Upcoming Shinsa (ECUSKF) for those interested

For anyone interested/able/eligible for testing up through 3.dan, the ECUSKF will be having a shinsa on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio on SUNDAY, NOV 22.

For more details, please contact one of the instructors...

2009 SEUSKF SHINSA and TAIKAI RESULTS (Memphis)

This past weekend, Memphis club members Walter White, Masumi Kamimura and Shinn Taniguchi made the trip to Washington, DC for the 2009 SEUSKF Tournament and Promotional.

I have not seen final results for the whole tournament yet, but all three of our club members were successful at the testing.

Walter White - 3.dan
Masumi Kamimura - 3.dan
Shinn Taniguchi - 3.kyu

Congrats to all!

Upcoming Saturday Classes and Holidays

FYI... Saturday Classes through the end of November are posted over in the right hand column.
Yes, there WILL be class on Saturday, Nov 28th (T'giving weekend... unless everybody decides to tank it, in which case, there will be an announcement here on the blog).

Also, I've reconfirmed the T'giving and Xmas and New Year's holiday schedules...
There WILL be class on Wednesday, Nov 25th.
There WILL be class on Wednesday, Dec 23rd.
(Have to re-check about Saturday, Dec 26th)
There WILL be class on Wednesday, Dec 30th.

4th Annual North American Women's Invitational Kendo Championship

The Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation (PNKF) is hosting its annual North American Women's Invitational Kendo Championships for the fourth time, to take place on Saturday, June 26th, 2010, from 9am until 4pm at the Renton Community Center in Renton, Washington.

Entry fee is $35.
Registration deadline is MAY 26th, 2010.
Lunch will be served to all shimpan, coaches and taikai participants.

This event will be a team tournament followed by individual competition and all participants must be 16 years of age or older. Up to two teams may be entered for competition. In addition to the tournament, there will be a seminar and practice for women only during the WEEK preceding the tournament.

Guest instructor will be Mayumi Katsura-Horita (Renshi, 6.dan). Refer to www.womenskendo.com for Sensei bio, seminar schedule, rules and hotel information. PNKF will provide transportation from the hotel to the women's practice on Friday, June 25th for those wishing to attend. The greater Seattle area offers a great deal of tourist activities at that time of year and it is recommended that larger groups rent a car.

A block of rooms at a corporate rate has been set up at:
Quality Inn
1850 Maple Valley View
Renton, WA 98057.
SPECIAL RATE CODE: Just identify yourself as the "Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation"
ph: 800-205-6936

The hotel is approximately 10 minutes from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and directly across the street from the tournament venue.

2010 Summer Language Course/Kendo in Japan

Here's something a little different for those who are looking for something to do next summer.

I just received an email from Mr Takao Kubo, principal of the System Toyo Gaigo Japanese Language School in Tokyo. Last year, Mr Kubo sent me a very nice email making the same offer to our students. (I cannot remember how he got my name, but I think he was a childhood friend of Arai-sensei or Maeda-sensei). Anyway, they are offering a summer course to take place from July 5th, 2010 through July 30th, 2010 in Tokyo.

If you visit the website http://www.systemtoyo.com/ there are several photos from the 2009 summer course. I'm told that after school lessons, students are able to practice Kendo at the local dojo. For the 2009 course, they recommended practice at the Kyumeikan Dojo in Tokyo, which is apparently relatively close to the Toyo Gaigo school.

This summer course is specifically designed for foreign students to come to Japan to learn and experience the Japanese language and culture, and of course, to get in some kendo practice. In Mr Kubo's previous email, he said they had about 140 students from 21 countries (USA, France, Tunisia, Peru, UK, Italy, Thailand, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, and several other Asian countries).

The school is able to provide/acquire a 1 year student visa for applicants.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS OCTOBER 31, 2009.
(Note: they also offer a 3-month course, if you're interested).

More information on the course (tuition fees, application form, etc.) can be obtained from the website listed above.

