Archived news and pictures from 2001-2008
Here are 7 years of news information presented in the old format for posterity. Please note that many of the "click here to read more" links for events will now be dead links. When I can, I will restore the full reports here.
2008
Davis Sensei Visit
A full report and details of Davis Sensei's visit to Edinburgh will follow soon.
Photos by Dojo member Marco can be found here
Thistle Cup - Aberdeen
Another trip to Aberdeen for the 4th time and this time a successful one too :-D
This is Jihun who won the Thistle Cup and brought it home to EKC for the next year at least. Will we be able to keep it next year?
Above are some of the kids from Edinburgh Kendo Club who won medals at the Thistle Cup. Also, you may have noticed they're doing a 'Manga' face for the camera. Not sure what the 'adults' were up to ;-)
For more pictures by Dojo member Kristián click here
Kendo Demonstration
South Queensferry Scout Group. April 2008
We were asked by a local Scout group leader to demonstrate Kendo to the group as part of a series of events the Scout group were planning for their year. Thus, Steve, Kristian and Dez went along to demonstrate Kendo to 40+ kids, ranging from 9 to 15 years of age.
As we entered the hall interest grew, with excited looks and after changing into Hakama, Gi and Do the interest in why we were there intensified. 40 kids, of mixed sexes of that age range are an energetic lot, to say the least. Enthusiasm seemed unbounded at times but Steve did manage to get everyone settled as Kristian & Dez warmed up for Kiri-kaeshi and a little bit of Jigeiko to show what Kendo is before letting them find out for themselves.
Once Dez displayed his Kiai for his first cut, almost instant laughs commenced around the hall. Obviously they had never heard this before and thought it quite strange. Remember your first Kiai? They would get their turn to show why such a noise was needed after Steve explained what it was for.
After the show of Kiri-kaeshi and Jigeiko, Steve decided to get everyone started with some Suburi and building it up for Shomen Uchi with and without Kiai and fumikomi. The 40 kids were asked to ‘shout’ as loud as they could and boy, what a noise was generated! You just had to be there to hear it.
After Suburi the kids were split into three groups of approx 15each and Steve, Kristian & Dez took a group each for some Men uchi cutting practise. Obviously not on people but with the safety of Shinai held out at arm’s length. Although a description of how to use tenouchi was given it didn’t seem to have sunk in very deeply before the torrent of cuts came crashing down on our Shinai. Dez got it worse by being given the older group as they thought they had to show how strong the were. He almost needed another wrist by the end of it!
Different targets were offered, Men, Kote, Kote – Men before they all lined up to cut us Men, Men, Men on Shinai only.
The evening was rounded off with Steve picking an unfortunate to do some Jigeiko with. It was always obvious who Steve was going to pick as right at the start when he was asking questions about what is Kendo, an answer of “to release you inner energy” was given. A marked man by all accounts!
An hour and a half disappeared almost as quickly as Steve’s voice. So all in all, a fun filled demonstration for all EKC members and most importantly the Scout group members.
EKC were happy to assist and would welcome another call to show the other side of Kendo we didn’t have time for.
Written by Dojo member Kristián
Honda sensei visit
March 27th - April 1st 2008, Edinburgh
EKC & EuKC were happy to have Sotaro Honda Kendo Rokyudan (6th Dan) joining keiko for a few days whilst he was assisting with Ozawa Sensei's seminar, Ollerton. Once again, and even more apparent this year, Honda Sensei showed us the true meaning of impeccable Kendo.
It is without doubt that Honda Sensei has been training hard since we last met with him and that showed through in his Kendo prowess. It wouldn't be the first time I heard "Honda Sensei's Kendo is looking really good." all weekend.
Collective comments about Honda Sensei visit from EKC, EuKC & StACK members:-
We would welcome Honda Sensei back in a minute and we know that he knows he's more than welcome to come back.
Edinburgh Sport Relief Mile
March 2008, Edinburgh
On an overcast, but dry afternoon in Princess Street Gardens, Edinburgh a group of 5 eager Kendoka fro Edinburgh Kendo Club prepared themselves for the biggest kendo event of the year, to run the Sports Relief Mile.
Over 3000 enthusiastic runners prepared themselves to take part in this event but there was only one group that was getting all the stares. Yes that was us, fully clad in armour, complete with Shinai we were one of the most interesting groups running. After posing for several photographs and a quick limbering warm up we were on our way. I think the main challenge for us was not running a mile in full armour, but to hold back the urge to attack the other runners with out Shinai.
We drew even more attention as we finished off the last section of the mile in military fashion with the kiai to match. This is a fun and easy way to raise money for charity and I would recommend it to all kendoka to get involved in the next one. So far we have raised £630 for Sports Relief, if you would like to see what the money is used for please visit the following site. http://www.sportrelief.com
From Left to Right, Kristian Dela Cour, Dez Whitson, Sarra Laycock, David Court and Lynne Turner.
For more pictures click here
British Universities Championship
March 15th 2008, London
Congratulations to EUKC for a great result at the championship this weekend:
Team: Edinburgh A (Yuri Yoshikawa, Dmitry Sol, Andrew Wright, Aya Bamba and Lawrence Murray) = 3rd;
Ladies Individuals: Yoshikawa Yuri = 1st; Aya Bamba = 3rd.
All of kendoka that participated in this year’s Kendo British University Championship did a fantastic job representing the University of Edinburgh. They all showed great spirit and fought well in their matches. Each year the teams form Edinburgh have shown their strength and ability in Kendo, and each year they have made great strides to establish Edinburgh University Kendo as a force to be reckoned with!
For read more about this weekend click here
Glasgow grading and seminar
Mar 8-9th 2008, Glasgow
Congratulations to those that successfully passed their gradings this weekend:
Shodan - Drew, Lewis (StAKC)
Ikkyu - Sean, Dez, Scott, Marco, Penny (StAKC), Mark (StAKC)
Also, 8 students from EUKC also graded and all passed
For more pictures from the weekend click here
Hatsugeiko and visit from Japan
Jan 4th 2008, Edinburgh
Today was the first keiko of the year for the kids and the adults class and it was also combined with a rare visit from Edinburgh Kendo Club ex-pat George, who lives and practises kendo in Osaka (Japan), along with his friend and UK Team Member Michio. We also had an extra practise on the 5th, followed by food and drinks into the wee hours.
2007
3rd Aberdeen Kendo Thistle Cup
May 5th 2007, Aberdeen
Yamazaki-sensei of Aberdeen Kendo Club once again hosted this year's Kendo Thistle Cup. Several Edinburgh dojo members, from kids to ni-dan, took part in this event, many in their first competition.
To read a full article by dojo member Derek please click here.
5 Nations
April 6th-8th 2007, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Kendo Club hosted this years 5 Nations Taikai in Edinburgh.
This is a very presitgious event that brings kendo teams from 5 countries (UK, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland) together test their young kenshi in international competition.
Results:
Teams Men: 1. = GER, 2. = FIN, 3. = SWE;
Teams Women: 1. = GER, 2. = FIN, 3. = GBR and SWE;
Individual Women: 1. = Udagawa (GER), 2. = Aoki (GER), 3. = Yoko (GER);
Individuals Men: 1. = Gibson (GBR), 2. = Herr (GER), 3. = Kato (GER) and Schullcke (GER); Fighting spirit = Fadai (GER)
University Taikai
March 17th 2007, London (England)
Well done to Edinburgh representatives that went all the way down to London to take part in the event.
Edinburgh managed 2nd and 3rd place in the ladies individuals (Aya and Teresa respectively) and a 2nd in the team event!!! Congratulations everyone.
