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IKET 22nd to 25th June 06 BKA News Online Issue # 24 June
06 Contents Submission Guidelines Contact Details Introduction Notices Reports Diary of Events Grading/Taikai
Results Shopping &
book list Articles Kendo in Borneo Five Nations- Berlin. April 06 Seminars/Competitions: Forms & Details Last
Words Submission
Guidelines: Submitting articles for use online (and thus the
newsletter) is easy - just email either the editor and/or the Webmaster with
the article/idea and take it from there. We are constantly looking for people
to write articles and contribute to the website, so please don’t be shy. This news online is produced courtesy of the
website, please remember, we can only 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: Registering
your interest to do an article before
an event Be
conscientious - if you say you are going to do it, then do it! Supplying
content in digital format (with pictures) Get
someone to proof-read your article Spell-check
it! Electronic
submissions must now be supplied in HTML format, or WORD in an uncomplicated
format, pictures sent separately in JPEG format [small resolutions please] if
not inserted correctly into the document Items
that involve the team in retyping or reformatting will not be undertaken and returned to the originator. However some
typewritten formats may be acceptable, as these items can sometimes be
electronically scanned and included. Send Postal Submissions to: BKA Newsletter, co: P A
Budden. Gomms Corner. Copperkins Lane. Amersham, Bucks. HP6 5QB Contact Details: President John Howell Chairman: Geoff Salmon Vice Chairman: Gavin Murray-Threipland Treasurer: David Spacey Secretary: Ric Schofield Membership queries bkamembership@duco-personnel.co.uk Kendo Bucho: Paul Budden Iaido Bucho: Vic Cook Jodo Bucho: Alan Nash BKA PRO: Paul Gray Iaido & Jodo PRO: Fay Goodman Health and Safety Officer: Donald Gordon First Aid Advisor: Trevor Chapman Webmaster: Carl Ranger. News Online Editor: Paul Budden National Phone line 01494 581503 Automated response for a BKA leaflet and Club list only. A
comprehensive and up-to-date list of BKA contact details can be found on the
website Introduction: Dear
members, Issue
2 hard copy for 2006. Still lots of events to come for the second half of the
year, so please check out the diary of events to ensure your participation. You
can of course always log on to the website to get regularly updated information
at anytime. We would like to draw your attention to the
fact that you must be a fully paid up member of the Association in order to
take part in Taikai, Seminars and qualify for Gradings, also as the logistics
involved in the organisation of these events is very time consuming, the
registration dates and procedures for all of the events should be strictly
adhered to. Your help is greatly appreciated Notices: Iaido & Jodo
European Championships 2006 Proposed Schedule In response to all the questions I have been
receiving about the Euro Taikai. I have put down the proposed plan that the BKA would like to run.
Please be aware that there may be some changes To the dates. As I am still awaiting final confirmation
of our proposed schedule from the EKF.
For further details please contact Alan Nash: jodo.bucho@kendo.org.uk Appointed Persons First
Aid Course. A one day course will be held at the
Dukeries Recreation Complex, New Ollerton, Notts, on Saturday 3rd
Sept 2006 from 10am until 3pm.The qualification is valid for 3 years and is the
minimum necessary to satisfy current Health and Safety requirements: Contact Trevor
Chapman kendo.member@kendo.org.uk Special Ladies Kendo Practice and Squad training; June 10th
& 11th at Kodokan Saturday: Ladies practice 10am to 1pm. Seniors 2:00-5:00pm All age women welcome
14 years old and above. All attendees are welcome to stay for National Squad
Training in the afternoon 2 – 5pm, run by Honda Sensei Please contact ladies coach if you are interested: ladies.coach@kendo.org.uk Special Young Males Kendo
Practice and
Squad training: July 8th & 9th at Kodokan Saturday: Young Males [15 to 25 years] 10am to 1pm.Seniors 2:00-5:00pm 3rd IKET 22nd to 25th
June 2006 Full details are now available at: http://www.kendo.org.uk/clubs/edinburghkendo/iket/06/IKET06_Home.htm
and we would ask Dojo leaders to ensure that their
individual members are aware that they are very welcome to attend and
participate irrespective of grade and are encouraged to attend this highly
prestigious event Kendo & Jodo Grading Questions are now only
published on the BKA website: all candidates must bring their completed papers
with them on the day of the examination. Diary of Events Here is a list of
all Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo related events in the U.K. and others of interest in
Europe. Events that span all three
disciplines are marked (All). This information
is Provisional at the time of going to print and will be updated in future
issues. The CLOSING DATE
for all grading is TWO CALENDAR MONTHS prior to the day of the exam. Contact
FOR ALL UK grading is the Grading
Officer Keith Dawick: grading.officer@kendo.org.uk and NOT the person in charge of running
the seminar. For all overseas Grading,
members must contact the President John Howell:
president@kendo.org.uk for a letter
of permission.
