Center Hitohiro Sensei, right Yoshinkan Inoue Kancho left, Author.

Nice communication time Yoshinkan Inoue Kancho, Kokikai Maruyama Sensei, behind Author.

I, Gaku Homma was also in attendance, and had the honor of presenting the official toast. Click here for further thoughts in my most recent article.

Written by Gaku Homma

Homma Kancho standing at the freezing Gandan Temple.

My name is Alima, and I studied volunteer operations at Nippon Kan in Denver for about a one year period. Currently I am a Mongolian coordinator for Nippon Kan’s AHAN (Aikido Humanitarian Active Network) here in my home country of Mongolia, and serve as translator for Homma Kancho in Mongolian and Japanese. I would like to report on Homma Kancho’s visit to Mongolia this past February, 2004.

Nippon Kan AHAN Mongolia
New Project Begins
A new project has taken shape in Mongolia for Nippon Kan and AHAN with Homma Kancho’s visit. For the past three years, AHAN has been supporting an orphanage in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Upon recent evaluation, it has been determined that the Mongolian government and other foreign aid agencies have been able to provide enough support for the orphanage for Nippon Kan and AHAN to look for others in greater need. Homma Kancho came to Mongolia on this visit in search of those with needs that government and other agencies could not fill.

What we found was a school, a privately funded school with the name of “Hope”. This school named Hope was originally a child development center started by a German NGO (non-profit organization) that helps children that suffer from poverty and the complications that poverty brings. A Mongolian exchange student helped the hand of fate by taking the story of this center to Japan. She found her way to the heart of a town in Japan named Numazu City, by talking about the plight of the children she had seen there. Commenting to local town officials, “If someone is too poor to go to school, they will never be able to escape that poverty. It takes education to leave poverty behind.” After talking about the center to NPO officials in Numazu City, the city took on the project and raised $27,000 for the centers development. That money built the school of Hope, which opened its doors in September 2003.

Homma Kancho with children in the first-third grades.

We found the school inside this fence.

Standing in front of Hope school, teacher Azaya, Zorig Foundation’s Mr. Gunsoku and Homma Kancho.

Innocent smiles moved our hearts.

With that Homma Kancho passed out much needed school supplies to the children who showed their delight in such simple gifts, gifts that we often take very much for granted.

Visit with the Mongolia Aikido Association.
The last time Homma Kancho visited Mongolia, the Aikido dojo in Ulaanbaatar was located in the basement of a tenement apartment building. Last year, the dojo was moved to a new location; a building bought and donated to them by Aikido Instructors that had been sent to Mongolia by JAICA (A Japanese Peace Corp type organization). The “new” facility is a small house near the Gandan Temple. Currently the JAICA official Aikido instructor in Ulaanbaatar is Mr. Teppee Maekawa. At the end of March of this year, his two-year stint of service will conclude, and he will return to Japan.

With Mongolian leaders, from left: Mr. Altanbagana, Mr. Lhagvasure, Homma Kancho, Nippon Kan graduate uchideshi Mr. Bold Tumenjargal and Mr. Teppee Maekawa; Aikido Instructor.

Originally, the Mongolian Aikido Association was founded by Mr. Lhagvasure who first caught a glimpse of the practice of Aikido in Moscow while Mongolia was still under communist rule. Before Mongolia gained its independence in 1991, it was against the law to practice the martial arts of any other country. Mr. Lhagvasure taught himself Aikido by watching smuggled videos and studying Aikido technique books that had been translated by hand into the Mongolian language. After Mongolia’s independence in 1991, he began to gather students together to practice and in 1993, with the aid of Mr. Damdinpurev obtained an license from the Mongolian government officially sanctioning the Mongolian Aikido Association.

From that time until today, the dojo has moved four times. Three Aikido Instructors from JAICA have come from Japan to teach. Teppee Maekawa will be the last JAICA Instructor, and when his tour of duty ends this March, no replacement will be sent. It will be the end of this JAICA program from Japan. This transition into independence will fall largely on the shoulders of Mr. Altanbagana and his staff to facilitate.

