Dojo News - the noticeboard and information portal for Nanseikan Kendo Club

Happy Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-30T20:46:00.000+11:00

Welcome back and あけましておめでとうございます！

This year we will be doing a few things a little differently, like having beginners' courses instead of letting new people start any time.

We will also be a bit more strict on paying dojo fees this year as well. From now on, all dojo fees need to be paid on the first day of training for the whole term in advance. There will be no paying week to week, as it becomes too hard to keep track of who has paid.

Also, this year is our tenth year, so we will be having a special celebration after our Kangeiko in the middle of the year. I hope we can get in touch with a few past members and have them come along as well. More details soon.

Training starts next Saturday 4 Feb. The first of our two beginners' courses for 2012 starts two weeks later.

See you all then!

Kenshikan's new floor

2011-12-11T23:54:00.001+11:00

Went to the Kenshikan today and saw the new floor for the first time. It's beautiful!! Hopefully these terrible phone pics give you an idea. But you'll just have to go to training there yourselves.

As today was the opening ceremony, there was a little Shinto offering of sake and rice to the gods in each corner of the dojo.

Kenshikan's new floor and official dojo reopening

2011-12-05T23:26:00.001+11:00

pic courtesy コアラ先生

To all members of the Victorian Kendo, Iaido and Jodo Community,

Please see attached invitation.

It is with great pleasure and excitement that Melbourne Budokai and the Kenshikan Trust formally invite you to attend the re-opening ceremony of the
Kenshikan Dojo on Sunday the 11th of December 2011. We would very much welcome your participation at this historic occasion which will involve a traditional
ceremony followed by a goodwill jigeiko.

***SUNDAY, 11TH OF DECEMBER***
Ceremony will begin at 10.30am (Please ensure you arrive 10 mins before)
Held at The Kenshikan Dojo (91 Rosslyn St. West Melbourne VIC 3006)

In early 2010 the Melbourne Budokai launched the ‘Kenshikan Restoration Project’, the most significant initiative undertaken since the Kenshikan's opening
in 1990. Over 20 years of extensive usage by the budo community has lead to the steady deterioration of the Kenshikan facility with the external roofing
material and the dojo floor suffering the most damage. As caretakers of the Kenshikan Dojo, the members of Melbourne Budokai decided to take action to
ensure the continuation of the Kenshikan legacy and to provide a safe venue for the practice and development of Kendo, Iaido, Jodo and Naginata for all
Australians into the future.

The Kenshikan Dojo closed its doors for 4 weeks to allow construction to begin on a new dojo floor. We are proud to announce that the new floor is ready and
waiting for a new era to begin.

We look forward to seeing on the day.

Please pass this message to all members of your club. If you have any enquiries please feel free to email or call me directly.

Kind Regards,

Tony Corrigan
President - Melbourne Budokai

Nanseikan Shochugeiko

2011-11-27T15:49:00.001+11:00

Monsoonal rain and warm temperatures have lately made for an authentic taste of Japanese summer, so...

Saturday 17 December is the annual Nanseikan Shochugeiko, from 9am until 5pm, at Nanseikan Dojo in Heidelberg West. People of all skill levels and ages, including those not yet wearing bogu, are most welcome.

'Shochugeiko' means practice in the middle of summer. Mid December isn't as hot as it gets here, as we all know, but it is a convenient time to farewell the year before we all go our different ways over the Christmas break.

As a gesture to all VKR members who are full-time students, the cost of the Kangeiko will be only $10.00 for the day.

The cost otherwise is $20, which is purely to cover hire of the hall.

Please RSVP to me by Friday 16 December.

Hope to see members from all the VKR clubs!

PS - Next year will be the 10th anniversary of Nanseikan Kendo Club, so keep an eye out for some special celebratory events.

Nagae Sumitaka 1921-2011

2011-11-16T13:56:00.001+11:00

Mr Sumitaka "John" Nagae, Kendo Kyoshi 7 dan, passed away in Tokyo on Monday night.

The contribution Nagae sensei has made to the lives of Victorian and Australian kendoka is without compare. His guidance, support, passion and sheer hard work has motivated each of us to not only improve our kendo, but also to become better human beings. He will be very greatly missed.

The initial ceremony to honour Nagae sensei and his passing will take place this evening in Japan, with the main ceremony following tomorrow. Mrs Nagae has requested that this be a family affair, and therefore not open to members of the public. To express our sincere sympathies, the VKR has sent flowers and a telegraph to the ceremony on behalf of all of our members.

The Victorian Kendo Renmei will honour Nagae sensei with a plaque that will be placed at Kenshikan as a reminder to all that train. This, and our continued practise of budo, will ensure that his legacy will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts and wishes are with Mrs Nagae, friends and family.

The Victorian Kendo Renmei

Itakura sensei/ Kenshikan's new floor

2011-11-12T17:50:00.001+11:00

Haven't posted here for a while so thought I would include a pic of Itakura sensei (Kendo 6th dan) who visited us this morning. Pretty excellent teacher/student ratio don't you think? :)

Congrats to Geoffrey who has finished all his International Baccalaureate exams. Good luck to Alvin and Jerry who may still have some VCE exams to go. Also a definite "break a leg" to Geoffrey as he auditions for NIDA next Saturday: as difficult as going for 6th dan!

Hopefully Itakura sensei will return to train with us next Saturday. Usually he trains on the weekend at Kenshikan but their floor is being re-done at the moment. Here are some pics from Shinoda sensei's blog of how it is going so far:

Shinoda sensei on the left and Shiina sensei, the design consultant, on the right, pretending to be the first to do kendo on the new floor... :/ b

Men o semete kote

2011-09-24T23:03:00.001+10:00

This is one of the videos I mentioned at training today. It looks just like a large kote, but it is actually a very smooth seme towards men and then kote when the opponent raises their shinai.

The other video which I mentioned today, of aigote-men, I just couldn't find. I'll keep looking. b

Kendo art

2011-09-22T21:09:00.001+10:00

Well actually it's kenjutsu art, or Tenshinshoden Katori Shinto Ryu art to be really precise! It's a drawing I did based on a photograph of Otake Risuke sensei, the headmaster of the school, doing the characteristic jumping nukistuke (drawing of the sword) of his school.

Click twice on the picture and for maximum bigness.

Next term we are back on Saturday 15 October.

Jodan article

2011-07-06T21:17:00.002+10:00

Jakob Schmidt, a long-time jodan practitioner and Kendo World forumite, has written a very useful article on practicing jodan at Kenshi247.net.

There are also a lot of great jodan videos to be found on the net like this one from Kendo World's channel, which you can watch in HD! And the one below has a fantastic translation by Kenji, who came to Kangeiko last week. I learned a lot just watching it... when I was able to stop laughing (you'll understand when you watch it)!

And of course Chiba sensei himself will be here in August (although I've never seen him instruct in jodan).

2011 Kangeiko Report

2011-07-03T23:45:00.003+10:00

This year's Kangeiko was held last Saturday in chilly, but not excessively cold conditions. Three clubs were represented: Nanseikan, MUKEN and MBK. There was a good mix of experience levels present, and I think everyone who came got something out of the day. I know the NSKers present certainly did. Kangeiko and other kendo seminars offer the chance to explore something in depth, to try things out over and over. Usually, at the end of the day, as well as being sore and tired, everyone feels that they have measurably improved.

The focus of this Kangeiko was tenouchi. We started with some drills using the kusari fundo I have mentioned previously to emphasise correct swing. Then we moved on to exercises for increasing wrist strength and flexibility. From there we did exercises in visualising all the different movements of the hands in the various shikake and oji waza. This was done with empty hands. We then practiced these movements with shinai in hand, and finally against an opponent. Lastly we went through all these waza in full bogu. This process in all took about 4 hours.

After lunch we had an extended session of jigeiko. The idea was to give everyone the opportunity to research how to use in a 'live' situation these movements that we had been carefully honing in drills. We did an hour and a half of jigeiko before afternoon tea, at which point Kenji arrived, seemingly at the last minute! However there was still a good amount of time left in the day, so we did another 40 or so minutes of jigeiko for Kenji's benefit, then 20 minutes of pretty rigorous uchikomigeiko to finish off.

All in all a tiring but excellent day of kendo!

Chiba-bogu's new website

2011-05-08T20:33:00.000+10:00

Chiba-bogu are one of the best online retailers of kendo equipment. However in the past all their equipment was very expensive. Now with the launch of their new site, they have a few new bogu including the one pictured above, their 5mm Clarino model.

Clarino is an artificial deer-skin substitute that performs very well. Most often it is used for kote palms, but here it is used for all the edging as well.

The advantage with this bogu is that it is order made to your measurements so you can be assured of a good fit. It does mean that it takes 6-10 weeks to complete your order. But it appears to have been marked down from over $1000 to around $650, which is pretty good value.

Tenouchi and swinging - basic practice drill

2011-05-01T23:55:00.002+10:00

This term we will be focusing on tenouchi 手の内. To review the basic theory about tenouchi and what it means, have a re-read of this.

Last Saturday we did a fun drill using a kind of kusari fundo, or weighted line. Usually this is a metal weight on the end of a chain, but we just used bean-bags on the end of cotton ribbon.

The exercise was to practice cutting by using the whole arm from the shoulder and not just swinging from the elbows. If you didn't do it properly, the bean bag didn't fly through the air in an arc. When done properly it was almost as easy as cutting with a shinai. Using the whole arm and shoulder meant the weight stretched out the ribbon and swung as if it were something rigid, like a shinai.