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. Training
Dates for 2006: June
10th & 11th at Kodokan Saturday: Ladies practice 10am
to 1pm seniors 2:00-5:00pm July
8th & 9th at Kodokan Saturday: Young Males practice[15 to 25 years ] 10am to 1pm seniors
2:00-5:00pm Sept
9th & 10th at Kodokan October
7th & 8th at Kodokan November
18th & 19th
at Kodokan The
next training weekend will be held at Kodokan Dojo in Rickmansworth on Sat &
Sun 10th & 11th June We particularly want to
encourage more women to come and
join the squad. Please
contact The National Coach to register
Males: kendo.coach@kendo.org.uk or The Assistant Kendo
Coach to register Ladies: ladies.coach@kendo.org.uk Shopping: The BKA recommend Nine Circles
and Emai shop UK for all equipment purchases. BKA
Book List (available from nine circles)
Kendo
The Definitive Guide - Ozawa 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 Nippon Kendo Kata - All Japan
Kendo Federation – NEW Iai Manual - All Japan Kendo
Federation – NEW The
BKA have the following items on offer to members only! 39
Shinai ‘Gold quality’ @ £30 each BKA
tenegui @ £5 each Car
stickers £3 each Blazer
badges £12 each BKA
pin badges £3 Referee's progress
log £3 12theWKC items: Shinai bags £10 Sweat shirts £8 Tenegui £2 Limited amount of polo and T shirts £4 Key rings £1 Pin badges £1 Pens £1 Towels £3 Luggage tags £1 Mouse mats £1 All items are plus
post & packaging and can be purchased by cheque/cash. Contact:
Dean Wormall 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, 2nd
hand bogu, etc - anything relevant. Kendo Items for sale:
Shinken 2.7 shaku , silver bamboo design fuchi kashira , black nu-buck leather
ito, with spare saya, £2300 ono, contact Rob Anderson 07747768771 Men For Sale "near
enough" brand new men Offers please? Any body interested
in Compression suits …check out: http://www.bsccompression.co.uk Contact Paul
Budden: paul.budden@kodokankendo.org.uk
Grading Results Kendo seminar: Watchet 21st June 06 IKKYU J. HSIEH D. CUTHBERTSON D. ETHERINGTON A. MILES R. DOSSETT C. PARROTT D. SCALLY I. LINDSAY SHODAN M. SCALLY K. BRAZIL R. PIMLOTT M. GRINSTED K. EDWARDS P. GODFREY P. SCALLY D.WORSLEY NIDAN D. SCALLY M. DAVIES T. WILLIAMS P. THOMPSON COMPETITION
RESULTS: All events hosted by Kashi No Ki Ollerton 3rd & 4th
June 2006 THE SIR
FRANK BOWDEN TAIKAI 1. MUMEISHI A 2. KAGAMASHIN A 3. KODOKAN 3. UCL A
Fighting Spirit: NICHOLAS TREEN, Y TOSAKA, MAX DAVIES, CATHERINE GOETZE, KIM HOLT
PREMIER'S CUP 2006 1. STUART GIBSON 2. BRIAN HAYES 3. COLIN PORTER 3. GERRY KINCAID
Fighting Spirit: ALEX BURCH, WILLIAM WRIGHT
KAGAMASHIN JUNIOR TAIKAI 2006 1. MARK RICHARDSON 2. MICHAEL SCALLY 3. JACOB CASSERLEY 3. HARRY SHUELL
Fighting Spirit: MICHAEL SCALLY
SHINPAN CHO: J HOWELL
