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BKA News Online
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Submission
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publish things that we get, so if we don’t get anything relating to a
specific event, then we can’t do anything about it. You can help us by:
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BKA Newsletter, 1 Bayman Cottages, Lye Green Road. Chesham Bucks. HP5 3NQ |
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Contact Details
A comprehensive and
up-to-date list of BKA contact details can be found online. |
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Introduction Dear members, This is the one year
anniversary of this style of online newsletter AND [BIG AND] Also we are now into the
final countdown for the 12thWKC…phew!! and fingers and everything quadruple crossed!! As here
we go for the BIG one…yahhhhhhhh. Gambatte Many thanks to all who have
helped in the run up and are ongoing into the event and beyond. A full report will of
course feature in the August edition. CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE 12th WKC July 2003 _______________________________________________________. 4th July 03 Friday: Opening Ceremony,
Women’s Individual/Team competition 09.00: Opening ceremony 09.50 to 10.00: Demonstration: Nippon Kendo Kata 10.00: Commencement individual matches 13.30: Commencement Team matches 16:40: Commendation ceremony (Goodwill Keiko is scheduled after the ceremony.) 5th July 03 Saturday: Men’s Individual
Competition 09.00: Opening address 09.15 to 09.35: Demonstrations: Iaido and Tachi Iai 09.35: Commencement matches 17.00: Commendation ceremony (Goodwill Keiko is scheduled after the ceremony.) 6th July 03
Sunday: Men’s Team Competition & Closing Ceremony 09.00: Opening address 09:15 to 09:30: Demonstrations: Jodo 09.30: Commencement matches Around 16:15: Demonstrations: Suio-ryu
Kusari-gama (Before the final match) 17:15: Commendation & Closing Ceremony The
time of the above schedule is subject to change depending on the progress of
the matches. Notices -
Edinburgh Kendo Club
will be hosting a post-WKC open keiko on Tuesday 8th of July.
Hirakawa sensei will be in attendance, as will many national teams who have
travelled over for the WKC. The keiko is OPEN and FREE to everyone. Please
check out http://www.kendo.org.uk/newsevents/newsletter/june03/www.edinburghkendo.co.uk
for more details. -
Dojo registrations as per the folder
recently sent out by Stuart Shirreff must be completed and returned by 30th
June 03. Many thanks to Stuart for a first class job in ironing out the
problems. Further updates to follow. -
Appointments for BKA
EC positions: Vice Chairman. Membership Secretary. Iaido Bucho. Jodo Bucho.
Kendo Ordinary Member for 2004, are invited. Please submit your written
application including the reasons and what you have to offer to the
Secretary: Ric Schofield You have until November to apply, but why delay…Do
it now.. we need YOUR Expertise and commitment -
Lottery: BKA sales of
tickets have not reached the target figure. The lottery will therefore be
opened to all IKF members with further tickets being available at the
championships. The combined tickets will then be drawn at the Sayonara party
6th July in Glasgow. The results will be published online and in
the next newsletter. challenge! The rules are on the website and if you
need assistance PLEASE contact the Kendo Bu. Notice - Kendo Examination: Kata Section Standardised
format There have been several
‘grumbles’ over the past year or more, about the changing emphasis on
different aspects in the examination process of Kata when grading. The following statement is
to clarify the grading process in the examination of Kata and as from the
Stoke seminar July 03 will be the standard format in all Kendo examinations
when assessing the Kata section. If during the examination
of Kata a recognised technical error is made by any candidate, the panel may
at their discretion request for a further demonstration to be given, thus
allowing the candidate one further attempt to correct the error. If any candidates
realises that they or their respective partner have made an error, then they
should indicate this to the panel by raising their hand, they will then be
permitted one further attempt to correct the error. Compounding a technical
error will result in the candidate failing the Kendo examination We trust that this will
assist candidates in their preparation for examination, instigate the pursuit
of higher standards in performance and understanding, through the increased
study of Kata. Kata seminars are also
being planned to advance this pursuit. Kendo Bu directive: June
2003 |
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Diary of Events The CLOSING DATE for all
shinsa (gradings) is TWO CALENDER 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.
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Grading Results Watchet 18th
May Shodan - T. YAMAZAKI, J.
BELL, F. FUNG, A. JONES, R. HOLTON, J. DAVIES, B. COATES, B. WELLS. Nidan - M. WATKINSON, M.
GIBSON, O. VERGNAULT, A. FLAMMENT, Y. MIYAMURA, S. STARR, W. WRIGHT, N.
EDWARDS, A. BECKLEY. Sandan - T. SHIOIKE, T.
