BKA News Online

Issue #15 December 2004

Contents
Submission Guidelines
Contact Details
Introduction Notices EC Officers Résumés AGM & Reports Diary of Events Grading Results Shopping & book list
Articles: The 87 Samurai The Sir Frank Bowden Taikai FIVE NATIONS (SWEDEN) 2004 Summer Iaido, Jodo Report Report on The British Open Taikai 25.9.2004 Tactics in Kendo Part 1 Seminars/Competitions: Forms & Details *Last Words* *Membership Prices 2005 and Membership renewal forms*

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Contact Details:

Chairman	John.howell@kendo.org.uk	John Howell
Treasurer	treasurer@kendo.org.uk	Gavin Murray-Threipland
Membership Secretary	memb.sec@kendo.org.uk	Mukhtar Hussein
Secretary	ric.schofield@kendo.org.uk	Ric Schofield
Kendo Bucho	mike.davis@kendo.org.uk	Mike Davis
Iaido Bucho	vic.cook@kendo.org.uk	Vic Cook
Jodo Bucho	jock.hopson@kendo.org.uk	Jock Hopson
BKA PRO	publicity@kendo.org.uk	Fay Goodman
Kendo PRO	steve.bishop@kendo.org.uk	Steve Bishop
Health and Safety Officer	Stuart.Shirreff@kendo.org.uk	Stuart Shirreff
First Aid Advisor	Trevor.Chapman@kendo.org.uk	Trevor Chapman
Webmaster	bkawebmaster@kendo.org.uk	Carl Ranger.
News Online Editor	Paul.budden@kendo.org.uk	Paul Budden
National Phone line	01494 581503	Automated response only

A comprehensive and up-to-date list of BKA contact details can be found online

Introduction:

Dear members,

The end of year approaches with a rush…. another bumper issue with all of the items relating to the Membership renewals, new prices structure and the AGM are included with this issue.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all BKA members from the Newsonline team.

Notices:

There are New prices for BKA membership renewals for 2005

[ please see the attached information sheet]

Postal voting

This is an important notification on Postal voting:

Due to there being only one candidate nominated per EC position

It will not now be necessary to use the postal voting procedures for 2005…. So you get what you get!

The appointment of these candidates will be confirmed at the AGM on the 19^th February.

Copies of each candidate’s résumé are published here in the News Online

Regarding the post of Membership secretary, there have been No Potential candidates nominated, this position will have to be filled at the AGM or alternative procedures may be required.

Postal voting remains in place for the election of officers in 2005.

Appointments for BKA EC positions:

The enclosed résumés for the relevant EC positions are included below. As there are only 1 per post, a postal vote will not be required. Positions still unapplied for, or becoming vacant by resignation will be appointed at the AGM.

EC Officers Election Résumés:

Nomination for Chairman

Dear fellow BKA Members, as the post of Chair is now up for re-election, I would like to apply for this position and in line with postal voting guidelines, I am writing to ask for your support.

During my current term as Vice Chair I believe that the BKA has moved forward, not only in terms of increased membership, improved communications and service to its members, but has also seen major improvements in the processes we use to run the Association and to control its finances. Whilst I cannot claim credit for the work of the team of willing volunteers who have effected these changes, I believe I have been a catalyst in the BKA’s recent development.

My Qualifications

As many of you know I am currently Renshi, Rokudan in Kendo. I spent three years living and working in Japan and speak Japanese to a reasonable level. Before taking on my current position I held the post of Kendo High Grade and have been British Team Manager for Kendo. I was also one of the three UK Committee Members for the 12WKC.

I am 54 years old and a Management Consultant by profession. I have been a Company Director since 1985, so am reasonably experienced in running meetings and in working with others in an accountable, measurable way.

My Beliefs

Kendo is a key component of my life, so I believe that it is in my own interest to see it and the allied sword arts grow and flourish in the UK. I believe that different people want different things from their chosen art ranging from pure sport to Shugyo. Both these elements are valid and should be encouraged and promoted. I feel we should continue to work hard to develop our National Squads and at the same time ensure that our dojo through-out the country offer an increasingly satisfying experience to their members. To achieve both these aims I believe that we should invest in inviting strong sensei to visit to help with both team and instructor development. We should also continue to improve and add to National events, so that Kendoka from across the UK meet and share ideas.

We should promote Kendo, Iaido and Jodo vigorously to increase membership and ensure that we have a strong base for the future.

In terms of administration, I know that the BKA’s membership includes many talented individuals and I believe that we should capitalise on their skills by attracting them on to the BKA Executive Committee either as elected or co-opted members. I also feel that where certain committee positions generate an unfairly large workload, we should consider outsourcing tasks where we can cost-effectively do so.

In Conclusion

I would like to thank the members of the BKA for their confidence in me over the past five years and would be pleased to serve the association in the role of Chair, should you consider me up to the task..

Geoff Salmon

21.10.2004

Nomination for Treasurer

As the role of BKA Treasurer is up for election this year I would like to ask you to support my candidature. As a Kendo Shodan I am aware of course that I would be quite a lot less experienced than some other EC members; however I would offer the following points in mitigation:

Early in my career I was an accountant, and I still hold the qualification of Chartered Management Accountant.
More recently in my day job I am responsible for planning all manufacturing and distribution operations for Britain’s biggest brewer. This is a lot more interesting than being an accountant and gives me experience of managing large and small teams, working with others, managing money and delivering results. I have proven many times that I can organise a drinks party in a brewery.
Earlier in 2004 I was one of the assistant organisers of IKET so I think I have shown that some of my work based skills do translate to Kendo.
I am currently Treasurer of Edinburgh Kendo Club and have helped contribute to growing the club from its original hard core membership of 20ish to about a hundred practitioners in the city including the University club and kids club.

Obviously the priority of the job has to be maintenance of a sound financial footing for the BKA and Kendo/Iaido/Jodo, assuming this is established I would see the following as priorities:

Where there is room to do so I would like to encourage events / forums where the 3 arts collaborate more, it seems strange to me that there is so little interplay between the 3 disciplines, I am sure we all have much to learn from each other.
I perceive it as very important that events for all 3 arts are supported as often as is financially feasible by visiting Sensei.
I believe in development at all levels, I am very much in favour of proper support (including funding) for international competition but at the same time grass roots practice, seminars and teaching must not be neglected.
Lastly I believe there is great scope to develop both the BKA and club funding arrangements, hopefully creating stronger clubs in the process. As examples, if elected I would invest time in helping dojo leaders understand what is required to take advantage of opportunities such as Gift Aid or Lottery funding.

David Spacey

31^st October 2004

Nomination for Kendo Bucho

Dear Members of the BKA,

As Mike Davis is not standing for re-election as Kendo Bucho, due to his new location in Spain and the obvious logistical problems involved.

I would therefore like to offer my services to the Association as the Kendo Bucho.

I believe that I hold the necessary qualifications and experience required for this position. I have been a member of the Association for 23 years and the Kendo high-grade representative for the last four years, which included major involvement in the organisation of the 12WKC, IKET, the BKA, website and as editor for the newsletter.

The work I undertake on behalf of the Kendo Bu always receives my fullest attention. My other commitments include the Kodokan Dojo, the Sumi sensei seminar [20 years in 2005] and the EKF, as championship co-ordinator to the European Kendo Championships. I have also for the last 22years been involved with the Mumeshi 3’s championships as the controller.

If elected, I will endeavour to continue the ongoing development and promotion of Kendo through the BKA.

I would also like to add my personal thanks to Mike Davis for his support during our time together on the Kendo Bu and wish him every success for the future.

I know that we have his best wishes and his continued commitment, in spite of the distance, to be involved with Kendo here in the UK, as much as he can.

Paul Budden 6^th Dan Renshi

Kodokan Kendo Club

BKA No.1512

27^th September 2004

We are still looking for Professional Fund Raiser

Are you, or do you know someone, who may be interested in the position of professional fundraiser for the British Kendo Association? Earnings are on a percentage commission basis subject to discussions and contract. If you are interested or want further information please contact the General Secretary,

Ric Schofield.

BKA website Club Directory

This is a notification in respect of dojo/clubs that have been non compliant in respect of the H &S requirements for BKA registration and Instructors Insurance. These dojo/clubs have now been removed from the BKA Directory website directory and will not be reinstated until the correct procedures and relevant documentation has been put in place. BKA members who continue to practice at these dojo/clubs are themselves at risk, as their individual insurance is in effect null & void. For full clarification. Contact the H & S officer Stuart Shirreff: Stuart.Shirreff@kendo.org.uk

Notification from the Kendo Bu on Kendo Kata and the Grading requirements.

After reviewing the overall presentaion of Kendo Kata demonstrated at gradings throughout 2004 it has been decidedto concentrate on raising the level of presentaion. This will be undertaken at the various seminars throughout 2005 and from the Autumn grading held in London after the Lidstone Taikai the examination process will be tightened up to include the following:

IKKYU:

To complete the first three forms without any error and to show the correct Reiho and individual appearance.

SHODAN:

To complete the first five forms without error and show the correct cutting action from each kamae used, in addition Utsu-mai must be effective.

NIDAN:

To complete the first seven forms without error, distance / timing and manner in all actions should be visible. A understanding of practical application of the form should be evident.( why you are doing what you are doing)

SANDAN:

To complete all ten forms without error using the correct Utsu-riai and manner ( pace of the form and cutting timing ) The forms should show the correct purpose and intention with regards to the action/reaction principle.

YONDAN:

To complete all forms without error showing effective use of the bokken,

Connection between Uchidachi and Shidachi regarding timing and spirit should be at a high level. The performance should reflect the principles of Juho and Goho.

GODAN:

The performance should contain the virtues of Grace,Sincerity,Dignity, Wisdom. Effective action and reaction should be visible, mental contact between Uchidachi / Shidachi should be un-broken.

Procedures in the event of an error being made during presentation:

One further attempt to demonstrate the correct procedures if either candidate feels they have made an error or if asked by the panel to demonstrate again.

This applies to 1^st kyu to 3^rd Dan only. For 4^th Dan and above there will be no concessions.

Kendo Bu. November 2004

High Grade Kendo Practice

Cheltenham Saturday 8/1/05

2.00 – 5.00

After analyzing the questionnaires from the previous session, several alterations are being made.

1. To keep the session flowing, a different Sensei will take each session.

2. The sessions will be taped and feedback given after viewing.

3. A short discussion of the practice will take place immediately after the session.

The suggested training plan as follows.

This session will be taken by Honda Sensei.

2.00 – 3.00 Kendo Kihon with Bokuto

3.05 – 4.00 Kihon, and includes the role of motodachi in,Uchikomigeiko, kakarigeiko and jigeiko. Also Zanshin ( a further examination)

Group assessment for future gradings.