After teaching at the new dojo, Homma Kancho, hosts and students gathered for dinner. After dinner Homma Kancho spoke, “Nippon Kan is itself an independent dojo, and we at Nippon Kan support your Mongolian Aikido Associations independence. I have no motive to associate the Mongolian Aikido Association under Nippon Kan. I am one of the Founder’s students, and my only goal is to help spread the practice of Aikido. If I can assist you in any way, I would like to help.

At my dojo in the United States, there was one uchideshi (live-in student) whom I instructed for a period of two years, and who obtained Aikikai Hombu Dan ranking. He is Mongolian, and has since returned here to Ulaanbaatar. I have counseled him to respect the seniority of this organization, to ask you for direction in his practice and to think and act to help the promotion of Aikido for all of Mongolia. I act as just one individual Aikidoist in my support of Aikido in Mongolia. To this end, I would like to donate $1,000.00 from AHAN to further repair the new dojo building and to build a dressing room-changing area”.

Homma Kancho taught at this dojo and also instructed at the Mongolia/Japan Center where classes are also held. At the Mongolia/Japan center, some of the students were wearing uniform with embroidered Western styled names. Some of the names he recognized as the names of students from Nippon Kan who had donated used keiko gis to Nippon Kan’s Third World Keiko Gi Drive in past years. This keiko gi drive is still ongoing at Nippon Kan and donations are currently needed. If you would like to donate a uniform make sure that the uniform is clean, in fairly good condition and if possible with matching tops and bottoms. Make sure you include your name and the name of your dojo and send to Nippon Kan Keiko Gi Drive. 1365 Osage Street. Denver, Colorado 80204. Your name and the name of your dojo will be recognized as a contributor.

Homma Kancho teaches class.

Cleaning up the dojo.

Homma Kancho teaches class.

Mongol/Japan Center

Student in traditional Mongolian del (clothing). A Visit to Pay Respects to Mongolian Kyokushin Karate.

A Visit to Pay Respects to Mongolian Kyokushin Karate.

Mongolian Kyokushin Karate instructor and uchideshi. Center Homma Kancho, on the right, (in the suit) is Chinzorig Sensei.

One pioneer in the history of the martial arts in Mongolia is also currently the owner of Mongolia’s largest security company. His name is Chinzorig Sensei, and Homma Kancho arranged to visit to pay his respects. A former Policeman, Chinzorig Sensei began his study of Karate in much the same fashion as Mr. Lhagvasure first studied Aikido. In 1983, Mr. Lhagvasure was practicing the Russian art of SAMBO. He became interested in Karate and began to practice and teach himself in secrecy. After the fall of communism, in 1993, he opened his own Karate dojo. In 1996, he was asked by the Mongolian government to serve as bodyguard supervisor to “VIP” foreign visitors and guests. In 1998, he opened his own security company which coincidentally employees many of his dojo students. To date, Chinzorig Sensei has instructed over 30,000 students including the members of the Mongolian police and military forces.

Chinzorig Sensei picked up Homma Kancho at his hotel with an entourage of students and personally escorted him to the building that houses both his security company business and his dojo. The two had a nice visit together, spending time discussing martial art philosophy together.

Mongolian Morin Huur Preservation Association Presents Homma Kancho with an Award of Appreciation.
Centrally located in the City of Ulaanbaatar is the Nairamdal Peace Park where the Traditional Arts Theater Tumen Eh is located. The Tumen Eh Theater dedicates its performances to the arts of Mongolian music and dance. The performers of this theater are sponsored by the Mongolian government to help preserve this cultural heritage. When Mongolia gained its freedom from communist rule in 1991, many young people abandoned traditional arts in pursuit of more Western ideals. To aid in this decline in interest in younger generations, the Mongolian Morin Huur Preservation Association was formed. The purpose of the association is the continuance of the music, theater and dance arts, the arts of costume and instrument making as well as the staging arts. At the Preservation Associations invitation, Homma Kancho visited this wonderful theater to see a classical Mongolian musical performance. After the performance, Homma Kancho was guided to a part of the theater that houses a traditional ger (nomadic Mongolian house much like a yurt). Being housed indoors was not the only unusual thing about this ger, and as Homma Kancho stepped inside, he was awed by its elaborate décor; it was literally fit for a king! Inside he was motioned to sit in a special chair to share refreshments with his hosts. “In the last five years”, one of his hosts began, “only the former first lady Hillary Clinton and religious leader Dalai Lama have sat in that chair”. A special honor indeed!