SHINPAN: M DAVIS N YANAI T HOLT J O'SULLIVAN G SALMON P BUDDEN S HONDA K C YUNG S ITO G KINCAID R SCHOFIELD I PARKER-DODD T CHAPMAN D BELL K MATSUDA E AGGUGINI-LEVI S PLIMBLEY W WARE J PETRIE N KETTLE R WIX B AYRES A NORSE Kendo in BorneoA Visit with the
Swordsmen of Sabah
The Malaysian
state of Sabah, in North-Eastern Borneo, is one of the most beautiful, exotic
and unspoiled parts of the planet. Its position, at the heart of the South
China Sea, has made it a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Filipino, Indonesian
and Bajau Sea-Gypsy cultures, as well as some thirty different indigenous
tribal groups – some of whom only abandoned ritual head-hunting as recently as
the 1960s. Its equatorial forests are home to many of the world’s most
endangered and exotic species and its coastal islands boast some of the finest
diving to be found anywhere. Sabah also boasts two kendo dojos – and, as I
discovered on a recent visit, an energetic and unique twenty year-old kendo
tradition. After a series of
flights, from Glasgow, via London, Dubai and a stopover at Brunei, I arrived in
the capital of Sabah, Kota-Kinabalu (or “KK”) on a Tuesday evening, to be hit
by both temperature and humidity in the upper nineties. As this had been
intended as a relaxing family holiday, my wife and daughter decided to spend
the evening enjoying the hotel’s facilities and its very good Japanese
restaurant. I had other plans – or rather, the swordsmen of Sabah had other
plans for me. Waiting in the hotel lobby was Sabah Kendo organiser, Michael
Tsen, ready to drive me out to the edge of the jungle and my first experience
of tropical kendo. A few days before
leaving Glasgow, while idling away some time on the Internet, I had discovered
that Sabah had a kendo club. Interested
in what kendo might be like in Borneo, and keen to meet some other kendo
practitioners, I e-mailed Mr Tsen and asked if I might drop in on one of their
practices, if only just to watch, as I would not be able to bring bogu with me
on holiday. The reply was immediate – of course, I was more than welcome, but
there was no danger that I would be just watching; some spare armour would be
found to fit me. So it was that, jet-lagged and somewhat overwhelmed by the
heat and humidity, I staggered into the lobby of the KK Hyatt to meet Mr Tsen
and be taken for my first practice. Twenty years ago,
a teacher at the tiny Japanese school in KK set up a kendo dojo just outside
the city, on the edge of the jungle. After a few years, he left the island,
leaving the dojo to the care of his principal student, Michael Tsen, who has
continued to build a dedicated, tough and highly likeable group of kenshi. They
are enthusiastic about developing their kendo – something that can be difficult
when the nearest grading or seminar, is thousands of kilometres away, in
Singapore or Taiwan. They are particularly keen to practice with visitors from
other dojos – who very occasionally come from peninsular Malaysia or Singapore.