The senior sensei`s attending will have input during this session.

4.05 – 4.30 Mawarigeiko ( in groups)

No Keiko to be more than three minutes duration.

4.35 – 5.00 Sensei Keiko (free practice if space allows)

No Keiko to be more than four minutes.

Please attend these initial practice sessions as we are trying to develop them into a much better practice for all and the only way we can do this is by experimenting and by sufficient feedback.

There will be a high grade practice before the seminar in Glasgow (times to be arranged).

The 2nd International Kendo Enbu Taikai [IKET]

Will again be held in Edinburgh: 1st to 3rd July 2005 at Edinburgh University.

The format of demonstration matches [20 per grade 1^st Dan to 7^th Dan and also including a Hantei style section for Kyusha] will be used and invitations will be sent to all Associations and Federations Worldwide.

The Programme will start with a Kendo seminar on Friday the 1st with the attending Sensei who are returning, including:

Masatake Sumi 8th Dan Hanshi

Masashi Chiba 8th Dan Hanshi

Isao Ueigaki 8th Dan Kyoshi

Tadanori Okamura 8th Dan Kyoshi

Junichi Tashiro 8th Dan Kyoshi

That will be followed on Saturday the 2nd with demonstrations of: Aikido, Iaido, Jodo, Judo, Karate, Kyudo, and Kendo by the Sensei plus the Enbu Competition and a Sayonara party in the evening.

Also scheduled are ‘workshops’ on the various Arts being demonstrated, which can be sampled during the day.

This event is open to the general public to attend and will be advertised accordingly.

On the Sunday morning the 3rd there will be General practice for all attendees with the Sensei.

The cost to attend the seminar and compete in the Enbu Taikai and General practice will be published shortly together with Sayonara party and short stay Accommodation. will again be available at Edinburgh University]

You can of course make your own arrangements, as Edinburgh has lots of Hotels etc. and is a great place to stay.

Applications for BKA members who wish to take part will be available shortly

This is a wonderful opportunity for us as an Association to continue the fantastic success, with this truly unique BKA International event that showcases Kendo in the United Kingdom to a World Wide audience.

We look forward to your support in this event, so get involved – spectator, competitor or helper?

THE BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION

Annual General Meeting

2pm Saturday 19^th Feb 2005

at Light Hall School, Hathaway Road, Birmingham.

AGENDA

1. Chairman will open the meeting and declare quorum.

2. Apologies.

3. Minutes of the AGM of 2^1stFeb 2004.

4. Matters arising.

5. Acceptance of Officers reports.

6. Matters arising from reports. Members intending to raise matters should notify the General Secretary in advance.

a. Chairman f. Grading Officer.

b. Kendo Bu. g. Treasurer.

c. Iaido Bu. h. PRO.

d. Jodo Bu i. H&S.

e. Membership Secretary.

7. Approval of the constitution as published.

8. Election of Officers

Post Previous Incumbent Nominations

Chair J. Howell G. Salmon

Treasurer G. Threipland D. Spacey

K. Bucho M. Davis P. Budden

I. HG M. Clark -----

J. HG V. Tattoli -----

V. Chair G. Salmon -----

K HG P.Budden [1 yr.] -----

J Bucho J. Hopson [2 yr] -----

9. Other matters raised with the Chair before the meeting, at his discretion

9. Installation of Mr. J. Howell as President of the BKA.

KANGEIKO

The BKA Kangeiko for all three Bu will take place on Sat. 19^th February between 10. 30 am and 1.00pm at Light Hall School, Hathaway Road, Birmingham.

Kendo squad training, Sun. 20^th February at Yardley School, Birmingham.

Chairman’s report 2004.

As this is the last report I shall be making as your Chairman I would first like to say how much of a privilege and pleasure it has been to serve the Association in this capacity.

I am greatly honoured that you have selected me to become your next President.

I shall, as President continue to serve you to the best of my ability in the International field, and be able to help and advise the EC if and when required on domestic matters.

The second thing is my most grateful thanks to all the E.C persons whom I have had the pleasure of serving with over this last 25 or more years.

The Association has more then quadruplicated its membership since I first joined the E.C. Please make no mistake this is not my doing, but that of the E.C’s and our Dojo leaders. In the beginning we came from a very rocky start financially, to become a sound financial Association, we all know that some years ago we had some bad set backs by a few of our members who were in E.C positions, but our house is in order, thanks to policy’s laid down at the EGM during that time. I am sure that whomever you select to become the next Chairman and all the new EC members as their positions become available will manage and serve the Association to an even greater future.

I do not intend to elaborate on the success’s of the Kendo, Iaido and Jodo Bu during this last year, as this would only be a duplication of the reports of the Bucho, but would like to express my thanks to the whole committee, not only for the support given to me during this last year, but for all the input and the work put into the simplification of our constitution.

I wish each and every member a very happy healthy and successful new year.

John Howell.

Chairman.

Kendo Bu Report 2004.

Yet again 2004 has proven to be a busy Kendo year.

Starting on a strong note with the Kanto students’ visit in march to Kodokan, Rickmansworth. March also saw both the Glasgow seminar and grading and the Five Nations Cup in Berlin. The Five Nations is fast becoming a premier event on the calendar and this year saw extremely professional organisation matched by a gratifyingly high standard of Kendo. The diligence and hard work with the squad by Honda Satoro san was evident in the resulting close fought final which saw GB narrowly beaten into second place.

The Kendo Kata seminar, which took place at the Kodokan in April, continues to be well supported and has an obviously beneficial effect, as was evident later in the year at the Kata Taikai during the British Open in Stoke on Trent.

Thanks go again to Kashi no ki for organising the April Referee’s seminar in Ollerton. The attendance for this important seminar continues to increase, and I feel that the participants are beginning to realise the significance of this special training in understanding their own Kendo.

This was followed closely by the European Kendo Championships in Hungary. Here again it is interesting to note the continuing rise in Kendo level of all the countries participating. More than ever it is becoming obvious that we need to continue a strong coaching programme if our squad is to stay in touch with the other leading nations in Europe. Congratulations to them for reaching the quarterfinals.

As usual the Watchet seminar and grading, under the leadership of Yanai sensei was well attended and ran smoothly. Our appreciation goes again to Adrian Rowe for his seamless organisation.

Both the Sir Frank Bowden and Premier cup were hosted and professionally organised by Kagami shin - Stoke. This continues to be a popular Kendo weekend – well attended and enjoyed by everyone. June also saw the inauguration of the Kendo Embu [IKET] in Edinburgh This resounding success will be covered elsewhere.

July saw us back in Stoke for the Kendo seminar and grading. Although well attended as usual, the grading did highlight several weaknesses which should be addressed by Dojo leaders. This again raises the question of whether some annual instruction for course leaders would be of great value.

The Sumi sensei seminar with grading in August hardly needs any introduction from me – sold out is the only description necessary. I would like to thank Gerry Tscherter for taking my place on the grading panel at short notice.

Stoke again for the British open taikai. This was a good day with many fascinating fights, perhaps crowned by the return of Colin McCurdy [although I promise I have donated £50 to charity].

October saw the largest entry of 86 contestants for the Lidstone. This continues to be one of the most enthusiastically supported events and bodes well for the future of British Kendo. The following day saw an equally impressive entry of 106 candidates for gradings up to 4^th Dan and an impressive 71% pass rate.

At the time of writing only the November referee seminar remains on the calendar.

It remains for me to thank the BKA members for supporting all the organizers of these events by attending in ever increasing numbers. It is now with some regret that I have to resign from the position of Kendo Bucho, and forgo the pleasures of all those deliriously riveting meetings which I am sure my successor will savour. This untimely departure is due to the fact that I am writing this report from a golden beach in sunny Spain – pen slipping from sun lotion soaked fingers – ice chattering noisily in bacardi and coke and an ocean of tanned female flesh distracting what is left of my mind. The probable fact that you have had to scrape ice from your windscreens before attending this meeting gives me no pleasure whatsoever !!*!! [and yes… they can fly].

I hope to see you all soon – and good luck for the future. Mike Davis.

Kendo Bu Report 2004: Additional

_____________________________.

After the wonderful events of 2003 including the 12WKC it looked as if we would have a hard task this year. However things have moved nicely along.

The seminars and gradings have all been well supported and a BIG personal thank you to Tom Cruise would not go amiss for the upturn and surge in general membership, a lot of further good media coverage has been done on the back of this renewed interest in all things with a Samurai twist.

The National squad under the continued direction of Honda sensei is clearly showing positive progress, as the attendance at squad training has continued to increase and the National team looked impressive, with an excellent showing in the 5 Nations and the EKC in Budapest, both indicating even greater achievements are not too far ahead.

But the highlight of the year must be IKET, which was such a great success, not just in the response and publicity for the event, but in the fact that we had five 8^th Dans here in the UK for a major kendo event, headed by no less than Sumi and Chiba sensei. It also proved to be a bridge to other Japanese martial arts and cultural activities, with some great contacts being made including a renewed link for the Association with the BJA [judo] the UKKA [Kyudo]. Finally it showcased British Kendo to an International audience and celebrated in true style the achievement of the 40^th anniversary of the BKA.

The event will again be staged next year in Edinburgh with the further attraction of the 5 Nations competition being added as a bonus and we would like to encourage more BKA members to take part in the seminar and Enbu competition, as it is open to all members –Kyu grade to 7^th Dan.

In Scotland now resident are four 5^th Dans and one 6^th Dan with new dojo/clubs being opened and more planned in the near future. A responsibility for their own affairs is being shown and should be applauded and supported, with this in mind it has been agreed to drop the level of the dan examination at the Glasgow seminar to 3^rd Dan, this is to encourage the development and a senior member of the Association will be in attendance to supervise the grading and give assistance and support at the seminar.

Lastly probably the most positive and forward thinking move made in Kendo to date.

In order to put us on a par with other European countries, a full time Kendo Instructor to the Bu has been appointed: Mr Sotaro Honda as well as being the GB National squad coach will now also be responsible for visiting dojo throughout the UK for regular practice sessions and specially organised mini seminars to teach and progress Kendo.

He will further support the Kendo Bu through more involvement with the current BKA seminars, referees courses and refereeing at the various Taikai. Also in conjunction with Kendo World, he will produce written works in English on the higher aspects of Kendo that are somewhat lacking in current publications, the next level up if you like. These will be published by Kendo World.

If you would like Honda sensei to visit you, please do not contact him directly, but submit your request in writing either by e-mail or postal means to the Kendo Bu, who will then arrange a scheduled visit.