2006
Honda Seminar
November 25/26th 2006, Durham (England)
Steve, Andrea, Lynne, Kristián & 7 EUKC members visited Durham for a weekend seminar under the direction of Honda sensei.
Takizawa Seminar
October 28/29th 2006, Ollerton (England)
Kashi no Ki Ken Yu Kai hosted the visit of Takizawa Sensei, Kendo Hachidan Kyoshi, of Kanagawa. Takizawa Sensei has been practicing kendo for the past 57 years since the age of 8 and is still going strong at the age of 65.
To read a full article by dojo member Lynne please click here.
7th Baltic Cup
September 7th 2006, Gydansk (Poland)
EKC members L. Murray & K. Dela Cour deaparted on 7th September to Gydansk, Poland to take part in the 7th Baltic Cup, as well as having a few days of sight seeing
Kendo Demonstration - Innerleithen
August 12th 2006, Innerleithen
Steve Bishop, Lynne Turner & Kristián Dela Cour departed on Sat 12th August, 2006 for a Kendo demonstration to the Borders Judo Club at Innerleithen Community School where they were holding their annual training camp. The Judo club are friends of EKC as their sensei has done demonstrated Judo & Kata on the last two IKET occasions, so it was a pleasure to give them a first hand opportunity to try Kendo.
To read the full article by dojo member Kristián please click here.
3rd International Kendo Enbu Taikai (IKET)
July 24-25th 2006, Edinburgh
IKET 2006 had its ups and downs this year…but the ups far outweighed the downs for the eighty-five participants who gathered once more in Edinburgh for this flagship British Kendo Association event, which promotes the 3 BKA arts of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo.
To read the full article by dojo leader Steve please click here.
Edinburgh University Italy Trip
June 2006, (Italy)
EKC member K. Dela Cour was invited to assist with the EUKC trip to Italy (June).
A report on the 10days visiting Kendo Dojos and local attractions, plus loads of pictured can be found on the Edinburgh University Kendo Club website.
1st Aberdeen Kendo Thistle Cup
May 6th 2006, Aberdeen
Here are the results of this years Thistle Cup, hosted by Aberdeen Kendo Club:
Age 10-12
1st Atsushi Yamazaki (Aberdeen)
2nd Sean (Bigfoot) McPherson (EKC)
3rd Junhay Au (EKC)
Age 13-15
1st Alex McMillan (EKC)
2nd Sean (Big) McAuley (EKC)
=3rd Roma Galloway (EKC)
=3rd K. Edwards (Aberdeen)
Shinai bag prize for Shoba Galloway (EKC)
Age 16-18
1st Christopher Gray (Aberdeen)
2nd Hiroshi Yamazaki (Aberdeen)
=3rd Ruaridh Pooler (Aberdeen)
=3rd Lewis Watts (St Andrews)
Seniors (up to 2nd Dan)
1st Matthew Goral (EUKC)
2nd Hugh Irvine (EKC)
=3rd Dmitri Sol (EUKC)
=3rd Raymond Marschall (Aberdeen)
University Taikai
March 18th 2006, Oxford (England)
Oxford was the venue for this year’s university Kendo championships and once again Edinburgh University Kendo Club was at the forefront of the competition.
The day opened with the Kyu grade competition, in which Edinburgh had two entrants. The format for the first round was a group scenario, with 8 groups of 5 Kendoka, from which there could be only one winner. Lawrence Murray from Edinburgh stormed through his group, winning both his matches quite comfortably to claim his place in the quarter finals. For Liam Carrigan however, things were a little tougher. Liam also won his first two matches, however another in his group had also done likewise, meaning that the last match of the morning session was a gruelling play-off between Liam and his opponent from Cambridge. After the regulation two minutes and an extra minute of overtime, no winner had been found. In the end it was Liam who made it through, via a referee’s decision.
After lunch came the quarter finals, with Lawrence again proving to strong for his Imperial College opponent and winning through to the semi-finals. Liam had to face off against UCL’s Fulgomi and in the end it was the Londoner who progressed with Liam bowing out after a close contest which went the full three minutes and was decided by a single point.
Lawrence was similarly unfortunate in his semi final match, losing narrowly to UCL’s Tsoi. His strong showing had earned him the bronze medal.
Next up was the Dan grade contest. In a tournament where UCL students dominated, Edinburgh University again acquitted themselves well. Andrew Wright and Matthew Goral both went out in what was a tough first round. Dmitri Ser however went one better, going all the way to the quarter finals.
Edinburgh University’s second medal of the day came in the ladies competition, with Aya Bamba winning a series of increasingly tough matches to reach the semi finals and claim the bronze medal. Ruth Bolton had previously been eliminated in a very difficult first round match.
The final contest of the day was the eagerly awaited team battle. Once again Edinburgh put up a very brave fight. Aya Bamba and Ruth Bolton had been unlucky to lose the opening two matches in the best of five tie. Lawrence Murray and Mathew Goral rallied well to claim the next two matches and set up a thrilling climax. Unfortunately luck was not with the Edinburgh side on this day, and new club captain Andrew Wright’s brave battling performance wasn’t quite enough as Edinburgh were eliminated by eventual runners up UCL A in a match that had ultimately been decided by a single point. All in all however, it was a highly successful day for the Edinburgh University Kendo Club, as their reputation continues to grow within British Kendo circles. Who knows what further successes this year will bring?
Glasgow Seminar and Grading
March 11-12th 2006, Glasgow
Edinburgh University Kendo Club continued its rapid growth and development last weekend with a highly successful grading and seminar weekend in Glasgow.
In all, there were 6 members grading, under the watchful eye of British National Team Coach Sotaro Honda Sensei. Saturday was all about the preparation, with Honda Sensei leading a Seminar covering the various different aspects of Kendo, and the specifics needed in order to grade successfully. He was joined by a number of other sensei from across the UK, including Edinburgh’s own Steve Bishop Sensei, Gerry Kincaid Sensei from Glasgow, Kazuo Yamazaki Sensei from Aberdeen, and Malcolm Goodwin Sensei from Birmingham. It was a challenging and yet rewarding afternoon for the students involved.
Kata was first on the agenda, with everyone having the opportunity to make those all important last minute adjustments to their technique. Performing Kata in front of the UK’s top coach, one can only gain confidence going into a grading, and that is exactly what everyone did.
Next up was individual techniques; with Honda Sensei showing everyone just a few of the many tricks he’s picked up down the years. In Kendo, it is often the ability to outwit and outthink the opponent that can be the difference between victory and defeat. These special techniques can give you the edge in a match.
Then came Shiai, Kendo tournament battle. This was the opportunity for everyone to show all that they had learned throughout the day with individual matches against each other. It was also an opportunity for the higher grades to test their refereeing abilities. The seminar then came to a close with an open jigeiko, the chance for everyone to spend three minutes testing their skills on each other. The five hours intense practice put everyone in an ideal frame of mind for the biggest challenge of the weekend, Sunday’s grading.
The weather created havoc with Sunday’s schedule, meaning a delay to the start of the grading. It didn’t affect the students of Edinburgh University Kendo Club however, as they undertook their task with gusto. Skirimantas and Liam Carrigan both passed their Ikkyu (1st Kyu) grading and this set the tone for the day as Aya Bamba, Ruth Bolton, Matthew Goral and Dmitri Ser all achieved Shodan (1st Dan) rank.
All in it was a highly successful and morale boosting weekend for the club as they look ahead to this weekend’s University Championships, and with five members of the squad passing their grading this week hopes are high they can do Scotland proud in Oxford this Saturday.