The other thing it did was to make you throw your cut forward, rather than down towards the ground. Above is a short vid of this exercise being practiced at this year's Kangeiko. I was going to put a picture, but the 'kusari fundo' is completely invisible in the still shot.

In the meantime if you want to make your own, I found with a little googling that probably the easiest way is to get some fairly thick rope and reverse-braid the end to make it a little heavier.

Hopefully it will look a bit like this.

Although for our purposes we only need one ended braided. For length I would say the same length as a shinai. b

Term 2

2011-04-29T20:07:00.000+10:00

My email is currently not working so I haven't been able to send out any group emails about this term's dates.

They are of course on the Training Dates pages, but as a reminder, this term starts on tomorrow, Saturday 30 April and goes until Saturday 2 July.

There will also be Kangeiko on the last day of training, 2 July, starting at 9am and finishing at 5pm.

NEWS:
In the Australian Kendo Championships held over Easter on the Gold Coast, Victoria finally won back the open team trophy and Kate Sylvester is (once again), women's individual champion.

You can see video of some of the championships here.

Wii 剣道

2011-04-07T13:42:00.001+10:00

Might have to get a Wii now... :D b

(Thanks to Kendo World user issacvas)

新有段者 - Nanseikan's first yudansha

2011-03-27T19:41:00.006+11:00

Congratulations to Geoffrey who today passed his 1st dan exam, making him the first Nanseikan yudansha, or dan-grade holder! It is a great achievement for Geoffrey and the result of years of dedicated training on his part. It's also a great milestone for our club as Geoffrey started kendo with Nanseikan.

Dan grades in kendo

Kendo as most of you know does not have belts to signify rank. However 1st dan, or more correctly sho-dan, is roughly equivalent to 1st degree black belt in other Japanese (or Japanese-derived) martial arts.

It is known as sho-dan (初段) which means "starting level" or the level at which you start the serious practice of kendo. It is not a level that gives the holder the right to be lord and master over those ranked below, as in some other martial arts. On the other hand, unlike some other martial arts there are no "junior" black belt rankings. No matter their age, each kendoka is being judged on the same criteria.

The test for sho-dan is not some kind of physical ordeal. It is the same format as every kendoka will face in their grading from that point on: 1) two separate jitsugi (matches against someone of similar level), 2) kata, and 3) a written test or paper on an aspect of kendo theory. The only difference between a 1st-dan test and a 7th-dan test is that, in the latter, the grading panel is looking for candidates to show "7th dan kendo". Exactly what that is, most people in Australia don't really know until they get to 6th dan!

Lastly, it is an interesting fact to consider that to attain sho-dan takes more years of training in Australia than it does in Japan.

Geoffrey has expressed a desire to specialise now in fighting from jodan no kamae. With the achievement of his sho-dan, Geoffrey has shown that he is ready to start on this new path, and that he has the discipline to do so with success.

Making a tsuba

2011-03-23T12:42:00.005+11:00

Here's a short film about a South African metalsmith named Ford Hallam and his task of making a reproduction tsuba 鍔. It's a really amazing look at the techniques and efforts needed to make such a "simple" item. In fact during the times where samurai still existed, craftsmen often specialised in making only tsuba and nothing else.

Tsuba were originally made in pairs (for the long and short sword) and this one had lost its partner, so Hallam was asked to remake the missing tsuba from photographs.

It's in two parts. Enjoy! b

地震と津波 Earthquake and tsunami

2011-03-13T21:12:00.006+11:00

The path of the tsunami across the Pacific Ocean

The destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the east coast of Japan has been unfolding over the last few days and I'm sure everyone has seen some of the terrible footage.

Now, problems with damage to one of the nuclear power plants in Fukushima have added another emergency, even before the clean-up can begin. As Satoru Orihashi (former member of Melbourne Budokai now living in Japan) said via email:

I am busy to recover our business and to deliver rescue goods.
It looks people have no time to be sad.

Fortunately all the Australian kendoka living in Japan, including Nagae sensei and his wife, are safe.

However there is still a hard time ahead for those in the affected areas. Many people are still missing, or they are homeless and have lost all their possessions. Still others are safe but don't know the fate of their family and friends.

The only positive thing that one can say about this is that the Japanese people have faced such disasters many times throughout their history (they invented the word tsunami, after all. BTW it means "harbour wave"). Earthquake, tsunami and volcanoes are to the Japanese what fire, flood and drought are to Australians. They practice evacuation drills regularly and have some of the best early warning systems and search-and-rescue teams in the world. So let's hope that the majority of people were able to get to higher ground before the tsunami hit.

If you wish to help, the Japanese Red Cross are accepting donations. Google has set up a page here where you can donate online.

http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

For those who were at training last Saturday...

2011-03-06T21:04:00.003+11:00

... we were talking about gyaku do (逆胴 – "opposite or unorthodox do"), now called hidari do (左胴 – left do).

Well here is the video I mentioned. Koyama sensei (Kyoshi 7 dan) in white representing the East, versus Ishida sensei (Kyoshi 7 dan) in red representing the West, 2002 East-West Championship.

Look closely at the technique and how he does it. I think there is something very interesting that he does (or rather that he doesn't do) which makes it successful.

Enjoy! b

Great kendo videos for 2011

2011-02-20T21:05:00.003+11:00

Massed kendo goodness! Primary/Junior High School kendoka at a seminar in Hokkaido.

Former All Japan champion and Japan Team Captain Eiga Naoki demonstrates men ni tai suru waza (techniques against men) and kote ni tai suru waza (techniques against kote)

See if you can name them all in the comments section...! b

Welcome to 2011!

2011-02-08T21:40:00.004+11:00

This year there is plenty on as usual, not least of which our regular training starts back this Saturday. For term dates, go to the Training Dates page.

There will also be a visit this weekend from Nittaidai (日体大), the National Sports Science University in Tokyo. As usual there will be a special training with their kendo dept members (open to all VKR members) and a special demo of traditional Japanese Martial Arts. See below for details.

GOODWILL TRAINING

A goodwill training will be held with Hakamada sensei, Yagisawa sensei and Shinzato sensei, and 23 members of the kendo faculty.

Date: Sat 12 Feb
Time: 5:30 for 6:00 start. (Doors open at 5:30. Training will be 2 hours)

Venue:
Footscray Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre (Building L), at
Victoria University - Footscray Park Campus,
Ballarat Road, Footscray VIC 3011
Melway 2S F4
Website: http://www.vu.edu.au/campuses/footscray-park

Cost: $10

We hope to see as many Victorian kendoka at the training as possible!

PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS

More than 100 students from Nittai Dai will demonstrate Japanese martial arts including: Judo, Karate, Kyudo, Sumo, Aikido, Kendo, Shorinji Kempo, Naginata and Japanese cultural dances.

Date: Sun 13 Feb
Time: 4:00 - 6:00

Venue:
Darebin Community Sports Stadium
857 Plenty Road
Reservoir 3073
http://www.darebin.ymca.org.au/index.asp?menuid=160.080

Apollo Bay Kendo Club Seminar

2010-12-22T05:56:00.004+11:00

ABKC - note Her Majesty the Kamiza in background

Just got back from a wonderful four days in Apollo Bay. Thanks to Peter, Libby and family for their warm welcome and showing me and my family some of the many sights in the area.

The Apollo Bay Kendo Club has recently been recognised by the VKR and congratulations to all the ABKC members for their perseverance up until now. I found a really keen and committed bunch of individuals who already show a solid grasp of basics and especially reigi saho(etiquette). We trained three times over the four days including all day on Sunday. There was a lot to get through as I had spoken to Peter, the club's instructor, prior to getting down there on what they wanted to cover. The two restrictions were a very hard floor (ceramic tiles on a a concrete base - ouch!) at their current dojo, and the lack of armour and armour experience of some members.

For that reason we looked closely at the Bokuto ni yoru kihon waza keiko ho, as a way of teaching shikake-waza and oji-waza to everyone regardless of experience. This worked very well and revealed the real usefulness of this sequence in this instance. As a result of training in the Bokuto Kihon, all ABKC members can develop a working knowledge of waza that can then be further developed when they reach bogu stage. They also started to get an insight into how timing and distance affect waza execution.

We followed this up with practicing the Bokuto Kihon in bogu with shinai for a further extension of the principles of waza, but this time with the added feedback of striking a live target. All these waza were practiced using suriashi rather than fumikomiashi so as to prevent injury on the hard floor.

Even with the shortage of bogu, everyone was able to try wearing full bogu, some for the first time, and then have brief go at jigeiko.

We also spoke about some basic concepts to do with the kendo mindset such as seme, sutemiand zanshin.

Dinner at the pub on Sunday night was great: wonderful to be able to eat lobster caught within view of the hotel!

Thanks again to everyone for a great seminar and all the best for the future of the club.

Looking down on the rainforest from 45m up in the canopy!

Nanseikan Summer Training report

2010-12-22T05:24:00.005+11:00

We held our annual summer training this year on Saturday 11 December. It was a relatively small gathering this year but still boasted representatives from four different VKR clubs. A special thanks to Kyohei Fujiie for bringing his Renshinkan members down from Benalla for the day.

