Someone added this to Wikipedia about us:

“A blend of Malay Silat and freestyle knife fighting, created by noted leaders of the gay movement in South Africa and Dubai: Nigel February and Lloyd De Jongh. Distinguished as the only martial art for – and by – gays, though all are welcome to learn. Movements are similar to the movements of chickens, doves and turkeys and many techniques are entitled “peck”, “hummingbird” and other names that refer to avian creatures.”

I thought this was funny. We’ve never bothered to use Wikipedia. It had the most basic (inaccurate) information on Piper, which we hadn’t posted to begin with. Of course, there is no way to accurately trace who this was.

We seem to be scaring a group or an individual who has something to lose by our success. Either way, it’s good to see we are having an effect on the Martial Arts world.

The Gathering of the Clan

Imatsu-Ryu Kokusai Renmei

Kimberley, South Africa
25th to 27th April 2009

It is with humble pride (Paradox) that I write this letter to ‘The Noble House of Imatsu’ and ‘ALL’ its faithful members world-wide.

i) http://houseofimatsu.com/home ii)  http://houseofimatsu.com/

This weekend humbled me as a human being and endorsed the simple fact that the final instructions of my late Great Grand Master, Kancho George Jamieson [Joe] Grant-Grierson [10th Dan], to both Kyoshi Japie Cilliers and myself is NOT a pipe dream or an unattainable goal, but a reality.

For the 1st time ever in my 48 years of martial science training, I witnessed Goju Ryu, Goju Kai, Shotokan, Shukokai, TaeKwondo, Ninjutsu, Silat, Doce Pares, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Aikido and Aiki Jitsu stylists, Kick Boxers, Wrestlers, Bouncers, Boxers, Knife Fighters, practitioners from many and varied generic martial sciences and Special Force Operatives ‘TRAINING TOGETHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND SHARING THEIR VAST KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE FREELY, WITH NO ULTERIOR MOTIVES OR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCE’.

I witnessed the passing on of ‘PURE’ Budo knowledge and the sharing of ‘Deadly Street Survival Arts’. The Way of the Warrior Monk and the martial sciences of pure murderous destruction, such a paradox and amalgam of martial ways and arts, NEVER BEFORE WITNESSED IN SOUTH AFRICA. Kancho Joe was correct – ‘It is possible’.

The Noble house of Imatsu and you wonderful people, the practitioners of these wonderful ancient sciences, made me, your humble door keeper of the House, cry silently to myself for being able to fulfil a small portion of Kancho’s last instructions to me.

This weekend made me sad however, sad that Kancho Joe was not with us physically to bare witness to the start of the realisation of his dreams.

‘All martial sciences in South Africa and the world, living and training under one roof and sharing knowledge unconditionally WITH NO THOUGHT OF SELF OR RANK’.
I am so very humbled and grateful to have been the one chosen to serve you and the higher ideals of this great man. I am truly blessed and in turn, I thank and bless you all… ‘Domo Arigato’

• The SA Martial Sciences Hall of Fame 2004
  (Formerly The SA Karate and Martial Arts Hall of Fame)

Thanks to my dear friend Japie, the final recipients of this great honour [a few extra worth human beings were thrown in for good measure] were tracked down and honoured before their peers. I was once again humbled to be the vehicle that was chosen to kick start this great and worthy project to honour our own. This time, NO FAKE Sensei’s and THEIR FAKE SPRINGBOKS were allowed near this hallowed Hall of Fame. I still feel disgusted with you [You know who you are] and am ashamed that I was caught up in your web of deceit and silver tongue.

I salute those inducted into ‘The Hall’ and honour you and your deeds.

‘May their works and deeds be made known to all of mankind, even unto the generations that follow’.
The ‘Class of 2004’ is now closed and sealed in perpetuity.

I salute each and every warrior within this hallowed ‘Hall of Fame’

• The SA Martial Sciences Hall of Fame 2010

I charge each and every member of the Hall of Fame 2004 and each and every member of Kancho’s Noble House, to go forth and seek the worthy, the wise, the Budo men and Woman and the unsung heros of the Noble Arts we study, ancient or modern that they too may be honoured by their peers, in Kimberley South Africa, one year from now.

• Imatsu-Ryu Kokusai

From humble beginnings, Kancho’s Noble House of Imatsu is now well and truly international. This association now has ‘International Guardians’ and active members in the following countries:

• South Africa
• England
• Scotland
• Israel
• Germany
• Tunisia
• Dubai, U.A.E.
• Canada
• Texas, U.S.A
• The Philippines
• Namibia
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Australia

• International directive regarding certification of rank

Due to the recent spate of e-mail received from people wanting to join the ‘House of Imatsu International’, whose sole purpose seems to be to gain ‘Rank Recognition Certificates’, I am invoking my right as the legally appointed International Sentinel-Guardian 1 of the Noble House of Imatsu International and as the Senior Council Dean of the:

• Kokuryu-Kai Kokusai
• All Africa Budo Council
• All Africa University for Advanced Martial Science Research
• Knights of Bushido International

by issuing the following decree:

• The Noble House of Imatsu International is NOT a diploma Mill. It never has been and never will be.
• The Noble House of Imatsu International does NOT issue ‘Rank Recognition Certificates’ accept under the following conditions:

1. The martial science practitioner who applies for such certification, does so by:
   • Submitting for ‘International Verification, ‘Certified’ [Signed by a Commissioner of Oaths] copies of all rank certificates to be recognised.
   • Such rank certificates MUST have originally been issued by an Internationally Recognised Martial Science Teacher, from an Internationally Recognised Martial Science Ryu, ancient or modern generic.
   • Current contact details of the issuing instructor or his legally certified successor MUST be supplied.