Grading results (EKC+EUKC) - Nidan: Jun, John (Jihun); Shodan: Ruth, Aya, Dimitri, Matthew ("That was so easy!"); Ikkyu: Skiri, Liam.
Ladies Seminar
February 4-5th 2006, Edinburgh
Edinburgh University Kendo club was at the forefront of British Kendo once again this weekend with three of its members taking part in Scotland’s first seminar exclusively for women.
The seminar, organised by Edinburgh Kendo Club Sensei Lynsey Bishop, took place over three days and also incorporated training for the guys on the Friday and Sunday. Guest of honour was Kazuyo Matsuda Sensei, 5th dan. Matsuda Sensei is the current British ladies team coach and trains at the Kodokan dojo in London.
This is the latest of many trips she has made to Edinburgh as Kendo in the city continues to go from strength to strength. She was expecting much from the university clubs members, and she wasn’t disappointed. She said: “I was very impressed at the level of improvement I’ve noticed since the last time I trained here. These women have obviously worked very hard at their Kendo and that is now paying off. In particular you can see the benefits of the university club’s trip to Japan last summer. Those who trained in Akita really have shown a quite incredible level of improvement.”
Although Kendo training is usually mixed, Matsuda sensei thought that seminars such as this are great for highlighting the different approaches that the two sexes have to take to Kendo. She continued: “Biology dictates that men are generally bigger and physically stronger than women. It is only natural therefore that men use that to their advantage in Kendo. As a result women have to rely more on technique and skill to counteract their lack of physical power. Also, the male psyche is different to that of a woman. I have found that, in Kendo terms, women seem interested more in training and improving themselves, whereas men tend to be more competitive and many of them focus more on tournaments and such like. However, I have always learned Kendo in a mixed group and I still believe that is the best way.”
The seminar couldn’t have come at a better time for the Edinburgh University Kendo Club, with both a grading and the university championships just a few weeks away. Club captain Ruth Bolton is one of those grading in March as she tries to attain 1st Dan level. She was delighted to take part in such an important event for women’s kendo. She said: “It was a challenging weekend for us all, but under the careful instruction of such great teaching from Matsuda Sensei and the skill that we saw from Momo-San of Tokyo there’s been a greater willingness to learn and more insight into the importance of technique in Kendo.
Irish Goodwill Taikai & grading seminar
January 2006, Dublin (Ireland)
EKC members L. Murray & K. Dela Cour went to Dublin in Jan, 2006 to enter the Goodwill Taikai and grading seminar. Although 1 person short we managed to get a stand in to take our missing EKC member (many thanks Mr Paul Mason).
2nd Annual St Andrews Kangeiko
January 2nd 2006, St Andrews
On 2nd January 2006, thirteen kendoka from the Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews clubs and numerous spectators gathered on the East Sands beach in St Andrews for an outdoor session of kendo to welcome the New Year.
To read a full article by St Andews dojo leader Michael please click here.
2005
Dojo Outing - Firbush
December 2005, Edinburgh
Members of EKC spent a couple of days at Firbush outdoor center.
32nd Mumeishi 3's International Taikai
November 2005, Edinburgh
Members of EKC, Aberdeen, and St Andrews entered the shiai this year down in London.
Takizawa Sensei visit
November 1st 2005, Edinburgh
Takizawa sensei, 8th dan (see prior NEWS entry), joined us for an evenings keiko whilst in Edinburgh sightseeing
Takizawa Sensei seminar
October 29/30th 2005, Ollerton (England)
Members of the dojo travelled to Kashi No Ki Kenyu-kai dojo in Nottingham to take part in a seminar led by Takizawa Kenshi sensei, 8th dan.
Takizawa Kenji Sensei is from Kanagawa, Japan. He is part of a highly respected Kendo family in Japan. His father Takizawa Kozo (9th Dan) was a former President of the British Kendo Association.
Kenji Takizawa sensei has demonstrated and taught Kendo in Europe (mainly in Spain) and visited the UK last year, where he demonstrated Nakanishi-ha Itto-ryu.
To read the full article by dojo member Hugh please click here.
Yanai Sensei visit
October 7th 2005, Edinburgh
On Friday 7th October, EKC was visited by Yanai Norimitsu sensei (nanadan Kyoshi). Originally from Tokyo he has been based in London for nearly 8 years.
Sensei led a kata session which was timely and much appreciated for the grading weekend coming up. After kihon session there was just enough time to fit in twenty-three 2-minute keiko so that everyone in bogu had the chance to fight with sensei.
It was interesting to watch Steve with Yanai sensei; he commented afterwards that there were scarcely any gaps in Yanai sensei's posture; his maai, timing and zanshin were effective and it showed as he chased Steve around-seemingly cutting at will. Come back anytime sensei!
National Kendo Championships 2005 (British Open)
September 24th 2005, Stoke-On-Trent (England)
Congratulations to Yamazaki sensei and his son Satoshi from Aberdeen Kendo Club who came 2nd in the yondan and above category and 3rd in the junior category respectively.
Kendo Nippon/Jidai - IKET
August / September 2005 (Japan)
Edinburgh Kendo Club made its Japanese kendo magazine debut in style this year by being featured in both the main Japanese kendo magazines - KENDO NIPPON in August, and KENDO JIDAI in September.
Both feature a 2 page article and pictures written by Dojo leader Steve (and translated into Japanese by British Kendo Team coach Sotaro Honda) about IKET.
Kendo Nippon and Kendo Jidai are the only kendo magazines published nationally in Japan. This report should hopefully raise the profiles of EKC and IKET in Japan.
20th Kodokan Seminar
August 19th-August 22nd 2005, Rickmansworth (England)
Members of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and St Andrews dojo attended the 20th Kodokan seminar, hosted at Paul Buddens Kodokan dojo and led by Sumi sensei, hachidan hanshi.
Congratulations to those who passed their gradings!!
Japan Gasshuku
July 31st-August 6th 2005, Japan
Edinburgh University Kendo Club set the standard for other martial arts clubs this summer when it sent a delegation to Japan, birthplace of this most graceful and spectacular style of swordplay.
Five members from the club accompanied club sensei Steve Bishop, 5th Dan and a group from Aberdeen Kendo Club led by Sensei Kazuo Yamazaki, 4th Dan spent a week learning about Kendo and also experiencing the fascinating culture and wonderful people of Japan.
First stop was Tokyo, where the students had the distinct honour and pleasure to train in the Noma Dojo. This Dojo is quite possibly the most famous Kendo Dojo in the world, with an atmosphere that is absolutely second to none. Legend has it that the ghosts of all the old 10th Dan masters still haunt this place, and one could certainly believe it. The Scottish delegation was joined by some local Kendoka. Satoru Tanaka, 3rd Dan, used to live in Edinburgh and is still a good friend of the university club, and the students were fortunate enough to have his local knowledge at their disposal during their time in Tokyo. Also present was Imai Sensei, who can often be seen at most big Kendo events in the UK with her Armour Shop.
From here, the students headed north on the world famous Shinkansen bullet train to Akita, home of the Shusuikan Dojo. For the next few days our host would be Kamada Sensei, 7th Dan, former teacher of Aberdeen’s Yamazaki Sensei. The training was intense with humidity consistently over 90 and temperatures sometimes pushing 40 degrees. It wasn’t exactly the best conditions in which to be wearing several pounds of armour. The training was tiring but also great fun as we trained with the students of Kamada Sensei’s Junior High School Dojo.
