Tenshin Ryushin-Ji Buddhist Temple (Prayer & Meditation Center)

The Tenshin Ryushin-Ji Buddhist Temple is a Prayer & Meditation Center designed to house various Buddhist related Martial Arts & Science Systems, Holistic Arts & Sciences as well as the Study of Yogic Principles.

All Programs, as well as Temple functions such as scheduled Prayer & Meditation sessions, Spiritual guidance, are under the direction of Tenshin Arakawa, Shifu & Senior Monk. Arakawa, Sensei has over 50 years of experience and has studied under the guidance of Masters from around the globe.

Comments

[Gary Delmarco]

I first saw Arakawa in New York City with other Monks in China Town. He was gracious in offering me advise and information regarding monastic martial arts. We conversed for over an hour and in that time, I learned more than I previously had with my other Sensei in several years. He is truely one of the most skilled practitioners I have seen. He destroys the martial arts concept and replaces it with rational martial science,

Thank you Shifu Arakawa

Gary Delmarco

[William K. Russel]

Arakawa, Shifu

Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to show me and my wife around the Temple and the Temple grounds. What a beautiful place and the prayer & meditation room is absolutely beautiful. We have never seen a real Buddhist shrine, other than in photographs or film. The shrine is breath-taking to say the least. I further wanted to thank you for taking the time to
illustrate monastic martial arts which now has me thinking in manner of science; rather than art form. I was thoroughly impressed and appreciate the time you spent with us.

gratefully

William K. Russel

[Richard Owens]

Shifu,

The tour you gave us(the group)on May 2nd, was really cool. I thought Buddhist Temples were so, ornate but yours is rather down to earth, with exception of the Thangka's and the Shrine which were absolutely beautiful. I see gary & william both wrote you a note . I thought I would do the same. You are an awesome individual. Thank you!

metta,

Richard Owens

[Richard B. Hickman]

Shifu Arakawa,

I have studied several forms of martial arts over the past 22 years; some Okinawan and also, Chinese.
I thought I knew quite a lot until someone advised me to check out the temple that was built in this area. I did not know that Buddhist temples administered Buddhist forms of martial, holistic, & yogic teachings. I found I know very little until I began studying under Shifu Arakawa & Takahayashi, Sensei.

MY sincere thank you to these Monks. " Incredible" is the word. I would recommend anyone studying at the Tenshin Ryushin-Ji. You do not have to become a monk or a nun in order to receive competent martial arts training.

Blessings,

R. Hickman

[Mr. Ken Richman, Sesnei]

Shifu,

Thank you for opening up my eyes to what is authentic and not. I too came to view martial arts and other forms of yoga disciplines as the real deal because this is what is normally offered in the United States. Now I realize that most of these are filtered from the origins of monastic arts & sciences, I was astonished. I know you never put down other styles, but I am saying that what you teach is the difference between day and night.

I thought I was a very good black belt practitioner when I first received by you (Shifu) as a student; not I have far exceeded my expectations in achieving ultimate knowledge possible. Thank you once again.

Ken Richman, Sensei

[Louis Mullvihill]

Arakawa Tenshin, Shifu

Namaste!

I simply could not refuse telling everyone the honor it has been over the years of study, being taught by you and Tenshin Kyomo, Sensei. Although my travels have led me away and I cannot be there as often, I can truly state that for all the dojo I have visited or attended over the years, yours is the one most informative. The education level far surpasses any teachings I have come across in any of the several systems in past years. Your teachings opened up my eyes and mind to what I now understand , are the ancient ways set previously throughout the centuries. Sadly, one can clearly view the difference in all of these newer sport related arts as egocentric and offering nothing more in the realm of the heart & spirit. I am not Buddhist and was born and raised a Christian. It is my opinion, that you, Shifu, although a Buddhist Monk, is a reflection of what Christianity should be. Tolerant, compassionate and placing God before himself in every manner of the speaking. Your service to humanity involving yourself in humanitarian endeavors, prison ministries, and service to the general community, is overwhelming. My prayers are with you and the temple always.

Louis B. Mullvihill

[Vince summerhill, Jr.]

I first was introduced to Shifu many years ago when he was conducting a seminar. I was a Sandan at that time and came to the point where I began to wonder what else could I possibly learn as in today's communication sources, I thought I had witnessed most of the avenues of information that is in martial arts communities today. I was becoming frustrated with all the filtered down versions martial sport who call themselves, martial art. I further became frustrated as everyone is now hopping on the band wagon, declaring themselves as "mixed ' martial arts.

Shifu's Teachings are all martial science. He clarifies all of his information and then,has the student validate what he has taught. He uses Ancient Teachings of Buddhist, Indian, Tibetan, & Taoist as sources of his information. He has studied for over 50 years (of this writing) and the knowledge he possesses far exceeds most I have come into contact.

For anyone who reads this, I hope you will contact this man, that is, only if you are a serious student of Budo (martial arts ).

[K. Meng Lu]

The photograph was taken from a file that was
printed by mistake. We have inquired and it is being taken off.

Thank you for advising us of this mistake.

[Arakawa Tenshin, Shifu]

A MESSAGE FROM Arakawa Tenshin, Shifu

TO ALL MEMBERS:

I first want to thank everyone for their support however, something has come to my attention last night from Meng, which I feel, needs addressing.

