A Welcome to a Sensei

[The Limp]

Well, it finally happened: here at Uruguay we will be visited by Ikushi Kubo sensei (7th dan) for 6 months. This is an event that will certainly change the history of Kendo at Uruguay, since as I've already said somewhere at this forums, we do not have a High Graded sensei to guide us. Mostly we have survived thanks to seminars.

So, I'd like to know if there are certain..."rules" for a good welcome, or maybe some traditions for this. Things to do? Things NOT to do?

I believe that all uruguayans here would like to "give a good impresion", as we are passionate about kendo and we'd like him to stay longer, and mostly, feel welcome.

I know that this is a concern that should be upon our actual senseis, and the people at the Uruguayan Kendo-Iaido Association, but it is as important for us, the little kenshis that will practice everyday.

Well, any advice, any story about this kind of visit is more than welcome. Thanks a lot!

[Obukan_dude]

Well, it finally happened: here at Uruguay we will be visited by Ikushi Kubo sensei (7th dan) for 6 months. This is an event that will certainly change the history of Kendo at Uruguay, since as I've already said somewhere at this forums, we do not have a High Graded sensei to guide us. Mostly we have survived thanks to seminars.

So, I'd like to know if there are certain..."rules" for a good welcome, or maybe some traditions for this. Things to do? Things NOT to do?

I believe that all uruguayans here would like to "give a good impresion", as we are passionate about kendo and we'd like him to stay longer, and mostly, feel welcome.

I know that this is a concern that should be upon our actual senseis, and the people at the Uruguayan Kendo-Iaido Association, but it is as important for us, the little kenshis that will practice everyday.

Well, any advice, any story about this kind of visit is more than welcome. Thanks a lot!

Two major traditions no matter where you are: 1) treat Sensei to beer, and 2) give him gifts. :)
Thus, a solid rapport begins. :D

[nikozamo]

thats true, bt in the second point... the gift, dont gift him a big thing to carry because some of them just throw it away because they cant take it to japan.
(it happed here i chile)

[neko]

something representative of your country/region makes a nice gift. and as nikozamo pointed out, something that is easy to transport back. speciality foods/liquor, he can consume, so no need to transport back. maybe think of something that would be useful to him while he is staying in your country.

[nikozamo]

gift him uruguayian biscuits! :D

i love those!

(half chilean, half uruguayian :D)

[Newbie]

Taking time to show him the sights is a good idea too. With six months you should have plenty of time to do so!

What are these Uruguayian biscuits..? Can I have a recipe?

[nikozamo]

you only buy them in the supermarket or in the bread store

[Gessho]

I would ensure strong attendances in each class as well as what everyone else said. Let him know that his time is valued and appreciated.

[Jearom]

Yerba maté!

[The Limp]

I strongly appreciate all your comments and suggestions.
We will certainly have strong attendance to classes for we have been waiting (maybe I should say "hoping") this for a long time!

Any more suggestions are also welcome! And I'll let you all know how it turned out.

Thanks again!

[Fukuryu]

Well, I see that more people that I thought knows about Uruguay!!! Not counting Nikozamo, since he is (half) one of us. But you´re right, Jearom, we´ll try to initiate Kubo sensei on the adquired taste of mate (I am drinking some right know, at work, as half the uruguayan population , I think)... And with plenty of bizcochos (the famous biscuits already mentioned)!

[Sutemi]

Two major traditions no matter where you are: 1) treat Sensei to beer, and 2) give him gifts. :)
Thus, a solid rapport begins. :D

Man, what's with number one - everywhere I go, every time either my uni. dojo or my home dojo has a major visitor, we buy this guy alcohol. In fact, my sensei at school was big on showing me how to attentively move properly to pour a guest's beer into his/her glass.

Is this some kind of Japanese cultural thing? It seems more like a general pub behavior kind of deal, but I'd love to deceive myself into believing that there's some storied tradition behind it :D

[SmellsLikeBogu]

Gifts are critical! It is a big fat thick tradition to give gifts! A little alcohol never hurt anyone :p

[JByrd]

A gift is a good idea, preferably something that will remind him of his visit with you. The gift need not be expensive or rare, it is only a token of the really valuable thing: The connection you have made with each other.

