Looking for a word....

[Eric Baluja]

Dear folks,

I'm looking for the appropriate Japanese word/term that would convey the idea of a "training group" (or "study group", if you will).

What I’m trying to get across is that this group is not a formal dojo under a dojo-cho that is studying a particular martial art, but rather a group of practitioners of various levels of experience that get together to practice whatever martial art they’re studying...I guess you could call it a “cross-training group.” Put another way, no one member is teaching any other member in the strict sense. The members are simply sharing their experiences with one another.

I have heard the term “shibu” but I’m not sure if this quite conveys what I’m trying to get at. What precisely does “shibu” mean? Does it fit what I’m trying to say?

What about, “renshukai” or “keikokai”? I apologize if both of these are wrong, I’m just taking wild guesses here.

I also remember reading a term that I think was “kenkyukai.” Does this do the trick, or is my memory faulty (which is entirely within the realm of reason)?

Any help you can provide is appreciated. Your patience with my ignorance is also appreciated.

Eric Baluja

[Earl Hartman]

Eric:

"Shibu" usually means a branch of some larger organization and is usually used as an official designation for something like a company office or branch dojo. Although I understand what you're trying to get at, "renshukai" and "keikokai" are not real Japanese words, to the best of my kowledge. I've never heard them before, anyway.

Your memory does not play you false. "Kenkyukai" ("research/study group", roughly speaking) is an excellent choice for your purposes. Kenkyu is usually understood as academic research, but kenkyu means research, or deep study, of any kind, so I think it would serve your purposes.

Earl

[George Kohler]

Hi Eric,

I would have to agree with Earl. Kenkyukai is an excellent choice.

[kenkyusha]

I always thought that it was kinda neat that the kanji for Ken contains the same grindstone as kata(chi)... makes for all sorts of possible implications.

Be well,
Jigme

[Eric Baluja]

...THANKS!!!

I sincerely appreciate your (plural) assistance.

All the best,

Eric Baluja