The distinctive thing about this year's summer training was that, firstly, it wasn't so hot (and that's not a bad thing!) and secondly that we practiced kata. All of them. Some people had not done kata before and finished the day having an acquaintance with all kata up to number ten. Everyone did well with the overload of information to memorise. I hope that those who attended will be able to build on what they learned when they return to their home dojo.

For those who are interested, it took four hours to get through all ten kata. This included time for demonstration and some (but not a great deal of) repetition. b

Report on seminar by Sumi Masatake sensei

2010-10-29T20:08:00.012+11:00

Last Saturday, Sumi sensei held a training session at the Kenshikan. Luke and myself were there and it was a great session. Sumi sensei's assistant was Tashiro Junichi sensei (8th-dan). There were also another three 7th dans and three 5th dans in attendance, so the level of instruction was very high.

Sumi sensei is famous as a kendo teacher and he was the head of the committee that designed the nine "Bokuto ni yoru kihon waza keiko ho". Sumi sensei calls them the "Bokuto kihon" for short. These are the kata where the is a kakarite and a motodachi, and the kakarite calls out "kihon ichi!" or "kihon ni!" before performing the movements. Most NSK members are familiar with these 'kata'. (Those at training last week will have them fresh in their minds!)

So Sumi sensei showed us how to perform these basics with full bogu and shinai, which was very interesting. We will definitely try this at Nanseikan. He also has devised his own patterns for kirikaeshi and a particular was of starting jigeiko. I took many notes so that we can use some of these drills at our dojo. I will also post those notes on Shugo Nanseikan.

Below are some photos of the training.

Report on visit by Yoshiyama sensei and World Butoku Washinkai members

2010-10-10T00:09:00.014+11:00

Well yesterday's visit by 22 sensei from Japan was a great success. It really did seem like a dream to have so many experienced instructors in our small dojo. When the bus arrived in the car park and they all started to get out it was like, "here they come!"

We had to "extend" the dojo outside with carpet. Luckily it was such a beautiful day, and some of the sensei took the newest Nanseikan members outside for some intensive training, leaving the rest of the space for jikeiko.

The format of the morning was first zokin (cleaning), which was pretty hectic but with so many people it was over in about 45 seconds!

Next we posed for a group photo, then had the usual welcome speeches and exchange of presents (Nanseikan gave each of the sensei a packet of Madura tea, since it is grown and made in Australia, is different to Japanese tea, and is something that is not breakable or heavy for their luggage. And the Japanese love a nice cuppa!). Then we introduced the sensei to our way of practicing footwork, which they thought was fantastic. Minowa sensei, the senior sensei of the group was particularly impressed and said that he would like to take the idea back to Japan. You can see from the photos below that the sensei had a great time trying it themselves!

Next was about 45 mins of jigeiko for those in full bogu. This was exhausting and I only got to train against three or four sensei in that time. Luckily the sensei, who outnumbered us 2:1, were also quite happy to train against each other. Then we had two demonstration matches: myself vs Wang sensei, who is only the third 7th dan female sensei I have ever fought against, followed by two of the other 7th dan's, Kuribayashi sensei and Itoga sensei.

The we went back to doing basics without bogu, which Shiina sensei taught. Shiina sensei has a background in some older styles of swordsmanship, so the way he moves and taught us was different to what we are used to but still very helpful. We will practice some of his drills again in class.

Finally it was time for closing speeches, more photos, and exchange of the all-important meishi or business cards. Nanseikan members who were there were encouraged to collect as many as possible because each one of those sensei could be a valuable contact if they ever visit Japan.

Well done to the three new beginners who turned up thinking they might just be watching: instead they had two hours of intensive training with one-on-one instruction! And also to young Alec, who got the most attention of all and hung in there like a trooper! b

Yoshiyama sensei delegation coming to Nanseikan

2010-10-01T10:11:00.008+10:00

On 9 October we will be hosting more than twenty (20!) sensei of (I believe) 6 and 7 dan. They are headed by Yoshiyama Mitsuru sensei, who I had the pleasure of meeting and training with last year in Osaka. Yoshiyama sensei has written quite a famous kendo guide which has been translated into English, on how to pass your 4th to 7th dan exam. He will be accompanied by some notable 7 dan sensei including two who are exponents of Itto Ryu Kenjutsu, one an exponent of Mizoguchi-ha Itto Ryu, and the other of Hokushin Itto Ryu. Itto Ryu was one of the main forms of swordsmanship from which kendo evolved.

Training is normal time and not extra fee is being charged for this special event. Even though we are sure to be outnumbered, I hope as that as many Nanseikaners as possible will be there.

Yoshiyama sensei lecturing recently in Canada. Click to go to video.

These are the main sensei:

YOSHIYAMA Mitsuru Sensei (Kyoshi 7dan) President of World Kendo Butoku Washinkai
SHIINA Kazue Sensei(Renshi 7dan) The 7th head of Hokushin-Ittoryuu
MINOWA Masaru Sensei(Kyoshi 7dan) Master of Yamanashi Seishinkan Dojo, Mizoguchiha-Ittoryuu
KINOSHITA Fumio sensei(Kyoshi 7dan) Executive Director of Kumamoto Genbudo

Below is their full schedule while in Melbourne. See you there! :) b

7th Oct(Thur) PM Arrive MEL
17:00-18:30 Melbourne Univ. Kendo Club, Seminar for Univ. students
19:30-21:30 Kenshikan Dojo,
Seminar (Kihon-waza)
Demonstration(Hokushin-Ittoryuu, Mizoguchiha-Ittoryuu)
keiko

8th Oct(Fri)
13:00-17:00 Kenshikan Dojo
Seminar(Uchikomi, Oujiwaza, Kendo-Kata)
Keiko
18:30-21:00 Kenshikan Dojo
Seminar(Dan-grading preparation )
Keiko

9th Oct(Sat)
9:00-11:00 Nanseikan Seminar & Keiko for Kids
13:00-17:00 Kenshikan Dojo
Seminar(TBD)
Keiko
19:00-21:00 Kenshikan Dojo
Seminar(TBD)
Keiko

10th Oct(Sun)
8:30-12:00 Kenshikan Dojo
Seminar(TBD)
Demonstration(Hokushin-Ittoryuu, Mizoguchiha-Ittoryuu)
Keiko

13:00-17:00 Kenshikan Dojo
Seminar(TBD)
Keiko

Shiina sensei lecturing on kiriotoshi waza, one of the most difficult but effective waza in kendo, and the signature technique of Itto Ryu.

Click to go to the video.

Shinpan studies: shinai hanashi - losing grip of the shinai

2010-09-20T06:04:00.004+10:00

This relates to our practice of refereeing at yesterday's Harugeiko.

Here is a great video of makiotoshi men. Watch closely at 0:50 you'll see the technique. What is not clear until the replay at a different angle is that the opponent totally loses his shinai. The timing of the men cut after the technique shows how quickly you must act before the shinpan have a chance to say yame! In this case I think the opponent's shinai had not yet hit the ground when his men was struck.

Another thing to note is that zanshin after the men is expressed not by going forward past the opponent as is usual, but by standing still. The reason is that, due to the nature of the technique just executed, moving forward would not have been a natural part of the technique.

Quite a remarkable technique, even more so as it was executed under great pressure at a major competition, the Tozai Taiko or East vs West Competition.

春稽古 harugeiko - Spring training, 18 Sept

2010-09-09T21:58:00.007+10:00

It's Spring! What better way to celebrate perfect kendo training weather than with an all day gasshuku?

Saturday 18 September will be our first harugeiko, a one-day training camp from 9am until 5pm. The cost is $20/person for the whole day. BYO lunch but morning and afternoon tea provided. The focus will be shiai and will include some shinpan practice.

Please leave a comment below indicating if you are intending to come.

Hope to see you there.

b

Only slightly kendo-related... Mazda Shinari

2010-09-07T23:27:00.006+10:00

Here's a cool ad from Mazda Japan for their new "4 door, 4 seater concept car" the "Shinari". Not sure what the word means but the kanji (靭) contains the 'radical' (mini-character) for "blade" (刃). Must say I really DO like the look of the car. :P I think it will have to be an Autobot in the next Transformer movie! b (PS - Who else thinks the whole video is 3D animation?)

Assorted kendo videos

2010-08-08T00:59:00.006+10:00

Here are some 'random' kendo-related videos which are worth checking out.

Firstly, kendo versus sojutsu (spear). Both these practitioners are experienced. I don't know anything about the sojutsu sensei but the kendo sensei was apparently 7 dan when this was taken and is now 8 dan. Some every interesting strategy against a long weapon.

This one is of a recent seminar Chiba sensei took in London. Here he is demonstrating oji waza (counter-attacking techniques) against jodan.

Another instructional video, this one taken in Hungary of two visiting Japanese 8 dans. Rather unusually they demonstrate basic men, kote and do as well as various waza.

The Way of the Warrior was a series made by the BBC in the 1970s. It's still one of the best documentary series on Japanese martial arts ever made. This one is about the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. There is also one Youtube about kendo. In several parts.

Here is the one about kendo. Actually it starts with an excellent look at naginata (at 4:20) then continues with kendo. (Parts 1 and 2 are just to do with aikido).

2010 Kangeiko report

2010-06-28T21:21:00.008+10:00

What people were thinking during those 500 basics.

Today's kangeiko was the third Nanseikan has hosted and it was a great success. Kendoka from three clubs were represented, braving a 1 degree Celsius morning to practice kendo under the theme 百錬自得 or practice it 'til it becomes yours.

