Journey to the Source: Training in Shizuoka
This year marked a profound milestone in our dojo’s martial arts journey: a dedicated delegation from Norway, Finland, and Spain traveled to Shizuoka, Japan, to train at the historic Hekiunkan Dojo (碧雲館). Led by Jukka Helminen Sensei, this pilgrimage included Passi and Jouni, from Helsinki, alongside Garazi from Spain and myself, marking a first-time visit and first meeting with the Soke of Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō, Katsuse Yoshimitsu Kagehiro (勝瀬善光 景弘), for Garazi and me.
Training at the Hekiunkan, an almost 100-year-old dojo, under the direct guidance of the Soke bridges the gap between historical tradition and active practice. We trained on its historic wooden floor, worn by generations of practitioners over several decades. Throughout our stay in Shizuoka, the majestic silhouette of Mt. Fuji stood clearly visible against the sky, serving as a constant, inspiring backdrop from the region and right outside the dojo. Surrounded by traditional weapons racks, inscribed scrolls, and this timeless landscape, every kata carried a heavier, more resonant meaning. Standing alongside fellow practitioners in front of the dojo’s classic exterior and sharing sweat and instruction on those storied floors created bonds that transcended borders.
Continuing the path: The Helsinki seminar and licensing
The momentum generated in Japan carried forward into the autumn, with in a seminar held in Helsinki. This gathering served as another vital checkpoint for our Nordic network, under which our Norwegian Suiō-ryū dojo operates as part of the Finnish Shibu organization, allowing us to refine our technical understanding, deepen our grasp of Suiō-ryū principles, and share our collective progress.
It was during this seminar that I was deeply honored to receive my official Suiō-ryū license. This recognition represents not just an individual milestone, but a shared achievement reflecting the hard work, guidance, and community spirit fostered by Jukka Sensei and our wider international family.
Bringing it home to Bergen
Upon returning to Bergen, the journey immediately entered its next phase: sharing knowledge and practicing within our local dojo. A cornerstone of koryū tradition is the transmission of knowledge down the line, ensuring that the integrity of the art is preserved and accurately handed to the next generation of practitioners.
Back on the mats in Bergen, we resumed our rigorous local training regimen, integrating the profound lessons learned in Shizuoka and Helsinki into our regular classes. A particularly proud moment followed soon after: delivering the license to Ioannis, marking another vital step forward for our community’s growth and continuity in Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō.
As our community continues to grow, these experiences remind us that koryū is ultimately a path walked together, stretching from the shadow of Mt. Fuji and the historic dojos of Shizuoka, across the Nordic network, and right here into the heart of Bergen.
Florian Pujol
