Soke Joseph Ruiz performing the ceremonial Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Shihan Robert Izzo
June 8, 2024, marked a special day for the IKKU as a Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Shihan Robert Izzo of the TKA Traditional Karate Association. After bowing in for the 37th annual IKKU Summer Camp session, Soke Ruiz performed the ceremonial act of presenting and mounting a Tsuba onto the Renshi Obi. Soke has previously mentioned his tradition of Tsuba Presentations, but here is a quick review. Soke only awards Tsuba periodically, which are generally awarded to senior-level Yudansha, 3rd Dan, and others, whom Soke considers his karate students.
This marks a humbling step in one’s martial arts journey with the IKKU. Rensei Shihan Robert Izzo is being accepted as one of Soke Ruiz’s High-Dan Students.
A few words of introduction regarding Tsuba. A tsuba is a hand guard mounted on a Katana between the blade’s cutting edge and the Tsuka (handle of the weapon). Its primary function is to keep the user’s hand from sliding up and onto the blade of the sword, to protect the hand from an opponent’s blade, to counterbalance the weight of the blade, and to some degree to communicate the social standing, beliefs, and tastes of its owner. The Ceremonial Tsuba from Soke and the IKKU represent the trust between Soke and the Students and the protection Soke provides to all his students. The Ceremonial Tsuba also represents the balance that the IKKU helps to instill in its students. Mind, Body, and Spirit, along with proper traditional foundations in all our arts, help to bring peace, protection, and balance into one’s life.
During the ceremony, Soke will remove one’s Obi from around the waist, mount a Tsuba over the Obi, and retie the Obi with the Tsuba in place. From that point forward, the Tsuba is worn in a rear-facing position. If you see someone wearing a Tsuba during class or in a clinic, then you will undoubtedly know that the Tsuba was earned and personally awarded by Soke Ruiz. This isn’t a fashion statement but a badge of honor with a rich history instilled in this time-honored tradition.
A big congratulations go out to Renshi Shihan Robert Izzo on his Tsuba Award. OSU!
Additional IKKU Information:
For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union, please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU, and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.
For a complete listing of upcoming scheduled sessions, please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.
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