With that in mind we notched up 100 repetitions each of kihon men, kote and do, as well as harai kote and debana men. All in all 500 repetitions taking about 2.5 hours to complete. The day was rounded out with jigeiko and shiai. We also looked at kata number 7 in depth, helping many to get across that difficult ori-shiki do footwork.

Afterwards we had some nice Malaysian take away and some of the parent had chance to meet and have a chat. It was a long day, starting at 8.30am and finishing about the same time in the evening.

On my way to the dojo I saw the first plum blossom had come out. Already! So I picked some and we decorated the dojo with it.

2010 Kangeiko 寒稽古

2010-06-18T22:26:00.003+10:00

This year’s special winter training will take place on the first Monday of the school holidays, Monday 28 June

Cost: $20 for the day, open to all VKR members, especially junior members of other VKR clubs

Schedule: 0830 – arrival, registration, clean dojo

0900 – kangeiko start and first session

1100 – morning tea (provided)

1130 – second session

1330 – lunch (please note, lunch will again be BYO this year)

1430 – third session

1700 – finish

The gasshuku will cover kihon, kata and shiai.

Dinner

This year I would like to also invite everyone to stay for dinner afterwards. Dinner would be held in the room adjacent to the dojo and would be from 1830 – 2030 approx. For this I would need an indication of possible numbers and also dietary requirements if any. Family and friends of people attending would also be welcome.

Cost of dinner is to be advised depending on numbers. Most likely $10-15 per person

Applications for Kangeiko close Friday 25 June. Payment due on the day.

RSVP for dinner by Friday 25 June. Payment due on the day.

Sumi Sensei Kote

2010-05-09T20:11:00.002+10:00

Here is an EXCELLENT video on kote uchi technique by Sumi Masatake sensei. Can't recommend highly enough! b

PS - Thanks to Kendo World Forum's Richard Stonell ("Oroshi") for the translation, and "Dezza" for the subtitling.

Men uchi 面打ち - 8 May

2010-05-09T08:40:00.006+10:00

SAMURAI SPIRIT KENDO 剣道　1/5

2010-04-30T22:56:00.001+10:00

This is a series of five videos from a TV program about kendo. The host is a Greek karate champion who lived in Japan for many years and became a very successful professional kickboxer. It's very interesting to see what problems he has when he first tries kendo! Enjoy. b

Kage Ryu - battojutsu with extra long sword

2010-04-30T20:59:00.003+10:00

This is a video of Kage Ryu battojutsu (art of drawing the sword), using the choken (長剣), which means really long sword. More info about this rare and very interesting style here. b

2010 8-dan Kendo Championships Final

2010-04-24T20:28:00.001+10:00

Five-fingered kote...

2010-04-14T17:13:00.003+10:00

...seen last year in Genbudo, a bogu shop in Ikebukuro, a suburb of central Tokyo. Unfortunately I never did ask Mr Genbudo what exactly they were for,or the price. But they were in the same cabinet as the ultra-special do-dai made of sharkskin, or inlaid with mother-of-pearl... b

Balloon Keiko!!

2010-04-12T23:25:00.002+10:00

This reminds me I should go and buy some more balloons... b :D

Yuta's visit to Nanseikan

2010-03-19T22:07:00.002+11:00

Last week we had a few extra people at Nanseikan :), some photos are above. You can also visit Shinoda sensei's blog for more pics of us, and the many, many other things Yuta and Shinoda sensei did afterwards and during Yuta's stay in Melbourne.

Japanese Kendo Students in 1930s

2010-03-06T21:43:00.003+11:00

Film from the 1930s of Japanese students doing outdoor keiko. Note how they tie their men. Short but very interesting. Thanks to kenshi247 for the link. (Cheers George!) b

Nittaidai 2010 visit to Melbourne

2010-02-13T13:51:00.004+11:00

Nippon Taiiku Daigaku (日本体育大学) or Nittaidai for short, is one of Japan's leading univeristy kendo teams. This year, Hakamada sensei, Yagisawa sensei and 31 of Nittaidai's 3rd year students have come to visit Melbourne and Sydney after a three year break. Prior to that, Nittaidai Kendo students had visited Melbourne every year for more than 25 years, thanks to the close connection between the former Professor of Kendo at Nittaidai, Shizawa Kunio sensei, and Melbourne kendoka, including Nagae sensei.

This year they are back to do public demonstrations and short training seminars with Australian kendoka. This pic shows how many were at last night's training at Fudoshin dojo in Parkville. As you can imagine it was packed, and we Aussies who are used to plenty of space in our dojo found that a little tricky, but all the more fun for the amount of energy and good feelings it created! b

PS - A big congratulations to Brett Smith sensei on the birth of his first son, Remy Makoto Buchanan Smith. Of course Brett's wife Simone did all the hard work...

壽！

(^ this is a big congratulations)

Gasshuku report

2009-12-22T23:39:00.003+11:00

Last Monday, Nanseikan held its second gasshuku for 2009. The day was a great success with 18 participants, the majority of whom stayed for the full eight hours. The little dojo at St Pius X was pretty much at capacity with these numbers, so there was a great deal of energy and spirit in the training. The day was quite warm, about 28 degrees: pleasant for a picnic in the shade, but very sweaty and tiring when wearing dogu. Our previous gasshuku had members from two VKR clubs. This time, five VKR clubs were represented: Nanseikan, Fudoshin, UMKC, MBK and Mumeishi. Participants’ ages ranged from 6 to well over 40-something.

The day focused on basics and commenced with everyone performing 1000 suburi. To allow participants’ arms to recover this was followed by a short lecture on Toho (刀法) or practical principles relating to the use of a sword. There then followed an extended session of shinaigeiko looking at basic movements required for cutting, especially focusing on kikentaiitchi. Then morning tea of pikelets and jam courtesy my very kind partner Caz, followed by an in-depth look at do uchi with bogu. This covered kihon do uchi, hiki do, as well as nuki do, kaeshi do and finally gyaku do. Next, all participants were videoed performing kihon men and kote on a motodachi. Lunch was BYO, but during lunch everyone was subjected to watching themselves performing kihon. I think everyone saw at least one thing that they will now be able to work on improving. As compensation for having to watch their faults displayed in public (sometimes in slow motion...) I showed everyone my unsuccessful grading performance in Tokyo from last month. The main response was: “is that all?” :D

After lunch we went through the 9 bokuto ni yoru kihon waza keiko ho no kata, in particular how they connect with the idea of toho or rational use of the sword/shinai. We then had a conventional session of kihon and uchikomi, followed by jigeiko. Those that survived this were promised even harder things to come in the final session but in fact were treated to a short introduction to nito. After being shown the basic stance for sei nito (conventional nito) and the basic idea of suppression with the shoto and striking with the daito, the last 10 participants were allowed to do two jigeiko using nito against itto. The results were quite surprising, with most people showing some skill and achieving yuko datotsu once or twice. Everyone agreed that the hardest thing about nito was holding the daito above one’s head for an extended period. I think some people who maybe had a romantic view of nito and it’s ‘coolness’ had an insight into just how hard it is and how much more work it would be to become competent in.

So overall we looked at basics but we also did some techniques that people rarely get a chance to see let alone try for themselves. This is the beauty of having a whole day for kendo. You can look at lots of different things, and explore some areas in depth. Still, it was not long enough. I think most would have come back for a second day. We didn’t get a chance to do shiai or practice shinpaning, and we didn’t do any kendo no kata. Looks like we’ll have to have another gasshuku one day soon! b

2009 Nanseikan Summer Gasshuku

2009-12-10T21:21:00.005+11:00

On Monday 21 December we will be having our second gasshuku (training camp). It will be from 9.00am until 5.00pm with a break for lunch.

Date: Monday 21st December

Location: Nanseikan Dojo, St Pius X Primary School Hall, Waterdale Road, Heidelberg West (300m north of Bell St intersection).

Start time: 9.00am

Lunch: 1.00pm Please note, lunch is now BYO.

Finish time: 5.00pm

Cost:

All day under 16 $15.00 (half day -$10.00)
All day senior $20.00 (half day - $15.00)

Requirements for attendance: VKR member, shinai and bokuto, kendogi and hakama, bogu (if wearing bogu), own lunch

Refreshments will be provided but please bring your own lunch. Note, there is a kitchen with fridge, microwave, toaster, etc available at the dojo.

Please advise of any health or dietary issues beforehand.

RSVP and enquiries: email direct to Ben Sheppard nanseikanATkendovictoriaDOTasnDOTau by Friday 18 December

Typical scenes in Japan 6

2009-12-01T22:20:00.003+11:00

The hitting dummies (uchikomidai) at Otemae Senior High School Kendo Dept.

My host in Osaka, George, demonstrating how small my hotel room was (I took this picture standing outisde the door!) Note George is proudly wearing his souvenir Nanseikan polartop. :D

Seen from the window of my hotel in Osaka: a remnant of the "bubble economy" (when Japan had too much money in the late 80s, early 90s). A Dept store building with a rollercoaster built in. Unfortunately it's now closed.

The big temple gate of Senso Temple in Tokyo. You can see how big the lanterns are by the size of the people standing directly underneath them.

Typical scenes in Japan 5

2009-12-01T22:16:00.004+11:00

Autumn in Japan means the maples (momiji) are on fire.

Maples and the autumn moon on a street in Sakura City, an hour outside of Tokyo.

In Ikebukuro there is a great bogu shop called Genbudo. They have a display cabinet of some really fancy do-dai. I didn't ask how much...

