Torenkan Taikai 2007

SAGINAW "TAIKAI TORENKAN!"

By: Ray Malace

(This article was originally written for the local Saginaw, Michigan news paper.)

Saginaw’s own Torenkan Dôjô (Fighting Spirit School) was the host of the Genwakai America 2007 Taikai (Great Gathering). Genwakai students from Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Florida traveled to Sensei (Teacher) Jay Robison’s private dôjô in Saginaw.

Sensei Robison is a master’s level 4^th Degree Black Belt with 31 years experience, and the leader of Genwakai America in Michigan. In Saginaw, entry into the art of Genwakai can only be found at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). Sensei Fran Feyedelem, 2nd Degree Black Belt with 23 years experience, is currently teaching the SVSU courses.

Genwakai is a traditional form of Japanese Karate that is shrouded in secrecy and “In the Mist” as they say in Japan. Impossible for outsiders to find in Japan, this secret art has only been exported to the United States, Canada and Holland.

Genwakai is not a sport, it is a way of life. Unlike any other martial art style, Genwakai stands alone as a true art form with precise and powerful techniques. Since Genwakai America followers do not view it as a sport, they do not regularly participate in commercial tournaments. Rather, they incorporate full contact sparring as part of their training, along with personal challenges like "Element Training," (working out-of-doors in the middle of winter.) The mighty Hawk emblem on their uniforms represents the "Fighting Spirit" ideal that connects and unifies all Genwakai members.

The “Great Gatherings” are always unique. Frequently, learning workshops are the primary focus. However, this particular event, was a “Shiai” (contest) in both Kata (prearranged sequences of techniques), and “Bogu Kumite” (full contact matches wearing body armor). Saginaw’s Torenkan students won 7 out of 13 possible trophies!

Genwakai Karate-ka display the focus, power, and commitment during Kumite that make Genwakai techniques highly effective.

A seated Dave Knop (wearing full bogu - armor) relaxes during a mandatory rest period.

Light contact sparring takes place without the use of the armor - control is mandatory to avoid needless injuries.

5th Degree Black Belt, 34-year veteran, and the appointed leader of Genwakai America, Sensei James I. Rodriguez of Dayton Ohio states, "Genwakai America does not seek the path of other well known martial arts styles. The goal of Genwakai America is to develop individuals to attain the highest potential in all aspects of their lives. Genwakai America does not want the commercialism of Taekwondo, and other such martial arts systems. Rather, we seek students who are interested in learning the etiquette and traditional techniques of the art of Genwakai, and are willing to devote the time and energy needed to plumb the depths of the entire system.”

Front Row - Senior Genwakai Instructors Jay Robison, James Rodriguez, and Michele Dutcher

along with Genwakai members of various US Dojos.

Currently, a Black Belt envoy from Genwakai America is visiting Genwakai Japan, proposing an International Student Exchange Program.

Meanwhile, the Torenkan Dôjô of Saginaw, and all Genwakai America Dôjô are seeking serious minded students interested in learning a true Japanese martial art.