We also had the great pleasure of exploring the region with a day’s sightseeing all around the Oga Peninsula. Great spectacles such as he Namahage Museum, and the quite spectacular view from Mount Kanpu were among the highlights. The final night in Akita was rounded off in great style, with a visit to the annual Kanto festival. This show piece event, with its huge rows of lanterns balanced precariously on one man’s hand, back and sometimes head really has to be seen to be believed. Next day it was back to Tokyo, where most went home, with three members from Edinburgh University Kendo Club staying on for another week to sample the delights of Tokyo.
All in all, a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable trip for all concerned.
2nd International Kendo Enbu Taikai (IKET)
July 2nd-4th 2005, Edinburgh
Once again Edinburgh Kendo Club (EKC) played host to the Second International Kendo Enbu Taikai that has left, as last year, a great impression on those who took part in this superb weekend event. This year's event featured as part of the EU-Japan Person to Person Exchange 2005 and received promotional support from the Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh as well as the Embassy website in London. Our thanks go to them.
To read the full article by dojo leader Steve please click here.
2nd Annual Aberdeen Kendo Club Visit
June 18-19th 2005, Aberdeen
A great time was had by all last weekend as Edinburgh Kendo Club held their second annual visit to Aberdeen Kendo Club. The trip gave students of both clubs the opportunity to learn from different Sensei and improve their technique. Joining them were representatives of the Edinburgh University Kendo Club, who had been kindly invited along. St Andrews Kendo Club was also represented, with Club leader Dr Michael Gratzke leading their contingent.
To read the full article by please click here.
4th Sir Frank Bowden Memorial Cup / Premiers Cup
June 3rd-5th 2005, Stoke-On-Trent (England)
The club took part in this years Bowden team event, and Premier individual competition down in Stoke-on-trent.
Oslo Open Championships
June 3rd-5th 2005, Oslo (Norway)
The outward journey from Edinburgh to Norways Sports University felt epic but it was a stroll in the park compared to our return to Scotland which included an emergency stop of the Glasgow-to-Edinburgh train because a lady passenger had attacked a conductor with a cane..
To read the full article by dojo member Michael please click here.
Kyusha Seminar and Grading
April 23rd 2005, Dundee
Dojo members from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and St Andrews got together for a days training and grading in Dundee. The grading panel consisted of by Paul Budden (rokudan), Katzuyo Matsuda (godan), Steve Bishop (godan), and Kazuo Yamazaki (sandan).
To read the full article can be seen on the St Andrews Kendo Club Website. Please click here.
20th European Championships
April 16-27th 2005, Bern (Switzerland)
Edinburgh kendo club member Lyndsey Bishop took part in her first European Championships this weekend as a representative of the U.K.
Congratulations to Lyndsey who got to the best 16 in the ladies individual competition!!
1st Aberdeen Kendo Thistle Cup
April 17th 2005, Aberdeen
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the 1st Aberdeen Kendo Thistle Cup this weekend.
The kyu grade placings were: 1st - Christopher Gray; 2nd - Ruairidh Pooler; 3rd - Matt Gunn; Kantosho - Ruairidh Pooler. Junior results (under 11): 1st - Atsushi Yamazaki; 2nd - Adam Olson; 3rd - Marcos Casavantes.
National Coach visit
March 24-27th 2005, Edinburgh, Dundee
The British Kendo Associations National Kendo Coach Honda Sotaro visited Edinburgh during the Easter weekend, commencing with a practice on Thursday, March 24th at the University of Edinburgh dojo.
Dojo members from Edinburgh, St Andrews, and Aberdeen took part in the 4 day kendo event.
To read 2 reports, 1 by EKC dojo leader Steve and another by university dojo member Liam please click here.
Another article can be read on the St Andrews Kendo Club website by clicking here.
Glasgow Seminar and Grading
March 13/14th 2005, Glasgow
Congratulations to members from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and St.Andrews who graded from ikkyu-nidan this weekend.
An article can be read on the St Andrews Kendo Club website by clicking here.
University Taikai 2005
March 5th 2005, London (England)
Edinburgh University Kendo club are today still celebrating a highly successful trip to London last weekend. The team exceeded all expectations in the annual University Taikai tournament which this year was held at the Imperial College in Central London.
To read a full article by university dojo member Liam please click here.
Ozawa Sensei seminar
March 5/6th 2005, Ollerton (England)
Some dojo members travelled south to took part in a seminar with Ozawa sensei, nanadan, at Kashi No Ki Ken Yu Kai.
Ozawa sensei is known to many English speaking kendo practitioners as the author of the "Definitive Guide to Kendo" a must buy book for the budding kendoka.
French Nationals and Open Shiai
February 25-27th 2005, Nantes (France)
This year, for the first time, the GB squad visited France for a training weekend and competition. The size of France’s kendo population means that they hold regional competitions to decide on selection for the national squad, and we were invited to enter the open sections of the competition. As the GB squad at present is a young one (around half of the members are new to national level competition), this was an ideal opportunity to travel as a team and experience high level competition. The full team reports are available on the BKA website.
For me, one of the highlights of the weekend was the chance to do jigeiko with Christianne David (6th dan). Her kendo is straight, strong and beautiful, and I was delighted to find a picture to hang onto of what I’d like to aspire to in my kendo.
Aside from that the weekend of competition gave me huge opportunities to learn about dealing with competition situations. Mostly I learned about controlling nerves and adrenaline rushes, but it was also great practise in looking after yourself physically over a long and mentally demanding weekend. Our aim from this weekend was to learn as much about the mechanics of a competition day as we could, so that when the time comes for the real thing we only need focus on the opponent in front of us.
Edinburgh members take on national duties
February 19th 2005
At this years British Kendo Associations (BKA) AGM, Edinburgh dojo members Steve and Dave became elected officials of the national body.
Edinburgh dojo leader Steve took the position of "Kendo High Grade" and Dave became the BKAs Treasurer.
Both these positions require much responsibility, not to mention a lot of time and effort, and we wish them luck in their tenure.
Kashi No Ki Kenyukai kangeiko
January 29/30th 2005, Ollerton (England)
Steve and I were invited to the Kashi No Ki Ken Yu Kai kan-geiko on the 29th and 30th January, with Steve being asked to teach. This was a real honour for Steve, and he delivered 2 excellent teaching sessions. On each session, he found varied and ingenious ways of maintaining a good level of spirit and concentration, that began when he switched the heating off on Saturday, and ended with modified uchi-komi-geiko with clackers on Sunday!
To read a full article by dojo member Lyndsey please click here.
St Andrews Kangeiko
January 3rd 2005, St Andrews
On the 3rd January - a cold and windy afternoon - kendoka from Edinburgh, St Andrews and Glasgow met on the beach for the first St Andrews kangeiko - a perfect way to start the New Year, test our spirit, and affirm our commitment for the year ahead.
To read a full article by dojo member Lyndsey please click here.
Another article can be read on the St Andrews Kendo Club website by clicking here.
Edinburgh continues to represent the U.K. at international level
January 2005
Continuing the tradition of Scottish and Edinburgh Kendo Club members representing the U.K. in the national team, Lyndsey Bishop was selected to fight in the ladies team in this years European Championships, which will be held in Switzerland.
Edinburgh Kendo Club has represented the U.K. every year since 2001, in both Europeans and World Championships : 17th Europeans - Bologna, Italy 2001; 18th Europeans - Nantes, France 2002; 12th Worlds - Glasgow, Scotland 2003; 19th Europeans - Budapest, Hungary 2004; 20th Europeans - Bern, Switzerland 2005.
