In Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido, achieving the brown belt (Wind element) marks the start of a special phase of development: students are actively encouraged to broaden their horizons and explore other martial arts. Senpai Martin Paetz actively embodies this spirit of the ‘Wind’. Alongside his training at Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido, he regularly deepens his understanding of Japanese martial arts through Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu and Kendo. Success in Otterberg: On 25 April 2026, Martin demonstrated his skills at the Hanami Cup, a Kendo tournament in Otterberg. His performance was impressive: he won all his matches in his group with ease, thereby securing his place in the final round. It was only in the semi-finals that he was defeated, finishing in an excellent 3rd place. Learning from the masters: Yet at Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido, it is about more than just medals. A particular highlight of the tournament was the subsequent Ji-Geiko (free training). This offered a rare opportunity to directly challenge the coaches and referees present to a bout. Martin made the most of this chance. Through direct interaction on the mat, he was able to gain valuable tips and a new, deep understanding of the subtleties of Japanese martial arts. These insights are now being incorporated into his own training and enrich our