Proud of their own kendo tradition, they are keen to give these visitors a good
fight. I was the first European visitor ever to the dojo – so I was going to
get a really good fight. The dojo itself,
at the end of a dirt track, is in a dedicated wooden building, built in the
traditional Sabah style, raised on stilts. It was dark when I arrived, and the
tropical night was full of the sounds of cicadas, crickets and night birds. A
litter of feral puppies wrestled with each other under the dojo. Fireflies
blinked in the dark vegetation around the dojo. I knew that I was about to have
as different an experience of kendo from the usual Tuesday night practice at
Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall as it was possible to have. After changing, I
realised my first mistake. I had decided to bring my best double-stitched heavy
cotton keiko gi and heavy cotton hakama. I put them on and walked a few steps
across the dojo to find that I was sweating like Tony Blair at a cash for
peerages enquiry. The humidity was close to 100% and tying on the armour that
had been selected for me proved as much effort as was comfortable. One of the
senior students, Darryl, announced the warm-up. How much warmer was it possible
to get? After the warm up and suburi, the dye was running off my dogi like Dirk
Bogarde in Death in Venice (I felt
sure there were a few extra haya suburi for my benefit) and I was gulping for
oxygen, when I stepped up for my first keiko of the evening, with Mr Tsen. The format for the
evening was winner-stays-on shiai-geiko. Perhaps it was politeness, or possibly
a mildly sadistic streak – but I seemed to be awarded more victories than I
deserved and found myself fighting a succession of very fit, very fast kendoka,
who either had gills, or else were otherwise unbothered by humidity and heat
levels slightly higher than those found inside an average cup of tea. After the
first fight, which lasted about two minutes, I felt about as tired as I would
after a hard two-hour training session. Still, I persevered, and, with a fairly
generous break, managed to just about survive the two-hour practice. Then, it
was off to a local Kopi (coffee-shop) for traditional teh-tariks, and a couple of beers. The following
week, after a trip up the Kinabatangan River, to stay in a jungle lodge,
spotting wild orang-utans, gibbons and proboscis monkeys, I returned to KK for
another practice. I was better prepared. I had begun to acclimatize to the heat
and humidity and had established that it was not a breach of dojo etiquette to
practice in a light cotton tee-shirt. This time, the format included kihon and
kiri kaeshi, as well as shiai-geiko and I was still just about breathing by the
end of two hours. Then, it was off to a local bar (run by a member of the dojo)
for plenty of Tiger beers, the Old Pulteney single malt that I had taken as a
gift and a bottle of Shochu. The kendo
practiced by the Sabah club was quite different from that which I am used to. A
high degree of self reliance has led to the development of some very personal
and unorthodox (yet effective) styles of kendo and there was a strong emphasis
on very fast, close-range kendo, from
chika-ma-ai, which took me some getting used to (as did for them my
fighting from toi-ma-ai and issoku-itto-no-maai). However, after another exhausting
couple of hours of kendo; sitting outside the bar, surrounded by piles of empty
bottles and sleeping kendoka; I realised that, despite all the differences – of
language, culture, style and climate – we had a lot more in common than not. On the last day of
my trip, Michael and his wife kindly took me and my family out to a traditional
village sightseeing and then for a meal. Michael, a company director, told us how he had to “win” his indigenous
Kadazan wife with a traditional payment of a buffalo and a pig. This reflects
life in Borneo, where the modern world still sits a little precariously on the
traditions and environment of the jungle. Michael has managed to build a
vibrant kendo tradition in Sabah, yet still has to struggle with a lack of resources
and support as well as virtual isolation from the mainstream of the kendo
world. Despite the obvious challenges of maintaining a kendo tradition in
Borneo, the Sabah kenshi remained as welcoming and generous as could be wished
for. I was a bit embarrassed that, by the end of my stay, they had not allowed
me to put my hand in my pocket at any point – but not so embarrassed not to have a bloody good
time.
