International Budo Renmei

Today students started with a trip to Yokohama, and we visited a Pokémon store. It was amazing to see how busy it was. People of all ages were walking around, looking at cards, toys, clothing, and just about everything else Pokémon. A few people who collect Pokémon cards told me many of the cards here cost about half of what they would back home.

Later in the afternoon, we traveled to the Ryokukai Hombu Dojo for a three-hour training class with Niikura Sensei.

Today, IBR students traveled to Kamakura to visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. Founded in 1063 and moved to its present location in 1180 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, it became the spiritual center of Japan’s first samurai government. Afterward, we visited two other shrines in the area.

This evening, we traveled to Yokohama to train with Tetsundō Tanabe Sensei, a world-renowned Japanese martial arts grandmaster best known as the founder of Sports Chanbara.

Today IBR students visited Odawara Castle and the Samurai Museum. It was another great opportunity to experience Japan’s history and learn more about the lives, armor, and weapons of the samurai. A memorable day surrounded by the culture and traditions that have influenced our martial arts training.

Later, we went to the Ryokukai Hombu Dojo and had the honor of training with my sensei, Niikura Sensei. I have been fortunate to have a few outstanding instructors and mentors throughout my martial arts journey, but Niikura Sensei has had a profound influence on my training, teaching, and the martial artist I have become. It was especially meaningful to once again share the dojo floor with him.

IBR students traveled down to Kamakura today and visited Enoshima Island. There were plenty of steps to climb, but it is definitely a must-see if you visit Japan.

Afterward, we went to see the Daibutsu, better known as the Great Buddha.

We had a full day in Tokyo! We started at the Mitsuboshi Martial Arts Supply Store, where several of our students purchased new dogi, obi, decals, and a few other items.

From there, we walked to Sensō-ji Temple, which was absolutely amazing, before heading to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo. They were very accommodating to our large group and treated us like family, even allowing us to take a group photo in front of the Shinza. We watched an excellent class, and shortly after arriving, we had the honor of meeting the current Aikido Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, better known as O’Sensei.

We were scheduled to train at the Chiba Aikidokan Anagawa Dojo later in the day, but unfortunately, the weather forced us to cancel. It was disappointing because I have trained there before and consider both Kaneko Sensei and Aiba Sensei friends. Hopefully, we will have another opportunity in the future.

Tomorrow, we head to Kamakura for four days of training and sightseeing before returning to Tokyo to finish our trip. It has already been an incredible experience, and there is still much more ahead of us.

Today, IBR students from Michigan, Florida, Colorado, and Georgia visited the Japanese Sword Museum and Tokyo Budokan. It was a great day of sightseeing, learning, and sharing the experience together. Tomorrow, we turn our attention to training. We’re looking forward to Aikido tomorrow night!

The 2026 Summer Budofest was a great success. The weekend was filled with strong training, shared knowledge, and the kind of fellowship that reminds us why these events are so important.

Thank you to everyone who traveled, taught, trained, and helped make the weekend possible. Each person brought something valuable to the floor, and together we created an experience that went far beyond technique.

Budofest continues to represent what the International Budo Renmei is all about: learning from one another, strengthening our connections, and moving forward together. I’m grateful to everyone who was part of it and look forward to building on what we accomplished.

We will post more photos soon.

Took Sensei’s Art Harrison and Brian Wyble to the Stairs of Pain today!

Congratulations to Luke Pape on his promotion to Shodan in Aikido! Earning a black belt is not the end of the journey; it is the recognition of a solid foundation built through dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of training. This achievement reflects Luke’s commitment and willingness to continue learning and growing as a martial artist. We are proud of your accomplishment and look forward to seeing where the next stage of your martial arts journey takes you. Congratulations, Luke, on this well-earned milestone!