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Kenji Tomiki Shihan's teachings - art and spirit
For one week, from 12th to 18th December 1973, Tomiki Shihan led a group of selected students from Kanto and Kansai universities on a trip to Taiwan. We gave demonstrations in police academies, army bases, etc. every day and received a VIP welcome wherever we went. I remember the welcome party organised for us by the supreme commander of the Taiwanese armed forces. Shihan presented him with a picture that he had drawn himself. The commander was very proud and Shihan looked pleased.
He also met an international judo player (called Mr. Hayashi) and one of his students from Kenkoku University in former Manchukuo who was at that time a businessman. They both admired Shihan's personality and way of life. Shihan looked truly happy and satisfied when he met them.
Unusually, the schedule gave us lots of free days. Mr. Hayashi visited Shihan in the place that we were staying in spite of being ill at that time. He took us deep into the town to the best place to eat eel. It was down an alleyway where Japanese tourists didn't visit. I can't say that it was a very clean place but the eel was absolutely delicious. I was fortunate and appreciated eating with Shihan. When he said goodbye to Mr. Hayashi, he said with an affectionate look in his eyes, "I hope you get better soon". That left an impression on me.
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