Certain individual clubs have made the financial support for this venture possible and I would like to thank them for this support and their farsighted attitude in this venture.

The introduction of a ‘guideline’ Kyusha Syllabus has been greeted with a positive response from many clubs, who are using it either in its entirety or in part to develop Kyu grades and increase standards. We hope to offer similar recommendations for Ikkyu to Sandan in 2005.

I would like to finally draw your attention to the Items published in 2002 about Refereeing and grading as we are entering into the final year of transition. These are posted on the BKA website.

BKA Iaido Bu Annual Report 2003

The Williton Iai/Jodo seminar held in March under the auspices of the Tsunami Dojo again proved to be extremely well attended. The Iaido was divided into two separate classes concentrating those candidates who were taking grading in one dojo whilst those interested in Koryu accommodated in the second dojo. This worked very smoothly, but the examinations taking place on the Sunday proved to be so long winded because of the number of participants that it has been decided by both the Jodo and Iai Bu’s to separate the seminars in 2005.

The Nationals were well attended and proved to be an enjoyable day. Referring to the previous paragraph it has bee decided by mutual consent because of increased numbers of participants for Jodo and Iai that there will be two separate competitions starting next year. This should give every entrant a better chance with more time to demonstrate his or her skills than in previous years. So with these changes in the competitions format, could I ask the membership to support this event even more? After all it’s a chance to show off your skills and should be an integral part of your practice as well as giving the senior grades a chance to hone refereeing and judging skills.

The annual Summer seminar was very successful both in quality of practice and teaching; we were able with the good offices of the Jodo Bu to invite both Oshita sensei and Otake sensei both very old and good friends to the BKA. The senior members of the association ably supported them. Both of our visitors were both on form and many members appreciated and benefited by the knowledge imparted. And I mustn’t forget to thank the membership for supporting the event so enthusiastically

I had the honour during the Amsterdam seminar to present Ishido Sensei a long valued friend of the BKA with a hand written scroll presenting him with the title of Shihan for Iai and Jodo to the association. On the occasion of his 25^th year of support, to both Iaido and Jodo development in this country. An honour well deserved to such a teacher.

Again I must reiterate the statement I made last year, in that the Bu has taken great care to husband the resources it has slowly accumulated over the years by carefully choosing teachers, instructors and grading panellists who are not only qualified but are geographically nearest the chosen venue. Making sure that not only the Bu’s funds are spent wisely but as many individuals as possible get the experience needed to develop themselves as Budoka; therefore being able to serve the membership and the Bu better.

We are in the process of sending out invitations internationally to a World Goodwill Taikai and seminar for August 2005 to be held here in Britain, we are fortunate that two very senior sensei namely

Kishimoto and Yamasaki sensei both Hachidan Hanshi, who have agreed to lead the seminar and Taikai for us. Ishido sensei has agreed to help us as a liason and support role, which again we are grateful for. I shall report on the progress of this event with greater detail in the coming months.

In conclusion I consider 2004 to be a successful year in the development of Iai in the BKA, due in no small part to many of the senior members of the Bu Committee and the membership at large. Many have given up their time and have enthusiastically supported the events on the calendar, without whose help my job would have been even more difficult. I would like yet again this year to thank very much indeed Dougie Evans, and Gavin Murrey-Threipland who’s unstinting efforts behind the scenes plus the sterling efforts they made in Watchet during the Spring seminar. Also many thanks to Jock Hopson for being on the end of a phone as usual, finally but not least Chris Buxton, who has worked extremely hard with Greg Drewe preparing the Iai squad and forging a team which has successfully defended the Team Gold medal won the previous year.

Vic Cook

Jodo Bu Report 2004

Event : March 20th and 21st Jodo Seminar and Shinsa

Venue: Minehead and Watchet

A well attended and enjoyable weekend . There were , unfortunately only four “local “ Jodoka in attendance with the vast majority travelling from London or the Midlands. In light of the Constitution mandate that Bu officers shall “operate their Bu on a sound financial basis “ there seems little justification for putting the Bu, and other participants, to the expense of traveling to a Seminar and Grading that could be held more conveniently and cheaply in London , the South East or the Midlands .

Event ; April 11^th , Eishinkan Team Taikai ;

Venue Watford

A poorly attended, but pleasant “first”. The three- man teams being drawn by the Dojo who regularly support every event.

Event ; June 19^th , Jodo National Taikai ;

Venue : Broadbridge Heath , Sussex

A fairly well attended event for individual competitors mainly supported by Dojo from the Midlands and London .

Event; August 22^nd,23^rd and 24^th. Summer Jodo Seminar and Shinsa

Venue; Brighton University , Sussex

A busy and productive three days . Excellent instruction from Otake Toshiyuki Sensei whose Koryu training gave us a fascinating introduction to the Kyushu style of performing the Kata .

Event; October 23^rd and 24^th , Jodo Koryu Seminar

Venue ; Northampton. A very good weekend’s training which covered the Omote and Chudan series of Koryu together with Shinto Ryu Kenjustu and the Uchida Ryu Tanjojutsu .

Event ; November 8^th,, 9^th and 10^th . European Jodo Championships and Shinsa

Venue : Stockholm

Event : November 20^th and 21^st , Autumn Jodo Seminar and Shinsa

Venue , Darlington

BKA Membership - Review 2004

	Male	Female	Total
Total Members 2004	1198	174	1372

Full Adult Members	893	123	1016

Concessionary Members -OAP	17		17
Student	128	28	156
Under 18	160	23	183

Temporary Members	276	55	331

Renewals 03/04	662	89	751

Renewals & New Members as % of Total Membership

	Male	Female	Total
Temporary Members	276	55	331

Temporary Membership Breakdown By Sex

Temporary Members upgraded to full – 21(6%) in total to September 2004

	Male	Female	Total
New Members	531	84	621
Full Adult	345	50	398
OAP	1		1
Student	98	18	118
Under 18	87	16	104

Breakdown of New Members by Type

New Members Breakdown by Bu

Kendo	Iaido	Jodo
444	218	74

Bu Breakdown for New Members

There a between 40-60 new members practicing more than one discipline.

Year End Report Health & Safety.

Firstly I would like to thank all those who have offered assistance and help over the last year, it has been very hectic as you will all appreciate with the state of H&S legislation at the present combined with a traumatic family year, I have had to rely heavily on friends and fellow students within the BKA and for that thank you to all.

The year has gone very well with only 1 major incident and 2 minor. The major incident was reported to the EC and will no doubt be dealt with in due course.

The coach award scheme has proven very popular and as such we now have the highest level of PI (professional indemnity) insured coaches ever at a year-end total for today (05.11.04) of 124.

Clubs registered and complying with systems currently stands at 78.

The association has a total membership at present of 1442, of which 326 are temporary and 83 are still active again at today’s date 05.11.04. (Figures supplied from the treasurers paid database).

A meeting has been scheduled for the 22^nd of November with Blythin and Brown our insurers to finalise year-end costs of insurance and to set out for the next year. It is aimed that due to our continued proactive approach we will be able to maintain the current costs for insurance and therefore hold prices as currently set.

All Dojo’s will have their renewal paperwork by the 1^st week of December with a proposed renewal date of the 1^st January as normal, however I would like to suggest that the decision to remove clubs from the listing if they fail to renew by this date be continued and also those that are late will not receive their paperwork and certificate of insurance until later in the year, this is in part due to the fact we had clubs still not renewing until June, this caused considerable problems this year as Blythin and Brown produced the certificates for clubs, we will be issuing our own next year.

There were two clubs who were removed from the dojo list and not replaced due to the fact they failed to renew until March/April and they were then missed by myself, this was an oversight on my part but as explained to the dojo leaders in each case if they had renewed on time then they would have remained on the list initially.

There has been a further procedure written at the request of the Iaido Bucho, with regard to coach representation on the dojo floor at seminars further discussions will be pursued once this has been trailed.

The year has gone well and with the continued support of all it will improve again next year. Again thank you to all for your help and commitment.

Stuart Shirreff

H&S Officer BKA.

BKA PRO REPORT

November 2004

The media activity continues to build due to a range of events including national championships and exhibitions such as SENI (now recognised as the leading international martial arts event in the UK). Over 80,000 visitors attending this year’s exhibition and with a high volume of people visiting the BKA stand during the weekend to talk to representatives (mainly on Saturday). Approximately 84 people completed the ‘BKA dojo detail’ request form for dojos in their area and further information. Participants who signed the forms were from all over the UK.

Seni included the BKA in its own brochure along with extensively coverage on the Seni website and related sites. Special thanks to all those who supported Seni with demonstrations and manning the BKA stand.

MEDIA COVERAGE and PROMOTION

Media connections have now been established and developed with the National Press who is requesting a list of event and activities for 2005 to help raise the BKA profile of all three disciplines. Information on local events welcomed – please send information and local contact by email to: fay@goodmedia.co.uk and/or stevebishop@yahoo.co.uk or telephone to the Press Office on 0121 784 8268 – thank you.

FORWARD PLANNING

Martial Arts Calendar

Discussions are in process to produce an independent BKA Calendar covering all three disciplines which could be utilised as a:

* Gift for visiting Sensei and ambassadors from other countries

* Marketing and promotion – BKA website internationally

* Merchandise to promote the BKA at Seni and related events

* Offer to new students to keep track of national and international events

MEDIA PROMOTION

MERCHANDISE AND PROMOTION MATERIAL

Merchandise and promotional material is urgently required to assist in the promotion and image of the BKA. A range of products and costings has been presented to the Executive Board for their consideration.

Fay Goodman

PRO 3 November 2004

Diary of Events:

Here is a list of all Kendo (K), Iaido (I), and Jodo (J) related events in the U.K. and others of interest in Europe. Events that span all three disciplines are marked (A). This information is Provisional at the time of going to print and will be updated in future issues.

The CLOSING DATE for all shinsa (grading) is TWO CALENDAR MONTHS prior to the day of the exam. Contact FOR ALL shinsa is the Grading Officer and NOT the person in charge of running the seminar.