2004
John Hepburn Seminar
December 4th 2004, Glasgow
Saturday 4th December 2004 saw the return of John Hepburn, rokudan renshi, to teach at Taiseidokai Glasgow. Hepburn sensei is the senior kendoka in Scotland but retired to Skye some time ago. His rare teaching visits are always awaited with anticipation.
To read a full article by dojo member Dave please click here.
Edinburgh Kendo Club MON
December 2004
The Edinburgh Kendo Club mon is featured on the Chiba Bogu website as an example of their crafsmanship. They have various mon on display, but ours is both original and cool and so gets top billling on their example page!
For more information on the Edinburgh Kendo Club Mon, please click here.
The picture and text below are from chibabogu.com.
The kamon, or traditional seal for households, go back to the feudal period of Japan, when family names, social status, and association to recognized domains were a part of the social landscape.
Families had their own seal, which served as the symbol of the house. In some cases of the powerful or wealthy, the use of this emblem could extend on to favored persons or families who served under them.
Warrior houses, often emblazened their armor, the trappings of their horses and battle equipment to indentify themselves in the field.
This custom lives on in the modern times as kendo men and women still adorn their kendo armor with their chosen kamon, applied to the do-dai, the hard lower portion of the body armor, or embroidered into the mune or ago, the chest and throat protectors, respectively.
With family lines less distinct, in these days, some will select the kamon of a famous shrine or old feudal region. People living in foreign lands may adopt the kamon of their teacher, or use the emblem of their club or federation. In any case, the purpose and effect is still the same, this symbol serves to indentfy the individual, and association to the group.
Kendoka DVD
December 2004
Prior to the 12th World Kendo Championships the UK Kendo Team (at that time including Edinburgh Dojo Member George McCall, and soon-to-join member Gillian Riddoch) were followed about by some BBC cameramen (working freelance) who wanted to make a kendo documentary. Well, this month the DVD is finally released.
The official blurb:
This documentary, featuring the Great Britain Kendo Squad, was filmed in the days before and during the 12 th World Kendo Championships in 2003.
The stunning Scottish highlands form the back drop to the squads intensive pre-competition training camp. Here we meet the members of the team and learn what it means to them to be selected to represent their country in Kendo.
The film travels between the remote training camp and the competition itself held in Glasgow. Here youll experience a complete account of the event (including exclusive multi-camera shiai action) while following the progress of the Brits, particularly the womens team.
The producers of this film are experienced kendoka and television professionals (Including BBC). The result is an honest and engaging film which is true to the art of Kendo.
The DVD is out now, and will retail for 25 US Dollars. To order, please visit www.kendo-world.com.
31st Mumeishi 3's International Taikai
November 21st 2004, London (England)
Edinburgh sent a bunch of teams down to this years competition. Young Hiroshi from Aberdeen got a medal in the junior competition!!
The Mumeishi 3's International Taikai is based in London at Mumeishi dojo in Cranford (near Heathrow). It is one of the oldest dojos in the UK and is run by Terry Holt sensei, nanadan.
The main competition is a unique one as teams consist of 3 people, one of whom must be either ungraded or a kty grade with less than 3 years experience.
Lidstone Taikai, and Mumeishi Grading
October 16/17th 2004, London (England)
Members of Edinburgh and Aberdeen dojos travelled down to London to take part in the kyu-grade-only competition. Young Hiroshi from Aberdeen did particularly well in making it through 3 rounds of the competition.
The competition is hosted by Nenriki dojo, the oldest kendo dojo in the country. It is called the "Lidstone" taikai to honour an early British kendo pioneer.
The next day saw members of Edinburgh and Aberdeen take part in a grading up to yondan. Congratulations to those that passed (including Hiroshi!) and commiserations to those that didnt make it this time.
V Baltic Cup
September 24th-26th 2004, Gydnia (Poland)
Up bright and early (6.45), had sausages and cheese for breakfast with hot tea. The shinai check started at 9am so we returned to the gym hall to prepare for the day's events. The ladies competition was the first up, starting at 10am. I watched some of them warm up and tried not to feel intimidated by the high quality of kendo I was witnessing.
To read a full article by dojo member Kim please click here.
National Kendo Championships 2004 (British Open)
September 25th 2004, Stoke-On-Trent (England)
In the Ladies Open, both Gill and Lyndsey won through against several opponents in the single pool to get into the semi-finals (where thankfully they were not matched against each other), with Lyndsey going on to the final - much to her obvious and understandable delight.
In Yondan+, Steve had mixed fortunes in his pool and it was clear much was going to hinge on his match with old adversary Yasu Hiyama and only one of them would go through.
To read a full article by dojo member Stewart please click here.
19th Kodokan Seminar
August 2004, Rickmansworth (England)
Steve and Michael took part in the 19th Kodokan seminar hosted at Paul Buddens Kodokan dojo just outside London.
Congratulations to Michael for passing his shodan at this event.
Aberdeen Kendo Club Visit
July 23rd-24th 2004, Aberdeen
Approx 20 members of EKC travelled northwards to Visit Aberdeen Kendo Club. Arriving an hour before the practice was due to start we stretched our legs in the car park while the Minibus (Ably piloted by Bruce.) ground into the car park. Amid the usual good natured banter we got ready.
Due to AKC's relatively high number of beginners, instruction was an always welcome return to the basics. Footwork, grip, stance and basic cutting were run through. Culminating in a high energy Jigeiko. Due to an ongoing eye injury I had to watch from the sidelines, but It looked like great fun.
To read a full article by dojo leader Steve and personal report from Fraz please click here.
1st International Kendo Enbu Taikai (IKET)
July 2nd-4th 2004, Edinburgh
Our dojo held what is hoped to be the first of many large scale successful Kendo weekends in Edinburgh. It followed on the back of last years 12th World Kendo Championships. The purpose of the weekend was to enhance the profile of the British Kendo Association (BKA) and Edinburgh Kendo Club internationally and to celebrate the BKAs 40th birthday.
To read a full article by dojo leader Steve please click here.
3rd Sir Frank Bowden Memorial Cup / Premiers Cup
June 2004, Stoke-On-Trent (England)
The dojo travelled down to Stoke-on-Trent en masse to take part in the Sir Frank Bowden team competition, and the Premier Cup individual competition. Edinburgh reached fourth in the team event.
Sir Frank Bowden was an early U.K. kendo pioneer, and his family continue to support kendo in the UK.
Ladies Kendo Seminar
May 29th 2004, Rickmansworth (England)
On 29th May, Jeya and Gillian travelled down to London for the Ladies Seminar at Kodokan Dojo, which was led by Sotaro Honda Sensei - 6th Dan. This was the first ladies seminar to have been held in over 7 years and was well attended with a total of 15 female kendoka coming from all over the UK, and with a range of abilities from 4th Dan to beginners, who were not yet wearing bogu.
The main focus of the seminar was acting as motodachi. This covered the basics of good kendo - using correct footwork, having good posture, and hand / foot coordination. It then moved into correct ways to open targets, especially when training with beginners, then acting as motodachi in uchi-komi-geiko.
Finally we had gi-geiko practice. This gave many of the women the rare opportunity of training with other women, as many dojo still have relatively few women.
The seminar was greatly enjoyed by all, and we would like to thank Sotaro Honda for his excellent teaching, and Paul Budden for assisting in organisation - and providing the venue!