YAMAZAKI, B. PATEL. Watchet 16th
March Iaido Ikkyu - M.KELLY, M.J.POOLE,
W.EDGAR, R.FOWLER, R.J.McGLORY, A.M.FAMUBODE, S.KETELSEN, I.SWYER, R, READER,
S.MEDLYN, M.KELLY, B.STOCKWELL, J.GOLSBY Nidan - N.SIMMONETT,
N.LONG, G.CARNIE, R.ROBERTS, J.STEPIEN, A.LONG, J.C.BUSBY, R.PEPLOE Yondan - A.JONES, S.J.BOYES Jodo Ikkyu - T.SANDEMAN,
M.MACDONALD, J.PAUL, M.DANILINE, H.JOHNSTON, A.GRANGER, VIA LENG NG, G.MASON,
T.S.GREENISH, M.REILLY FOUNTAINE, S.PACKER, G.KENNING, R.ANDERSON Shodan - C.COOPER,
A.MARSHAL Nidan - N.SIMMONETT,
A.COLEBOURN, M.SIMMONETT Sandan - M.CHAMBERS,
G.S.MURRAY THREIPLAND |
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Taikai Sir Frank Bowden
Memorial Taikai, Stoke 31st May 2003 1st Mumeishi
A 2nd Mumeishi
B 3rd University
of Gloucester Fighting Spirit: Kaori Miki [University of Gloucester] Premiers Cup, Stoke 1st
June 2003 1st Anthony
Scott 2nd Stuart
Gibson 3rd Gerry
Kincaid and Michio Wise Fighting Spirit: Mark Halls Full reports to follow
in future issues |
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12th WKC
Commemorative Merchandise STOP PRESS!!! LIMITED EDITION: CHAMPIONSHIP TARTAN TENEGUI @ £15 each Inc VAT -
PRICE LIST. November
2002 -
With this months
newsletter comes a price list, an advance order form is available on the
website. All Items
are Inclusive of UK VAT [Value Added Tax] @ 17.5%
From HENRI LLOYD. A range
of items from the Famous Marine Technical and Fashion clothing manufacturer. All
with 12th WKC Embroidered logo on the sleeve:
Nine Circles 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) Got stuff to sell? If you have an budo related
equipment 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, 2nd hand bogu, etc - anything relevant.
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6th Annual Varsity Kendo Match, Cambridge, February 16th 2003
Without delay, the team
competition, the real focus of the varsity match, was kicked off. The first round saw
Oxford’s Kiriko Kamiya take on varsity veteran Hyowon Kim. Shiai experience proved vital
here and Kamiya was soon on the receiving end of some powerful men cuts
despite her best efforts. At this stage things were progressing in a similar
fashion to last year, with Kim winning the first bout of the match 2-0 to
give Cambridge an early lead. The next match was Oxford’s
Eisuke Ishibashi against Cambridge’s Charles McLachlan. Eisuke Ishibashi
stepped in at the last moment after another Oxford player was unable to come,
and we are very grateful to him for allowing both sides to field a full team.
He further helped Oxford’s prospects by taking an early lead, but McLachlan
battled back to even the score with a kote strike. Although both fighters
continued to land eager blows, none were quite ippon-worthy and the fight
finished as a draw. This left the score at 1-0 in Cambridge’s favour, meaning
that Oxford could not afford to lose the next fight if they hoped to win the
varsity match within the normal five rounds. Oxford newcomer (but
certainly not a newcomer to kendo) Tomoko Shioike was able to provide just
the result that the Dark Blues wanted, her kote against the physically more
imposing Seung-baek Ryu being the only successful strike of the encounter.