In the United States, Homma Kancho has supported the preservation of Mongolian music in many ways. Homma Kancho and Nippon Kan sponsored a traditional Mongolian concert by the Winds of Mongolia that was performed at the Denver Center for Performing Arts; a first of its kind in Denver in 2002. In 2003 he sponsored Mr. Ulambayar, a prestigious member of this association to come to the United States and build ten authentically crafted Morin Huur (Mongolian cello like instrument) in Denver; another first for Denver. Mr. Ulambayar himself is a national treasure in Mongolia and his crafted instruments have been presented by the Mongolian government to the Queen of England. He has received the title in Mongolia of Khan Huurch, which is someone who makes instruments for the king, (the equivalent of a knighthood title in England). The ten Morin Huur that he made for Nippon Kan are now being used by the Denver Mongolian community in music classes held at Nippon Kan to promote cultural education among the young. During this visit to Mongolia, Homma Kancho also commissioned Mr. Ulambayar to make ten Morin Huur for the school named Hope. For his endeavors, Homma Kancho was presented with an award of appreciation for his contributions in the preservation of Mongolian musical culture.

Receiving a welcome toast.

Homma Kancho receives appreciation award

Homma Kancho arrived at almost midnight on a freezing Mongolian winter night. The next morning he rose with the dawn and walked to the Gandan temple, which is a sacred place for us in Mongolia. He went to pray at the temple on behalf of all of his Mongolian friends in Denver; and to pay his respects.

Standing with Alima at the Gandan Temple.

I told him when I heard he was planning to visit Mongolia, that February was too cold, and that he should wait until summer. He replied “No, that is why I am coming”. It was the time of the New Year in Mongolia during his visit, and it is customary to visit each friend and relative’s home for food and drink and to toast the New Year. Homma Kancho knows many people in Mongolia now, and he visited many houses. I think he did well, making it through the festivities!

This concludes my report on Homma Kancho’s very busy visit to Mongolia this February 2004.

Written by Nippon Kan AHAN Mongolia staff member Alima

Nippon Kan Spring Session of Technical Classes Begin!
February 24th-March 23rd, 2004

Jeremy Olive Sensei and his wife Tray Olive.

Olive Sensei leads a very powerful class!

Nippon Kan Instructor Jeremy Olive Sensei began a six week technical shape up series this past February 24th. Especially while Homma Kancho is out of town, Olive Sensei’s presence at Nippon Kan is well appreciated. His classes are well attended by students of all levels, as he instructs with precision Nippon Kan’s original teaching method and techniques.

Jeremy Olive Sensei joined Aikido Nippon kan and began his practice at the same time he started college. It was about this time that he met his wife, Tracy Olive and together both continued their practice at Nippon Kan. As part of their Nippon Kan cultural experience both Jeremy and Tracy were invited by local government officials to live for six months in a remote village in northern Japan. During that time period they also spent time training in Akita at the Aikido dojo of Aikikai Akita branch director 7th Dan, the late Shigeru Kawabe Shihan. After returning to the U.S., Jeremy resumed his active role as an instructor, and in his own training at Nippon Kan. In recent years, Jeremy realized a long time dream and goal of his by graduating from the Police Academy with honors. With his academic record, physical skills and personality, Olive Sensei was quickly hired as a police officer. He told Homma Kancho with a sense of new pride, “I am now a white belt policeman”. With the challenges of a new career, and also being the father of a baby girl of almost two, all Nippon Kan members appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to instruct this technical clinic. For this clinic, Olive Sensei has had over 30 students participate in each class.

Written by So Yoda

Teaching kindly to beginners.

One of Nippon Kan’s most popular classes.

Aikikai 7th Dan The Late Shigeru Kawabe Shihan’s Memorial Remembrance.
February 28th, 2004
The first anniversary memorial remembrance ceremony for the passing of Shigeru Kawabe Shihan was held on Feb 28th, 2004. Family and friends gathered at the family temple which is located very near the late Kawabe Shihan’s dojo in Akita, Japan. After my visit to Mongolia, I was fortunate to be able to attend this ceremony in my home town of Akita in northern Honshu. All who attended remembered Kawabe Shihan’s efforts and accomplishments and what a kind and generous person he was.