Typical scenes in Japan 4

2009-12-01T22:14:00.003+11:00

Fugu!

My favourite part of the Kobukan Dojo. The skinniness of the door gives you an idea of how compressed the whole space is.

The opposite corner of the Kobukan: books and bokuto!

Typical scenes in Japan 3

2009-12-01T22:12:00.004+11:00

The Tokyo Budokan, where the 6th dan gradings were held.

Immediately after my grading but before I knew the result!

The neighbourhood I stayed in whilst in Tokyo, Ikebukuro.

A shrine to Jizo Bosatsu, whom Buddhists believe helps the spirits of children who have died. Tradtionally, people wrap him up in bibs, woollen beanies, even coats and jackets!

Typical scenes in Japan 2

2009-12-01T22:11:00.003+11:00

The "Rapito" train from Kansai International Airport to Osaka City.

Shinjuku, one of the main entertainment districts of Tokyo, on a Friday night.

Outside the Kobukan Dojo in Nakano, a suburb of Tokyo. The dojo is part of a private house, owned by the head sensei, Ozawa sensei.

The Christmas, er... bunny? A poster in a subway in Tokyo.

Typical scenes in Japan

2009-12-01T22:09:00.003+11:00

A street in Osaka

A typical vending machine, serving hot, as well as cold, drinks.

The view of Osaka Castle from the art room at Otemae Senior High School.

Gala variety show kendo song

2009-10-22T22:34:00.004+11:00

This video clip speaks for itself really. Please enjoy! b :)

Upcoming gradings

2009-09-05T08:23:00.005+10:00

Gradings: 6th kyu – 2nd kyu

Date: Sunday 13th September 2009
Time: 1:00 pm Registration
Location: Kenshikan Dojo – Rosslyn St West Melbourne

Gradings: 1st kyu - 3rd dan

Date: Saturday 26th September 2009
Time: to be advised
Location: Kenshikan Dojo – Rosslyn St West Melbourne

新道場 The new dojo

2009-08-11T21:54:00.003+10:00

Finally a pic of the inside of the new dojo. As you can see it's a little smaller than the old one. That's fine because it just means it fits us better! In fact the space can just fit an 11m shiaijo, which is perfect. You can still see a little water on the floor from everyone having just done zokin (mopping the floor - Japanese style). Click here to go to the Google maps reference. This must have been the day Geoffrey forgot to put his 袴 and 剣道着 in the car before training! :D　b

Article published in 剣道日本月刊

2009-07-30T22:11:00.004+10:00

The September edition of Kendo Japan Monthly contains an article I wrote originally for Kendo World magazine in English and which appeared last June. Since then I had the article translated into Japanese. Alex Bennett, editor of Kendo World, kindly passed it on to the editors of Kendo Japan Monthly. The article is not about Nanseikan, but about the first four years of the Brunswick Secondary College kendo program. Maybe the next article I send them should be about Nanseikan... b :)

Nanseikan's new dojo!

2009-06-19T19:43:00.004+10:00

View My Saved Places in a larger map

We will be moving there after our last training at Brunswick on Saturday 27 June. I'm hoping a few of you will be able to volunteer to help wih the move.

Our first training there will be our one-day gasshuku (training camp) on Thursday 9 July (note change of date from previously) starting 10.00am, going until 5.00pm.

Then term 3 classes commence on Saturday 25 July.

How many 8 dans are there?

2009-04-23T22:49:00.004+10:00

This is a question I get a lot.

And here's the answer:

剣道段位・称号登録者数　　(平成15年1月現在)
Numbers of kendo grade holders, as at January 2003

初段　634,678 (shodan)
二段　385,890 (nidan)
三段　162,061 (sandan)
四段　41,463 (yondan)
五段　38,573 (godan)
六段　14,011 (rokudan)
七段　11,877 (nanadan)
八段　466 (hachidan)
九段　13　(kyū-dan-9th Dan) only 4 still active: Inoue sensei, Okuzono sensei, Taniguchi sensei and Kurasawa sensei.
全国登録計　1,288,033 (All Japan Total) (women 28%)

称号 Shogo
錬士　19,258 (Renshi)
教士　18,000 (Kyoshi)
範士　376 (Hanshi)

There had been only five 10th dan in kendo history. From 1995 the grades 9th and 10th cannot be awarded. The total 9th dan ever awarded seems to be about twenty.

And then, by Curtis Marsten sensei's reckoning, it takes more than 86,000 people to pass 6 and 7 dan for there to be just ten new 8 dans!

(Note: these figures are only for Japan. Thanks to Raffa at Kendo World for this info). b

Nanseikan @ UMKC

2009-03-30T20:26:00.004+11:00

I'm not sure exactly what year this is. Maybe 2003? It was the first time Nanseikan visited another dojo and it was of course, University of Melbourne Kendo Club. From the picture I can see that the NSKers there were Steph, Amelia, Cy and Jordan. Only one of those people is still training! :'( b

Can you have too much bogu?

2009-03-30T20:19:00.004+11:00

This photo is from when I was training with Kagoshima University at their Daigaku Byoin Budokan, in 1993. I was amazed, coming from a country with a constant shortage of bogu, to see old bogu rotting outside the dojo! Not sure what they were keeping it for, all neatly stacked up like that. Perhaps they were waiting for the next hard rubbish collection? :D b

To all Kendoka in Victoria!!!

2009-03-18T19:33:00.006+11:00

photo (c) VKR Inc.

Melbourne Budokai and the Victorian Kendo Renmei would like to invite all VKR members to participate in a special fund raising appeal to assist those affected by the recent bush fire tragedy in Victoria.

A special keiko will be held on Sunday the 22nd of March (Before the VKR’s AGM) at the Kenshikan Dojo. Training will begin at 9.30 a.m. and conclude at 11.00 a.m. The emphasis will be on jigeiko and it is our hope that as many of our high ranking yudansha as possible will be there for everyone to train with. This will be a rare opportunity for kendoka from all Victorian clubs to enjoy a vigorous training together!

All training fees will be donated to the Fire Appeal. (Adults $10, Students & Juniors $5)

We hope that as many members as possible will participate to support our fellow Victorians... and to have a great day of training!!!

Kind Regards,

Gary Oliver (VKR President) & Tony Corrigan (MBK President)

Grading sucess!

2009-03-16T21:20:00.003+11:00

Congratulations to all our Nanseikan members who passed their 6th kyu to 3rd kyu gradings at the Kenshikan on 7 March. Congratulations also to Fujiie sensei's Renshinkan members from Benalla who are the first from that club to receive a kendo grading. b

Next 1st kyu - 3rd dan grading - Sunday 29 March

2009-03-04T22:58:00.004+11:00

photo Matti Sedholm

Below are the details for the next grading for 1^st kyu – 3^rd Dan. I have published the exam questions for 1 - 3 dan even though no-one from Nanseikan will be requiring them, because they usually do not change.

Gradings: 1^st kyu – 3^rd Dan

Date: Sunday 29^th March 2009

Time: Registration commences at 1:00 pm.

Location: Kenshikan Dojo – Rosslyn St West Melbourne

Exam Questions:

Please answer both questions.

Mark your paper with your name and the grade you are challenging.

1^st Dan:

1. What do you want to learn from training in Kendo.

2. Explain Maai.

2^nd Dan:

1. Explain why etiquette is important to Kendo.

2. Explain the opportunity for Datotsu.

3^rd Dan:

1. Explain why it is important to do Kendo Kata.

2. Explain why it is necessary to do Kiri-kaeshi.

Beautiful photos of old kendo dojo

2009-03-02T21:58:00.003+11:00

photo by Matti Sedholm

This and many other photos were taken by a Swedish photographer named Matti Sedholm. He also uses the name Horimatsu on Flickr. This series shows a really wonderful old dojo in Yokohama, a big city not far from Tokyo. From his photos you get a real sense of the atmosphere. b

Repost: Grading requirements from 6 kyu to 2 kyu

2009-02-22T15:35:00.002+11:00

With the next 6 kyu- 2 kyu grading coming up at the Kenshikan on Sat 7 March at 1.30pm, I have reposted the requirements for each grade below.

Grading requirements for kyu grades

2.3.5 6 kyu Technical Requirements
Kihon-waza to be executed with Motodachi, candidates wearing Tare and Do.
• Correct Hakama & Keikogi
• Correct Bogu
• Rei and Sonkyo
• Ashi-sabaki
• Kihon Men
• Kihon Kote
• Kihon Do
• Kihon Kote-Men (Delete)
• Kihon Kote-Do (Delete)
• Kiri-Kaeshi (Delete)
2.3.6 5 kyu Grading Technical Requirements
Kihon-waza to be executed with Motodachi, candidates wearing Tare and Do.
• Correct Hakama & Keikogi
• Correct Bogu
• Rei and Sonkyo
• Ashi-sabaki
• Kihon Men
• Kihon Kote
• Kihon Do
• Kihon Kote-Men (Delete)
• Kihon Kote-Do (Delete)
• Kiri-Kaeshi
2.3.7 4 kyu Grading Technical Requirements
Candidates wearing full Bogu and demonstrating against each other.
• Correct Hakama & Keikogi
• Correct Bogu
• Kihon Men
• Kihon Kote
• Kihon Do
• Nidan-waza
• Kihon Kote-Men
• Kihon Kote-Do
• Sandan-waza (Delete)
• Kiri-Kaeshi
• Kiri-Kaeshi as Uchidachi
• Uchi-komi Geiko
2.3.8 3 kyu Grading Technical Requirements
Candidates wearing full Bogu and demonstrating against each other.
• Correct Hakama & Keikogi
• Correct Bogu
• Kihon Men
• Kihon Kote
• Kihon Do
• Nidan-waza
• Sandan-waza
• Kiri-Kaeshi
• Kiri-Kaeshi as Motodachi
• Uchi-komi Geiko

2.3.9 2 kyu Grading Technical Requirements
• Kiri-Kaeshi
• Kiri-Kaeshi as Motodachi
• Uchi-komi Geiko
• Kakari Geiko
• Ji Geigo

Hello Kendo!