This left the score at 1-1 with two rounds remaining, meaning that both
results would be crucial. The 4th fight
saw a similar scenario to the 3rd match - Cambridge’s Dr Frank
Stajano towering over Oxford’s Lana Sheridan. This time, however, the
physical advantage was not to be overcome, and Dr Stajano was able to use his
extra strength to force Sheridan out of the shiai jo twice, resulting in
Cambridge gaining ippon. Both players fought for another point, but of the
many men cuts attempted, it was Dr Stajano’s that finally connected, leaving
Cambridge ahead 2-1. The final round saw team
captains Stephen Wells for Cambridge and Matthew Watkinson for Oxford in a
tense fight, Wells attempting to seal Cambridge’s victory and Watkinson
trying to pull level. The fight was even until unsure footing sent Watkinson
stumbling, Wells wasting no time in securing a positive men strike. The
result was sealed with another fine cut by Wells, leaving Cambridge the
varsity match victors with a comfortable score of 3-1, an exact reversal of
last year’s score. Oxford managed some
consolation in the individual competition, with Matthew Watkinson and Tomoko
Shioike contesting the final, meaning a guaranteed Oxford first and second
place. Shioike, tired from a lengthy semi-final, finally lost out to a
hiki-men from Watkinson in encho, but in recognition of her efforts received
the Fighting Spirit prize. Of course, the individual competition is not as
important as the ‘official’ team varsity match, but it was better than
nothing. After the competitions,
thanks to the excellent organisation by Cambridge, there was plenty of time
for a jigeiko with the senior grades that had kindly come to referee for us, and
everybody picked up tips that will hopefully be implemented in future
matches, varsity or otherwise. Oxford would like to thank
Cambridge for the excellent job that they did in hosting the event, and both
teams offer their thanks to the shinpan who journeyed all the way to the fens
to help out. - Matthew Watkinson, Oxford
Kendo Club |
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The British University Championships, Canterbury, 7-9th March 2003 The weekend of the 7th,
8th and 9th March saw this year’s University Taikai,
hosted by the University of Kent Kendo Club. This venue was agreed on shortly
after the highly successful 2002 event in Cheltenham, due to the capacity for
the UKKC dojo to hold two shiai-jo. This turned out to be a good decision, as
there was excellent representation from many university dojo. Particularly
pleasing was the participation of several kendoka who were students but who
trained regularly at non-university clubs across the country. In addition to
this there was international representation for the second year running in
the form of Mainz University, Germany, who sent a party of five competitors.
Both the number of universities represented, and the number of nationalities
of the students present were well into double figures - a very satisfying
statistic. In addition to the
tournament itself on the Saturday, there were training sessions on the Friday
night and the Sunday morning, at which the visitors were invited to join in
the regular UKKC training. Both of these were attended by some of the
visitors, who had chosen to stay in Canterbury for the weekend. There were
also a number of national squad members present, whose support was greatly
appreciated. After some frantic
last-minute preparations, the tournament got under way some twenty minutes
before the scheduled start time of midday. Chief referee on the day was Mike
Davis, whose support we were very thankful for. There were four categories in
the taikai: Individuals (Kyu grades), Individuals (Dan grades), Ladies
Individuals (Open Grade) and finally there was a team event (5 person, open
grade). This structure enabled everyone taking part the opportunity to have
several shiai, especially as both the Kyu and Dan sections had pools in which
everyone fought everyone else, before the highest placed progressed to the
knockout phase. One of the most important aspects of this taikai is to give
young kendoka valuable shiai experience, and the day was certainly a success
on that point. All sections of the
competition were fought with real determination and spirit. The ladies
competition was fought as a league format, with the top two progressing to
the final. This final proved to be very close, with victory eventually going
to Tomoko Shioike of Oxford in encho. The Kyu grade section was particularly
successful, as this was the first competition for many of those taking part.
However, in the end another closely fought final was won by Dominic Preuss,
of Mainz. The Dan grade section saw some very high quality matches,
demonstrating the strength that we currently have in university kendo. The
end result was a familiar one, with victory going to Gloucestershire’s
Yuichiro Kishigami for the second year in succession. Finally there was the
team event, which operated as a straight knockout from the start. As was the case
last year, there were a few cases of groups of individuals from two
universities forming teams among themselves - again, another opportunity for
extra shiai experience. The team final, the last matches of the day, was a
great way in which to end the tournament. The Kent ‘A’ lost the title it held
from last year, being beaten in the final by a very strong Imperial ‘A’ team.
After all the championships were decided, there was one more prize to be
awarded - the magnificent Fighting Spirit trophy, kindly donated by Hizen
dojo some years ago. The decision on this was made by Mr Davis, and his
nomination went to Steve Scott, of Imperial College. In spite of the early
start, and the larger space, the tournament finished a little later than
expected, and presentations were made to the winners in nearby Keynes
College, a short distance from the sports centre on the University of Kent
campus. Those who had stayed were able to relax with fellow competitors and
applaud the prizewinners over a well-earned drink. Overall, the day of the
taikai was an enjoyable and successful one. We are very grateful to Mr Davis
and all the referees. Special thanks must go to Ian Parker-Dodd who provided
much logistical support throughout the day, without which we would have been
in considerable difficulty. We are also grateful to Mike Wilkins, Clive
Roberts and all the staff at the UKC sports centre, and to Tim Klimcke,