14th World Kendo Championships

The World Kendo Championships takes place every 3 years, and was recently held over this past weekend in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In 2006, the event was held in Taipei, Taiwan and for the first time in the history of world kendo competition, Team Japan was eliminated in team play by none other than Team USA (who eventually went on to lose to Team Korea in the finals). The victory for Team Korea was bittersweet because after so many years of Japan and Korea finishing 1-2 in that division, they still could not claim any victory over Japan.

Needless to say, there would be no Japan-Korea meeting in the team finals this year due to the drawings, but everyone anticipated their meeting in the semi-finals.

Team Korea suffered a tremendous defeat, losing not only their World Champion title, but also losing yet again to Team Japan. It was a very strong match between the two kendo powerhouses, with Japan's Shoji Teramoto winning the definitive match. Overall, the final result was 2 wins, 1 loss, and 2 hiki=wake (tie) for Japan.

On the other side of the bracket, Team USA dominated Team Brazil in the semi-finals, winning 4 matches to 1, and setting up the final between Japan and USA.

In the end, Team Japan reclaimed the World Title by defeating Team USA, winning 4 matches, losing none, and tying 1 (hiki-wake).

On the Ladies' Team side, I haven't been able to dig up much information, but the final results were:
1. Japan
2. Korea
3. USA and Brazil

In the Men's Individual:
1. Shoji Teramoto (Japan)
2. Park (Korea)
3. Kim (Korea) and Choi (Korea)
(Yes, that's 3 Koreans in the Final Four, which is incredible and, I believe, a first in world kendo competition history as well)

No word yet on the Women's Individual.

CONGRATS TO TEAM USA!

Saturday Class Schedules and Monday nights...

Upcoming Saturday Class Schedule:
Just a reminder, please note over in the right-hand column a new section called "Upcoming Saturday Class Schedule"... in the future, this is the only place Saturday's schedule will be posted on this blog (unless something else would require making a more formal announcement).

The schedule for the next 5 weeks has been set...

Monday Night Practices:

Please keep in mind that Monday night's practice is reserved for the slightly more experienced folks of the club. Originally, the idea was for this class to be exclusive to dan-ranked players and instructors to practice at their own pace without having to worry about teaching. This is still the rule today, but currently, the class is open to anyone in bogu.

This class moves at a faster pace than the normal Wednesday class, and people who attend this practice are expected to already know how to make it through kihon practice without instruction (i.e., kirikaeshi, men-uchi, kote-uchi, do-uchi, kote-men, etc.).

More advanced techniques (such as osae-waza, suriage-waza, debana-waza) are drilled with some instruction as necessary.

Additionally, if you decide to participate in this class, always be sure to bring a bokuto/bokken and shoto (if you have one). Occasionally, we will go through kata very quickly (again, without instruction) to maintain proficiency. This is typically done "on your own" (with a partner, of course) at the very beginning, prior to formally lining up and bowing in to start the practice.

Finally...
In the future, Monday night's class may become restricted for short periods of time in order to help people of certain ranks prepare for an upcoming shinsa.

So.. you want to purchase bogu...

Looking around the blog here, I recently stumbled onto an old post (FAQ) on purchasing bogu (and hakama and keikogi), what to look for, what to expect, etc.

The information is about as thorough as you can possibly get.

To access the blog entry, click on the BEGINNERS' CORNER and in the Quick Links section, at the bottom, you'll see a link to "ULTIMATE BOGU-BUYING FAQ."

..or you can click here: http://experiencedkendo.blogspot.com/2007/11/ultimate-bogu-buying-faq.html

Some of you are close to buying your own set and so you should find this information extremely helpful.

Nice write-up from another blog...

Christopher George recently submitted a nice write-up on the 2009 AUSKF Kendo Summer Camp at his blog here: http://chriskendo.blogspot.com/2009/07/auskf-kendo-summer-camp-2009-daiseikou.html

Check it out!

New video links in Beginner's Corner

I just put up some YouTube video links over in the Beginner's Corner related to Kendo Basics.

Pretty good stuff if you haven't already seen them.

Click on the link over in the right-hand column labeled BEGINNER'S CORNER for access...