Sabah is a magical
place to visit – whether for its idyllic coral islands, its unspoilt rainforests,
its mountains, its wildlife or its unique culture. What makes it even more
magical is a group of kendo practitioners who, against all the odds, have built
one of the most welcoming, generous-spirited and enjoyable dojos. If you are
thinking of going to Sabah, Michael has just one request – “Bring more whisky.” Nat Edwards Taiseidokai Dojo Glasgow 17 April 2006 [Image references
:- 100_1439.jpg, with members of the
Sabah Kendo Club; 100_1517.jpg, Suburi, Borneo style – Michael Tsen and Nat
Edwards pounding Rice in a traditional tribal village] NB – Sabah Kendo
Club can be contacted via the Malaysian Kendo Federation FIVE NATIONS – BERLIN (APRIL 2006) The usual early Friday morning
start, signalling another foray into Europe, but this time everyone actually
arrived at Stansted Airport at the designated hour, which was a miracle in
itself. Even Brian was not to be seen
at the opposite end of the terminal with a quizzical look on his face, totally
lost. Some of us had been to Berlin
before for a Five Nations competition, so this time we decided to do something
other than sightseeing. We consequently found ourselves at
a bowling alley on the outskirts of Berlin at about 9 am. The owner of the establishment only deigned
to converse with us once he had finished breakfast, whereupon we had an eight
lane bowling alley all to ourselves. Putting on those trendy bowling shoes got
us all in the mood and choosing the ball which suited each of us best was as
seriously undertaken as selecting the appropriate shinai. Honda Sensei was
the dark horse and came out top on points, although he complained the next day
of a sore right arm. He said this was a good sign because it meant he used more
of his left hand doing kendo. I said he should have chosen a lighter ball like
me. The amount of noise Gibbo made was,
needless to say, totally disproportionate to his skill in the alley. When it came to paying, Brian was short of
change so he put a note into a machine expecting to shortly hear the clink of
coins. Instead, a pack of cigarettes
mysteriously appeared. Again, that quizzical look. Brian was even more upset
when Will, that connoisseur of all things healthy, declined to buy the
cigarettes off him. Too strong
apparently. Needless to say Gibbo, ever
conscious of the feelings of those around him, teased Brian mercilessly about
this understandable mistake the whole weekend.
We then decided to visit Berlin zoo where some people felt more at home
than others. I wondered if some of us
should have been behind the bars what with all the strange noises we made and
antics we got up to. Having had to wait ages at an
airport for the Finnish team to arrive, we didn’t arrive at the competition
venue until about 9.30 pm that evening, whereupon we had a quick dinner and
straight to bed. The teams were all
split up and Andy and I had to share a room with two young Germans. One of them turned on his ghetto blaster
just as I was getting into my bunk bed.
What a great end to the day, I lamented. Needless to say he fell asleep with the music still blaring
away. I gracefully descended the bunk
bed ladder in the pitch dark and pressed every button on the machine. The cacophony of sound eventually ceased. I only prayed that I’d broken the machine,
for good, in the process. The team competition took place
the next morning. We had a gentle start
to the day….we were first up against the German A team (they had two teams –
the prerogative of the host nation I presumed). We unfortunately got off to a dreadful start with our first two
fighters losing 2-0. It was
consequently an uphill struggle after that and we were unable to make up the
deficit. It showed us that we have
still not overcome the problem of being slow starters and it is something we
will have to rectify before the next major competition. On a personal level, however, I was fairly
happy as it was the first time I have fought the German captain without ending
up flat on my back. My record is three
or four times in a fight against him at one European championships in France! Our next fight was against Sweden
who we beat quite easily. Our first two
fighters, Andy and Brian, got us off to a much better start, Will was solid at
chuken and then Gibbo and I finished the fight off as fukusho and taisho
respectively. In Gibbo we know that we
have someone who can take two points easily, so our task is to make sure that
the outcome of the match is not decided before it is the turn of taisho to
fight. We fought Switzerland straight
after the lunch break and I think we were a little bit complacent as we have
never lost to them before. I also had a
disastrous fight, losing 2-0, and despite Gibbo winning 2-0, we only ended up
drawing with them. We next fought
Finland who have done exceedingly well in competitions of late. All the members of their team, while not
individually spectacular, consistently put in solid performances and this seems
to be the key for doing well in competitions.
We, on the other hand, have been too erratic in the past! In the end, it was still a close match
against Finland but we were bested when Gibbo lost 1-0 to Frey, who is a 6th
dan who has been representing Finland for as long as I can remember. Our last team fight was against
the German B team. The outcome of the
match was decided in our favour in the fukusho fight which made a nice change,
so Gibbo could just go out and enjoy his fight as taisho. He beat his German opponent, who came 3rd in
the previous European Championships, 2-0 with ease. Again it was frustrating to think if only we had not been half
asleep when we fought the German A team or if we only we had fought the German
A team last instead of first. However,
we should all have learnt by now that you don’t get second chances at this
level and at the World Championships in Taiwan in December this will be even
more the case. Once all the points had
been tallied up, the result was Finland in first place, Germany A in second,
Great Britain in third, Sweden in fourth, Switzerland in
fifth and Germany
B in sixth place. We were only one point behind Germany A. The individual competition was
strict this year as only one person from each pool went through to the
knock-out stage. Gibbo did the best out
of the GB men and Frankie out of the GB ladies. Gibbo was winning his fights with ease until the
semi-finals. His opponent was an
extremely tall Swiss person who Gibbo had beaten pretty comfortably 2-0 in the
team competition. So we were all rather
surprised when the Swiss chap scored a kote
on Gibbo immediately after hajime was
shouted and, no matter what Gibbo tried, he could not score a point back. However, I’m sure it will be Gibbo’s day one
day very soon! The German captain, who
won the last European Championships, took first place.
