26/08/2026
For each of the past three training days, I walked into Honbu Dojo and Kuramoto Sensei said, “10 minute warm-up,” meaning he wanted to get right into practice which normally translates to an incomprehensible amount of kata. One-to-one training with a Honbu Shihan is always a privilege, and I’m truly grateful for these experiences where every one of my movements is scrutinized to the fullest. Endless repetitions under the stoic gaze of Kuramoto Sensei, my limbs and dogi growing heavier from a tremendous amount of sweat, all make for the kind of training that tests more than just technique or what I call “being in the Honbu trenches.” Kuramoto Sensei knows these “trenches” well. After all, there are tons of videos on YouTube and social media showing Higaonna Sensei performing Sanchin shime on him throughout the years. That level of conditioning is only realized through putting in the work day after day, year after year, reflecting a lifetime commitment. After one of the trainings, I went with Kuramoto Sensei to a small, out-of-the-way restaurant where we ordered a few nihonshu. I lifted my glass to toast and thank Kuramoto Sensei for his teachings, to which he replied:
“No, Thomas. Thank you. I learn from teaching.”