Date	Description / Details	Location	Discipline	Contact (addresses not expanded can be found in Contact Details)
4^th December	National Kendo Refereeing seminar	Kashi no ki Olerton	K	Kendo Bu
11^th and 12^th December	Kendo Squad Training	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Sotaro Honda
8^th January	High Grade Practice 2pm to 4pm	Cheltenham	K	Kendo Bu
15^th January	Irish Nationals & International Goodwill Taikai 2005	Cork Ireland	K	Vincent Long
23^rd January	Kendo Squad Training	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Sotaro Honda
4^th to 6^th February	Kendo Referees Seminar and Dan Examination, up to and including 7^th Dan	Brussels Belgium	K	John Howell
6^th February	Junior Kangeiko	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Paul Budden
19^th February	BKA AGM and Kangeiko. AGM starts 2pm	Light Hall School Birmingham	A	Ric Schofield
19^th and 20^th February	Kendo Squad Training	Light Hall School Birmingham	K	Sotaro Honda
26th February	Kata Seminar	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Paul Budden
5^th& 6^th March	University Championship 2005	Imperial College Union London	K	Pichit Hongsaranagon
12^th to 13^th March	Kendo Seminar and Grading Ikyu to 3^rd Dan	Taiseidokai Glasgow	K	Kendo Bu
19^th and 20^th March	Kendo Squad Training	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Sotaro Honda
19^th to 20^th March	Iaido West Country Seminar	Tsunami Watchet	I J	Iaido Bu
20^th March	Iaido Grading	Tsunami Watchet	I J	Grading Officer
2^nd April	Kyusha Seminar and Grading 7^th to 2^nd kyu	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Paul Budden
9^th and 10^th April	Kendo Squad Training	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Sotaro Honda
15^th to 17^th April	European Kendo Championships	Berne Switzerland	K	John Howell
17^th April	Kendo Grading 1^st Dan up to and including 7^th Dan	Berne Switzerland	K	John Howell
23^rd April	National Kendo Refereeing seminar	Kashi no ki Olerton	K	Trevor Chapman
17^th April	Kendo Grading up to and including 7^th Dan	Berne Switzerland	K	John Howell
April	Coaching course	Birmingham	A	Ric Schofield
23^rd to 24^th April	SENI	NEC Birmingham	A	Fay Goodman
21^st & 22^nd May	Kendo Seminar	Tsunami Watchet	K	Kendo Bu
22^nd May	Kendo Grading	Tsunami Watchet	K	Grading Officer
4^th & 5^th June	Sir Frank Bowden Taikai & Premier’s cup	Kagami shin Stoke	K	Kendo Bu
June	Iaido & Jodo Nationals	Horsham	I J	Iaido Bu or Jodo Bu
16^th June	Kendo seminar	Kagami shin Stoke	K	Kendo Bu
17^th June	Kendo grading 1^st Kyu to 4^th Dan	Kagami shin Stoke	K	Grading Officer
1st to 3rd July	2^nd Int Kendo Enbu Taikai	Edinburgh University	K	Kendo Bu
19^th to 21st August	20^th Int Kodokan Kendo seminar With Masatake Sumi Sensei	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Paul Budden
21st August	Kendo grading seminar members only	Kodokan Rickmansworth	K	Grading Officer
August	Iaido & Jodo summer seminar	Brighton	I J	Iaido Bu or Jodo Bu
August	Iaido & Jodo grading	Brighton	I J	Grading Officer
1^st September	First aid course	Kashi no ki Ollerton	A	Trevor Chapman
24^th September	British Open Kendo championships	Kagami shin Stoke	K	Kendo Bu
15^th October	Lidstone Taikai	Nenriki London	K	Errol Blake
16^th October	Kendo Grading, 1^stKyu to 4^thDan	Mumeishi Cranford	K	Grading Officer
October	Kyusha Seminar and Grading 7^th to 2^nd kyu	Kashi No Ki Ollerton	K	Trevor Chapman
November TBA	Iaido & Jodo Northern seminar	Darlington	I J	Iaido Bu or Jodo Bu
November TBA	Iaido & jodo grading	Darlington	I J	Grading Officer
3^rd December	National Kendo Refereeing seminar	Kashi no ki Ollerton	K	Trevor Chapman

Kendo Squad Training & Schedule

Squad training sessions are usually held once a month. These take place over a weekend. Anyone interested in being involved with the squad is welcome to attend. There is a charge of £3 per session to help cover costs.

When	Where	Notes
Dec 11th & 12th	Rickmansworth	Squad League Matches
Jan 23rd	Rickmansworth	Squad Training ( N.B.Only Sunday practice this time 10am-5pm )
Feb 19th & 20th	Light Hall School	Squad members join Kangeiko and AGM @ Light Hall School, Birmingham
Mar 19 & 20th	Rickmansworth	Squad training
Apr 9th & 10th	Rickmansworth	Squad training

The next training weekend will be held at Kodokan Dojo in Rickmansworth on the 9^th 10^th October

Time
Saturday 1^st 2:00-5:00pm
Sunday 2^nd 10:00am-1:00pm

Venue
Kodokan Kendo Dojo
Princess Marina Sports Complex
The Royal Masonic School for Girls
Chorleywood Road
Rickmansworth
Herts. WD3 4HF

Directions (View a map)
By Road: From the M25 Junction 18 (Amersham/Chorleywood exit) take the A404 towards Rickmansworth for about 1 mile. The school is on the left hand side; use the second, signposted entrance (the first is closed). If you reach the Rickmansworth Station roundabout, you’ve gone too far, so go back up Chorleywood Road (A404) and the entrance is about 400m on the right. Parking is in the main school car park. Access to the sports complex is on foot (follow the signs). The gates are not locked, but please close after entry.
By Rail: Rickmansworth Station is on the Metropolitan Line (Baker Street-Amersham) and the Chiltern Line (Marylebone-Aylesbury). The school is just a short walk from the station. From the station front entrance, turn right and follow the above directions from the station roundabout.

Accommodation
Check out: www.stilwell.co.uk Hertfordshire inc Rickmansworth and surrounding area.

We particularly want to encourage more women to come and join the squad.
The only requirements are that you are keen to compete and willing to attend squad training sessions

Grading Results:

GRADING PASSES KENDO

CRANFORD, 17/10/04

IKKYU-

TIN WIN MYINT, T.GOVAN, L.TAYLOR, N.ALI, M.DAVIES, K.LAM, K.HOLT, M.SUGIYAMA, P.HONGSARANAGON, J.CAULFIELD, A.MICILOTTA, N.NOGIC, P.MARPLES, M.ROACH, S.COPLAND, D.COLE, B.SIMMONS, Y.SUZUKI-FLAMENT, T.HOWE, N.CLEGG, A. BENTLEY, P.THOMPSON, J.LAWLEY, K.TANG, I.IWATA, N.POTTER, C.RANGER, C.WINCHESTER, G.WYATT, D.GORDON, R.FOSTER

SHODAN-

F.YAMAZAKI, H.YAMAZAKI, J.FUJISAWA, H.TAIMURI, L.MALLARD, M.SHERLOCK, K.EPPS, K.TANAKA, C.MUNRO, T.FUJIHIRA, P.TORNKVIST, J.MARTIN, D.WALL, N.COLLINS, A.TENNANT, N.STENSON, M.LARNER, N.JOHNSON, P.GRAY, R.CHAUDERY, C.WESTLEY.

NIDAN-

SHOA-CHUN LIN, R.KIMURA-FITCH, N.TREEN, A.FISHER, MING SHI WAN, Y.MIYOSHI, T.MIYOSHI, A.JONES, T.PURCELL, C.STEWART, J.GALE, B.HILLIARD, N.MACEY.

SANDAN- G.MASON, Y.NAGATOMO, S.BOYD
GRADING PASSES IAIDO & JODOStockholm 10 November:

Jodo: 2nd dan- Rachel Hahn-Morris, Peter Gibbens

6th Dan- Chris Buxton

Stockholm 13 November:

Iaido: 2nd Dan- Wayne Edgar, Aurelian Nacrour
3rd Dan- Scott Halls
4th Dan- Lee Mountain

Darlington 21 November:
Jodo:
Ikkyu - A. Hansen, H. Khan, K. Bhatia

1st Dan- A. Cousland

3rd Dan - W. Davison, R. Roberts, J. Davenport

Iaido:
Ikkyu- K. Bird, M.S. wan, D. Silk, A. Baker, C. Easton, R. Townson, K. Bhatia, N. Lavrova, H. Khan, M. Roach, A. Hansen, R. Brocklehurst, R. Goulden, R. Street, N. Langley, B. Ranyard, C. Wilson,
L. Brewer, P. O'Hanlon

1st Dan- A. Hoath, P. Schuster, P. Holmes, D. McGeachie

2nd Dan- J. Burn, A. Currie, S. King, A. Graham
L. Chapman, 3rd Dan- H. Stevens-Brown, K. Blogg

Shopping:

There are still a few items left of 12thWKC memorabilia left

Nine Circles

Nine Circles will act as the official distributor of BKA merchandise, including books,

videos and BKA tenegui.

Address: Nine Circles, PO Box 54, Gloucester, GL1 2YS

Tel/fax: 01452 500655

Website: http://www.ninecircles.co.uk/

Email: quentin@ninecircles.demon.co.uk

BKA Book List (available from nine circles)

Kendo The Definitive Guide - Ozawa

This is Kendo: The Art of Japanese Fencing - Sasamori & Warner

Complete Kendo - Donohue

The Heart of Kendo - Craig

Looking at a Far Mountain - Budden

Fundamental Kendo Vols 1 & 2 - ZNKR (BKA Only item)

Japanese-English Kendo Dictionary - ZNKR (BKA Only item)

Check out the ‘Kendo World’ list of available titles

The BKA have the following items on offer to members only!

39 Shinai ‘ Standard quality’ @ £15 each

34 ‘ Children’s Shinai’ @ £15 each

39 Shinai ‘ Silver quality’ @ £30 each

39 Shinai ‘Gold quality’ @ £35 each

kids Shinai bags @ £9 each

armour bags @ £20 each

water bottles @ 75p each

All of these items may be purchased by cheque/cash by contacting:

Trevor Chapman or Rob Wix or Dean Wormall

kashinoki.kenyukai@btopenworld.com

If you have budo related equipment item[s] that you wish to part with then please email us with

details and you can be included in the next newsletter (online and printed version).

This can include books, shinai, clothing, 2^nd hand bogu, etc - anything relevant.

Nine Circles J4 (currently listed as J3) basically new & boxed

2.45, yin-yang tsuba

Ive only used it a couple of times & it seems a shame to leave it
lying around when I wont be doing much Iai next year & it would make
someone a nice xmas present

It cost 225 new - Im looking for offers around £190 GBP

regards

Phil McLaughlin

mclaugp@yahoo.co.uk

Articles:

The 87 Samurai

Jenny Wan at London Nenriki Dojo examines the past and present of this National Kyu-grade Kendo Championship.