Since his passing, his wife has taken on the duties of dojoshu on an interim basis, and his oldest son Ryusaku Kawaba will continue dojo operations as instructor. I would think that Kawabe Shihan would be pleased with the continuance of his dojo in this fashion.

The late Kawabe Shihan had a deep relationship with Nippon Kan and visited Denver on four separate occasions. To continue this relationship, at Nippon Kan’s invitation, his son Ryusaku will be coming to Denver in May, serving as otomo for Aikikai Hombu Shihan Masatake Fujita Sensei.

By Gaku Homma



Colorado Japanese Martial Art Instructors Annual Meeting
March 6th, 2004

From left, Senseis Igaki, Homma, Kurobane, Yaguchi, Otaka, Ninomiya.

The Colorado Japanese Martial Art Instructors annual meeting was held March 6th, 2004. Usually this meeting is held closer to the New Year, but to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules it was moved to early March. This year, the meeting was held at Nippon Kan’s Domo Restaurant, and Nippon Kan Kancho, Gaku Homma served as chef for the event. In order of senority, the meeting was attended by JKA Shotokan Karate’s Yutaka Yaguchi Sensei, Wado-ryu Karate’s Sadaharu Kurobane Sensei, Kodokan Judo’s Otaka Sensei, Aikido Nippon Kan’s Gaku Homma Sensei, Enshin Karate’s Joko Ninomiya Sensei and United States National Karate Federation’s Head Coach Hideharu Igaki Sensei.

Currently 72 years old, Yaguchi Sensei led the meeting with stories of his early experiences as a martial art instructor in the United States. Next year, Yaguchi Sensei will celebrate his fiftieth year as a Japanese martial art instructor in the United States, and his stories about his early years were enlightening and entertaining. Homma Kancho is currently documenting Yaguchi Sensei’s history in Denver for publication. Everyone had a good time together, and is tradition, the party ended in song.

Written by So Yoda.



A Colossal Competition; Karate vs Aikido
March 14th, 2004
The 9th Annual tournament between Ninomiya Kancho’s Enshin Karate and Homma Kancho’s Aikido Nippon Kan was held March 14th, 2004. Over 130 competitors arrived early in the morning hours to ready for the grueling competition ahead. This year, Nippon Kan emerged as the victor, making the running nine year score; Nippon Kan 6-Enshin Karate 3.

As is tradition, the uchideshi (live in students) from the losing dojo were doused with 10 gallons of freezing cold ice water, to the cheers of onlookers.

On this tournament day, was also our monthly meal service to the homeless. Before the tournament, everyone cheers on the upcoming competition while peeling veggies.

Children young and old enjoying bowling.

Children young and old enjoying bowling.

Many thanks to the Registration Staff.

Ninomiya Kancho and Homma Kancho

This year Nippon Kan wins!

Traditional ceremony for the losing side.

OH! Did you think this was a bloody martial art battle? No…sorry…it’s a bowling tournament!

This event, which has been held for nine consecutive years, is noteworthy as an event that brings students of two different martial arts together for a day of fun. Could you imagine this kind of event taking place in Japan between a full contact Karate organization and Aikikai Hombu headquarters? Not likely.

Through our practice of the Martial Arts, we strive to achieve a healthy and peaceful state both individually and on a global level. To truly achieve this kind of balance the leaders of Martial Art organizations need to have minds that exhibit flexibility as well as strength. As martial artists we need to reach beyond style and confining definitions, what better way than with a bowling tournament. The innocence of this event goes toward breaching differences in people or differences in styles of practice and promoting community. Everyone that day appreciated the wisdom and value of Ninomiya Kancho and Homma Kanchos leadership, as well as their bowling style!

The bowling committees from both organizations worked hard on organizing the event, so hard in fact that they did not even get a chance to bowl. Everyone did a great job, and the event went smoothly. Many thanks to all!

Written by Emily Busch