Okuden

[Bugyotsuji]

My sword teacher has been recognized by the NBTHK with the title of "Okuden", their highest rank given only to very few backroom cabalists so far, apparently. We are all joking about how we must call Mr Koike "Sensei" from now on.

 

What is it about him that has prompted this distinction, I wonder? He has several very special qualities. A blend of all of it, perhaps?

Anyway, it is a privilege for me even as a wayward pupil, hoping that some of his 金粉 kinpun gold dust will settle on me too.

 

From Wiki

刀剣保存技術に関する伝位制度(日本美術刀剣保存協会の例)

伝位 認定方法

奥伝位

論文試験と実技試験及び口頭試問

 

奥伝位待遇

論文試験と実技試験及び口頭試問

 

中伝位

論文試験と実技試験

 

初伝位

記述試験

[Ken-Hawaii]

Congratulations to Koike Sensei!

 

Ken

 

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Piers.,

 

By Okuden, does that literally mean access to the Himitsu? 

 

Is Keppan involved?

 

Or is that Okuden meaning entrance into the higher realms which are not Himitsu??

[TETSUGENDO]

Grand news Piers.

 

-StevenK

[Bugyotsuji]

Thanks guys, I'll pass these on. At first I could not understand what all the fuss was, but a quick trip to the big W sorted that out.

 

Malcolm, he will surely be able to answer your questions when I see him tomorrow. Whether he will be willing though, could be another matter.

[Greg F]

Piers you are very lucky to be able to study with somebody like this, congrats.

 

Greg

[Bugyotsuji]

That's the problem Greg, I owe him more than at present, though perhaps I can contribute in other ways.

 

Malkz, to answer your esoteric question, I went round and confronted him. Sadly, it was nothing like you/we were expecting.

 

In his application for the examination he described his publications, speeches and activities for the society. He then took the exam on 1st December last week. They gave him a sealed envelope with a 1,000-word essay topic inside, and a time limit of one hour. Something about what conditions allowed Bizen to flourish in the way it did. He commented that from long-term use of a PC, he has lost his ability to write the kanji that he is so used to seeing in the literature. Often he had to rephrase a sentence to avoid having to write the kanji he vitally needed, but which refused to materialize from his pen(cil). They then laid out five blades as at kantei, and asked him to comment upon them and attribute them to place and smith correctly. (No Bizen blades.) This he did and scored 100%, apparently. The result, ie pass, was given to him that day, but the detailed results have yet to be ratified by the 理事会Rijikai (board), of which he is one of the two 監事／幹事(?)Kanji. So he himself will end up with the responsibility of signing and sealing the board's conclusion, presumably at their next gathering.

[Baka Gaijin]

Thanks for the clarification Piers.

 

Still a magnificent achievement nonetheless.

[Davis]

Some years ago I sustained a head injury which which subsequently left me with a number of problems.  Sometimes even the most simplest things in life I find most difficult.  Communicating with others is a case in point.  Sometimes I cause offence when none is intended.  That aside, even with a depleted I.Q. I can still appreciate great humour. You've really cheered me up lads.