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It has been a while since I last posted, the reason for which I will write in an article soon, but don’t fear, kendo stuff is going on! Anyway, last weekend, as usual, I participated in the Kyoto Taikai. I have been attending since 2004 and have taken part in both the kendo and koryu sections, though this year, due to work duties, I only did a kendo embu (next year I am planning to do both).
When I first took part in the kendo section my tachiai was almost right at the beginning, but as the years have progressed it’s become later and later, and this time I didn’t start until about 2pm (5/3). Still, I rolled up at 9am anyway to watch a friends first tachiai, and spent the day chilling/relaxing and even doing a little bit of keiko in the neighbouring budo centre.
After my tachiai was done myself and a few friends jumped in a taxi and headed to a large (over 230 kenshi took part this year, totally open, keikokai in the north of the city. This keikokai started during the pandemic and is now in it’s fourth year.
After a few beverages and some good chat with friends by the river, it was time for bed.
The next day (5/4) I got up early and went back to the butokuden to see some more tachiai. Before this year (last year was a bit different as well) kyoshi ranked kenshi could choose whether to take part on the second (5/3) or third (5/4) day, but now which day you are on is decided by when you got your shogo. I think next year I will be very late on the second day, or very early on the third, depending on the expected number of participants. If I am any later on the second day I’ll be unable to attend the open keikokai, so I may decided to organise my own practice session that evening. Hmmm.
After watching some more tachiai I took my friend over to Naito Takaharu’s grave. Note the garish plaque that has been added (not by me) since it was re-discovered – totally not suited to Naito’s subdued character…
And with that another Kyoto Taikai was done.
For more pictures check out the kenshi 24/7 instagram or the ZNKR’s flickr album. Live streams of the event can also be found on the ZNKR’s YouTube channel.
On another note, I am very happy to announce that Hayashi Ryoko sensei, the female teacher who is coming with Yano sensei and I to Edinburgh this year, passed her nanadan just prior to the Kyoto Taikai. She has good, orthodox kendo, and I am sure she can be a great role model for all seminar participants. Congratulations!
My katana is still looking for a new home: if you are interested please get in touch.