2009-01-27T23:01:00.007+11:00

I know at least one person who would really love one of these...
I'm not so sure about the sad little guy below...

From a very cheesy gift shop of all things kendo called kendo358.com

b

Grading dates for 2009

2009-01-27T15:27:00.008+11:00

8-dan grading in Kyoto. Pic from All Japan Kendo Federation

These are the dates for upcoming VKR gradings for the first half of the year. Mark them on your calendar! (:b

§ Saturday 7th March – Kendo 6th Kyu to 2nd Kyu Grading

§ Sunday 29th March – Kendo 1st Kyu to 3rd Dan grading

Gold!

2009-01-21T13:15:00.008+11:00

In Korea, some 8-dans have gold-coloured mengane! It's a bit of a "status-symbol", a way of showing off either how wealthy or how skilful you are.

When I first saw them I was a bit shocked. They seemed so, well, showy. But then I remembered that many Japanese 8-dans have status symbols of their own, like sam-e dodai, (do made from sharkskin) which is very expensive: usually about $3000.00 from a good Japanese maker. And that's just for do itself!

If you click on this image you can see how the do has many little dots. These are the natural texture of the sharkskin. Usually the craftsman who makes it is able to arrange a small line of these dots across the middle of the do as a kind of decoration. You will also notice that this bogu set (from www.tezashi.com) has black mengane. This is really just a different kind of status symbol. Black mengane have only been made for the last 2 or 3 years, but are becoming very popular, especially outside Japan.

Even though we are taught not to show off in kendo, still people like to own and wear things that are special and that make them feel good. Everyone likes to have new things, and everyone likes to have things that no-one else has. Even in a room of kendoka wearing all blue dogi and bogu, you can see little differences: expensive shinai, coloured tsuba, handstitched bogu, lots of embroidery on the hakama. There are lots of ways people like to stand out. And sometimes having the goal of saving up for a new set of your own bogu can be a really important part of your training, keeping you keen and looking forward to kendo training.

So long as you don't become one of those people who trains until they buy their own bogu, then gives up a week later!

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-05T12:22:00.005+11:00

アけましておめでとうございます！

(akemashite omdetou gozaimasu!)

This year training starts on Saturday 7 February.

Term dates will be:

term 1............. 7 February – 4 April

term 2............ 25 April – 6 June

term 3............ 18 July – 12 September

term 4............ 10 October – 5 December

Above is a nengajo or New Year's card for our club.

All the best for 2009.
Let's make it a year of learning, fun, and victories! b

PS - Don't forget to check out Shugo-Nanseikan, our other blog with lots of new articles about kendo.

Merry Christmas to all!

2008-12-21T21:01:00.002+11:00

...and a 2009 filled with much kendo!

Here are some pics of Chiba sensei's chudan no kamae for you all to emulate!

b

Results and pics - 2008 VJKC

2008-12-06T21:44:00.026+11:00

Another great Victorian Junior Kendo Championships today. The standard gets better every year.

This year we had two divisions, 14 & under and 16 & under. Unfortunately only three Victorian dojo were represented, Nanseikan (of course!), Fudoshin and Ballarat.

Firstly thanks to the shinpan who came along today: Gary Oliver, Khay-Lin Teoh sensei, Richard Ward, Jason Widdy and Andrew Lam. Thanks also to all the parents for bringing their boys (and they were all boys this year, more girl-kendoka needed!) as well as supporting their kendo throughout the year. Last but not least, thanks to Tony of UMKC, who took all the fantastic photos below. All pics are (c) Tony Shearer.

Straight off the 14 & under matches were high quality. Newcomer Yuichiro Sato of Fudoshin won his first match in his first ever taikai against Thomas Goh, also of Fudoshin.

Sato (red) scoring men against Thomas Goh.

Poor Thomas didn't fare any better in his next match against our own Mr Weber. Geoffrey won with two very nice men-uchi.

Geoffrey (red) scores men against Thomas.

Thomas taking the initiative.

The next match was a scorcher with two NSKers against each other, Geoffrey and Robert. Geoffrey scored an early do and the match seemed destined to end 1-0.

Geoffrey scores do-uchi on Robert.

Then, about the time evryone was thinking "Rob, you've got about 10 secs to pull something out," lo and behold Rob scores with a beautiful men. You can really see in this photo how much ground Rob can cover with his uchikomiashi!

Rob scores men on Geoffrey.

Absolutely no doubt in the judges mind on that one. The match went into encho and Geoffrey replied with another men, taking the match. Next up was Rob against Yuichiro Sato. Rob was still firing in spite of his loss to Geoffrey, and he took the match, and the silver medal, from Yuichiro with another beautiful men-uchi. But it was Geoffrey who won the gold, with his two wins, both by two points.

Rob scores on Yuichiro.

After a brief interlude...

There are always problems with the draw...

...it was on with the 16 & unders. Geoffrey, as winner of the 14 & under, also took up a place in this more experienced field. Straight away, Thomas Goh's big brother Tristan showed he was not to be trifled with by accounting for Nanseikan's Richard with men and kote points. I think Richard was a bit taken by surprise. Jenny Kelso who was timekeeping for us said that Tristan's first men came only four seconds after hajime! If it's any consolation Richard, the pic below shows that it wasn't all one-way. The match was much closer than the score-line suggests.

Not a scoring point, but very nice form from Richard nevertheless.

Next up was Tristan versus Andre Bricknell of Ballarat, and the tables were turned somewhat, with Andre dominating by scoring two emphatic men-uchi. Apart from being a lot taller than last year, Andre impressed with his straight form and excellent kime, that quality that leaves no doubt that you meant to do what you just did.

Tristan and Andre in tsubazeriai.

Andre's next opponent was Richard, and Richard was on the receiving end of Bricknell's kime, allowing Andre to score two men on him. Unfortunately for Richard, the technique below did not work as well for him as worked for Teramoto in the 2007 All-Japans...

Hmm, I'll just trick him into thinking I'm going for his do...

Next pool first up was Geoffrey against Shaun Hearn of Ballarat: a draw with a men for Geoffrey and kote for Shaun.

Ooww! Put me down! I'm a shinpan, you can't do this to a shinpan!

Next was Geoffrey against last year's winner Chris Brown of Ballarat. Chris made short work of Geoffrey with a 2 men-0 win.

Chris Brown of Ballarat Kendo Club launches against Geoffrey of Nanseikan.

Final pool match was between Chris and Ballarat compadre Shaun. Chris showed he meant business with two men-uchi.

men uchi no. 1

men uchi no. 2

Chris obviously meant to defend his title and the final would prove to be a doozy. Andre came out firing, but Chris' experience meant that no-one was going to write him of early either. It seemed for a moment that the match might end up as a stalemate, as two evenly-matched kendoka who train together regularly might find it impossible to break through.

Chris Brown of Ballarat (white) against Andre Bricknell in the 16 & under final.

But suddenly Andre scored with a lovely men. Chris didn't muck around, answering very soon after with a men of his own. One all! Would it drag out? Who would break through? The match was intense, but clean and both showed exemplary kendo for their level. It didn't take long for Andre find the opening and score the winning men.

Andre defeats his dojo-mate Chris to take the title.

Well done to Geoffrey and Robert for their success. And ganbatte kudasai to Richard. You may not think so at the moment, but you have learned a lot from today's defeats.

The final results were:

14 & under

1st - Geoffrey Weber (Nanseikan)

2nd - Robert Kelso (Nanseikan)

3rd - Yuichiro Sato (Fudoshin)

16 & under

1st - Andre Bricknell (Ballarat)

2nd - Chris Brown (Ballarat)

3rd - Tristan Goh (Fudoshin)

See you all next year!

b

2008 Victorian Junior Kendo Taikai

2008-11-29T18:49:00.002+11:00

Next Saturday is not only our last training for 2008, but is also the day of the Victorian Junior Kendo Championships. Like last year, we will be having the competition straight after training, at our own dojo. We will finish training a little earlier and start registration and shinai check at 10.30am, with competition starting at 11.00am. The comp should finish around 12 noon.

It is planned to have three age divisions, same as last year: under 12, under 14 and under 16. Everyone who is a VKR member and is wearing full bogu at every training can enter.

And afterwards we will have lunch at a nearby cafe, to be decided.

Come along and make sure we win back what's rightfully ours from Ballarat KC! b

Farewell to Natsu!

2008-11-26T22:54:00.002+11:00

After 10 months in Australia, Natsu will be returning to Japan, and her final year of high school. She has really helped Nanseikan see what the next stage of kendo has in store, and has brought the reality of Japanese kendo right into our dojo. We will miss you Natsu! All the best and keep in touch. b

How the club looks in 2008...