2004 Lidstone Taikai Results

	#	Name	Dojo
1st Place	75	Kiyotaka Tanaka	Imperial, London
2nd	41	Neil Johnson	Kashiwa, London
3rd	20	Ken Chen	UKKC, Kent
3rd	58	Tim Williams	Bristol
Junior 1st	79	Takashi Suehara	Nagamitsu, Birmingham
Fighting Spirit	23	Nathan Stenson	Reading
Junior Fighting Spirit	47	James Ishido	Wakaba, London
Angel “Fastest Victory” Prize	18 in 18sec	Neil Hubbard	Cambridge

Credits:-
Interviewees: Callum Munro, Kiyotaka Tanaka, Andrew Fisher, Mark Halls, The Lidstone Family, John Howell, Errol Blake
Photos: Andrew Fisher, Kim Holt, Alan Menzies, Kenneth Halls. Research materials: The Lidstone Family, Nenriki Dojo

The Sir Frank Bowden Taikai 2004

And so the long awaited day dawned, that crucial event that united teams from across Europe in a display of finesse matched only by the cultural heritage of the soil upon which it took place. Was it the first day of Euro 2004? Yes of course it was! But that was an event for the lesser mortals! How can Lisbon compare with Stoke on Trent!

Thus it was that the first UK kendo competition of the year got under way. As always the happy atmosphere of meeting old friends after a long winter’s absence, combined with the frisson of wondering if your months of training have made you good enough to beat them this time. As ever it was also good to see new faces and a good range of teams (25 this time) . Though ladies were under represented compared to some years (perhaps they were staying at home to watch the footy?).

Thanks to the appliance of Kagami shin’s lap top brain any foul ups can squarely be laid at the door of Mr Bill Gates and the Microsoft Corporation; Including the uncanny way that the randomizer selected both Kagami shin teams for the opening bouts on courts one and two, thus leaving the timekeeping and score boards vacant! What are the odds of this happening? Well as we all know a million to one chances happen nine times out of ten and further organisers should beware of a repeat performance of such an inevitable “unlikely” event.

Once under way the team events were difficult to watch since the action on both courts was fascinating. Many dojos had been able to enter two teams which is an indication of the growing popularity of kendo in the UK. Shaking off the winter lethargy proved little problem for the London based Teams who can huddle together in geographical proximity; they seemed lively enough with Nenriki certainly fired up. Towards the closing stages of the contest there was an accident involving a tsuki against a Nenriki team member that resulted in a shinai spectacularly splintering into fragments. This was from a previously scrutinized shinai - a good reminder that those ones that we keep for practices as well as our best competition ones really should be examined, oiled and tightened a little more rather than left forgotten in the bag. Even good ones like this one can let you and your opponent down. Yes, another Kendo new years resolution to keep.

The Final between Nagamitsu A. and Northumbria University was a difficult call at the out set. Sempos Malcolm Goodwin and Michael Gibson started out with nice straight kendo, Gibson got the 1^st white flag from Head Ref Geoff Salmon for a hiki kote but the other two referees were either unconvinced or unsighted. The fight continued with many attempts at kote and most fighting was done at issoku itto no maai. Malcolm went for a few morote tsukis and Gibson responded with the odd katate tsuki but eventually the fight ended hikiwake. The second fight was an interesting combination – the flighty, young, and slightly built Shinozaki - who eventually won fighting spirit - against the man\wall that is Dave Bell. Dave proved that he could hit a fast moving target by scoring the first point – a men uchi from chikamai. During some fierce but scrappy fighting Shinozaki actually pushed Dave backwards a couple of times in tsubazeriai – pretty amazing for someone so much smaller. He also had a peculiar approach to Jodan – using a lazy style of gedan pointing at Dave’s knee (as if to say “come on then if you think you’re hard enough!). After both parties were given hansoku for rough tsubazeriai Shinozaki replied with a dou cut that would have cut someone in half in real life. Eventually Dave manoeuvred Shinozaki to the edge of the area, Shinozaki froze and started to lean backwards – Dave’s shinai sprang from Jodan and a beautiful men uchi was made. Nagamitsu were ahead but it was early days. Chushyo were Straughan snr for Northumberland and Tajima senshu for Nagamitsu. The latter has an awesome kote cut which he used to good effect – the first one with a suriage to open the kote up and the second with a fantastic demonstration of seme, breaking the opponent’s centre. Barry Straughan was next and had to win if Northumberland were to have any hope of taking the cup home. Unfortunately his opponent was fifth dan – Shiyama who won the yondan and above section of the British nationals the year before. Barry has very fast, long arms and will be fighting for the GB team in Stockholm at the five nations in October but Shiyama has a faster eye and indomitable spirit which enabled him to ohji waza effectively – first with a men debana kote and secondly with a kote suriage men.

The battle was won but it was down to Darren Cutting to maintain Northumberland’s honour, fighting Jun Matsushita. He did a good job too – scoring the first point with a textbook straight kote. Most of the fighting was done at chikamai or tsubazeriai but it was far from static. Jun scored a hiki men to draw level and the fight continued. After more action at tsubazeria the two separated and Darren went for men, then hiki men with his characteristic zanshin (only left hand holding the shinai), Jun saw an opportunity and cut men but was checked with a bone crunching tai-atari that sent him flying across the shiai jo. The experience seemed to galvanize Jun. After a final attack Darren found himself at the edge of the area and briefly looked down to gain his bearings whilst holding his characteristic one handed zanshin. Jun saw the opportunity again and stormed in with a cracking men cut that ended the competition. Nagamitsu had won.

Mumeishi came in 3^rd but with some of their members away at an event on the continent perhaps they missed Alice acting as their cheer leader urging them on with shouts from the side.

FIVE NATIONS (SWEDEN) 2004

Men’s team

Friday (by William)

You would think that the cold and being bumped around in a mini bus to the airport, at 5am, would not be conducive to light conversation, but this did not dampen the Geordie spirit of Mick Gibson, who chirpily chatted away, showing particular interest to the driver’s Iraqi background. At the airport, the rest of the team looked like I felt: slightly pasty from the early start,but smiling with nervous excitement.

To be honest, apart from a quick game of “spot the Volvo dealership” with Mark “Scarface” Halls, the first hour of Stockholm drifted past as tiredness caught up and most of us nodded off on the coach from the airport. We then had a few hours to kill - so we did the tourist thing and visited the Royal Palace. Following a caution by a highly polished soldier with a viscous looking bayonet, for standing too close to a cannon, we went and got some lunch before Keiko.

Keiko was held in a sports centre built underground; very modern, very Swedish and all wood and glass. A few Germans and the Swiss had turned up by then, all looking about as travel-tired as us, but interested in what Keiko we were going to do. We were led through a type of kubun-geiko, where the attacker completed an attack, followed by an oji-waza or shikake-waza, in response to the motodachi’s cut; firstly men, followed by kote-nuki-men, until the whistle was blown. The same attacker then carried out another set: kote men, followed by men-debana-kote. Once the same attacker had carried out 4 sets of various techniques, he then did kakari-geiko until the whistle was blown and then ji-geiko. Obviously the tiredness of the attacker meant that the motodachi had the upper hand – which was good for concentrating the mind under pressure. The motodachi’s advantage soon disappeared though, as it was his turn next. This was repeated 3 times after which followed ji-geiko. After the practice we went to the competition hall to sort out sleeping arrangements.

Given the challenging keiko, I was surprised that Barry had the strength to pump up the behemoth of an airbed that he brought along. Slightly jealous of this king-size lilo, the team went out for dinner. This was unexceptional, except for the fact that the restaurant that we went to, was obviously not prepared for three kendo teams, as the sole waitress struggled to get us our special fried rice, before we collapsed into our light beer from exhaustion. Steve Bishop, still there in spirit, would have been proud with the amount of “carbs” we ingested when the food finally arrived.

After the meal, we tried to get an early night, hampered by some over-enthusiastic Germans practicing fumikomi on the shiaijo, almost causing my head to bounce of my pillow. It took an hour before the excited conversations calmed down and we could get to sleep.

Saturday (by Brian)

The morning of the 5 Nations saw some tired Brits crawling out of their sleeping bags as the competition was due to start at 9:30am and we had toget up, wake up and warm up before it began. The Womens team were on first which gave the men a chance to figure out the order in which we'd be meeting our opponents as it was the same for us as for the women.

Our first match was against the Germans, they usually win this tournament -they were very physical - Scotty was shoved out of the Shiaijo and on top of us by Ulmer. Mark Halls and Barry Straughan put up the bravest fights -

both getting hikiwake - but the rest of us went down 2-0!

Next up were the Swiss, who, in contrast, usually come last. They had only managed to field 4 fighters so 3 of them fought twice. This was also the first chance for me to be Taisho (maybe this is one of the rules of the 5

nations - new Taisho ). Mark Halls drew and Jon lost but the next 4 fights were wins for us. I was particulary impressed by Michael Gibson's fast,attacking kendo and Will Wright's spontaneity - he was able to see and

attack targets the moment they appeared in any position. Barry's scything sayu kote worked impressively - beating his opponent 2-0. By the time I went out we had already won. However, as this was the 1st attempt at being Taisho I didn't want to make a fool of myself. I'd fought the guy during ji-geiko the night before and knew that he had a good suriage men. We stood at issoku ito no maai for what seemed like ages! I finally tried menuchi but it didn't work and neither did his suriage. He nearly got me with kote nuki men later on but I'd closed in too fast for it to be datotsu. In the end it was Hikiwake. Not too shameful I suppose but I still hadn't scored a point!

Against the Swedes - Jon and Mark Halls won the first two fights 2-0. I could see the Swedish team looking at each other in dismay. It must have fired them up a bit because from there on things weren't so easy for us. By

the time it got to me we had 3 wins and they had 2. I had to fight JunYamazaki. A weird experience - he doesn't stop at issoku ito maai at all! He just attacks! Bit of a handful. At one point I was pushed out of the area completely unaware of where I was because I was having to concentrate so much on him. At another point I ended up on my back and smacked my head.　I'm not sure how that happened but apparently it was due to a foot sweep!　Oh well - I knew this wasn't going to be as easy as the Europeans. Alas I lost to 2 menuchi which meant it was 3 - 3 and the baton was passed to Scotty for the decider. He started well by scoring a dou cut but then to my surprise lost to a men and a kote. So in the end, thanks to a good start and two great kotes from Will Wright, we'd come close.

Finally it was the Finns - how would we do against them? They had done well in the Europeans perhaps due partly to the presence of Iwakiri Sensei – one of the kendo teachers at IBU - who coached them for a few months beforehand. However, the rules of the 5 nations require that at least 2 team members must be new so it wasn't exactly the same lineup. Once again Mark Halls and Jon Fitzgerald were out first and both won their fights. It was nice to see Jon using his height for a change to score two good men cuts - he often goes for kote so it was a good to see something different. Despite a good start we lost the next 4 fights so once again by the time I got to fight – as Taisho for a second time - the battle had been lost. The Finnish Captain seemed to take it rather easily and wasn't doing much. I couldn't get past his kensen. He sucked me into a debana kote and left it at that. A little later a bizzare loss of balance as I tried hiki waza meant I ended up right near the edge. Sotaro's words "hmm..already two jogai today" made me determined not to make it a third. A comical chain of events followed and the Finn went flying out instead of me. He was still laughing when he received the hansoku. The fight ended soon after. I hadn't scored a point the whole tournament and had the worst performance of anyone on the team. Oh well (mental note to self - must go to Nagamitsu more often).