Some of you have created these Web Sites or Blogs
(I apologize, I do not know the difference as I am very internet illiterate when it comes to these vehicles), that I rarely check the internet for these vehicles as personally, I would NOT know where to begin.

I believe it is important that I am not surprised by these heart-felt gifts in lieu of last nights problem, which incidentally, was immediately corrected.

I am requesting that anyone who wishes to create these sites, blogs, or whatever the vehicle creating such, please contact this office in order to review & verify the content of information you are wanting to provide. In this, we will minimize our human error.

I applaud your loyalty however, in todays world, it is vital that there is no error in what is being portrayed on these sites.

I wish all of you and those who view this site, blog,
many -MANY Blessings !

In Metta,

Arakawa Tenshin

[Beneford Nancy, III]

Shifu,

Congratulations on being elected into the Elite Yudansha Group--Knights of the BaQua (Sanchai Seven).

What William explained was this group has elected Yudansha from all over the world who meet each year in New York to discuss and outline some of the best methods of Budo known to man. It is only befitting that you, after 52 years of study, were also elected into this organization.

I can truly say that I have never witnessed the caliber of martial science intelligence that you possess. I would have loved to have met your teachers.

Thank you for exposing me to these Buddhist Teachings & Philosophy of the Zhang Xing Shi
Kuntau and Liu Ho Pa Fa. I cannot wait until your health returns so that we may embark on Tibetan Lama Pai Haapga Kyhuan & Kum Nye.

May your recovery be swift nd may you know God's blessings.

your in Budo & the Dharma,

Beneford

[Fred Solomon]

Greetings everyone:

I am not the kind of individual who writes letters of complements about those in positions of authority however this is different.

I have to express that after many years of study in both martial and holistic areas, what a unique experience it has been in being introduced to Shifu.

I was introduced to him in China Town by another friend of mine who has studied as long as I have over the past 25 years. I thought I was well versed in the areas of both martial and holistic energetic philosophies; that is, until I met Shifu.

HIs education is so far beyond the comprehension of most; after several hours of debate and discussion, I felt I had just began as a Yokasei (novice) and I have been a full time student for a little over 25 years. I cannot tell you how my eyes have been opened and a resurgence of new excitement has filled me in wanting to explore these avenues you have introduced me to.

It has been a pleasure in being introduced, and certainly, in hopes of my attaining more teachings in the future.

If anyone is reading this, please, it would be worth your while to get to know Shifu better; not only as a teacher, but as a human beings as well.

Peace & Joy,

F. Solomon

[Randy Benefield, Sensei]

Greetings to all those who read this.

I wanted to be the first in 2011 to write in and tell you about Shifu Arakawa.

First, I have been a teacher and practitioner of martila arts for over 30 years. There is little or no information I feel I can be exposed to after this much time spent in the areas of martial study.

I had heard of Shifu several years ago but seemingly, just as someone may ask , have to read this or that, I ultimately had ignored the information provided me, as just another martial artist among many who could not possibly offer me any new information in these areas. Boy, was I wrong !

Actually, upon meeting him, I was thinking that I would impress him. Boy, was I wrong!

I began to try and impress him by conversing about Ki (energy techniques, energy components in Kata and more ), all the time Shifu just sat there and listened. Finally, after me doing most of the talking, which was rude on my part, Shifu offered me a large smile, some hot tea and said little during the making of his tea service. Then, all of a sudden, Shifu began asking me several complex questions all related to what conversation previously I had offered him. They were so complex, I could not answer them.

Then, he began asking more questions and making complex comments to the questions that i was just simply blown away. Then, answers came immediately following these questions. To say, for the first time in many years, I felt like I was a entry level student, is a understatement.

There are many who do not know the entire story of Shifu's life. Kyomo Tenshin, Sensei and I sat for hours one afternoon, What a unbelievable story regarding this individual; yet, i will say that I still cannot tell you his entire life tales, struggles and triumphs if I wanted to.

As a Teacher, and I can tell you that i have studied under quite a few over the years, there are few that have the communication skills, much less, the information that can hold me captive.

His student base come from all parts of the world yet Shifu never charges for his services. All instruction are by donation what he calls Dana or offerings.

I want to be the first to publicly thank him for the services given me and further wish to tell anyone reading this, if you think that there is nothing more you can learn regarding martial arts & sciences (the Path) as he calls it, "Boy are you wrong".

Heiwa ( Peace)

Randy Benefield, Sensei

[Sifu Chen]

I would refer Shifu to virtually anyone, no matter what lineage of study, who has attained the black belt. If you believe your training was informative, you haven't the slightest idea of what encompasses martial arts if you have not been trained in the martial science ideology.

It is my understanding that black belts from around the world, travel to the Tenshin Ryushin-Ji for further their knowledge in classical chuanfa. I can see why. I am of Asian descent and I know of this first hand.

When you first come into contact with Shifu, you will see a simple elderly structure of a ordinary man, as he puts it; but after conversing with him for a short period, you will come to see why he commands so much respect and admiration.

Shifu is passionate about what he teaches and what is awarded you during the course of your studies. He does not charge individuals but works simply on what is called Dana (Offerings) from the student.

Bring lots of pencil and paper because you will want a recored of all the intricate teachings you will receive.

I have studied many years and I will say that he is one of the true inspirations of our era; now having studied 52 years.

You can reach him at: (931) 682-1077

TenshinRyushin_Ji@hotmail.com

or

tenshin_arakawa@yahoo.com

Chen