If you are really at a loss for ideas, perhaps you can ask someone who knows him what he likes. If the gift you settle on is fragile or difficult to transport, you can always offer to ship it to his home.

Gessho is right that the best gift is strong attendance.

[Old Warrior]

... Is this some kind of Japanese cultural thing? It seems more like a general pub behavior kind of deal, but I'd love to deceive myself into believing that there's some storied tradition behind it :D

I can't speak for the Japanese but the Koreans have a whole set of rules and I'm not sure if I got them right yet. Here's what I know:

You never pour your own drink
After you pour for someone, he pours for you
If the pourer is higher in social rank you must have 2 hands on the cup
If you can't, at least touch your arm with your other hand
Never watch an older person drink, look away
A real sign of friendship is after someone drinks from his glass and it is refilled, he gives it back to the pourer to drink from the same glass

There are more rules, but I forget them all. And, I have been chastised for breaking them. I just say "I'm sorry" and try to get it right next time.

[The Limp]

Wow, never imagined that korean people had so difficult.."rei" speaking of drinking...
I believe Kubo sensei was at Turkey sometime before...anyone from there who can point us in "what he likes"?

Well, anyway all the advices are really helpful, so I thank you all again.

[Newbie]

I think Japanese "drinking rei" is fairly similar though.

Wollongong dojo over here did something lovely at this year's iai/jo Nats - they gave the visiting sensei calendars of Wollongong. Calendars are light, easy to pack and remind you of where you were for at least twelve months ;)

[Big One]

Two things,

Cuban cigars and Whiskey.

Seriously though,

I think showing an honest appreciation is the best, well after whiskey :smoker:

Whatever, it is, if that gift is from deep down, I mean way deep down of your heart, then it will be the most cherish. If it is just an act, then it is the other way. Well you know what I mean. It is just a common sense.

[The Limp]

Yeah, I know what you mean "Big One". That's why I always thought about "goodbye presents" to the sensei; so you may know what to give him as a small token of gratefulness for his time here...

It's highly probable that, apart from the decisions of the association and everyone, I'd like to give him something more personally, as I believe that Kubo sensei's visit here will certainly change so many things...that I can't possibly thank :) But that is something that will be seen in time, and there's no point babbling about it now (althogh I'v already done it).

And speaking of "drinking rei" I raise yet another question:
How are "cultural" things managed? I mean, it's obvious that japanese "habits" are WAY different from ours; we're different cultures. So, who's suppose to adapt? In certain aspects it's clear that we should adapt: all aspects about the dojo and practice will be "as he says". But for instance (given that the topic is already on the table): drinking. What does usually happen with those things? Does the visitor "gets used to" local habits? Is there a middle point?

Yeah, I know, I worry to much. I just want him to feel welcome, for even now that he's not here yet, he's already influencing our lives :o (sounds kinda creepy I guess...maybe that pizza I ate wasn't very good after all...)

Yeah, well, that. And as usual, thank you :)

[Jearom]

If you would get the opportunity to travel around and experience a different culture, would want your host not to show it to you?
Would you rather eat your kind of food or listen to your kind of music?
I will be traveling to Argentina in november, the first time for me on the other side of the atlantic.
If I came home after only eating swedish meatballs at Ikea and only drinking Absolut vodka, singing swedish drinking songs, I would not have any fun.
Show the sensei Uruguay, let him experience it as much as possibly, teach him your culture and your drinking "rei".
I would imagine he would appreciate that more.

[The Limp]

Good point Jearom. And as you will be near, consider yourself invited to Montevideo too! We can show you around so you get to know Uruguay a little also. Even we may have a chance to share keiko :)

[Nige]

Well if he's gonna be there for 6 months, i'm sure you'll learn the kind of stuff he like and will find it alot easier to get him a gift after you've gotten to know him better

[Goyaman]

Gift giving and taking him our for food and drinking will be appreciated, but also in this case, he's also coming to help your group to establish kendo in Uraguay. Please remember that he is taking time out of his life to come and do this. On a practical level, anything your group can do to help him adjust to living there will be very helpful and appreciated. If you can, some of your group members should be sure to meet him at the airport when he arrives; if possible, confirm what his living arrangements will be and make sure everything is ready for his arrival. A welcome dinner from group members or at least senior members would be in order as well.