2008-11-01T23:31:00.005+11:00

Pretty self-explanatory... :D

b

Nanseikan at Mumeishi 3s

2008-11-01T23:14:00.014+11:00

Our team did well at this year's Melbourne Mumeishi 3s taikai. Jimmy was senpo (position 1) Natsu was chuken (position 2) and Richard was taisho (position 3) . Here's Natsu's report:

Well the result was: Ballarat A; Jimmy, me, Richard lost with two points each to Fudoshin B; Jimmy draw, me and Richard won by tow points each UMKC A; jimmy got a dou, but lost by two points, and we lost too... it wasn't the best match if you say from the results, but both jimmy and Richard did extremely well, plenty of kiai, a lot of good techniques with really good timing. kaeshi dou etc i think they need more kihon so the uchi is stronger and also learn good 'kime' and they'll become excellent kendoka. The winning team was Kenshikan 'A', second was Ballarat 'A', they also got the fighting spirit award, and third UMKC 'A'.

Well done guys and thanks to Geoffrey's dad and Jimmy's dad for transport on the day. b

Jigeiko

2008-10-22T19:26:00.001+11:00

It's nice to see a vid of jigeiko not just shiai. This is video of a jigeiko between Yamada Hironori sensei and Chiba Masashi sensei, both former All Japan champions. It was filmed a while ago, and shows Chiba sensei fighting someone of his own level.

b

第１回全日本剣道選手権大会決勝 The first All Japan Championships!

2008-09-17T21:50:00.003+10:00

For your viewing pleasure! b

Nakakura Kiyoshi (9.dan)

2008-09-17T21:37:00.002+10:00

A short video of Nakakura sensei near the end of his life. He visited Australia several times over the years and was something of a kendo (and iaido) god. Next time you're at the Kenshikan, take time to notice the joseki. It says 'butoku' (martial virtue) and is by him. b

Term 4 starts 11 October

2008-09-16T13:19:00.004+10:00

Term 3 has come to an end and we have almost a month off before we start on 11 October.

In the meantime, the Australian University Games kendo competition will be taking place at Footscray Campus of Victoria University, Ballarat Road, Footscray on Wed 1 October, from 9.00am until 6.00pm. This year a record 70 competitors from 9 universities around Australia will be taking part. AFAIK entry is free for spectators, so if you're not doing anything on that day, come down and watch some intense shiai!

And BTW, check out the Mt Fuji webcam down the bottom left of this blog. If you click on "more", you get a bigger image pop-up. It's a really sharp and clear picture too.

b

PS - there is always a link to Victorian school holiday dates on the left side of this blog too.

VKC ittekimashita!!

2008-08-28T20:14:00.006+10:00

g'day! this is Natsu

i'm gonna make a report on the VKC, which was held on Aug 24th Sunday at Ballarat. Me, Eli, Kurt and Jimmy entered VKC which started at an unhuman time(7:30am!! gosh!) and went though all day till well past 7pm.

KYU INDIVIDUAL

Jimmy was the first match of the day, fought against Son.N(UMKC) and Ryo.S(MBK), both really good matches, but unfortunately lost. Kurt won against Nicole.S(UMKC)(^o^), but lost to Rachel.L(MBK). Eli got through the first stage, beat Viet.H(UMKC), but lost to Andy.M(UMKC) at the next stage. Every ones matches were really great

WOMEN'S INDIVIDUAL

I got through the first league, but lost to Chiaki.K(Fudoshin) at the next stage.

DAN INDIVIDUAL

I lost to Tom.M(UMKC), and Ruben.B(MBK) ...(ToT)\meh

KYU TEAM

Nanseikan was against MBK. The team order was senpou-Jimmy, chuken-Kurt, and taishou-Eli.

Good match but lost...Still, good fight everyone!!!!

OPEN TEAM

We were against Fudoushin (like last year). Senpou was me, chuken Kurt and taishou Eli. We did lose, but did our best, and did a good fight against the champion team

The result was, Eli got the fighting spirit award, and i got third place in the women's individual. Yahoo!!

It was a long and bloody cold day, but we had fun, learned heaps, and got determination to get stronger and revenge next year!!

So lets all train hard and get strong!!! Nanseikan Banzai!!!(^^)/

p.s. hey, guys who went to VKC, i somehow maneged to delete all the pictures i took, so if you have any photos, please send them to Ben so he can put it on

Anthony Bourdain learns Kendo in Tokyo

2008-08-22T20:28:00.002+10:00

A great vid of Toda sensei. I've done jigeiko with him on several occasions. Ask me at training for some stories about his kendo. b

Good luck Nanseikan at the VKC!

2008-08-18T21:56:00.004+10:00

Good luck and ganbatte kudasai to Jimmy, Natsu (both pictured above), Kurt and Eli as they strive to do their best (or better!) next Sunday at the 2008 Victorian Kendo Championships in Ballarat. Those of us who can't be there will be thinking of you. b

Kendo Shinai manufacturing [1/2]

2008-08-16T11:38:00.002+10:00

Here's a great video of how a shinai is made. That's a lot of work for something that doesn't cost very much! The same YT user has also posted one about making bogu which is well worth checking out. b

Chiba sensei's Oji waza

2008-08-08T23:34:00.002+10:00

Chiba sensei's Oji waza
Video sent by ichibyoshi

Note how straight Chiba sensei's cuts are after suriage, and esecially how stright his kote strike is. b

Chiba sensei seminar day 2

2008-08-08T22:53:00.004+10:00

Looking back at my notebook most of my notes from Chiba sensei are about training drills and small aspects of waza that are best conveyed in the dojo. But there is one thing he said which is worth writing down:

"If you're opponent wants to strike, let them."

b

PS - Eli just reminded me of another great tip from Chiba sensei:

"People ask me how i win matches... i say to them, practice till you win."

BAYM! :)

(tnx Eli)

Chiba sensei seminar day 1 - notes

2008-08-01T22:38:00.004+10:00

Just got home from the first evening's training of this year's shortened seminar and am writing down some of the major things he mentioned with us this evening.

Chiba sensei emphasises strong tenouchi and being able to strike cleanly and powerfully even from a short cutting action. He took us through basic suburi, emphasising not stopping the cut on impact, but letting the shinai cut and then rebound from the target. He also stressed that kihon or basic cutting action and what you do in jigeiko or shiai (competition) are not different. What you do when practicing basics is what you should do when competing.

Chiba sensei also emphasised natural standing posture in chudan no kamae which is difficult to describe in words without demonstrating.

Probably the main thing he showed us was the way you should imagine that the cut is going through the target, e.g. cutting men you should cut as if the sword is continuing through to the chin, cuting kote you should cut as if to pass through the wrist not stop on it. With do, the angle of cut should be a little flatter than 45 degrees but still not horizontal. He spoke about the difference between wielding the shinai and a real sword, how there are only differences because of the physical nature of the shinai.

As ever, Chiba sensei showed the power of his tenouchi, which he says is due to doing lots of suburi. It is also due to having a relaxed and flexible wrist action. People who complain that kendo is 'unrealistic' because kendoka are only taught to do "fast Men touches that can hardly be felt" that would be "ineffective with sword or staff", should see (and feel) Chiba sensei in action. His kendo is what we should aim for.

b

Chiba sensei visit

2008-07-21T23:03:00.005+10:00

As happens now every year, Chiba Masashi sensei will be visiting Melbourne to run a kendo seminar at the Kenshikan. This year it will be on Friday 1 August, 6.00pm - 8.00pm and Saturday 2 August, 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Each session will cost something like $10.00. No bookings are required. Everyone who wears bogu should attend.

Above is a screenshot of a Youtube video of Chiba sensei (on the right). It shows him prior to demonstrating kata at the All Japan Police Kendo Championships. Of course Chiba sensei was former Head of the Kendo Dept of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and multiple times All Japan champion and Police champion. The video is well worth watching. b

Kendo practice dummy

2008-07-13T21:00:00.002+10:00

Kendo practice dummy
Video sent by ichibyoshi

This short vid is of a very sturdy and versatile-looking practice dummy for kendo, know in Japanese as an 'uchikomidai'. I saw it at the Asian Zone Shinpan Seminar in Seoul in 2006. Sorry I've forgotten the name of the university that was the host venue! It seems to be useable by four kendoka at once. I have no idea whether it is a commerically-made one, or just a very competent and well-designed amateur job. Would love to know! b

Kendo dummy

2008-06-27T23:01:00.005+10:00

If any of you are good with your hands (or your mum or dad is!), you might like to try making this kendo dummy. I haven't made one but it looks good and the detailed plans are free to download.

http://www.bestkendo.com/HowtoDummy.html

b

Hokusai manga

2008-06-26T23:28:00.005+10:00

The Japanese artist and printmaker Hokusai was one of the most famous and influential artists of his time. He lived at the end of the Tokugawa era and the beginning of the Meiji era, which means he saw Japan change from a feudal society to a modern, industrial one. He produced the first manga, which were a collection of sketches of everyday life. These manga even covered martial arts training and armour as you can see from these drawings. Actually they were not just drawings, but woodblock prints, which means all the lines were carved out of wood, not just drawn with a pen or pencil. This makes them even more remarkable I think.

