Lord of Ako. The story of the 47 Ronan is a popular one and was based on Asano having to commit seppuku after getting into a fight with his advisor, Kira Kozukenosuke. He drew his sword on Kira after he was insulted by him. After his death, his loyal 47 samurai avenged his death by killing and beheading Kira. They were then ordered to commit seppuku themselves. I think the first thing that struck a chord with me the most was the amount of people from today that were paying their respects- over some 300 years later.
From the old man selling incense sticks beside the graves, to the flowers left beside the graves to watching men and women in silent prayer- not only the 47 Samurai Warriors, but also in front of Asano’s grave as well. It moved me to know that such a place like this could hold such honour, loyalty and compassion so many years later, by complete strangers. It really was peaceful and I was grateful for experiencing Sengakuji’s essence.
The temples in Japan are works of art within themselves. From the To-ji Temple and its 5 Story Pagoda, which in itself is a wonderful site to see, to the beautiful Rokuon-Ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion) were stunning to be standing in front of. I think the thing that stands out in my mind the most about some of these temples, which were built hundreds and hundreds of years ago, was that they have withstood fire, earthquakes, typhoons. Yet there they stood towering over me. It was a spectacular feeling of awe. These buildings provided shelter, sanctuary, a place of prayer and were survivors. We visited a total of 10 different temples in Tokyo and Kyoto. Each one, unique, each one beautiful in its own way. To have the privilege of seeing these beautiful places of worship, the art and craftsmanship, the people sitting quietly in prayer, placing their wishes to the Gods, was so humbling for me. I truly enjoyed each of them.
One temple called Ryoanji Temple was probably my most favourite. Originally built in 1450, it hosts a spectacular a rock garden, gardens, Ponds and interior rooms with works of art. The main Rock Garden seemed to be a place where everyone gathered. I noticed that no one spoke much, all just sitting there in their own thoughts, silently taking photos. I too sat there and marvelled at how graceful it was. Such simplicity, yet so much beauty. It is a favourite of my father’s as well. I took a moment and just watched everyone, including my dad. As I watched him taking it all in ,as if it were his first time seeing it, it came to me, this was the first time I could remember him just being. He’s such a busy type of person and always doing something. It was nice to see this other side of him.
During this trip we were on the go non stop. Every day was a new adventure. The experience of the train station and bullet train taught me a lot. 1. don’t break a toes prior to a trip where you will need to be quick on your feet, 2. to practise the art of of patience as it was tested time and time again 3. it taught me a lot about being a small drop in a huge sea of people. That yes , being the ‘nice Canadian girl’ by saying ‘excuse me’ and ‘I’m sorry’ about a hundred times a day as I bopped and wove my way in and out of the swarm of people only got me so far… I soon learned to plough through the herd of people and learned how difficult it was to keep up with the mountain goat monk as he led the way.
One other thing that stood out to me about being in Japan, was how courteous Japanese people were of noise. Buses, subways, trains, no one talked, not to each other or on cell phones. There were signs reminding people to be courteous of their noise volume when listening to music and using cell phones. I liked this. I thought that perhaps this was a way of reminding people to just be. Almost like meditation on their way to work or home. A way to unwind and be disconnected from technology.
Of course being a martial artist, no trip to Japan would be complete if there were no martial arts in it. I was looking forward to actually doing some training while I was there- that’s what everyone does when they go, right? However my foot prevented me from doing this. It soon became relevant to me that though I wasn’t physically putting on my gi and training in a dojo in Japan- the lesson was in learning Japan’s culture and history and the other parts of what a martial artist needs to learn. All of my life my dad has taught me both on and off the dojo floor, about how important things like compassion, respect and gratitude are at the centre of martial arts. I was witnessing first hand these lessons in the faces and actions of the Japanese people along my trip. Martial Arts however was part of this trip. We watched a real life Yabusame competition. Spectators and press lined up to watch the amazing accuracy and speed of the competitors. At a first glance it felt like we had travelled back in time and were watching real Samurai in traditional dress, riding their horses at top speed and firing their arrows with precise accuracy at targets. It was amazing!
I think one of my favourite moments of the entire trip was the Martial Arts demonstrations. We spent one full day watching Iaido, Kendo, Aikido, Kobudo, Naginata martial artists demonstrating their arts. What really stood out for me was the age of some of these participants. There were older demonstrators that had spent a lifetime perfecting their art showing their skills right along side their younger counterparts.
This was inspiring to see. Yet another reminder that age has no limits in the martial arts. Watching all of the participants, their focus, their precision and the passion they have for their art was very easy to see. I was glad that my dad took me to see this. In fact, I know why he did. He wanted me to learn that no matter how old we are, if there is a desire to learn, we are never too old. I looked at women my age and thought that they too probably were introduced to their martial art at a young age like I was, and like myself, it has been a way of life for them. My dad and I talked about this afterwards. He wanted to make sure I understood this and also to understand the different phases a martial artist faces as they age. That though the physical side of training is very important and that the mental and spiritual side was of equal importance, especially as we age.
Spending this time with my father in Japan was truly a gift. It re-affirmed for me many lessons my dad has taught me over the years. This time it demonstrated them to me in examples. I was reminded about how important mind over matter was key. Learning the balance of both pushing through physical pain yet knowing when to rest. That whatever you put your mind to, you can accomplish. I also learned that age is just a number. I learned the importance of silence and appreciating the moment. Whether it was sitting in a temple or riding on a train, watching the people sit in their own thoughts, in silence and just practicing the art of just being. Having Sueyoshi, the character that he is, a part of our journey taught me some lessons too. I learned about having a balance in our character. There is a time to pray and a time to laugh and have fun. From his funny t-shirts to his traditional monk gear. He is truly a unique soul. I remember while riding on the bullet train, I made a mental note to take in these moments with my dad. I remember saying to myself, “Tracy, remember these moments, lessons, smiles, and feelings on this trip. They are truly a gift. One that you will remember your whole life.” A year later, they still are with me and I am forever grateful to my Sensei Dad and my Monk Friend for this experience.
Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong ,Act Strong ,Be Strong Self Defence Program. tracy.warrenerentertainment@gmail.com
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