From Budo to Chado
Bunbu Ryodo – 文武両道
The beginning of a unique Budo Journey
It was during my first trip to Japan where I originally met Randy Channell. He was a character larger than life. His intensity, his Japanese martial arts and cultural knowledge, and especially his ‘nominal’ expertise in the Japanese language intimated me from the outset. (NB: Randy asked me to add “nominal” which I disagree with, especially when you witness how well he interacts with his Japanese patrons)
My Japan experience became a huge part of my life with people like Randy Channell Soei being an integral part of that experience. The last time I met with Randy was in Kyoto, Japan, where we spent several hours together reminiscing about the adventures we’ve both lived in our Japanese Budo travels, with Randy’s experiences towering over anything I could even remotely boast about.
As part of the “Evolution Series” from Martial Journal, Randy Channell who maintains the “Tea Name” of Soei, agreed to an interview where we covered many aspects of his life, including the first time we met.
It was Randy’s cultural and linguistic expertise that initially drew me to him as I tried to navigate the uniqueness that is Japanese Budo. I first encountered Randy at my inaugural International Budo Culture Seminar in 1991, which was held at the Nippon Budokan ‘s Kenshu Center in Katsuura, Japan.
While Randy’s focus at the training portion of the seminar was on his weapon arts, I on the other hand was working out with the Karate legend Kanazawa Soke. We then happened to sit together at one of the martial arts lectures being held at the nearby Budo University’s Student Auditorium. It was here where Randy’s passion for Japanese Budo and its proper dissemination became very apparent, especially when the lectures were translated for a non-Japanese audience.
Being one whose Japanese language knowledge is minimal at best, I would normally hang onto every word the translator spoke about the Lecturer’s martial arts-related subject matter. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that a great deal of the translation was quite inaccurate due to the limited martial arts knowledge of the translators.
Randy Channell Soei (RCS): It was a big problem for the first three or four years. The reason was because they were getting high school English teachers to do it. They could speak English but didn’t have any martial arts knowledge. Fortunately a number of the participants were fluent in Japanese and of course had budo knowledge. Eventually some of these people came forward to take over the job of translating and interpreting. It went much smoother from then on.
Considering my limited exposure to Japanese Culture (at that point in my life), I did not immediately understand the consternation shown by Randy and his compatriots on how the lectures were being translated. I heard Randy burst out many times “THAT’S NOT WHAT THEY SAID!!”
RCS: Some of it was really bad…for those of us who understood Japanese it wasn’t so much of a problem but there were a lot of people at the seminar that didn’t speak Japanese at all!
I was definitely one of those who he was referring to and without people like Randy, I would have been “lost in translation” (excuse the pun). Thanks to these exceptional people, I always felt that someone had my back, and another reason I gravitated to Randy and his crowd.
I continued to attend the International Budo seminar for several years, with Randy eventually becoming the unofficial “host” of the seminar. While Randy’s popularity at these events made his availability scarce at times, fortunately being a fellow Canadian, he always made time for me, for which I was extremely grateful. Randy was (and is) a raconteur extraordinaire so spending time with him was always an eventful evening.
Randy was not only a knowledgeable and informative character; he was also an outstanding martial artist. Normally I am skeptical of those martial artists that are larger than life, fortunately, Randy’s talents as a Kendoka alone convinced me of his authenticity. At the first few Budo seminars, I went out of my way to observe Randy’s practices, primarily his Kendo and Naginata sessions. Based on the treatment from all of his instructors, it was apparent that Randy (and his abilities) were well thought of.
I returned to these seminars on many occasions and over the years I’ve stayed friends with Randy and on each of my visits to Japan, I would ensure we had dinner together to both reminisce and discuss future endeavors. While I felt that Randy was destined for some senior position within one of the martial arts styles he was practicing, I soon discovered that pure Budo wasn’t Randy’s path.
It became apparent that Randy started to take a more serious perspective towards the seminar’s university-level lectures, which included a long-lasting friendship with Dr. Alexander Bennett, who became a world-renowned Professor of Budo History (at a Kyoto University). I watched as Randy started to question a number of the lecturers with well-defined and pointed questions. It was obvious that Randy was looking for something over and beyond the pure athleticism normally associated with martial arts, so I reached out to Randy to get his perspective on martial arts.
Bunbu Ryodo – Balancing Martial Arts with Culture
On the many occasions when I was in Japan and dining with Randy, we were fortunate enough to have Dr. Bennett join us. This always led to an evening of lively discussions concerning various technical and philosophical aspects of Japanese Budo. It was during one of these discussions that I was finally able to understand what Randy was seeking, although on a far less sophisticated level.
As I wrote in another article, although I was taught a high-quality form of Shotokan Karate and basically grew up in a very inclusive martial arts community, I still felt it necessary to research the history and philosophy of the style I had been practicing for so many years. I was taking a substantial number of commercial banking courses when I was younger so it was natural for me to research and analyze a karate style for my martial art side as opposed to a business industrial sector for my banking side.