“Maybe not quite like this…. But it
certainly felt like it at times” All in all, I was happy with the
team results. We were up one place from
last year and could very easily have been in second place if only we had not
got off to such a terrible start.
Another lesson learnt! We also
showed improvement on a technical level.
Will scored beautiful men-kaeshi-do
and so did Gibbo, which was the first
time for the latter in shiai and a feat he was very proud of! Brian is popping up with some great tsuki to
add to his speedy tobi-komi-men cuts,
while Andy is looking more and more at home in the position of senpo.
Even better, I don’t think anyone, either ladies or men, stepped out the
area once during the whole day of shiai.
I think we also showed more tactical awareness, with all of us now
realising that we have to adjust our style of kendo depending on the points
situation at the time we enter the shiai-jo
to fight. We were also all very
grateful that John,
Paul and Kazuyo made it out to the competition and
refereed all day long as sometimes the refereeing can be a bit dodgy at this
competition. It also meant that Honda
Sensei did not have to referee and could devote his time to watching us fight
instead (and no doubt gain a few white hairs in the process!). On Sunday morning we did keiko under the instruction of some
Sensei from Japan who were at the competition as they would be teaching at the
gashuku for the German team which was due to start on the Monday. In the early afternoon we were able to do
keiko again, but this time under the instruction of the Finnish coach who is
from the Japanese police since the other Japanese Sensei went
sight-seeing. We were also able to do jigeiko with the members of the other
five national teams which is one of the best aspects of this whole
weekend. Often one is left thinking
after jigeiko, how on earth did I
lost to him/her in my shiai yesterday! At the airport on Sunday evening
we were finally able to tuck in to some German sausages and they were
great! Gibbo and Will decided to wash
them down with German beer. Gibbo was
given the responsibility of buying the beer, but when he poured it out, it was
pink! I’m sure that’s the last time
Will will delegate such an important task (well, to Gibbo at least!). The attendance at squad training
in terms of numbers has been fantastic over the last few months and long may it
continue. Often the numbers drop a
little when the team has been selected, but this has not been the case at all
so far. I believe that this says a
great deal about the squad set-up at the moment and the quality of instruction
during the squad training weekends.
People come on a regular basis not only from Scotland but from
Switzerland too! Despite it feeling as
if the World Championships in Glasgow were only a little while ago, it will
soon be Taiwan’s turn to host the World Kendo Championships. Roll on December! Anthony Scott Women’s Report Friday morning saw
us gathered at Stansted for our usual early morning start, which was even
earlier for Kim and Jane who had to travel down from the North the night before
and camp out at Costa Coffee. However, we made it to Berlin to be met by the
chirpy face of Ralph Lehman and an excellent bowling plan of Gibbo’s. Kim
proved herself to be a secret bowling whiz and completely beat the rest of us –
slightly worrying as she started the day by saying that she wasn’t very good
and that her Gran could beat her. Some of us found it difficult to keep to our
own lanes so perhaps it was just as well that we were the only ones there. Oh
well, the snazzy shoes made up for it all. Unfortunately even we couldn’t make
bowling last all day, which revealed the vital flaw in our plan – we didn’t
actually know where we were. However, after stopping random strangers in the
street and pointing plaintively at our maps we finally caught the Metro into
town and to the centre for lunch. Spurning the architectural delights of Berlin
we went to the zoo in the afternoon – pretty much home-from-home for some. And
whilst there was some confusion as to what was a giraffe and what was a zebra a
good time was had by all. Having had to wait
for the remaining members of the Finnish and Swedish team to arrive and buoyed
up by coffee and pretzels we reached the venue late in the evening with time
just to sort out our rooms, grab a bite to eat and finalise warm-up times for
the next day. Our first match
was against Germany, a slightly daunting proposition as they are last year’s
European champions. However we put up a gutsy performance and it wasn’t a
complete whitewash and I was pleased that I was able to score against their
Taisho.Then came Sweden against whom we drew on matches but lost by one point.