sports officer for the UKC Students Union. Finally, a big thank you must go
to all the students for making the journey to Canterbury and taking part in
the taikai. Next year the host will be Imperial College, when we hope the
tournament will build on the success of the last two years. - Lawrence Pereira, UKKC |
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1st National referees seminar, Ollerton, 12th April 2003 Course Leader and Chief
Referee: John Howell, 7th Dan Kyoshi, Chairman BKA The 1st referees
seminar was held on saturday in Ollerton The turnout wasn’t great in
terms of numbers but in some ways this meant that individuals got personal
coaching and particular points that arose during matches were discussed in
some depth I’m not going to share that
here as some scenarios discussed have potential for competitive use and the
competition season is about to start soon! In general I have a better
appreciation of what qualifies as a point and this will help me in matches. I
also have a better understanding of the issues relevant to being a referee
and this will help me in matches as well In general if you know what
the judges are looking for, it makes it easier to show that to them. This of
course applies across the board. So, you need glasses (!),
sharp eye sight, good hearing, positional awareness and an understanding of
the likely dynamics of the fighters, encyclopaedic knowledge of the rules
(and their interpretations), likely tricks and how they get covered up,
what’s permissible and what is not, and the ability to look at the fighters,
the other referees, the team coach and the judging table all at the same
time. It also helps to remember what hand each colour flag is in... AND if
Paul is scoring its worth checking that he hasn’t scored for the wrong
fighter! (though of course he would tell you it was a deliberate error
designed to test you) In short if you missed it
you missed out & I recommend going to the next one (I certainly will
& not just because it is on the grading requirements). Thanks to John Howell and
Paul Budden for the focussed and clear teaching and to Trevor Chapman and
crew for the organisation. Thanks also to the fighters most of whom were from
Do shin ken yu kai and kashi no ki ken yu kai - Phil McLaughlin,
Kagami-shin kenyukai |
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IV Nations Taikai, Finland, May 23-25th 2003 This competition normally
takes place annually in September however because of the 12th
World Championships taking place in July it was decided that it would be more
useful to have the event earlier so as to be included in everyone’s
preparations for the July taikai. The venue was about an
hour’s drive north of Helsinki at a sports centre with a hotel right next to
it. A lot of the competitors ended up opting not to stay on the dojo floor,
and I think the main reason for this was the memory of last year’s movement
sensitive lights in the Stockholm venue. There was time for a 45
minute jigeiko with some of the Fins on the Friday night, which was much
appreciated after the day’s travelling. It was still light at 2200 and we
were hungry, we found the town to be quiet, the streets empty but Melodi’s
Pizza’s to be huge, delicious and great value for money! Saturday as always was the
main day in this event. After 30 minutes to get the
body and mind in gear we got underway with the Ladies Team competition.
Birgit, Alex, Emiko, Frankie and Emiko did a good job of beating Sweden 3-0,
Finland 4-1 before a very hard fought match against Germany which saw us lose
1-2, (with only 1 point for and 2 points against). The ladies team came 2nd
to Germany but ahead of Sweden and Finland. Unfortunately Gillian was unable
to attend at the last minute because of an injury so in each of our matches
one of the ladies had to fight twice. Get better soon Gillian! The men’s team was next up.
Consisting of Jon, George, Gibbo, Dave, Michio, Scotty and Simon. We lost to
Sweden, 1-4, and to Finland 1-4, and then to Germany, by a very close, 1-2.
So we came last to Sweden, Finland and Germany. All the matches were hard
fought but when it came down to it we did not get the wins needed. There was a break for lunch
and then the individual competitions. Ladies first and this year we had Emiko
coming 2nd and Alex and Birgit coming 3rd. As always
they were an example to the rest of us in spirit. The men’s individual event
saw Scotty come third and Simon in the quarterfinals, again well contested
but unable to pull out the essential point or win. The day’s kendo over we
were all intrigued by the promise of a sauna party. Well after a hike to the
party venue we discovered a sauna, which got you hot and then cooled you down
again with beer! Some of us managed to lose to Germany and Sweden at darts,
how embarrassing. Whilst we were also required to take the stage and attempt
to entertain with our karaoke renditions, which were overshadowed by Gibbo’s
lack of trousers and attempts to keep his sauna towel. I’m sure photos will
surface somewhere on the net for interested parties… Sunday had a group jigeiko
in the morning which barring injuries should always be attended by all
participants. It is a rare occasion to practice with other kendoka from
around Europe and is an essential ingredient in an individual’s and a team’s
desire to get better and share the pleasure of kendo without having to think
about those 3/5 minutes, an area, or referees attention. Fight hard, fight to
win, grow and develop. - Simon Bradley, Team
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Last Words We are very sorry to announce that George McCall will be
leaving the UK bound for Japan in July/August [after the 12thWKC] and I would like
personally to thank him on behalf of the British Kendo Association for all of his hard work and dedication
[often under pressure] in the Formulation and maintenance of the website and the
Newsletter. GOOD LUCK George and best wishes. Brian Hayes has the hard task of following on - welcome to
the asylum Brian..heh heh 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.
*
Any dojo that are hosting events are more than welcome to send out
documentation with the newsletter. The newsletter comes out every 2nd
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 to you all 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. |
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