It was this combination of physical and cerebral that drew me to both Randy and Dr. Bennett. Both were accomplished martial artists, yet both had dedicated themselves to the more analytical side of their discipline(s). To explore this combination of athleticism and scholastic research, I sat down with Randy who patiently educated me on the Japanese concept of Bunbu Ryodo (文武両道).
Bunbu Ryodo translates as “Cultural – Martial Arts – Both Ways”; an equal balance between martial arts and culture. In the West, we have a similar philosophy when we say “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword” whereby Bunbu Ryodo seeks the perfect balance between the Pen and the Sword. This ideal really resonated with Randy and it became a driving force in his quest to fully understand the samurai fighting spirit. Considering Randy’s incredibly jovial personality, I was interested in how he ended up in such a serious and responsible position as an internationally renowned Tea Master.
RCS: When I was in Hong Kong I learned of the concept of Bunbu Ryodo from my sifu. A simple way to translate it would be the martial and cultural ways in unison. I was rather intrigued by this ideal of a warrior scholar and it was my desire to follow this “way” that eventually lead me to Japan.
A Circuitous Route
Randy started his incredible martial arts journey not with Japanese Budo but rather with Chinese Kung Fu. While growing up in Edmonton, Canada, Randy befriended a Chinese neighbor who happened to know Wing Chun kung-fu. After a joint trip to Hong Kong, Randy decided to stay in Hong Kong so he could expand his kung-fu knowledge. Fortunately for him, his friend introduced Randy to his “hung gar” sifu (instructor) who was also a well-known actor in the local martial arts film industry.
This combination led to a number of television and movie roles for Randy and allowed him a unique opportunity to learn some quality martial arts. While learning new forms of kung-fu, Randy was also able to travel throughout Asia including several trips to Japan.
On one of these trips, Randy attended a grading of a friend who was actively practicing Kendo. It was during some lively and informative dinner conversations that something was said that resonated with Randy. A seed was planted!
I mentioned previously how I felt that Randy was looking for something, well it was here where his quest began. Japan’s history of trying to balance the warrior culture with the artistic or academic culture is extensive and the primary reason Randy decided to relocate to Japan.
RCS: I didn’t feel complete in my Hong Kong kung fu training. Chalk it up to my young age or my attitude perhaps but I felt there was something missing. It turned out to be the “way”…do or michi in Japanese. For me it seemed to be more obvious in the Japanese martial arts.
A Complete Samurai
Almost immediately after relocating to Japan, Randy began his Kendo training and through the encouragement of his sensei, he also took up Iaido, or the Art of Drawing the Sword. Randy felt he needed to fully commit himself to the samurai principle of being a total warrior. It is for this reason that Randy set out to learn as many different “samurai fighting styles” over and above Kendo and Iaido.
In the end, Randy practiced five different Japanese Budo and was able to attain proficiency in all of them. In fact, Randy was even promoted to “Renshi” in a couple of his disciplines, attesting to his mastery of the style. Here is a summary of Randy’s accomplishments …. and why I continue to see him as a “Sensei” … both of Tea and Budo!!
Budo practiced…
- Nitenichi Ryu (Nito Ryu Kendo) Rank: Rokudan (Renshi)
- Tamiya Ryu (Iaido) Rank: Godan (Renshi)
- Zen Nippon Kyudo + Ogasawara Ryu Rank: Godan
- Zen Nippon Kendo (Kendo, Jodo & Iaido) Rank: Sandan
- Zen Nippon Naginata + Jikishinkage Ryu Rank: Nidan
(Zen Nippon means All Japan)
RCS: I came to Japan because I had an interest in what I considered the samurai arts. By that I mean I wanted to be proficient in a variety of weapons that the samurai used. Obviously I began with kendo and iaido but quickly, within a few months, I followed up with kyudo, naginata and Nitoryu. I was lucky that many of my sensei encouraged me to follow other paths.
In his many years of training, Randy remained close friends with Dr. Bennett who had the same belief in the Bunbu Ryodo concept. Interestingly enough, while both gentlemen achieved mastery of their Budo endeavors, Alex felt the pull of academia while Randy saw the artistic culture as his ultimate counterbalance to Budo.
Dr. Bennett is now a professor of Budo culture and history at the International Budo University and Kansai University. I am looking forward to interviewing him for an upcoming Evolution series article. Randy, on the other hand, had a neighbor who was a Tea Sensei and this intrigued Randy more so than a path into academia.
RCS: The woman living next-door to me was a tea sensei. After watching her serve tea I knew this was the balance I was looking for to complete my cultured warrior ideal. Though looking at chado (the way of tea) from the outside one might think that budo is a totally polar opposite. But they’d be wrong! The samurai have always been strong patrons of the way of tea.