The team fought well with several important draws and we learnt from this match
the importance of not losing points as well as the importance of winning them.
By this point it seemed we were on a bit of a roll, and after a reluctant break
for lunch we met Switzerland with each of my team mates comprehensively beating
their opponents 2-0. This high scoring match played an important part in our
overall position and I was pleased to see the confidence which everyone gained
from each successive win and the sense of team-ship it built. Our final match
was against Finland – again another close match which although we didn’t win we
had opportunity to do so. Overall we came third which we were very pleased with
– we learnt a lot about tactics and in particular the importance of not losing
points and of keeping to a draw when needed. This was an extremely positive
experience and I was really impressed by Jane and Karen for whom this was their
first experience of fighting in an International competition. Both showed what
they could do especially when they were supported by their team mates. It also
gave team members the opportunity of fighting in different positions which
helped build understanding of the role and importance that each position holds.
Later in the
afternoon, came the individuals. Frankie showed her usual magnificent timing
with nuki-Men which saw her through to the next
round – although in one shiai she did end up winning 4 points before the
referees decided she’d won. Kim pulled off a wonderful gyaku-do but was unfortunate to meet Fadai (the
eventual winner), whilst Jane saw off her Swedish opponent who was extremely
feisty and broke her shinai (much to Jane’s annoyance) and Karen showed us her
strong, straight Kendo. It was really great that Kazuyo could join us, even
though she had to also referee she found plenty of time to give us helpful
feedback to help us improve and maintain focus on what we had to do. There were
few mistakes – only one person (me!) stepped out of the area and the
opportunity to see other women fight at such a high level was both educational
and inspiring. Each of us came away with things that we know we must work upon as
individuals and as a group we must build upon our strengths to support one
another. This competition was a fantastic start to the hard work that needs to
be put in before the World Championships. Many thanks to
Kazuyo for making the journey out and to the BKA for supporting us. Alex Burch APPOINTED PERSONS FIRST
AID COURSE I am sure by now that every Dojo
leader, no matter which discipline you practice, is aware that at least one
person must be present with a recognised first aid qualification for every
training and practice session. This requirement is in place to meet indemnity
insurance cover and to promote a safer training and practice environment. To meet this requirement I have
arranged for a local first aid training organisation to provide a one day
training course for members wishing to become first aid trained and hold a
national qualification of appointed person's first aid certificate. The qualification is valid for 3
years and is the minimum necessary to satisfy current Health and Safety requirements. A one day course will be held at
the Dukeries Recreation Complex, New Ollerton, Notts, on Saturday 3rd
September 2006 from 10am until 3pm. For a booking form
please click here.
(If you need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file click here.) There is a limit of 20
people per course so please book early. Closing date for
bookings: 5th May 2006. Trevor Chapman, Nov.
