Kendo Bu Report 2007

This report may seem like a lot of ‘thank you’s well it’s exactly that because without the input, assistance and backing of you the members none of the following would be possible.

There was a rather sad start to 2007 as we saw the return to Japan of Honda sensei who has made such a significant contribution to British Kendo in his time spent with us and he will be greatly missed.

In the wake of Honda sensei leaving, the British team made a convincing show at the 5 Nations this year organised by the BKA and hosted in Edinburgh and a special thanks to the members there. This was followed by the superb result of our men’s team winning the bronze medal at the European championships in Lisbon and Big Big congratulations are in order to the whole squad, ladies and coach Matsuda sensei, men and Honda sensei. The men’s team captain Stuart Gibson also made an outstanding performance in the individual section being narrowly knocked out in the latter stages and achieving a fighting spirit award for his valiant effort. The squad and coaches are now working very hard towards the European championships in Helsinki in March 2008 and the 14th WKC in Brazil 2009 and fortunately we have been able secure the services of a New Resident Chief National kendo coach in the form of Matsumoto Jumpei sensei 7th Dan Kyoshi, who first visited the UK 25 years ago to lead the Kodokan seminar at that time. He has also attended with Sumi sensei for the last 3 years as well as being instrumental in the foundation of kendo in Bulgaria, this experience and high level of expertise adds a new and exciting dimension to the future advancement of our kendo both for the national squad and the general membership and he has already embarked on a concise schedule for squad training. As well as already being invited to the various parts of the country on a regular basis for both dojo practice and organised seminars. If you would like to receive a visit please contact: kendo.bucho@kendo.org.uk

Regarding kendo coaching, to date some 32 level 1 kendo coaches have been certificated via the new courses, as well as 25 national coaches, 15 regional coaches. When previously we had 19 level 2 coaches and 34 level 1 coaches from prior qualifications, so we have effectively doubled the coaching base in one year and potential coaches have and are already signing up for 2008. The new Level 2 section has also now been produced and is going to trialed early in the New Year A special vote of thanks for all of the hard work and dedication of Ian Parker Dodd and the coaching committee for what has been achieved is definitely in order.

The new Kyusha Taikai proved to be a most successful event with 64 competitors taking part and 26 attending a Southern area Regional Referees seminar led by Salmon sensei. There was also a short shiai management session conducted by Ian Parker Dodd and myself. Thanks to Emiko Yoshikawa and the members of Imperial College for doing the day to day things that are essential in the smooth running of any event. The new venue was also extremely conducive to the proceedings and a very high level of kendo was achieved by both competitors and referees, this event will definitely be held again in Sept 08.

Kashi No Ki for the second year hosted the Sir Frank Bowden Taikai [where there was a record attendance], the Premier’s Cup in June and The British Open & Kata competition in September. Many thanks to them for their first class oraganisation again this year also to all of the Referees who attended for their hard work too.

The website has again proved to be invaluable to Kendo in all aspects, with a refresh being completed by George McCall currently still resident in Japan, but taking time out to complete a fantastic job and also to Carl Ranger our steadfast webmaster… thank you both very much.

Finally successful, very well attended gradings and seminars [including refereeing] were again held at Glasgow, Birmingham, Watchet, Stoke, Kodokan and Mumeishi and yes… you’ve guessed a BIG BIG thanks to all including: Gerry Kincaid, Adrian Rowe, John Howell, Mike Davis, Malcolm Goodwin, Steve Plimbley Terry Holt and if I neglected to mention someone, please accept my apologies, its just that with so much going on its sometimes very hard to keep track.

Paul Budden
Kendo Bucho