Eternal Phoenix Dojo

The Eternal Phoenix Dojo ir Eien no Fushicho dojo dates back to the earliest days of the Phoenix Clan. Located within the heart of Shiro Shiba, some say the first test of the dojo is to be able to find it within the rambling maze of walls, moats and buildings within the castle.

Founding
Even before Shiba swore his oath to Isawa he had gathered around himself a strong house of samurai. His followers became known as philosopher-warriors, who contemplated the mysteries of the universe as eagerly as taking up the sword in their masters defence. When Shiba knelt before Isawa there were some of his followers who were reluctant to be in service to the pacifistic Isawa family. Shiba's words on the matter were that if they would follow him they would obey his words. The matter was never fully resolved because Shiba left to find Isawa on the Day of Thunder, and never returned. It therefore fell to Shiba's grandsons, Shiba Kaigen and Shiba Yinobu, to end the debate. Kaigen believed the Shiba family were swoarn to safeguard the lands of the Phoenix and their people, but Yinobu held that they were to guard each Isawa individually. The two brothers decided to found a dojo each. One, the Eternal Phoenix Dojo was founded by Kaigen, and the other, Dai-Chikai Dojo was founded by Yinobu.

Traditions
The traditions of the Eien no Fushicho forms the basis of all Phoenix dojo. Students are versed in the Tao and strive to follow the example of the constant obeservation and contemplateion of their founder, Shiba. Practicing the arts of the sword, naginata and bow are as much for honing the spirit as to defend the clan. The school strives to teach the concept of "no mind", and even though it might seem like a soft philosophy to an outsider, it never the less a concept fit to serve the pacifistic Isawa. The true students learn that violence breeds a mindless attraction of violence, and this is the ultimate expression of passivity. A master of the school always looks like he is waiting, but more in the sense of how the stillness in water appears. Water never hesitates when the bowl is overturned, and for this reason the warriors of the school continously surprise less thoughtful enemies.

Training
Visiting sensei to the dojo often observe how the school is more like a monastery than a dojo. The students will practice with bows and boken and swim in the moats as any other schools, but are also often found to be reading or meditating. If a Shiba is confronted and told he is "all thought and no action" he would merely reply; "I am doing my thinking now, so when the time comes for action I will not have to think at all." This is the heart of the teachings at the school, and although the Shiba are not renowned for being warriors, their mastery of the Void cannot be faulted. Tales of students pouring over scrolls for months and then having to recite them for hours on end from memory are not exaggerations. The discipline of the mind is often a greater challenge than exercise or weapons training. The Shiba warriors are mostly ignored by the other warrior houses, and any outsiders training in the dojo are taught in exactly the same way as the Phoenix youths, as the Shiba hope that the student will bring fame and honor to the school. Sadly most of these individuals move on to become important figures in their daimyo's service or as advisors or scholars. Rarely do they become great warriors or generals.

Sensei
The students of the school work to attract the attention of guards captains, patrol commanders and various sensei and generals. A student if proving to be worthy may become a patron of some authority figure, and must then endure some instruction methods that border on sadistic. This system teaches the students both humility and persistance, and the student is forever tied to their mentor. The student will owe both the school and sensei a debt of loyalty that will last a lifetime.

Notable Sensei

 * Shiba Yusuke ? - ?

Notable Students

 * Shiba Aikune

Major References

 * Way of the Samurai Pages 55.