The last picture is nothing to do with Hokusai, other than it is a photograph that would have been taken about the same time as he was producing his artworks, probably around 1860-70. The stances would have been posed for the camera, as photographic film wasn't sensitive enough at that time to take action shots. I think it's interesting to note little differences like the striped hakama and long kote. b

click on the pictures for a larger version

A scientific look at suburi

2008-06-22T21:37:00.004+10:00

Some more holiday reading, this time about something that I hope everyone will be doing and thinking about regularly while they are not in the dojo – suburi!

This research is by a group of researchers from Keio University in Japan, led by two 7-dan kendo sensei. They looked at the best position to swing back to, and also the best position to stop the cut, whilst doing men suburi.

Click here to read the article. b

*Thanks to www.miamivalleykendo.org for the article

Some fun holiday reading

2008-06-20T22:00:00.005+10:00

This is an old story called "Neko no Myojutsu" (The Cat's Mysterious Skill) and even though it is about a cat, it is also about swordsmanship.

"There was once a swordsman called Shōken, who was very much annoyed by a furious rat in his house. The rat was bold enough to come out of its hiding place even in the daytime, doing all kinds of mischief. Shōken made his pet cat go after it, but she was not its equal, and being bitten by it, she ran away screaming. The swordsman now hired some of the neighboring cats noted for their skill and courage in catching rats. They were let loose against the rat. Crouching in a corner, it watched the cats approach it and furiously attacked them one after another. The cats were terrified and all beat a retreat.

The master became desperate and tried to kill the rat himself. Taking up his wooden sword he approached it, but every effort of the experienced swordsman proved ineffectual, for the rat dodged his sword so skillfully that it seemed as to be flying through the air like a bird or even lightning. Before Shōken could follow its movement, it had already made a successful leap at his head. He was perspiring heavily and finally decide to give up the chase. As a last resort, he sent for the neighboring Cat widely known for her mysterious virtue as the most able rat-catcher. The Cat did not look in any way especially different from other cats that had been invited to fight the rat.

The swordsman did not think very much of her, but let her go into the room where the rat was located. The Cat went in quietly and slowly as if she were not cognizant of any unusual scene in the room. The rat, however, was extremely terrified at the sight of the approaching object and stayed motionless, almost stupefied, in the corner. The Cat almost nonchalantly went for the rat and came out carrying it by the neck.

In the evening, all the cats who had participated in the rat-catching had a grand session at Shōken's house, and respectfully asked the great Cat to take the seat of honor. They made profound bows before her and said: “We are all noted for valor and cunning, but never realized that there was such an extraordinary rat in the world. None of us was able to do anything with it until you came; and how easily you carried the day! We all wish you to divulge your secrets for our benefit, but before that let us see how much we all know about the art of fighting rats.”

If you want to see what she said, go here...

Balloon keiko

2008-06-14T20:11:00.003+10:00

Congrats to Geoffrey who won a group contest for the second week in a row!

Don't forget about your suburi: 50 joge, 50 naname--rest--50 double-time shomen, 50 double-time sayumen--rest--50 double-time katate men (left handed only)--rest--50 hayasuburi.

b

Winter break

2008-06-13T21:18:00.006+10:00

We will be ceasing training for the mid-year break tomorrow.

The first training for term 3 will be on Saturday 19th July.

Enjoy the holidays, and keep warm by doing lots of suburi!

b

Inaugural Nagae Taikai

2008-06-03T20:12:00.004+10:00

Sunday 1 May saw the first Nagae Taikai, a day of shiai in kata only: both kendo kata and seitei iaido kata. It was a great event with a large number of teams from all around Victoria competing. Nanseikan had two kendo kata teams: Stephanie and Natsu were team 1. Robert and Luke were team 2. Both teams did really well in displaying the first five kendo no kata under great pressure. Rob and Luke even got a round of applause at the close of their kata. They were the only team that got such a response. So well done guys! The eventual winners on the day were Chikushinkai for iaido, and Ballarat for kendo. b

Video on the winning point of last year's All Japan Championship

2008-06-03T13:01:00.008+10:00

Here is an amazing video about the winning point by Teramoto to take last year's All Japans. It is in Japanese but has some English subtitles. The winning point was a men by Teramoto that struck his opponent Takanabe 0.009 sec before Takanabe struck him! (Click on the hyperlink "Amazing video" above)

Above is a still photograph by Tyler Rothmar of the same point. Awesome stuff. Enjoy! b

Grading results

2008-04-13T19:22:00.005+10:00

Today was the year's first grading, for 6th kyu up to 2nd kyu. Nanseikan had five members testing. Congratulations to Richard Rutter and Geoffrey Weber who achieved their 4th kyu, and Stephanie Kelso and Eli Robey who were awarded their 2nd kyu. Well done to all.

Nanseikan's first dan grades can't be far away!

Autumn

2008-04-06T20:39:00.003+10:00

Welcome back to term 2. This term there are not many scheduled events so that means we can focus on developing our kendo. As the days get shorter and colder, it gets more difficult to stay motivated. However this is the time when your effort counts the most. This term we will be working on building the level of energy that we can bring to our kendo every time we train.

See you in the dojo!

b

PS - the photo is by Katsumori Shimada. You can see more of his autumn photos here.

Welcome to 2008!

2008-02-27T20:32:00.003+11:00

Hi all

Even though it's almost March, I thought I should have a New Year theme to the first post for 2008. That's why I chose the mochi (rice cake) arrangement, a symbol of the New Year in Japan.

It's great to have everyone back at training. The new year already feels like it's off to a great start.

b

2007 Victorian Kendo Championships

2007-11-27T19:40:00.000+11:00

(poster pic (c) 2007 Jess Edwards)

Well the 2007 VKC was a hectic day for some, a lot of waiting around for others! I was one of the hectic ones, hence no pics: sorry! :(

Nanseikan was represented by me, Eli and Jordan. All of us had only so-so showings in the individual comp. But in the team comp we did really well. We fought Fudoshin, one of the strongest clubs in Australia (their five person team had, I think, three national team members on it!). As the rules state, we were allowed to enter as the smallest team of only three people, which meant that we had to win all our matches in order to beat Fudoshin and progress to the next round. We thought that was a pretty tall order, so we had fun with our draw. Often the best kendoka fight in first and last position, with the number three spot going to the next best fighter. I volunteered for first spot, Eli for number three and Jordan for number five.

I fought first, against Alvin Chen who is a very good 3 dan and fights in jodan kamae (shinai above his head). He has been training very hard but I managed to beat him. So far, so good...

So we were one up, but because we had only three people and no-one to fight number two, the next match was automatically awarded to Fudoshin. Two all. Next was Eli, who fought Ben Kelly, 5 dan, national team member, State coach and former state champion. Ben scored the first point, but to everyone's surprise, Eli not only equalised, but soon followed up with the winning point! Two-one Nanseikan!

Next match we again had no one, so Fudoshin again won by default. Two-all.

So we came to the final match of the round and the unthinkable was possible! If Jordan won his match, we would beat Fudoshin and go through to the final! Only one problem. Brett Smith sensei, 6 dan, multiple times National Champion, State Champion, National Team captain, National Team coach and all-round tough dude. Could Jordan beat him? Well he did a very good job. Brett didn't have an easy match. I even think Jordan could have scored a point, however the match went to Brett with a couple of disappointing decisions by the judges. But I don't think Jordan minded. He seemed to eat up the opportunity to mix it with one of Australia's finest in a real match situation where both kendoka were fighting for the match.

So after a lot of waiting around, I think Eli and Jordan were both pretty happy with the day.

Oh, and Eli won one of the four Kantosho (Fighting Spirit) Awards for his excellent performance.

Well done to us!

b :)

Nanseikan goes to Fudoshin Kendo Club

2007-10-31T21:44:00.002+11:00

This November, Nanseikan will be training at Fudoshin Kendo Club in Balwyn. Their Balwyn Dojo is at the Scout Hall in Macleay Park, Belmore Rd. We will be training there two consecutive Saturdays, 17th and 24th. (NOTE: there will be no Nanseikan training on Sat 10 Nov). Get there at 9.00am for 9.30 start. Training goes until 11.00am.

b

PS - Don't forget to take your a club bogu home with you this week.

Chiba sensei visit this weekend 27, 28 Oct

2007-10-22T21:18:00.002+10:00

Hi all

Nothing for 6 months and then two posts in one night!

Chiba sensei will again be taking a kendo seminar at the Kenshikan this weekend. The times are:

*Friday 26th* *October*
Kendo: 6.00pm - 8.00pm

*Saturday 27th **October*
Iaido: 9.00am - 12.00noon
Kendo: 1.30pm - 5.00pm

*Sunday 28th **October*
Iaido: 9.00am - 12.00noon
Kendo: 1.30pm - 5.00pm

I'm not sure of the cost, but Nanseikan members are all encouraged to take part in as many sessions as they have time for.

Chiba sensei is Hanshi 8-dan in kendo, 3-time All Japan champion, and former Head of the Tokyo Metro Police Kendo Dept. He is one of the most highly regarded and famous kendo sensei in Japan. So famous in fact, that most Japanese kendoka would never have the opportunity to train with him, but only see him in magazines and DVDs.

New Zekken available online!!

2007-10-22T20:37:00.000+10:00

Hi all

Zen Sankei have made a special ordering service available for our new zekken which club members can use when they are ready to buy one. This generally means if you're wearing full bogu regularly.

Just cut and paste this link:
http://www.zen-sankei.com.au/onlineshopping/product_info.php?cPath=21_66&products_id=347

Here's a pic of what they will look like:

Thanks to Cain Lee for setting this up.

b