2003, Kashi No Ki Kenyu Kai. If you have problems
downloading the booking form please email us as soon as possible at: contact@kashinokikenyukai.org KAGAMI
SHIN KENDO KAI KENDO SEMINAR AND GRADING TO YONDAN
Sat / Sun July 15th – 16th 06 Stoke-on-Trent The venue for both days is Wallace
Sports & Education Centre Abbotts
Road Abbey
Hulton Stoke-on-Trent NB: This is a change from previous years DO NOT
turn up at Fenton Manor A
map is available at http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=53.0382&lon=-2.1431&scale=10000&icon=x Leave the M6 at
Junction 15 Take the A500
towards Stoke-on-Trent. Stay on this Dual Carriageway for approx 2 miles. You
will reach a traffic signal controlled roundabout. Take the 3rd exit, -- under
the railway bridge. At the mini roundabout, bear sharp left; continue to the
lights, straight on, stay on this road, signposted for Leek, until next
roundabout, straight on until major junction with lights (car show room front
left and right), straight on for 1.5 miles. Turn right on to
Abbotts road; The Sports Centre is 300yds on your left just past the shops. If you pass the crematorium on your right
you have missed the turn by 100 yds. There will be a grading to Yon-DAN on the
Sunday. The closing date for grading
application is 16th May Which must be sent to the
grading officer NOT me. . Seminar Session times: 15/7/05 10:00 to 16:30 16/7/05 09:00 to 15:00 Seminar Fees £20.00 We have managed to obtain accommodation places
(B&B) at Staffordshire University for Saturday 15th. There are a
limited number of places so as usual these are on a first come first served
basis at £30.00. Please book on the form below, If you require accommodation please send the Cheque to guarantee your
place. The closing date for
accommodation is 1.7.06. SEMINAR
FEES & ACCOMMODATION - PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO BRITISH
KENDO ASSOCIATION A/C 3123 5204 Send to: Steve Plimbley 43 Copplestone
Grove, Longton Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire ST3 5UD 01782 324351
(Home) 021 506 4131 (work) Steve.@plimbley.fsnet.co.uk
or sjp@mcrane.co.uk Booking Form Name:- Dojo:- SEMINAR
£20 Accomm.B&B
£30 TOTAL: £ The 21st KODOKAN International KENDO
Seminar Friday 18th to Sunday 20th August 2006 Supported by the BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION ____________________________________________. With: MASATAKE SUMI 8th DAN, HANSHI, Assisted by Junichi Tashiro 8th Dan Kyoshi
and Morio Kumamoto 7th Dan Kyoshi With Norimitsu Yanai 7th Dan Kyoshi, Junpei
Matsumoto 7th Dan Kyoshi. This Years Seminar will again take place at our Dojo
in the Princess Marina Sports Centre, Rickmansworth. Herts. All location details are on our website: www.kodokankendo.org.uk 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 and shared room accommodation. NO External visits or attendance will be permitted PRICE £220.00.
Plus additions as listed. All communication will be by
e-mail following receipt of deposit/payment As in previous seminars, there will be a practice on
Thursday evening 17th August and bed & Breakfasts 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 17th there will be a
special senior grade practice for one day only, for 3rd Dan and above and Dojo
leaders even if their grade is less than 3rd Dan. Times: from 10am 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 20th August, there will be a Dan
examination 1st Dan to 5th 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 21st Seminar.
Don’t forget: SEVENTY PLACES ONLY. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The price increase reflects the 2006 costs for
accommodation, food and facility hire. Best regards. Paul BUDDEN ONLY 7 PLACES LEFT NOW!!!!!!!!!!! Application Form for the 21st
KODOKAN International KENDO Seminar: 18th to 20th
August 2006 Please reserve (No
of places at £220)................. Payment
enclosed. (Please circle) Full.
£220. Deposit.
£60. Balance due:
£60 by 25th April.
£50 by 25th
June. £50 by 25th 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 require evening
meal on Thursday 17th @ £12 [yes/no] Bed &Breakfast
Thursday night and Friday morning @ £25
[yes/no] Aprox arrival
time........….. Thursday the 17th
special Senior practice 3rd Dan or above or Dojo leader @ £35 inc lunch. [yes/no] Please add all of
the amounts to your final payment here.
Total £……..... Send this form
with your payment ASAP. Cheques payable
to: KODOKAN Kendo Dojo.
C/O P A BUDDEN.
Gomms Corner, Copperkins Lane. Amersham, Bucks. HP6
5QB 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 31st July
2006 All communication will be by e-mail following receipt
of deposit/payment 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 be 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 dojo 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 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. This number is NOT
for contacting the Association about general matters or members of the EC such
as the Grading officer or General Secretary. 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. |