Group members should be available to help him out with any other unfamiliar situations that may arise in his daily living there. When he comes to the dojo, it's good to designate someone to meet the sensei and then take his bogu and shinai bag and set out his bogu for him in the joseki area. He may or may not later tell you that this isn't necessary, but he will appreciate the gesture.
After practice, this same person should also attend to him as well.

Try to make the most of the time that you will have with him. As much as possible, your group members should try to make time to come to practices. Remember that this is *your* opportunity to learn as much as you can from him so please make the most of it!

This is very good news to hear, and I hope you'll continue to let us know how things are going once Kubo sensei arrives. Practice hard and best of luck!

[The Limp]

Well, Kubo sensei is finally here. And a big surprise for us... he came with his wife Ikuo Kubo (I hope I'm writting her name right), who's kendo go-dan, iaigo go-dan. It's seems that there are senseis on sale, 2 for 1! :)

Jokes aside, it was wonderful, truly wonderful to recieve them. Today will be the first "normal keiko". On saturday we trained with everybody from the AUKI (Uruguayan Association of Kendo-Iaido). As said, on saturday he left with the "important" people. Today maybe we can invite them a beer.

I know I don't sound happy nor excited...but I am, believe me :)

Thank you all for your advices :)

[The Limp]

* a little ashamed *
I misunderstoood Mrs. Kubo name, it's Ikue. My japanese is non-existent, so I don't feel that bad :)

Well, Keiko was simply awesome. Both senseis are great. They have so much to share, and are willing to share it all. It's kinda difficult, as both speak only japanse and some english words, but luckily one of us speaks japanese perfectly. Anyway, they make themselves very clear with gestures, faces, expressions....it's so much fun!

I believe we were very lucky. I hope they feel also as good as we do. We shall make them feel very confortable, that's for sure!!

Ok, I'll stop babbling 'bout them, but I just can't think of anything else....

[Goyaman]

I can understand how you feel Leon--glad to know everything's off to a good start!

[Reiver]

One very important thing. The host must always, always see them off at the airport when they return to Japan. Not to do this signals that the visit was not appreciated and would be insulting.

[Thunder]

A bottle of old whiskey is always a great gift...17 year? 20 year..
But I would also think about something more personal-- handmade. Homemade food is always welcome when you are a visitor--you are away from home and fresh homemade bread/cookies etc will make ANYONE smile.

Photographs of the landscape around the region...make it memorable. Don't go out and buy cheesy crap...make it real memory.

[Manuka]

(snip) It's kinda difficult, as both speak only japanse and some english words, but luckily one of us speaks japanese perfectly. Anyway, they make themselves very clear with gestures, faces, expressions....it's so much fun!

(snip) We shall make them feel very comfortable, that's for sure!!

Ok, I'll stop babbling 'bout them, but I just can't think of anything else....


Please note that the language difficulty you experience in kendo is experienced by them in everything, from a trip to the food store, to a trip to the Doctor. The person with good Japanese can ease things, let Sensei have a contact for language help.

[sam.i.am]

Over the years, I have found that a nicely framed photograph to commemorate an event goes a long way. It's both a nice token of thanks and reminds the recipient of whatever contribution that may have made. In anycase, I would consider two gifts:
1. Framed picture of the sensei with members of the final keiko. Preferably matted and plexiglass rather than glass so it won't break during travel.
2. As others have mentioned, some local novelty that the sensei can use such as a nice bottle of local liquor if the sensei drinks.

