Some nice news for Japan Fans from the Utrecht region: you can now get to know traditional Japanese
dojo culture in Utrecht for free for a month , via the new dojo Tsuru-do Kan (more about them later).
Until May 2018, it was a familiar sight on the Oudegracht: the traditional Japanese dojo Shudokan. Former members and teachers of this club are now busy making a fresh start. Last August, the board registered with the Chamber of Commerce under the new name Tsuru-Do Kan. To celebrate this, Japan Fans can now get acquainted with traditional Japanese culture for a month for free through ‘budo’, the traditional Japanese martial arts. For the time being, two defense sports are offered: wado and kobudo.
Wado karate
Shinshu Wadoryu Karate-Jujutsu or ‘wado’ is one of the four main karate styles. The style was founded by grandmaster Hironori Ōtsuka (1892-1982) and not only emphasizes punches, but also moves, locks and throws. The name ‘wado’ means ‘the way of harmony’ and strives for harmony between body and mind, with the help of martial arts. At Tsuru-Do Kan, the members train wado under the guidance of sensei Kevin Chao, 5th Dan. This inspiring teacher has an impressive track record, he won a bronze medal at the Wadokai world kata championship in Nagoya, Japan.
Kobudo
Ryukyu Kobujutsu – often known as ‘kobudo’ or ‘Okinawan kobudo’ is the armed martial art of the Ryukyu Islands. This archipelago used to be an independent kingdom (with Okinawa as its main island) and has been part of Japan since 1879. At Tsuru-Do Kan, members train with the bo (a stick), the sai (two tridents), the tonfa (two wooden sticks with a handle) and the kama (two small scythes). Kobudo teacher is sensei Carl Möller, 3rd Dan. This teacher also has a considerable list of budo achievements, he was a member of the Dutch kendo team
In addition to these two traditional disciplines, the lessons also focus on the more practical applications for self-defense. The members also work on strengthening their physical condition, flexibility and strength.
The members call Tsuru-do Kan a friendly club, where people also work hard, in a traditional Japanese atmosphere. In the short time that this Utrecht dojo has been active, the members have already achieved various successes. Several members have won prizes at national and international competitions. In addition, Tsuru-do Kan is now the first (and only) dojo in the Netherlands that is officially certified by the Japan Karatedo Federation Wado-Kai.
Free introduction to traditional Japanese dojo culture in Utrecht
“It is of no use to anyone if someone signs up for a sport and then finds out after two tries that it is not for them,” says chairman Hugo Bakkum. “That is why we offer an introductory month. You can then come and train for free for the entire month at karate and kobudo. And at the end of the month you decide whether you want to become a member.”
The club welcomes new members of all levels all year round. More information and registration for trial lessons or for the action month via www.tsurudokan.nl