2009 AUSKF Summer Camp RESOUNDING SUCCESS

Today, I recieved an email from our own Pat Register-sensei to be posted here for everyone:

++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Memphis Kendoka,

I would just like to say how proud I am to be a part of Memphis Kendo Club. As an instructor and lifetime student, I am impressed by the way our club handled the task of hosting the National summer camp. I am particularly thankful to our instructors Dach, Yasuda, and Gossett, but it would not have been possible without the help of our students who did their part.

Again, I am humbled by the dedication of everyone involved, including family members and friends. If I have learned one thing during this weekend summer camp, it is to fully commit to your strike and take seriously every swing. Our kendo club showed this virtue in respect to the responsibility we had undertaken.

By this, I am inspired.

Be prepared to work harder than ever before to show your beautiful kendo and NEVER GIVE UP.

Yours in Kendo,

Patrick Register

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For my own part, I would like to reiterate Register-sensei's points. I cannot thank everyone enough for helping to put on such a spectacularly successful summer camp. I received numerous compliments from everyone I came in contact with, especially from the visiting 8.dan sensei, Tagawa-sensei, Yoshida-sensei, Maeda-sensei, Marsten-sensei, Murakami-sensei, Strawn-sensei... the list goes on and on.

As many of you know, there were people from all over the country who came to this event. There were a host of people who came in from the west coast, and even Robert Stroud-sensei DROVE from Idaho for the event. Even greater seemed to be the group that came from the New York area. EVERYONE was very impressed with the organization of the camp and the overall hospitality shown specifically by the Memphis group. All the big wigs know the challenges involved with undertaking a task like this and it did not go unnoticed.

I'm overwhelmed by the help of our volunteers, especially in providing transportation between the hotel and gym, showing up early in the morning and driving folks back to the hotel late in the afternoon. Moreover, our volunteers took up the task of working the registration tables, running to the store for more ice and water, and picking up and delivering the bento on both days. Many of our parents put their family lives on hold to help out, which I know is not an easy thing to do. Very simply stated, these kinds of events NEVER run smoothly without the help of people sacrificing their personal time to ensure that things happen when and where they're supposed to happen.

Without going into greater detail, I cannot avoid mentioning the tremendous efforts of Yasuda-sensei in everything he did to help organize things. Most people will never know how vital his efforts really were.

Finally, I would like to say that I hope everyone was able to get something positive out of the weekend (kendo-related). As some of you know, I injured my foot halfway through Saturday's practice, so I found myself in much the same situation as the folks who were there but were limited in their ability to participate. It's incredible just how much you can pick up by watching and listening, so hopefully, the weekend's experience was very good for those both in and out of bogu.

On a side note, I will be downloading many pictures from the weekend today and posting them in various places.
If you are on Facebook, you need to find the profile for the Southeast US Kendo Federation... pictures will be posted there first. Later, they'll be posted in the photo section of this blog.

2009 SEUSKF Championships - October 2009

For anyone interested in competing/testing at the 2009 SEUSKF Championships in Fairfax, VA this October, please visit the website:

http://SEUSKF2009.com

The website has all the application forms, location and travel information, etc. needed.

The registration (both tournament and shinsa) forms also have a special feature whereby you can type your information into the appropriate fields and then print out the application as-is.

Tell Blogged.com what you think of this blog!

Blogged.com appears to be somewhat of a blog search engine and our little corner of the universe has (somehow) been noticed by them.
(click here to learn just a little bit about blogged.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogged.com )

Why? I'm not sure, but if it generates some publicity and gets people more interested in taking up kendo, then that can't be a bad thing.

The initial rating given by the editor was 6.7 out of 10, which, according to Blogged.com is "good." If you would like to submit a review and give a ranking of the Memphis Kendo Club blog, please go here
http://www.blogged.com/blogs/memphis-kendo-club.html
...and tell them what you think!

Personally, I think 6.7 out of 10 is probably a very good score, having come from someone who is probably not into kendo and is just looking at the overall appearance and flow of information.
I have attached Blogged.com's rating thing down at the bottom of the right-hand column stuff, so, you can watch it (hopefully, it goes UP!)

