Nakamoto Kiichi Sensei

I was notified a few months ago that Nakamoto Sensei would be making a visit to the USA, so I immediately set out to make plans to ensure that I was present. After much anticipation, Jason and I took off for Northfield, Michigan to meet new people and train with Sensei.

Mapquest said it would take just a little over 4 hours to make the trip, we made it in just over 3, after checking in at the hotel we headed straight for the dojo. Upon our arrival, we entered the dojo of Peter Carbone Sensei. It is a very nice traditional dojo, designed by Nakamoto Sensei. Once we took off our shoes and bowed in the door, we were greeted by one of Carbone Sensei students and saw Sensei sitting in a chair, we immediately greeted Sensei and bowed to him, after a few words, we were directed to the dressing room and got changed into our do-gi. After dressing we were shown around the dojo and talked with some of Mr. Carbone’s students and Sensei.

Carbone Sensei came in the dojo and we were introduced, even though we have exchanged communications with each other before, this was the first time we had met. After the bow in, Carbone Sensei told me that Sensei would like to have me work with the students on Seiunchin. I of course was shocked that Nakamoto Sensei had asked me to do so, of course I agreed. Now that I think about it, I am sure it was some kind of test. I must have passed because after getting Sensei approval on Seiunchin, he had me teach both of the Gekisai and saifa. I taught the entire evening course of the seminar. After I was done with each section, Sensei would give me the ok and clap for me. After the bow out, we had a few minutes to speak with Sensei and then he said he was tired and went to bed. Jason and I headed back to the hotel and on the car ride, Jason said “I bet you didn’t see that coming did you” I replied no and he said that he thought it was cool.

I did not sleep at all that night. 

We got up and got ready for the second day of training and headed for breakfast and then the dojo. Day two was spent on Sai and Tanbo. It was a great time and Jason and I both enjoyed ourselves. I had some good conversations with Sensei and he made some minor corrections to kata, we also had some history conversations. It was a good day. After training Carbone Sensei hosted a Greek dinner and a wine making party. We had good fun and learned about making beer and wine.

The last day was spent on nunchaku and tanbo, and then Sensei had me do a review of the Gekisai’s and saifa. After the seminar, everyone left and I got to spend a couple of hour’s one on one with Sensei, he taught me several bunkai and oyo to the gojuryu kata. I got to ask him several questions and he showed me a lot of stuff. To me this was the best part of the whole trip. I an honored to by Nakamoto Sensei representative here in North America.