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Noguchi Taikai 2025
Saturday saw an in-depth deep dive into the shoden gata of Koto ryu, covering much of the entire level in a single day, Throughout the afternoon, Noguchi Sōke (accompanied by his translator Mark Lithgow Daishihan), walked around the gymnasium taking each person aside and personally instructing them on some of the kata and the various henka (variations) of each kata. Some were short and snappy, others were intricate and needed a 2nd (or 3rd) look. There were many confused faces, but the smiles were hard to mask as we saw just how highly skilled and lightning-fast (and lethal) this 83-year-old man still was. We were also treated to the Sakki test demonstration (Godan Test), where some students were selected to test for their 5th Dan. This test is not one that can be studied by repeating a kata to perfection, or reading a book and memorising knowledge; it is seen in the student's ability to sense danger that they themselves cannot see, and protect themselves by trusting their natural instinct to survive.
On September 12th-14th in Dublin City's coveted Trinity College, a very special guest attended -Noguchi Yukio; 19th Sōke of Koto Ryu Koppojutsu. Almost 150 other pupils of budo attended the momentous 3-day event, where Sōke generously shared his insights and lessons into one of the oldest martial arts in Japanese history (recorded as originating as far back as 1500s Japan). After over 30 years away from Ireland, Noguchi Sōke was indeed delighted to be back on Irish soil. The event was hosted by Namiryu dojocho Alex Meehan Daishihan, from the Namiryu Dojo in Harold's Cross.
On Friday evening, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Mr. Norimasa Yoshida officially opened the event, noting the historical ties between Ireland and Japan, there was a mix of taihenjutsu (body movement form), and Kukishin ryu rokushaku bojutsu (6ft staff art from Kukishinden ryu).
Saturday evening was a chance for everyone to let their hair down and catch up with old colleagues and make new acquaintances. The Pavillion Bar, on the grounds of Trinity College, held a barbecue where the laughter and stories flowed late into the night.
On Sunday, we returned to taihenjutsu and then sanshaku bo (3ft staff). The techniques were much of the same; short and snappy, and mesmerising all in one. After three heavy days of training, the event was closed by Alex Meehan Daishihan, where Noguchi Sōke was presented with a gift for his journey across the world to teach us for a weekend. His message was simple: "Keep going. If this 83-year-old can, then so can you".
This was a superb taikai and one of the best in memory. We look forward to the next one in August 2026, where the 22nd Sōke of Gyokushin Ryu, Kan Junichi will teach a weekend seminar in Galway. Details to come.
*Many thanks to Alex Meehan for pictures and permissions to use.