Watchet Seminar
May 23rd/24th 2004, Watchet (England)
The weekend of 23/24th May 2004 saw Darren, Callum and David travel the round 1100 miles Edinburgh to Watchet in Somerset for the annual South West BKA seminar. Apart from the Edinburgh contingent, Nat from Glasgow and Mr Yamazaki and son Hiroshi from the new and fast growing club in Aberdeen also travelled for the event, all in all there were about 100+ kendoka in attendance. The 6 of us from Scotland had travelled furthest. Top marks to Darren for driving the whole way without ever once wanting a driver swop.
To read the full article by dojo member Dave please click here.
Takemura Sensei Seminar
May 8th 2004, Durham (England)
A few members of the club travelled to Durham for a seminar run by Takemura sensei, nanadan.
Takemura Sensei stressed the basics of kendo starting with dojo etiquette and wearing the hakama correctly. For a moment I felt this was unnecessary but then Sensei pointed out that I had not tied my hakama the right way......
To read the full article by various dojo members please click here.
100th Kyoto Embukai + Kansai Daigaku Kendo Senshuken Taikai
May 3rd-9th 2004, Kyoto+Osaka (Japan)
Edinburgh dojo member George (currently living in Japan) went to the 100th Kyoto Embukai in Kyoto, Japan, from May 3rd-6th. There he got to see 3 days of embu, starting from rokudan, up to hanshi hachidans. He also managed to practise with various sensei from throughout Japan, the highlight being Toda-sensei, twice winner of the Zen Nippon Kendo Senshuken Taikai (in the 1960's).
George managed to say hi to Sumi sensei, who will be one of the leaders of IKET, which is being held in Edinburgh 2-4th of July.
On the 2nd day there was a special practise at Kyoto University based around the Kendo-World team (see photo).
On May 9th George watched the Kansai Daigaku Kendo Senshuken Taikai (Kansai area - including Osaka and Kyoto - university kendo championships). This was an exciting event with some cool kendo. Those who get into the best 16 go forward to represent their area in the national university championships in Tokyo later on this year.
Edinburgh Kids Class
May 2nd 2004, Edinburgh
Sunday 2nd May was the first EKC Kids Class. There were 12 kids the youngest was 3 all the way up to 13. After introductions had been made and the kids lined themselves into age order they bowed in (zarei) for their first session.
Of course all of the usual basics such as reigi (etiquette) and ashi sabaki (footwork) were practiced. The kids took great delight later on in being allowed to shout as loud as they liked and they moved really well accross the dojo (training hall) floor.
The most interesting sight of the morning was Satoru on his knees, a shinai in each hand, doing ashi sabaki (footwork) with two of our youngest new members.
It was fantastic that some of the kids got to yell at their parents (who already practice kendo) and hit them on the head!
Some members are very interested in how to look after their shinai (bamboo swords). So Fraser handed out membership packs to everyone with instructions and pictures to help. (If anyone didn't get one, then please email us.)
The session was well supported by regular members of EKC who also enjoyed the practice. Kazuo Yamazaki, our friend from Aberdeen, was also there with his son Satoshi. It was only the second time that Satoshi has been in armour and he stayed on to join in with the senior practice which he enjoyed.
At the end of the session Steve gave everyone homework...to learn to count in Japanese from one to ten!!! There are members who have Japanese parents so Steve told them to learn up to fifty!
We hope that the kids enjoyed their first session and are looking forward to the next session.
19th European Championships
April 24-25th 2004, Budapest (Hungary)
From our dojo Steve went over to Hungary as a member of the British Kendo Team. Gill - the current ladies captain - couldnt attend due to other responsibilities.
A big congratulations goes out to the mens team who got their best result in 8 years by reaching the 1/4 finals! In both 1995 [Glasgow] and 1996 [Budapest] the mens team managed bronze.
7th V Nations
March 2004, Berlin (Germany)
Steve travelled to Germany as part of the U.K. team for some international shiai, featuring Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.K.
This year saw the British mens team - despite being 2 men down (it was a 7 man team) and people having to fight twice - come in 2nd place.
Glasgow Seminar and Grading
12-14th March 2004, Glasgow
Friday 12th: we went to Kelvin Hall to have 1 and 1/2 hours of free practise with people not only from Glasgow, but from across the UK who came for the seminar and grading. It was only a small space but enough got the 30-40 people who were there. Everybody enjoyed the opportunity of fighting new people and getting out from their local dojos. After training we went downtown for a friendly drink before heading back to Edinburgh.
To read the full article by dojo member Nico please click here.
Paul Budden visit
15th February 2004, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Kendo club converged on the University Centre for Sport and Exercise to take part in a practice with Paul Budden sensei (rokudan renshi). Paul has visited us before to lead a seminar; however his visit this time was linked to planning meetings for IKET 2004.
To read the full article by dojo members Tulta and Steve please click here.
Edinburgh dojo members continue to represent the U.K. at international level
January 2004
When George left on an extended kendo tour in Japan after last years World Championships, Edinburgh was without any national representatives... but not for long!!
Luckily for us, Gillian Riddoch once again joined the Edinburgh dojo at the end of last year after a hiatus of many years. Gill is the U.K. female team captain and has the best international record of any current team member: she has competed in 4 European Championships, and 2 World Championships, gaining Kantosho - or fighting spirit - in the 12th World Kendo Championships, held in Scotland last year.
Steve Bishop, our head instructor, was a participating member of the U.K. mens team in 1994 when the team reached the 1/4 finals in Paris. He returned to help the squad after last years World Championships in the role of Strength & Conditioning coach. This month, he was [to his suprise!] again selected to represent the U.K. at international events: this years 4 Nations Taikai (U.K., Germany, Finland, and Sweden), and the 19th European Championships, which will be held in Hungary.
5th Irish Goodwill Taikai
16-17th January 2004, Cork (Ireland)
Saturday January 16th saw the Irish National Championships, this year at Cork, and the now annual International Goodwill Championships. About 60 kendoka took part, about 50% locals the rest from around Europe. Edinburgh entered a team for the Goodwill Taikai.
To read the full article by dojo member Dave please click here.
2003
Grading and Shiai Congratulations
December 19/20th 2003, Brussels (Belgium)
Big congratulations go out to Steve Bishop, head instructor at our club, who had a double success this weekend.
The team consisting of Hirai (Mumeishi), Stuart Gibson (Imperial), and Steve, got 2nd place in the presitigous Nakakura Shiai, held every year in Brussels. Over 80 teams from throughout Europe were in attendence, including many national team members of respective countries.
The other success of the weekend saw Steve being promoted to Kendo Godan (5th Dan). This makes him only the 4th to reach such a rank in Scotland.
30th Mumeishi 3's International Taikai
November 2003, London (England)
Three teams from our club entered the Mumeshi 3's International Kendo Clubs Championship 2003. This is the biggest Kendo Club tournament in the UK and is organised by Mumeishi Kendo Club at their dojo in Cranford, Hounslow, London and is now in its 30th year.
To read the full article by dojo member Hugh (and personal input from others) please click here.
51st All Japan Kendo Championships
November 3rd 2003, Tokyo Budokan (Japan)
This event is held every year at the Tokyo Budokan and is considered the to be the best kendo competition there is. The level of kendo is stunning. The kendoka that get this far have already fought through tough regional competions.
There are always 64 competitors, representing all areas of Japan. The larger areas (e.g. Tokyo) have multiple kendoka competing.
This year saw the infamous Eiga go out in the 3rd round to last years winner, Ando. He then went on to make the final with Chikamoto who is also from the same prefecture - Aichi (Nagoya area). The final was amazing, and saw the latter win 2-0, Men-Men.
Edinburgh Kendo Club members George and Jamie were there to witness the event.