There wasn't enough time for an individuals competition to make amends but the keiko afterwards was good. We had the opportunity to fight a 37 year old 7th Dan from Sweden. He had recently passed Nanadan in Kyoto and later, in the night club, described some of his training in the Police Dojo there. Although he was fit before he went he threw up after the first practice as it was so hard.

After eating Swedish meatballs and drinking Swedish Pear Cider, Scotty and I headed back from the night club at 11pm, others trailed into the hall at 3 or 4am but my earplugs allowed me to sleep soundly, ready for a great

practice the next day...

Sunday (by Scotty)

Brian woke up with an ear plug stuck so far down one of his ears that we couldn’t even see it! Although his hearing was consequently impaired, he still took part in Sunday morning’s two hour keiko. Everyone seemed to enjoy the keiko and fight with people from most of the other teams. I think Sotaro suffered the most having to be motodachi for two hours straight!. There was also the unexpected benefit of Brian’s ear plug coming loose during jigeiko when his men was struck!

The return flight to England was not due to leave until 10.30pm. Consequently, after the keiko had finished, we went by bus into the countryside to visit a Japanese style onsen where we had Japanese food for lunch and rested or aching bodies in the hot water from the spring, both indoors and outdoors. It felt strange being in such a place outside of Japan, but took all our determination to get out of the hot water and head off to the airport!

I believe the weekend was of great benefit to all the team members, especially those who had never represented Great Britain at a competition before. Although it was a friendly competition, I was a bit disappointed with the results because I know that all of us (myself included) can do a lot better. We still seem too tactically naieve and give away unnecessary points and are unable to hold on to our lead once we are ahead on points. I’m sure that Sotaro will address these points in future squad sessions.

Thank you once again to the BKA for enabling us to participate in the competiton and I look forward to seeing lots more BKA members at our monthly British Squad sessions.

Women’s team

(Tanya and Alex)

Thursday night the girls drove to Stansted to stay in a hotel in the hope of lessening the pain of the early morning rise (we still had to be up by 4:15am, a time previously unheard of!). After a short flight, and an injection of coffee, we met up with the Swedish and Swiss teams in Central Stockholm Club. The Swedes were kind enough to relieve us of our luggage and we spent the day wandering the old town, eating well balanced meals and thinking Steve would be impressed, before joining a Friday night practice. The facilities at dojo were excellent and the training was hard (there’s a practice on every night of the week with Mondays being for women only!). I think after a long day we all felt the pace but it’s always good to see how other dojos practice and pick up some new ideas (and some new bruises).

After practice we moved out to the suburbs of Stockholm to the competition dojo and set up our sleeping quarters (reserving the changing room – where it was warmer and away from the snores and midnight fumi-komi practises!!). A late evening meal and at long last bed with the next day coming round all too soon!

The Ladies competition was, as usual, first with teams of three from UK, Sweden, Germany, Finland and Switzerland. This year, we swapped team order between each fight to give all of us a chance to experience and understand the tactics needed for each position. This was valuable as it taught us a lot not only about our own positions but also about what our team mates felt when fighting in theirs. We eventually came joint 4^th with Switzerland and although disappointing in rank order we all showed that we were using more techniques and building up sequences of cuts as well as gaining confidence in fighting in the other positions. In particular it was noticeable that we were good at taking the first point and now need to practise maintaining our early leads over 5 minute shiai.

Alex won three fights scoring a total of 6 points in her 4 fights. Taking the first point in every match and proving to be the more aggressive attacker willing to use hansoku to secure a win. Frankie scored 4 points taking the first point in each match, drawing two and losing two but proving to be very close. Her match against the Swedish taisho was particularly exciting and she managed to avoid her quick Do cut (often her winning point). Tanya showed she has developed new techniques and is able to use them in combination with one another essential for Shiai. Although she was unable to score, she did well with a shoulder injury and demonstrated that her time spent practising uchikomi in the dojo hadn’t been wasted. As usual, sterling support from the guys spurred us on (thanks once again!) and Jon proved a dab-hand with the video (can’t wait to see)

The guys followed with a seven man line-up (see the Men’s report) but we would like to point out that for such a new team and with several of them taking part for the first time in a GB team competition it was great to see that they were able to hold their own and that we have great potential (again the fight against the Swedes was particularly exciting and very close).

Kumi Sensei (Swedish Women’s coach) arranged a great Sayonara party on the Saturday night with dinner at a night club with particularly nice Xena, warrior Princess décor. Unfortunately, the dry ice proved a bit of a deterrent to the guys strutting their stuff on the dance floor and we missed the chance of seeing them wow the locals.

The next morning we were all bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for a two hour Keiko. For us it was a great opportunity to practise with other women of a high standard and with different styles of Kendo – in particular we were all lucky to get a practice with Kumi Sensei who gave us useful advice on our practice. Having survived Keiko, we had a nice treat in store for us as Kumi had surpassed herself by arranging for the British to join the Swedish team and use the facilties at a Swedish/Japanese Onsen. Relaxing in outdoor hot tubs, overlooking pine and birch forest was a perfect way of nursing the aches and pains!

The girls really want to thank Sotaro Honda for not only providing support during the weekend but also for all the work he has put into squad – his training and advice is definitely helping us become more competent and confident competitors.

Summer Iaido Jodo report.

Greetings budo fans and welcome to the summer seminar update coming live from the heart of England. Well North London actually.

This August has seen the European Iai and Jodo Seminar and the BKA Iaido Jodo seminar taking place. The first in sunny-ish Amsterdam and the later in Sunny-ish Brighton, unfortunately we can not control the weather and have seen some torrential rain over these seminars which is about right for this year as far as weather is concerned, but enough about the bloody weather.

Amsterdam saw Ishido Sensei bringing his usual delegation over from Japan; there were a lot of people from Europe attending as well as a large number from England and two backpackers from Australia (good to see you Loi and Janet).

A lot of the UK contingent was there to take gradings, as it is not possible to grade above 3^rd dan Jodo in our weather-blighted country.

The training was intense and was both mentally and physically tiring, I had swapped my usual partner Mr Andy Watson for my old sparing partner Steve Boyes despite training with Andy all year in preparation for my 5^th dan grading.

But after listening to more enlightened people than myself, changed partners for the seminar and grading (thanks Chris for the advice)

Its hard to remember all the things we were taught as a group and individually, hopefully when we all meet up again we can compare notes and try to keep a good standard up, or even better improve.

The pass rate for the Jodo grading was pretty much the same as it has been for the last few years with only one or two people failing grades up to 2^nd dan but from there upwards we are seeing more failures, This is not so much that the standard or goal posts have moved. But that people are not progressing in there practice, Sensei is showing us our same basic mistakes time and time again and we are still going back and making these mistakes, he even highlighted this by getting some one in my dan group to do a technique. Explained what he was doing wrong asked him to correct it and watched this person do exactly the same mistake again asked why he did it that way, he said “but I am doing it how you showed me”. Sensei then patiently explained what this person had done wrong again. And watched the same mistake repeated again, before walking away.

Sensei went on in great detail about how we must check every aspect of our technique As without correct basics you can not progress “slow down and check everything for the first few attempts of any technique” wise words I hope we learn from them.

The Iaido seminar in Amsterdam was even more crowded than usual and if the Dutch are running out of space in there huge sports halls we are going to be in major trouble in the uk next year. I would estimate that we had 120 people doing Jodo and 170 Iaido. The same as the Jodo the teaching for the Iaido was superb my only regret was I was not out on the floor training, due to an injury sustained in the Jodo, managed to pass my grading thank the gods for small miracles.

It was interesting to be able to watch the different teachers in action, with their technique and teaching style, there seemed to be a bit more discussion going on in the individual grade groups, this could have been because of the space restrictions or the fatigue of the students.

The Brighton seminar held by the BKA went pretty much along the same lines as the Euro seminar with a few small differences. We had Oshita sensei back once again to teach the Iai and for the Jodo Otake sensei revisited our shores. His last visit was 10 years ago on honeymoon and 20 years ago to teach Jodo.

Both teachers are energetic and always smiling which is very infectious when you are training and seems to give everyone more energy.

There was about 50 people training in Jodo and the two new 5^th dans were asked to help teach by Otake and Jock Sensei’s (Mike Clayman and Myself). Luckily Otake’s style and technique matches what we were taught in Amsterdam so hopefully we did not embarrass the sensei.

We even managed to practice some Koryu from the omote series; these techniques are done differently to how we first learned them. So it was a joy to get some first hand knowledge of how they are being practiced now.

It was good to see so many new faces at this seminar we even had some complete beginners (I only started last week sir) not sure if a summer seminar is the place to begin training but good luck to you.

Once again I cannot comment on the Iaido seminar as I was taking Otake Sensei sight seeing castles and English pubs, as well as helping him with his English phrases.

I do know that training under Oshita is rewarding and hard work, hopefully someone who attended the Iai will also put finger to keyboard and write up his or her views on the seminar.

For a change I am not going to mention the parties etc. that went on over these seminars, I have mentioned the fact that there were a lot of new faces but there were also all the old friends there as well. Gus from Down South America turned up and passed out his cane spirit, the usual crowd of Jock Hopson, Gavin Murray Threipland, Dougie Evans, Mr and Mrs Drewe, Chris Buxton, Keith Rose and the Darlington contingent of which too many to name.

To all these people thanks for making the seminars so enjoyable, and as usual a big thank you too the Sensei and the organizers Vic and Terry Cook and Dougie.

“Are we there yet”.

Alan Nash

Seishinkan Dojo Ealing

Report on The British Open Taikai 25.9.2004

I would like to start the report by thanking everyone who came to Stoke for the Taikai. This was the second time that this event has been held on Stoke-on-Trent, a central location easily accessible from all parts of the country and in a very good sports centre. So where were the rest of you? Perhaps those of you in the largest group Ikkyu-Sandan thought why bother as ‘Gibbo’ will win it. As it happens he did so it’s up to you to provide him with a greater challenge.

We also had a film crew making a program to be shown on Sky Sports.

Having said that numbers were ok but could have been better, please support your association.

