Founding of the Butokuden
in 1895 on the 1,100 year anniversary of the transferring of the Japanese capitol to Kyoto (Heian-kyo), and as part of the building of Heian-jingu, the Butokuden construction began. It was originally meant as a demonstration platform for the Butokukai. It was completed in 1899 on the north-west side of the Heian-jingu complex. If was then also designated as a school for training Martial Arts teachers (later it would become the Budo Senmon Gakko).
At that time it was said “in the east there is Kodokan (built 1841), and in the west the Butokuden” such was its place in the center of Japanese budo circles.
Changing times
After the war GHQ dissolved the Butokukai, closed the Budo Senmon Gakko, and the occupying troups confiscated the building. In 1951 Kyoto City bought the Butokuden and it was used by Kyoto Police academy from 1952 until it was closed in 1956. From then on the building was used by the Kyoto City University of Arts music club.
Nowadays
In 1980, after the Kyoto City University Arts music club was closed down, Kyoto City wondered what to do with the now unused Butokuden. The All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) and the Kyoto Kendo Federation made an appeal to the city, the result of which was that the Butokuden would be saved for future generations. In 1983 the building was appraised as a great example of a large wooden structure from the Meiji period and was designated a Kyoto City Tangible Cultural Property. Furthermore, in 1996 is was designated a Japanese Important Cultural Property.
It was in this manner that the Butokuden has been passed down to our generation today and still serves as a place to demonstrate and practise budo.
Every May, from the 2nd-6th, the Butokuden serves as the focus for the Zen Nippon Embu Taikai (also popularly known as the Kyoto Taikai). About 3,000 people (minimum grade is Renshi 6dan) come from all over Japan, and from various countries all over the world, to display the results of their kendo training in the past year.
Links:
Butokuden (Kyoto Budo Centre)
Kyoto Kendo Renmei
606-8323, Kyoto-shi , Saikyo-ku, Shougoin Entomi-cho 46-2
Personal note: When I first came to Japan (almost 10 years ago now) I literally stumbled across the Butokuden. I had been visiting the garden in the rear of Heian-jingu when I heard loud kiai and the sound of bamboo. I peered through the cracks in the wooden fence and spotted people dressed in hakama and keikogi; I rushed out of the garden, round the corner, and into the building. I wasn’t sure whether I could watch keiko or not so asked some random old guy in bogu and he said it was ok. Watching kendo in the sweltering heat of a Japanese August I was profoundly moved, and even more so when I later discovered what the building was and its place in the history of kendo. If you come to Japan I urge you to do your best to watch or – if you can – take part in practise at the Butokuden. You won’t regret it!
Is the minimum rank rokudan renshi, or is it just renshi? Not that the difference matters for anyone but a very few people.
But it is an awesome building.
Think the form says renshi rokudan…. unless you are a foreigner, then its just rokudan.
Never knew that it had such a varied history. Thanks again Geo. b
I remember the first time I was in Kyoto and practiced there. On some nights Kendo practice is in the new modern hall. Since I didn’t know on which days I asked a guy who dared to speak English. He also told me that many people preferred the new hall because of the better accomodations. When I told him that I liked the old hall because of the history and the atmosphere he looked at me as if I was insane.
The practise in the facility goes between the Butokuden and the Budo Sports Centre.
Yeah, sometimes Japanese people take things for granted….
I’ve been fortunate to have practiced in the old dojo on two different visits to Japan. Both times were extraordinary experiences. On my last visit, the second night I went to practice was rainy and cold ( was late January 2007) and there were only about 15 or so people at keiko. One of them happened to be Inoue Sensei and I actually was able to line up and have keiko with him twice in one night. I was speechless.
It still remains my very favorite dojo to practice in and I am humbled and awed every time I enter it.
Jim