In Memory of James Miller Sempai
- RKC Dojo
- May 30
- 6 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
James MILLER sempai, Kendoka, Iaidoka, and Jodoka at the RKC Dojo passed away on Friday, 23 May 2025, after a short but fierce battle with cancer.
He will always be remembered as one of the most generous, caring, and cheerful members of our dojo. He was always willing to offer a hearty and warm welcome to new and old members alike.
Ever calm and cheerful, there was almost nothing that could dampen his intentions to have a good training session.
His positive energy was infectious in the dojo, inspiring many to push through their own challenges and just keep training.
A true ambassador of the dojo, he was always recruiting new members to try at least one of the 3 arts he loved so dearly.
He believed in our dojo's philosophy of FOCUS, FUN, and FAMILY, and demonstrated it whenever he could.
James will be sorely missed by all who had come into contact with him.
Rest in peace, sempai. ♥️🙏🏼⚡️
******************************************
DOJO MEMORIAL ON 8 JUNE 2025
James MILLER's dojo memorial will be on Sunday, 8 June from 1030am to 1230pm, at the Rivonia Sports Club (46 Achter Road, Paulshoff, JHB).
Dress code: Casual, unless you're taking part in the Kata Tribute to James, for which you should be in Hakama and Dogi.
If you would like to say a few words in remembrance of James, a story to share, or just something to honour him, please indicate this on the RSVP form. Respectfully, please keep it to 3 mins max.
Please RSVP accordingly via this link: https://forms.gle/o8BYGNcNKxJLiJKVA
Program:
10h30: Reiho + Moment of Silence + Kata Tribute
11h00: Remembering James
12h00: Snacks
12h30: End
Please contact info@rkcdojo.com if you would like to participate.
******************************************
VISUAL TRIBUTES TO JAMES MILLER
Version 2 of James sempai's dojo life, accompanied with a song created by a dear dojo friend of James. The songs lyrics are as follows:
An Ode to Mr J
(For James)
[Verse]
The ability to laugh when you cry
That was your gift
J
Your spark in the sky
You held the silence
But you lived out loud
Even in stillness
You stood so proud
[Verse 2]
The need to shout when the stillness was high
To break through the hush with a soul that could fly
Not just a brother
But a compass
A flame
You left too soon
But you carved out your name
[Chorus]
We wish to know
Though the "why" won't appear
Grief writes in riddles
Not answers
Not clear
No turning back now
No picking the seams
But at least you are free now to rest and to dream
[Verse 3]
This isn't fair
But nothing in life is
Though that's no comfort
The void that this life gives
You were a teacher
A star in the night
But how can we follow when you dim your light?
[Verse 4]
If we'd known then
Would we have done more?
Is it our fault that we closed that door?
Would it have changed things if we'd known then?
These questions will play through my head till the end
[Chorus]
I wish you peace now and I wish you rest
Your beautiful soul was simply the best
No turning back now
No picking the seams
But at least you are free now to rest and to dream
The song can be listened to on:
FInal Call, Kata Tribute, Farewell Messages
A funny and touching tribute from Steve Daly:
Link to the recording of the memorial for James on 3 June 2025:
Warren HO's memorial speech on 3 June 2025
"Ichi-go ichi-e" (一期一会) is a Japanese phrase that means "one life, one meeting" or "once in a lifetime." It emphasizes the importance of cherishing each moment as a unique and unrepeatable opportunity. The concept encourages mindfulness and gratitude, reminding individuals to make the most of every experience, as it will never occur again exactly the same way.
Good afternoon, My name is Warren and I was offered to say a few words about James. Let me tell you then about James, the martial artist.
James joined our dojo back in 2019. Back then, we only practised Kendo, which for those who might not know, is where we dress up in traditional Japanese clothing (hakama and kendogi), body armour (known as bogu), scream at each other, then literally beat the crap out of each other with bamboo swords (known as a shinai)! This for us, is great FUN! James, being very English - calm, cool and collected - initially struggled with this notation, but eventually turned out to be one of the most enduring figures in our dojo with his deep, bellowing ki-ai, and towering stature.
During the height of the pandemic, we decided to start practising two other related martial arts: Iaido, which involves self-practise with a real, metal swords, and Jodo, that uses a 128cm wooden staff to defend against a sword. James was with us at the beginning stages of these 2 paths, and he fully embraced the journey by throwing himself into the study and practise of these arts.
He was constantly reading, watching and researching about these arts and I would very often receive a text at 3am from him (probably during one of his shifts), that started of with, “HELLO WARREN SENSEI!”, then followed by a very random, but relatable text about some new thought or idea he had!
Although he was older than me, James humbly accepted my role as sensei of the dojo and was always a staunch supporter of our dojo initiative. He was always encouraging me to continue to do what I was doing, and on several occasions, he would have to remind me: “We are doing the right things! Let’s keep going”!
And this was James in the dojo too. There was NOT ONE member that he would not know personally. He would always have a friendly smile and banter for anyone who came to our dojo. If they were a student of Kendo, Iaido or Jodo, James will often be the first one to start teaching them the arts that he loved so dearly. James was ALWAYS at the dojo.
As our dojo’s medical officer, James was the first person anyone with an injury would go to. No matter how big or small the injury was, James would administer his expertise with 100% care. A true professional, and a gentleman.
Many of our dojo members were shocked and saddened to hear of James’ passing. However, many also had heartfelt stories to share about how James had impacted their dojo life. From sorting out minor injuries, persistent nagging to train, to just some words on encouragement that made training a little more bearable, James was there for all of us.
Our dojo, our members and our community will miss James dearly.
I will miss my student, my colleague, and my friend.
But we, much like all of you, will continue of our paths. Let us remember James’ ever-enduring words of encouragement to keep on going: “FIGHTO, CHAPS, FIGHTO!”.
Until we cross swords again, James, rest in peace, but keep on training.
******************************************
James' mock grading from Aug 2024:
2023 Autumn Championship where James' keeps up with the youngsters!
Iaido Embu at 2023 RKC Autumn Championships
SAKF Iaido Demo at Brooklyn Mall (Japan Cultural Expo) 20230326 (Full Demo)
SAKF Jodo Demo at Brooklyn Mall (Japan Cultural Expo) 20230326 (Full Demo)
20230204- CNY IAIDO DEMO
James' Music Video Debut in Buffalo Souljah's 2022 music video, "Even Badman Fall In love"
The Instagram post:
Some articles James was in:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Ryū Ken Chi (RKC) Dojo train the traditional Japanese martial arts of Kendo and Iaido (sword-based martial arts), as well as Jodo (the art of the short staff), that encourages the cultivation of the human character.
Kendo Kid is also available for children aged 6-13 years old.
RKC DOJO has 2 training venues within Johannesburg - RIVONIA and OBSERVATORY.
Please follow us on our various social media platforms:
Website: www.rkcdojo.com
Facebook: / rkcdojo
Instagram: @rkc_dojo
TikTok: rkcdojo
YouTube: / rivoniakendoclub
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rkcdojo
WhatsApp Channel:
Comments