Ikkyu-Sandan Taikai

1^st Stuart Gibson

2^nd Alan Thompson

3rd Brian Hayes/ Darren Hale

Fighting Spirit Brian Hayes

Numbers were down on last year although this did not in anyway diminish the quality of kendo and this was very keenly fought group. Many excellent matches with lots of good kendo and plenty of fighting spirit. Congratulations to ‘Gibbo’ for a fine victory, that’s a double this year as he also won the Premier Cup in June.

Yondan + Taikai

1st Colin McCurdy

2nd Atsuto Tajima

3rd Dave Bell/ Yasuyuki Hiyama

Fighting Spirit Atsuto Tajima

This is always an extremely hard fought division and this year was no exception.

This year was marked by the return to competition of Colin McCurdy along with some new faces at this level.
There were enough participants for each fighter to get two fights in a pool, the pool winner progressing to the knock out stage.

There was a variety of styles in the pools from very cagey nil nil draws to full on attacking kendo. The winners from the pools then met in the semi final stage with Colin MCurdy beating Dave Bell, and Atsuto Tajima beating Yasuyuki Hiyama to set up the final.
Eventually Colin beat Tajima san by a single Do cut to win the competition.

Numbers dictated that this competition started off as a pool system, this enabled them to get at least two matches before progressing to the knockout stages. As usual there was some excellent kendo on display.

Ladies Open

1st Vileng Ng

2nd Lindsay Bishop

3rd Gillian Riddoch/Jenny Wan

Fighting Spirit Jenny Wan

Kata Taikai

1st Trevor Chapman Gary O'Donnell

2nd Steve Plimbley Phil Mclaughlin

3rd Gareth Mason Vileng Ng / Joe Petrie, Rob Wix.

The 4^th year of the Kata Taikai and I’m please to see more pairs taking part each year.

Defending champions Gareth Mason & Vileng Ng were resoundingly beaten in to 3^rd place by last years losing finalists Steve Plimbley & Phil Mclaughlin ( Sorry Gareth but I could not resist that one J) although Steve & Phil came 2^nd yet again in this event. They were beaten by the excellent pairing of Trevor Chapman & Gary O’Donnell.

For those of you who have not seen a Kata Taikai it works as follows:

Two pairs compete against each other (red & white) with the referees signalling the decision on completion of the forms. Each round consist of 3 forms. In the first round this was Kata 1, 3,6, the second round was Kata 4,5,7 and in the final Kodachi 1 2 3.

The standard of kata was very good and I honestly don’t know how the judges make their decision because I did not see any ‘Technical errors’ as such i.e.: nobody got the forms wrong or made mistakes that I could see. The standard just gets better each year.

Juniors

I was glad to see more junior participants this year. They all really should be commended for their efforts and are an example of committed free-spirited kendo.

We should encourage them and see them develop into the Yudansha of the future.

There were some excellent matches, everyone in the hall was impressed and although I don’t usually single out anyone in particular ones I personally felt that the Suehara brothers (Takeshi & Takumi) were very good.

Well done to all of you.

Under 13

1st Takeshi Suehara

2nd Shuell

3rd Rick Colins /Oscar Carter

Under 16

1st Yuma Kurihara

2nd Isabelle Johnstone

A few words about next year’s events to be held in Stoke.

Here are the dates

Sir Frank Bowden Taikai 4^th June 2005

Premier Cup 5^th June 2005

British Open 24^th September 2005

Closing dates for entries will be 1 week before the event

28^th May 2005 for the Bowden/Premier Cup weekend

17^th September for the British Open

There will be NO Registration after the closing date under any circumstances.

This will enable us to determine the best format for the events (pools or K/O’s) and allow us to have the draw done and fighting order printed for each Taikai so that we may start earlier. All you need to do is just sign in on the day.

This will help to reduce my stress level for the first hour of each day and make the running of the Taikai much smoother.

It only leaves me to say thank you to everyone who took part. Thanks also to members of Kagami Shin and all the other helpers for scoreboard duties, ribbons, time keeping ect.

Last but by no means least thank you to all the referees for their efforts on the day, without whom we competitors would be unable to take part.

I hope you all enjoyed you visit to Stoke and I expect to that I will see you again next year.

Steve Plimbey

Kagami Shin

Tactics in Kendo Part 1

Sotaro Honda

University of Gloucestershire, British Squad Coach

Introduction

In this and future articles, I would like to discuss tactics in Kendo. What I would stress, from the start, is that this will never mean describing how to win at competitions by pushing the rules to the limit. The word ‘tactics’ is quite often thought of by many people as a means of winning at any cost for ‘Shiai Kendo’. Japanese Kendo practitioners especially regard tactics this way and they do not like teaching them. However, tactics are not practised and used purely for striking an opponent and winning a Shiai, we can also learn a great many of the technical aspects of Kendo and develop our understanding of Kendo in the process of thinking, learning, practising and creating tactics. In this article, firstly, some of the negative aspects that people imagine from tactics are described. This is followed by the introduction of my experience of Kendo and tactics at Fukuoka University of Education and a discussion of the effectiveness of learning tactics.

1. Tactics and Kendo

Tactics are an important element in the performance of sports and Budo as are other elements such as physical fitness, techniques and mental strength. In Japanese Kendo society however, tactics are quite often thought of negatively. It seems that people’s reasons are closely related to their ideologies of Kendo as Budo. For example, the results of the interviews with Japanese high school physical education teachers who were in charge of Kendo lessons revealed that fifty three teachers out of fifty five had negative thoughts about teaching tactics. Their negative reasons were strongly related to their ideology of this purpose of Kendo as Budo, the traditional training and teaching of Kendo as Budo, the posture and movement of Kendo as Budo and matches, winning and losing of Kendo as Budo (Honda, 2003). More concretely, in some teachers’ ideology of the purpose of traditional Kendo as Budo, take it for granted that doing Kendo for the purpose of character building is the ‘correct Kendo’. For them, tactics are used only for the purpose of winning and they are not compatible with real Kendo. In some teachers’ ideology of traditional Kendo training and teaching, good posture and reasonable Shinai control that we need in Kendo are acquired as the result of following the traditional way of Syugyo which involves repeated practice of Kihon again and again. They also take it for granted that correct Kendo is acquired as the result of following this process for a long time. The reason why tactics are rejected is because these are not included in the traditional Syugyo which makes for correct Kendo.

Planning and using tactics means aiming for oneself and ones team to win even if the right posture and movement are broken and therefore, the teaching of tactics is rejected by them. Finally, in some of the teachers’ ideology about matches and winning and losing in Kendo as Budo, they often see Kendo matches as being for the purpose of grasping ones ability and progress, getting opportunities to find out about ones problem’s and to review the process of ones Syugyo. The contents of Kendo matches place an emphasis on fighting by ones Ki and an opponent’s Ki. Even if there is little exterior movement, there are active interior movements in two competitors’ minds. They take it for granted that trying to overwhelm an opponent’s Ki by ones own Ki and to strike is the real Kendo. For them, planning and using tactics means bringing wasteful external Shinai and body movement into play which is not compatible with the correct Kendo as Budo.

British people, especially those who play Western sports may think that the above opinions of the Japanese Kendo teachers as a bit strange. Needless to say that Kendo is a one-on-one combat activity through attacking and defending by using Shinai. As Kern (1998) identifies, one-on-one combative activities require greater tactical acumen in performance than non-physical contact activities such as volleyball and tennis, activities that a certain number of athletes play in a game or race at the same times such as swimming and rowing, and activities which are not played simultaneously, where performance is compared by time, distance, height and judges’ scoring such as gymnastics, weight lifting. In fact, we all fight in Ji-geiko and Shinai by making use of tactics, consciously or unconsciously, in attacking and defending with an opponent. The Kendo teachers who participated in the interviews commented that an expected way of fighting in Kendo would be that one did not rely on physical abilities, but one overwhelmed ones opponent by ones Ki and stroke. This is actually quite a high level tactical act in a way. Beyond this level and to attack an opponent with the mental state of ‘Mushin’ would be the ultimate level of fighting in Kendo, but this would also be the ultimate tactical act acquired through enough experience and a high level of technique. To think this way, it seems that the word ‘tactics’ itself does not give a good impression to the Japanese Kendo teachers, but gives an impression that using tactics means allowing their students to aim for winning as the prime purpose at any cost. After all, whatever their reasons for rejecting teaching tactics and their ideologies of Kendo as Budo are, I believe coming from their love for Kendo that they want to pass on ‘correct Kendo’ to the next generation as a pathway for self-cultivation and traditional Japanese culture.

2. My experience at Fukuoka University of Education

Although I myself had many Shiai practices and actulal Shiai when I was a high school and a university student, I almost never learned from my teachers explicitly how to win and how to fight in a particular situation. Is this because there exists negative thoughts related to tactics (or to the word tactics itself) in Japanese Kendo society? This was left to students’ independent-learning and I acquired them naturally through watching other people’s Shiai and experiencing Shiai.

I started thinking tactics in Kendo when I became a women’s coach at Fukuoka University of Education Kendo club. My students were aiming to win the All Japan University Women’s Taikai and so were practising for two hours five days a week. Two hours-five days a week practice itself is not too much at Japanese university Kendo clubs. After each practice, however, they always gathered together in the coach’s room, watched video of their Keiko and Shiai which I had taped and we discussed their Kendo. The person who suggested watching video was me, but the focus on what to watch and what to improve as individual and team tasks was decided by them. After continuing this for seven months, they began to grasp what each member of the team was expected to do in each position, how to fight and how they could fight according to the different situations. Their aim was achieved in November 1995. They did not win by using mean tactics, such as running away from their opponents who seemed to be stronger than they were, running away after scoring the first Ippon, using only surprise and tricky attacks, or fighting with bad posture. They always reflected on the content of their Keiko and Shiai after each Keiko, discussing what to do to develop, the choices they could use against various types of opponents in various situations in Shiai, trying to use something new in the next Keiko and Shiai practice, and developing their scope in Kendo. Three years later, two of them were selected as members of the Japanese team for the 11^th World Kendo Championships and one of them won the individual championship.

Through the experience of being a coach at the Fukuoka University of Education, I started thinking seriously about tactics in Kendo. But it also might have related to the negative thoughts of tactics. Little was introduced and known about the application of tactics in Kendo lessons. Although there were only a few books and research which described tactics in Kendo, often the descriptions of the content were too abstract and difficult to understand and apply in practice. Therefore, in 1997 I came to the U.K. to look for a place I could study theories and practice of sports tactics. Here I studied theory, practice and the educational effect of teaching the tactics of games called ‘Teaching Games for Understanding’ as developed in England and I attempted to apply it to Kendo. Through this study of tactics, in England, I realised that learning tactics would be useful not only for winning Shiai but also for understanding various aspects of Kendo. The following describes some of my ideas about tactics in Kendo.