History of Kendo in Scotland published
October 23rd 2003
George's Kendo in Scotland was published in a shortened format in the Volume 2.2 of Kendo World. This was written prior to the World Kendo Championship and was meant to have been released at that time. Due to time constraints this issue was delayed, and finally came out at the end of October, rather than June as planned.
Kendo World is a great magazine and is highly recommended, please visit the website.
The full unabridged article can be viewed here.
National Kendo Championships 2003
September 27th 2003, Stoke-on-Trent (England)
Yet another very early start to a kendo event down South for the "EKC Shiai Posse". Competition veterans all, Bruce, Snap and Steve travelled down (in some style) to the Brits to try and get just a little further than the last time!
To read the full article by dojo leader Steve please click here.
Mazda Owners Club Rally and Embu
September 11th and 14th 2003, Edinburgh
The Thursday was a well managed stage show, with the Japanese Consul and Lord Provost in attendance.
Taiko drums were first followed by the tea cermony then came Kendo. Mino Manekshaw (organiser) read a brief narration detailing the history of the Ronin and the importance of dueling, this lead into a demonstartion of the first seven Kata- performed flawlessly by Phil and Fraser. After another brief narration explaining the evolution of the armour followed two bouts of ji-geiko, initally by Snap and DaveS.
To read the full article by dojo member Fraser please click here.
18th Kodokan and Dojo Leaders Seminar
September 11th - 14th 2003, Rickmansworth (England)
Steve and Graham travelled down South to this event-one of the best of the kendo calendar. Before the Kodokan seminar itself commenced, there was a Dojo Leaders' seminar on Thursday 11th. This featured fundamentals such as the teaching of suburi, footwork and uchikomigeiko in simple one-step (literally) stages. Sensei emphasised that teaching techniques for beginners should place the onus of distance and timing and proper reception of the cut onto motodachi. The (relatively) new ZNKR bokuto kihon waza was also practiced in depth-as during the rest of the weekend. This training with the bokuto (intended for shinai kendo development) encapsulates all of the basics of shinai waza but the emphasis is on the teaching and learning of issoku-itto-no-maai for all cuts.
To read the full article by dojo leader Steve please click here.
Post WKC Goodwill Keiko
July 8th 2003, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Kendo Club was proud to have Hirakawa sensei, kyoshi hachidan, and professor at Meiji University, come to Edinburgh for an evenings keiko. Hirakawa sensei taught the importance of basics in kendo, and stressed temoto, or methods of using the hands.
Along with Hirakawa sensei came people from all over the world, who had been in Scotland for the WKC. We had national team members from numerous countries, and also people who had just come to Scotland to watch the WKC and who had brought there bogu with them in case there was any chance to practise.
Countries that were represented include Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Canada, Ireland, Finland, Norway, France, and of-course the U.K.
We then hosted a buffet and beer in the local pub, with some of us not getting back to bed until after 9am the next morning!
12th World Kendo Championships
July 4th - 6th 2003, Glasgow, Scotland
The World Kendo Championships were hosted by Scotland this weekend and were a brilliant success. All four competitions gave opportunity for kendoka around the world to display their best kendo. Part of the ladies individual shiai was watched by the Queen and Prince Philip, so this gave them extra impetus to compete hard.
On the day of the ladies shiai, Gillian Riddoch - the U.K. ladies team captain (and Scottish!) - was awarded Kantosho (fighting spirit) for her excellent draw against the Korean captain in the ladies team event. Gillian will soon be moving back to Edinburgh and will join our dojo.
The mens individual shiai saw Edinburgh dojo member George McCall compete. He won his first fight against a Dane 2-1, then lost 1-2 to a Hawaiian competitor. The Hawaiian kendoka went on to beat the Danish kendoka, thus George was out of the competition (despite getting 3 points out of a possible total of 4!). This gave him time to sit back, relax, and watch the rest of the days excellent kendo.
The mens team event was one that was packed with amazing kendo. The U.K. team made it through to the 2nd round easily before coming up against Team U.S.A. It was a hard fought, with the U.K. being in the lead until the third fight. Unfortunately, Team U.S.A. pulled out the stops and put the U.K. out of the competition. They went on to take 3rd place overall. Stuart Gibson (Gibbo) was awarded Kantosho for his excellent fight against Team U.S.A.
After the awards ceremony it was down to some serious relaxing. A few beers were had, kilts were donned, and the Sayonara party attended. Many Edinburgh members turned up fully kilted up, as did the entire U.K. mens team.
"We Ken About Kendo"
June 29th 2003, Scotland On Sunday (Newspaper)
On June 29th 2003, a pre-WKC article appeared in the Scotsman On Sunday. In it both George and Gill were interviewed.
George quote: "McCall wonders how the Londoners in the team will cope with the midges. 'Tough luck,' he laughs" Gill quote: "Is it hot in all that gear? The kendo armour is 'hot and heavy', says Riddoch"
To read the full article, click here.
Bowden and Premier Championships
May 30th - June 1st 2003, Stoke-On-Trent (England)
It has been too long since Edinburgh has entered a team for this competition. Although we were knocked out in the first round by Oxford "A", everyone fought brilliantly and did themselves and the club proud.
Team members were Nico (sempo), Bruce (jiho), Graham (chuken), Jo (fukusho), and Steve (taisho). The role of team manager was played by George.
After a superb curry and and few beers in Stoke all the Brits took part in the Premier's Cup on Sunday. Once again kendoka found themselves up against stiff opposition- Graham had Stuart Gibson (Gibbo) from the GB squad and last year's winner in the first round. In the end Steve made it to the quarter finals- not bad for an oldie!
Everyone agreed that the highlight of the weekend was the opportunity practice with and get instruction from some of the nanadan sensei there.
Dave Spacey travelled down and was involved in time-keeping duties during the weekend prior to the 12WKC.
6th IV Nations
May 26th - 27th 2003, Helsinki (Finland)
George travelled to Finland with the majority of the U.K. Team for some international shiai, featuring Sweden, Finland, Germany, and the U.K.
The highlight of the weekend was the Sauna Party follwed by mad karaoke. The U.K. teams version of the Bon Jovi classic 'Lay Your Hands on Me' had to be seen to be believed!
7th British University Championships
March 7-9th 2003, Canterbury (England)
For the 2nd year running, Edinburgh Kendo Club has been represented at the U.K. University Championships. Fighting for Edinburgh were Paul, Nico, and Jo. To make up numbers we stole Nic Treen (Hizen) and Vince Lam (Kodokan).
George was there in offical capactity as shimpan.
Edinburgh Kendoka to take part in the 12th World Kendo Championships
March 2003
Continuing the Scottish kendo tradition, Edinburgh Kendo Club is proud to announce that George McCall has been selected to represent Great Britain at the 12th World Kendo Championships in both the team and individual events.
George has reaped the benefits of many years of kendo study in New York, Japan and throughout the UK. Attendance at squad training is very demanding on both an athlete's time and purse-especially as George has travelled so far to maintan his national kendo profile.
George studies Iaido, and has experience in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu and Ono Ha Itto Ryu kenjustu.
Northern Seminar
March 1st/2nd 2003, Glasgow
Members of the dojo attended this years Norther Seminar in Glasgow, which focused on kihon-waza, shimpan/shiai experience, and kata-geiko.
Congratulations to those passing their exam: Bruce (ikkyu), Phill (shodan), and Nico (shodan).
Paris Taikai
February 2003, Paris (France)
George teams up with Michio Wise (Oxford) and Gibbo (Imperial) to take part in the teams section of the annual Paris Taikai. We got through three rounds before losing 2-1 to a team made up of French National Team members.
