On a rather chilly, but otherwise sunny Sunday morning, the quiet morning sky over Steveston, BC, Canada, was pierced by the fierce kiai of a group of very serious ladies. Team Canada and Team USA had taken the opportunity of the Steveston Taikai the day before to arrange a series of friendly matches between the two ladies teams. This would give both coaches an opportunity to test out new talent (or ‘old’ talent in new roles) and give the players a chance of testing their skills against some of their strongest rivals.
The quality of the kendo was astounding, with many of the players covering all the bases in physical, technical and mental ability and a fierceness that most would struggle to match.
You would struggle to find a higher level of (female) kendo outside Japan and Korea and I think even those two countries should be wary of both USA and Canada.
The format was 4 full team matches, with Team USA ‘winning’ 3-1 and I think both coaches and players took a lot of positives (along with material to improve) with them home.
Look here in the near future for an in-depth interview with Dean Ara, the coach of Team Canada Ladies.
That’s great to see both sides cooperating torwards developing a stronger women’s team. I bet it was great fun to watch too.
How close were the matches?
More than anything else, it looked like great fun!!
I’m fortunate to know and have played a number of the past and present Canadian team members. They’re all fierce competitors, great people and proud to represent Canada. I’m sure most of the US and Canadian women know each other well, it’s great to see them all together and obviously having a blast.
Two of our good friends, Keiko Marumo from Edmonton (2nd from left bottom row) and Flora Chan from Calgary (3rd from right, top row) are representing the prairies for the 1st time. They are missing our seminar this weekend due to team commitments. We wish them the best of luck.
Dean I’m sure is not relying on luck and is working their butts off.