Becoming Soei
It was Randy’s intention to perfectly balance the amount of attention he focused on Budo with that of his Tea Training. Unfortunately, both time commitment issues and some health concerns resulted in Randy focusing more on his Tea lessons. With Randy’s passion for authentic samurai training, he felt his transition to Tea Mastery to be a natural extension of his Budo training.
RCS: There are two famous historical figures in Japan that epitomize the connection between tea and the samurai. The warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi and his tea advisor Sen no Rikyu. As mentioned the samurai were strong patrons of the way of tea and without that patronage I’m not sure tea would even exist today.
The relationship between the Samurai class and the ritualistic tea ceremony known as Chanoyu began in the late 16th century and is probably why the tea ceremony remains so respected in Japanese society. Randy also felt that it was his new connection with the Tea Ceremony that ultimately kept him in Japan, even more so than his Budo. On the other hand, Randy feels it was his martial arts training that allowed him to succeed so rapidly in his mastery of the tea ceremony.
RCS: There are so many similarities between tea and the martial arts. Body deportment comes to mind immediately… our posture and movements, the way we walk, the way we bow, the way we hold and carry things. Moving in the tea room is similar to some of the ways we move in the dojo. Examples I often cite to highlight these points are when I bring the water container into the tea room I hold it in a certain fashion that is very similar to the way I hold my sword in the middle fighting posture and the way I hold the bow before I raise it to shoot. That’s not even mentioning the connection of Zen with budo and the way of tea.
Today, Randy is almost exclusively focused on his tea ceremony skills and teaches Chado full-time. He has been featured in documentaries, national newspapers, magazines, and even in the Government’s Official publication “We Are Tomodachi” Magazine and is a sought-after Teacher, Lecturer (and Entertainer!)
Considering his traditional Japanese Budo training, Randy was able to transition easily into this very cultural discipline. One year while visiting Kyoto he found out about the Urasenke Gakuen Professional School of Chado and enrolled at the suggestion of his Tea Sensei neighbor. He received his first teaching license in 1996 and was given the tea name of Soei in 1999 and was ultimately awarded his tea professorship in 2011.
Final Thoughts
The last time I met with Randy it was at his Tea Café “ran Hotei” located in central Kyoto, where he is able to serve and introduce Tea to the many who would like to experience the “Way of Tea”. Randy both demonstrates and teaches his style of Tea Ceremony (Chado) at his Tea Café, where both local Japanese and International tourists are treated to an entertaining afternoon enveloped in an incredibly traditional Japanese Tea culture. A wonderful experience!
My discussions with Randy are always animated and entertaining. As mentioned, Randy is a world-class raconteur and the many hours I spent with him weren’t enough. While Randy’s best Budo days are probably behind him, his passion for martial artists seeking more than physical attributes remains a driving force in his life.
RSC: I was doing tea as a hobby and spent most of my time studying of the martial arts. Once I felt I was skilled enough in the martial arts (can you ever really be skilled enough!) I wanted to increase my tea skills. So my original plan was to do 10 years of martial arts followed by 10 years of tea and then 10 years of tea and the martial arts together. But what happened was my martial arts practice kind of fell by the wayside and I continued to devote myself to the way of tea. And now I’m just an old tea guy! So let that be a cautionary tale to those of you that get sidetracked from what your original focus was!
I have already mentioned how I felt that I needed to supplement the physical activities part of my martial arts with something more analytical or intellectual. While I truly listened wholeheartedly to what Randy espoused and appreciated his enthusiasm for cultural vocations, unfortunately, I learned very early that I do not have a ‘cultural bone in my body’ … and the reason I embarked on the academic/analytical route.
Obviously, this does not mean you shouldn’t expand your martial arts by trying something cultural, just try anything that is over and above the purely physical plane of your training. Become the Complete Warrior you set out to be by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something artistic or cultural as part of your martial arts training. You’ll be glad you did, especially in your later years!
Randy Channell Soei: I do recommend to your readers that they try to pursue the path of Bunbu Ryodo. As a martial artist you should want to achieve this balance between your warrior spirit and the cultural aesthetic side.
If you wish to learn more about Chanoyu and Randy Channell Soei, I recommend that you purchase his excellent book on Amazon.com
Pruim Shihan has regularly travelled to Japan in order to train with one of the world's foremost Karate masters, the late Kanazawa Hirokazu Soke (10th Dan Shotokan Karate) and his present instructor Shuseki Shihan Manabu Murakami (8th Dan).
Pruim Shihan also attended the International Budo University, located in Katsuura, Japan on several occasions for advanced Budo training where he was introduced to Atarashii Naginata.
Andries Pruim has written several articles over the past 30 years, with his most recent work focusing on the business side of the Martial Arts Industry.
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