The following day sees us take part in the individual championships, which are split into grade level. Gibbo - in the nidan division - stomps through the rounds and into 2nd place with a barrage of tobikomi-men attacks.
2002
John Hepburn Seminar
November 31st / December 1st 2002, Glasgow
Taiseidokai had a visit from John Hepburn sensei, rokudan renshi, the top graded Scottish kendoka. Members from our dojo attended, many meeting Hepburn sensei for the first time.
29th Mumeishi 3's International Taikai
November 16th 2002, London (England)
This year we entered one team into the competition, consisting of Paul (sempo), Mike (chuken), and George (taisho). We won out first match against Reading A, then faced - and lost to - the eventual winners in the 2nd round: Mumeishi A. It was a very good team, consisting of Kawatomi-san and Hirai-san, both godan. Although our days shiai was over, we stayed and watched a good days Kendo. After that came the beer at the after-shiai party. Some of us drank too much!
Farwell to Jun-Hwan
October 18th 2002, Edinburgh
Jun-Hwan, a valued member of Edinburgh Kendo Club for a year now, is returning to Korea for a year-or-so. To mark the event we had a special keiko, with Jun fencing everyone in the dojo.
Jun will have lots of opportunity to continue his training in Korea, and we wish him every luck in doing so.
Kendo is very popular in Korea (where it is read using the Korean pronounciation of the Chinese Kanji "Kumdo/Gumdo").
National Kendo Championships
September 27th 2002, Birmingham (England)
Fraser, Paul, Mike, Kuba, George, and Steve went down to Birmingham and competed in the 2002 U.K. National Championships. Although not bringing back a medal, the shiai was a success for all with good performances being seen all round.
Steve and George also competed in the marathon 10 British kenshi vs 10 Japanese kenshi goodwill shiai. It was a very exciting match with some great Kendo being displayed on both sides.
1st Edinburgh Kendo Club Seminar
September 20th-22nd 2002, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Kendo Club hosted its first ever seminar, the guest instructor being Paul Budden sensei from Kodokan dojo. Also in attendance were Gerry Kincaid sensei (Taiseidokai), and U.K. Squad Members John McGill (Taiseidokai), Michio Wise (Oxford), Emiko Yoshikawa (Imperial), Gibbo (Oxford), Tim Anderson (Seikukan), and - of course - George McCall (Edinburgh).
It was a well recieved event by Edinburgh Kenshi, and hopefully the first of many - much thanks to Paul Budden, Gerry Kincaid, and the U.K. Squad Members in attendance. Special thanks go to Mikey who, although making a lot of effort to organise this, could not attend the entire weekend.
17th Kodokan Seminar
day month 2002, town (country)
Kodokan Dojo was the venue for the 17th Kodokan Seminar, run by Paul Budden sensei, rokudan. As always the head sensei at the seminar was Sumi Masatake sensei, hanshi hachidan. Supporting him were sensei Kumamoto, Tashiro, Yanai, Holt, Salmon, Inoue, Itagaki, Humm, O'Sullivan, and Budden.
George and Mikey both attended, with Mikey sitting and passing his nidan on the sunday.
Sensei Visit
August 23rd 2002, Edinburgh
Jeff Marsten, renshi nanadan, a very senior American kendoka, and IKF director, visited Edinburgh Kendo Club for the evenings practise.
Edinburgh-Kyoto Japanese Friendship-Garden Opening
July 28th 2002, Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh
We were invited to participate in a public demonstration on the opening day of Lauriston Castles Edinburgh-Kyoto Friendship Garden. It was a beautiful day and there were numerous other japanese-themed events including Judo, Sado, and Ikebana.
1st Sir Frank Bowden Memorial Cup / Premiers Cup
July 27th / 28th 2002, Dartford (England)
George brings back a Bronze medal after competing in the Sir Frank Bowden Memorial Cup as part of Glasgows Taiseidokai 'A' team.
The following day saw both George and Kuba participate in the Premiers Cup. George was put out in the 2nd round by the prior days teammate - John from Taiseidokai!!
Sensei Visit
July 16th 2002, Edinburgh
We had a visit from Toshiyuki Hayase sensei, godan, from Kanagawa-ken. Toshiyuki sensei is a staff writer for Kendo Nippon, and has written three biogrophies on famous kendoka, including Nakakura Kiyoshi and Saimura Goro.
His coming to the dojo was pure coincidence - he literally bumped into George (after returning from a keiko in Glasgow) in Waverly Station. He was shocked to find kendo in Edinburgh!
Using a combination of basic Japanese and English, we managed to invite him to class.
1st Hizen Taikai
May 25th 2002, London (England)
George was invited to be a judge in the innagural Hizen taikai. Jeff Humm Sensei (Hizen Dojo Leader, Kendo Squad Manager, and George's Sensei) opened the competition in traditional style, with the shooting of 2 arrows.
18th European Kendo Championships
April 19th-21st 2002, Nantes (France)
George took place in his second European Championships, fighting in both Team and Individual competitions.
It was a well turned out event, with even Paul and Dave from the Edinburgh dojo popping in for a look.
British Team Members Visit
April 12th and 13th 2002, Edinburgh
The weekend before the Europeans saw an extended practise at Edinburgh, with a bunch of National Kendo Squad Members. In fact, 4 out of 7 of the Mens team travelling to Nantes were in Edinburgh for Keiko, plus 1 ex-team member.
6th British University Championships
February 23rd 2002, Cheltenham (England)
Our dojo put in its first University team, consiting of Jun Hwan, Rob, Paul, and George (Player Manager!).
All 4 of us were grasciously put-up by Ian Parker-Dodd, in his beautiful country house.
We got passed the 1st round easily, but lost in the 2nd round to a strong team from Mainz, Germany.
For more on the British University University Championships check out the main British Kendo Association website
2001
10th Nakakura Cup
16th December 2001, Brussels (Belgium)
George headed over to Brussels for an enjoyable weekend of Kendo and Iaido. The weekend was jam-packed with seminars, the Nakakura Cup competition itself, and gradings. George's team consisted of himself, Michio Wise (Oxford), and Brian Hayes (Kagami Shin Kendokai), and reached the 1/4 finals.
The highlight of the weekend was having the opportunity to fence Eiga Naoki sensei, the current World Kendo Champion (individual and team), and last years (2000) winner of the Zen Nihon Kendo Senshuken Taikai. That same evening saw George and Gibbo (Oxford) take on Eiga sensei and Awahashi sensei at table-football... the British Boys soundly defeated the Japanese 8-2 !!
2nd Irish Goodwill Taikai
20th October 2001, Cork (Ireland)
George went to Cork for a weekends seminar, run by Yanai sensei.
On the sunday the 2nd Irish Championships were held in the morning, and a Goodwill Taikai in the afternoon. George's team won the latter with the help of Michio Wise (Oxford) and Jon Fitzgerald (Shumpukan).
Edinburgh Matsuri
June 2001, Edinburgh
Japan 2001 combined with this years Edinburgh Meadows Festival to give us a two day event entitled Edinburgh Matsuri. This included various Japanese arts/crafts and food, as well as music and budo demonstrations.
We gave a 30 minute demonstration of Iaido, Kendo no kata, and Shinai Kendo.
17th European Kendo Championships
April 16th-18th 2001, Bologna (Italy)
George took place in his first European Championships, fighting in both Team and Individual competitions.
Its the first time an Edinburgh dojo member has represented the UK nationally since 1996.
For an article on this please check out the main British Kendo Association website.