   Rank certificates emanating from unknown Martial Science Teachers, so called Grand Masters teaching unknown styles or martial ways, purporting to verify you as a grand master at 40 years old or younger and / or purchased from the Internet and signed by fake and untraceable Grand Masters are not and never will be acceptable. This constitutes a prostitution of the ancient martial sciences and is NOT acceptable to normal moral standards of Bushido. Rather purchase these from a diploma mill off the internet

2. The martial science practitioner who applies for such certification comes to South Africa at their own expense and trains with one or more of the senior instructors of The House of Imatsu for a period of no less than 2 continuous weeks. Myself or my Senior Guardian, Kyoshi Japie Cilliers MUST be present at the final training session to verify the applicants ability and skill.
3. ALL other normal annual and or affiliate membership criteria MUST be completed

• The Gathering of the Clan 2009
  The 2nd Annual Meeting of the Noble House

I applaud Kyoshi Japie Cilliers (7th Dan) and his tireless team of helpers for the outstanding work done in organising and putting together The Gathering of the Clan 2009. A superb effort that will long be remembered by all who attended. I salute you Sir, I salute your ideals and I salute your team.

Same place, same time 2010.

I want 500 students to train under 1 single roof in 2010. Make it happen.

International Invitations for the 2010 Gathering of the Clan

I will address these invitations personally.

• Soke Dr. Dennis Hanover [10th Dan] Israel
  Krag Maga and Survival Ju-Jitsu Great Grand Master
• Soke Richard Salmon [10th Dan] South Africa
  A Great Grand Master of the arts and an internationally renowned technical expert of karate. Budoryu International
• Kancho Desmond J. Botes [10th Dan] South Africa
  A Great Grand Master of the arts and an internationally renowned technical expert of the ‘REAL’ Shukokai karate. Butsurido Shukokai Karate International
• Hanshi Professor Steve Arneil [9th Dan] United Kingdom
  A Great Grand Master of the arts and an internationally renowned technical expert of karate. International Federation of Kyokushin Karate
• Soke: Dr Rupert Juta [9th Dan] Canada
  A Grand Master of hoplology and an internationally renowned expert of the ancient and modern martial sciences. Tao-Shukokairyu International
• Dai-Hanshi: Dr James Rousseau [9th Dan] United Kingdom
  A Great Grand Master of the arts and an internationally renowned technical expert of Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate.
• Colonel: Gil Van Kerkhoven [Honorary 5th Dan] South Africa
  Honorary Colonel of the House of Imatsu International.
• Father: Jude McKenna [7th Dan] Zambia
  A Grand Master and internationally renowned expert of Judo and Ju-Jitsu. The ‘Spiritual Advisor’ to the Noble House of Imatsu International
• Shihan: Jonathan Kruger [5th Dan] Zambia
  A friend, a gentleman, a noble humanitarian, a Judo and Ju-Jitsu expert and a most worthy member of the human race

In conclusion

It would not be possible to thank each and every person responsible for the success of this weekends’ Gathering, but I must and should, thank the following by name:

Kyoshi Japie. You tireless work and the unfailing support of your dear wife will long be remembered. Thank you Sir.

Shihan Nigel February and your brand new wife Jodi. Bless you both. Nigel, it is always a joy to watch your art and listen to your words. Wisdom of ancient Budo, far beyond your earth years.

Shihan Henry Pieters and Milda. Your arts, your success in the Philippines and your value as a worthy human being are always a joy for me. Thank you Sir.

Senior Guardian Lloyd who travelled all the way from Dubai to be with the Noble House. Your evolution and mastery of Shihan Nigel’s Piper System and the work done for this exciting yet deadly art on an international scale is awe inspiring.

Sensei Nino. What can I say about this man. A worthy man of Budo, a faithful servant of Kancho’s House, a man with vision insight into how Kancho’s House should be run and the architect of ALL our certificates, Logo’s, Badges and NEW WEB-SITE. I feel privileged that you have touched my life in this, my humble and sometimes painful journey through space and time.

Your humble servant of Kancho’s House.

Thomas (Sensei)

I have just returned from my trip to South Africa. It was an incredibly stimulating journey. I learned a great deal, and more importantly, met some amazing people. I will post more over the coming days, however I do want to especially thank Henry Pieters (http://combat-arts.co.za, Doce Pares) for his generosity, time, wisdom and sound advice. And of course an awesome pair of Kali sticks!

It was a fantastic experience, we all owe Japie Cilliers a great deal of thanks once again for organising this event and introducing so many people and providing a platform for people to meet, learn and share.

Pictures, clips and articles to follow.

Thanks Henry and Milda, thank you Japie, and to Denzil and the two Andre’s and Andra, Sensei Des Botes, Sensei Thomas, Peter Stegmann, Nino, so many others – you all have contributed and what you have given is much appreciated. Till next time!