[garyquinn1704]

Only to classes under my belt but at my first we were visited by Matsumoto Sensei from Japan. I was learning basic men, kote and footwork with two kids when Donny left us to have Sempai Gareth - whom you all know as ShredLord- take his place (I think they were rotating so each could make the most of the esteemed guest's time). Gareth was about to just getting us going on fumikomi-ashi when matsumoto sensei started talking about it to the rest of the class and Gareth just stepped aside to say, well just watch the man.

The point, took a while to get to it, I'm sure it would be the same with any such experienced Sensei visiting but with him being Japanese it just seems to be so much more grand. 7Dan is 7Dan regardless of nationality but for some reason I can't help thinking it just lends a far greater air authenticity to what's being practised.

Would this just be newboy excitement or do others feel this?

[nikozamo]

now we have to do a sayounara party to a sensei.... x__x
but later another welcome party. :D

[The Limp]

Uh, sorry to hear 'bout the sensei leaving Chile...but happy to hear someone's coming (or is he/she coming BACK?)

Well, after all, the gift was a bottle of a local dring (called "Grapa") and some "local"...em..sweet...called "Dulce de leche" :P
He and she enjoyed, so, I'm pretty pleased.

[Kubilay]

Hi, it is nice to hear about Kubo sensei in Uruguay. I am one of his deshi from Turkey. He is one of the sensei that I will never forget. In fact I began practicing iaido thanks to him and tho I used to practice kendo for about twoyears before he came with his family it was he, his wife Mrs. Ikue and sons Masahiro and Kimiaki who set the real basis for my kendo. I really envy you guys. In addition to being a great sensei in the dojo he is also a very good man outside as well. I was his interpreter in most cases when he was in Turkey so I had the chance to be with him in daily matters as well. I think one phrase from an anime called samurai champloo fits him perfectly "it is apparent that Kubo sensei was born to the wrong era, he belongs to the edo jidai" :))) Anyway he can be a tough guy at times, has a real samurai attitude. Here we found the Hacettepe iaido dojo thanks to him and still going on.Though I talk to them on the phone occassionally it was surprising to hear his name mentioned here. So before the next training please express my greetings from Kubilay and all the iaidokas in Ankara. And about a gift, I guess you alread welcomed him. But Kubo sensei likes local things. For instance in Turkey he made a rosemarry collection. In fact I also gave him a rosemarry before he left here, but it had better be something small. Kubo sensei likes drinking very much but be careful about the japanese customs such as waiting till he says yes you can begin. Pouring his sake for him and not pouring your own sake or drink. And if you ever be his guest, Ikue sensei is a great cook in japanese cuisine ;)

[Fukuryu]

Welcome to KW, Kubilay!!! Nice to hear from another Kubo sensei deshi! We are really happy with Ikushi-sensei and Ikue-sensei visit here, unfortunately they will be returning to Japan in march, but he´s already making plans for his return here as soon as possible. He is really a truly master, and a great person outside the dojo, as you said; the same apply to Ikue-san word for word. We made some social events in their honor and have them as guests in others, and they are always happy to share our culture, not at all try to impose theirs upon us, on the contrary, their desire to "blend" is commendable.
Note taken in Ikue-san cooking abilities, if she cooks half as good as she does traditional japanese dancing, we are going to have the best japanese meal ever!
Please keep sharing with us your experiences with the Kubo family (we saw Masahiro-san video on Youtube), I promise I will giving them your greetings as soon as possible since I am out of keiko now for medical reasons... never thought I will be missing tate-hiza.... :)

[absenteekendoka]

...the gift of anice bottle is always appropriate, as sometimes they may even have a samll offering for the dojo they visit as well. Let him know that his presence is greatly appreciated!

Oh.......and never tsuki a Sensei in keiko........just a bad idea. :) Unless of course he asks you to. :)

[The Limp]

Hello Kubilay!

So great to hear about another Kubo-sensei deshi! I'll be sending your regards tomorrow :)
Indeed he is a notable person: wherever you find him. As my friend Fukuryu said, the same applies to Ikue Kubo sensei. They have been here only for 3 months...but the changes are SO great I can barely remeber Kendo before them. I can understand your desire to greet him so I will do so as soon as posible! :D

Stay in touch, welcome to KW and thank you very much for your input :D