3. Re-consideration of tactics in Kendo

Tactics play a role to connect Kihon-geiko with Ji-geiko and Shiai. We apply techniques that we have acquired in Kihon-geiko into Ji-geiko and Shiai with tactics of, which technique, when, where and how to use it. Considering general Kendo Keiko, it seems that in most clubs a practice normally starts with warm-up and Suburi followed by Kirikaeshi, Kihon Waza-geiko and Ji-geiko and tactical training, in which the aim to learn which technique, when, where and how to use, is left to self-development through experience. Of course, in Ji-geiko and Shiai where there are a lot of changes in attacking and defending and no one can predict what to do in advance, judgement of what to do is left to each practitioner. In order to make an appropriate judgement consciously or unconsciously in each situation and execute an action chosen, however it is important to learn tactics in Keiko. There are some people, especially experienced Kendo-ka who believe that they do not need to learn any tactics, but think that to fight with Mushin is the best approach to Ji-geiko and Shiai. In the state of mental condition ‘Mushin’, ones body will function the best unconsciously by automatically making the best choice of technique and movement. However, it will be impossible to do this if one does not work on developing choices of techniques and movements in various situations through Keiko. Choosing and executing Waza in the mental state of Mushin is an unconscious tactical act that is developed as the result of the conscious learning of tactics. There are also some people who insist, “I do not need tactics. I just do my Kendo whoever my opponent is.” I am not sure exactly what they mean by ‘doing my Kendo’. It has to be considered, however, ‘doing ones Kendo’ does not mean doing Kendo in which one attacks with the same timing and same Waza all the time against every opponent. To be able to do ones best Kendo against various types of opponent, one needs to face them, changing the way of Seme sometime boldly and sometime delicately, timing and Waza according to each opponent. To be able to do this, one has to try to develop a choice of Waza and have a broader scope in ones Kendo. This does not only mean acquiring many different Waza, but means that one should try to practise with consideration of how to use the Waza one has acquired. Sumi Sensei told me, “In my brain there are hundreds and thousands of different patterns of Seme, striking, combination and dealing with my opponent’s attacking. I can use these properly according to each situation and each opponent.” In addition, Sumi Sensei’s Kendo makes us have less choice and we end up attacking where Sensei is making us attack as if we were swallowed up in it. It is extremely hard (almost impossible?) to reach Sumi Sensei’s level, but nothing happens unless we try to develop scope in our Kendo!

4. Effectiveness of Learning Tactics

Once, you start thinking of tactics such as Waza, when and how you use or you want to use them in Ji-geiko and Shiai, you will start thinking of which Waza you need to acquire, what you can do at the moment and what you cannot. By thinking like this, you will be able to see the technical and psychological structure and mechanism of basic movements, each Waza and their interaction with your opponent’s. In addition, in the process of acquiring Waza you will feel the need to have a positive attitude and that you do not want to waste any unecessary time in practicing: Waza-geiko, Kata-geiko, Ji-geiko, Kakari-geiko, Uchikomi-geiko and the whole Keiko. Moreover, you will also begin to think whether you are fit enough to achieve your tasks? which part of your body needs to be improved? and whether you are mentally tough enough to execute your tactics?

The traditional way of Keiko in Kendo is through repeated practice and I do not reject this. By considering tactics in Keiko, you will realise the meaning and importance of this repeated practice and you will come independently to tackle Keiko rather than just doing in a parrot fashion or like clockwork, what your teacher tells you in. In the next article, I would like to discuss the process of learning tactics according to practitioners’ levels.

References

Kern, J. (1998) Sports no Senjyutsu Nyumon (Tactics in Sports) (translation M. Asaoka, H. Mizukami, and A. Nakagawa). Tokyo: Taisyukan Publishing Co., Ltd.

Honda. S. (2003) Budo or Sport? Competing Conceptions of Kendo within the Japanese Upper Secondary Physical Education Curriculum, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Gloucestershire Park Campus Learning Centre.

TSUNAMI DOJO

Watchet Iaido Seminar

With Grading [1^st kyu to 4th Dan] Shiai and Senior practice: 19 & 20 /march / 2005

Website: www.tsunamidojo.co.uk

e-mail: info@tsunamidojos.co.uk

Home tel:01984631114

Mobile no:07786936456

Dear colleagues

Next years Watchet Iaido Seminar will be held at:

Danesfield school Williton somerset , TA4 4SW.

On the weekend of the 19 & 20 /march / 2005

GRADING

Please remember that grading applications must be submitted to the BKA grading officer 2 months before

Grading cheques made payable to:

BKA account No 3123 5204 & send with the grading applications to the grading officer .

Please bring your BKA Licence & membership card to the seminar.

Fees:

Saturday only =£20:00

Saturday & Sunday = £30:00

Seminar Cheques made payable to: BKA . Account No 3123 5204

send with the booking form to:

Mr A G ROWE .

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WATCHET

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SATURDAY

Doors open at 09;00 am For prompt start at 10;00 am

LUNCH 1-2 PM - practice ends at 16;00 hrs (4;00pm )

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Doors open at 09;00 am for prompt start at 10;00 am

LUNCH 1-2 pm practice ends at 16;00 hrs ( 4;00 pm )

ON BOTH DAYS THE BUILDING MUST BE CLEARED BY 17:00 [5pm]

Thank you

Best Regards

Adrian Rowe - Tsunami dojo

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man / woman / youth

The 20^th KODOKAN International KENDO Seminar

Friday 19th to Sunday 21^st August 2005

Supported by The BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION

____________________________________________.

With

MASATAKE SUMI 8^thDAN, HANSHI,

Assisted by Junichi Tashiro 8^th Dan Kyoshi and Morio Kumamoto 7th Dan Kyoshi

With Junpei Matsumoto 7^th Dan Nagao Sensei 7^th Dan Enomoto sensei 7^th Dan

This Years Seminar will take place at our Dojo in the Princess Marina Sports Centre, Rickmansworth. Herts.

All location details are on our website: www.pabudden.com/kodokan

The official Check in is from 9am on Friday.

This seminar is fully residential ONLY: Inc. Accommodation/ Light lunch/ Evening Meal, Friday & Saturday (plus Breakfast) and Breakfast/ Lunch on Sunday.

All single room accommodation.

NO External visits or attendance will be permitted

PRICE £200.00.

As in previous seminars, there will be a practice on Thursday evening 11^th September and bed & Breakfast are available, prices as indicated on the application form.

Places are limited to seventy, so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

On Thursday the 18^th there will be a special senior grade practice for one day only, for 4^th Dan and above and Dojo leaders even if their grade is less than 4^th Dan.

Times: from 9am until 12pm and 2pm until 5pm. The cost for this practice will be £35 per person inc.lunch and you do not have to be participating in the rest of the Seminar, to attend. [But you do need to apply, please use the application form]

On Sunday the 21^st August, there will be a Dan examination

1^st Dan to 5^th Dan. This grading is open to participants of the seminar only,

No external candidates will be accepted. Full details from the BKA grading officer: Mr Keith Dawick

This seminar takes place only once a year, so don’t miss it!

I am as always, indebted for the continuing support of Sumi Sensei in this the 20^th Seminar. Don’t forget: SEVENTY PLACES ONLY. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Best regards. Paul BUDDEN

APPLICATION FORM for the 20th KODOKAN International Open KENDO Seminar: 19^th to 21^st August 2005

Please reserve (No of places at £200).................

Payment enclosed. (Please circle) Full. £200. Deposit. £50.

Balance due: £ 50 by 25^th April. £50 by 25^th June. £50 by 25^th July.

NAME………………………………………………………..[m/f]…….

ADDRESS…………………………………………………………………

………………………..Tel No…………………e-mail…………………...

GRADE……………AGE…………NO.YEARS PRACTICE……………

PHYSICAL CONDITION OR SPECIAL NEEDS (No funnies please).

……………………………………………………………………………..

DIETRY NEEDS…………………………………………………………..

I do/not require evening meal on Thursday 18^th @ £10

Bed &Breakfast Thursday night [arrival time........…..]

and Friday morning @ £22 [please delete or indicate total] £……….

I wish to attend the special senior practice on Thursday the 18^th @ £35 Inc lunch. [Yes/no]

Please add all of the amounts to your final payment total here. £…….....

Send this form with your payment ASAP. Cheques payable to:

KODOKAN Kendo Dojo. C/O Paul BUDDEN. No 1 Bayman Cottages, Lye Green Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 3NQ.

Maps and itinerary will be sent out on receipt of your final payment.

Refunds for cancellation [in full less admin charges] will only be made if notification is given before the 31^stJuly 2005

Attendance is at the organiser’s discretion.

Last Words

We would like to have the ability to communicate via email with every single BKA dojo. The contact doesn’t need to the dojo leader or secretary, though this is preferable - any member of your dojo could be a point of contact. This will greatly assist in distributing information. Please email your dojos contact information to Webmaster.

Also, if dojo could check their contact information on http://www.kendo.org.uk/ and make sure any email addresses are valid that would help us greatly.

* Any dojo that are hosting events are more than welcome to send out documentation with the newsletter. The newsletter comes out every 2^nd month. See the contact Submission Guidelines / Contact Details at the top of the newsletter.

* Reminder: National Phone Line - 01494 581503. This is for information only and has a recorded message. This is to generate a written response to enquiries received from other than the web site [Combat magazine/ libraries and other sources] together with information leaflet and a Dojo list. We would appreciate if you would circulate this number, wherever you may feel the need for people to contact the Association who may not have Internet access.

Please help our web presence by 1. If you have a dojo website that is not listed on the website please supply it to us: 2. Adding a link to http://www.kendo.org.uk/ to your website; 3. If you already have a link please ensure that it points to the correct URL: 4. If you have a BKA dojo listing please remove it ASAP - you are displaying wrong information.

Visit the BKA website - http://www.kendo.org.uk/

Thanks for your time and best regards from the News Online team.

Data Protection Act 1998 The Association reserves the right to [a] hold your membership record - name, address, telephone /fax number and e-mail address [if any] and Kendo, Iaido or Jodo interests notified to the Association by you, on computer as part of the Association’s membership list, [b] to distribute that list among Association members, and[c] to disclose your name and address to the Association’s printer/distributor to permit the distribution of the ‘ BKA News Online’ by them by means of computer generated address labels, along with any loose advertising material the Association or it’s editor may wish to include with a particular issue of the publication. Members who object to this may register their objection in writing to the Association’s Secretary and their names and data will then be removed from the computer record and lists for the future. Your consent to these procedures will be presumed unless you object.

Contents

Contact Details

Seminars/Competitions: Forms & Details