Highlights from latest AUSKF Newsletter

Couple of highlights that you might find interesting...

The new AUSKF President, Murakami-sensei (you might remember him as one of the visiting sensei at last year's SEUSKF tournament in Memphis) expresses a new level of enthusiasm and interest among the new 2009-2011 Board of Directors, with new ideas to improve the overall AUSKF programs and operations.

1. Coming out of the Board's meeting in Atlanta back on April 4th-5th, the AUSKF has approved a plan to have an AUSKF **JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS**. Additionally, after the 14th World Kendo Championships (WKC) have been completed, several of the Team USA members will be selected to participate in an AUSKF Education tour.

2. AUSKF Promotion Criteria, 1.dan and above UPDATE
a. AJKF (All Japan Kendo Federation) issued a letter on 10/22/08 which abolished special treatment on the duration of practice years for players 60 yrs or older.
b. AJKF letter dated 10/22/08 regarding "Dan Examiners in FIK Affiliates."
c. IKF (Int'l Kendo Federation) issued something about "Standard Guideline for Dan/Kyu Examination
d. Proposed Change in AUSKF Written Questions for Promotion Exam 1.kyu to 7.dan & shogo, effective 2009.
[ED. NOTE: What does all this mean? I'm not really sure.. that's all that's printed in the newsletter]

3. Treasurer's Report
- For the year ended 12/31/08, the balance of the AUSKF Treasury is $696,781.64
- At the direction of the 2009-2011 Board of Directors, a follow-up inquiry was made regarding whether or not the AUSKF can make cash gifts to guest instructors after a successful AUSKF kendo and iaido summer camp; it was reported that this matter was reviewed with a tax accountant and determined to be allowable for AUSKF to continue to utilize this type of gift, when deemed appropriate for each event.
- The AUSKF Membership Benefits document will be provided to the 2009-2011 AUSKF Board for review prior to the next AUSKF Board meeting.
[ED. NOTE: Don't ask me what this benefits document is about because I don't know]

4. Competition Committee
-The AUSKF has approved a National AUSKF Junior Championship Taikai with what appears to be a proposed/tentative date sometime in the year 2010, with planning to begin as soon as demographic information can be obtained.
- The 2011 AUSKF National Championships will take place in ATLANTA, GA, tentatively sometime in either June or September.
- AUSKF shimpan seminars will be held in several locations throughout the AUSKF. Dates for these seminars have not yet been determined, but will be announced.

5. Development Committee
Several proposals were presented to consider opening an AUSKF headquarters office and to hire either a full-time or part-time staff person. Agreement reached to table this matter in order to consider additional inquiries regarding job description of the staff person, proposed location of the AUSKF headquarters office, etc.

6. Apology to Shozo Kato-sensei of NY from AUSKF.
On March 12th, the Volume 12, No. 1 edition of the AUSKF Newsletter dated January 26, 2009 was published to the AUSKF website. In that newsletter, several statements were made concerning Shozo Kato's actions in distributing draft minutes to non-AUSKF members. These statements were made in error as Mr. Kato did not distribute draft minutes to non-AUSKF memebrs. Thew nesletter also contained several other misleading comments. The newsletter was published without the authorization of the AUSKF Board of Directors and was the unfortunate results of a communication error. The AUSKF hereby unequivocably states that the negative editorial comments made in the newsletter do not accurately reflect the opinion of the AUSKF or its Board of Directors. Mr. Shozo Kato has been a valuable member of the Board of Directors and there is no doubt he will continue to serve as such. The Board regrets and apologizes for any infury such publication may have cause Mr. Kato or any of the members of the AUSKF. Please be assured that steps have been taken to prevent a repeat of this mistake.

Zekken/Nafuda (name tag) for Memphis Kendo Club

Some of you new folks in bogu have been involved with kendo long enough for you to need a "nafuda" (or "zekken" or "thing-with-your-name-on-it-that-fits-on-the-tare").

This is something you need to think about (and order) if you are new to bogu, or not yet in bogu but are certain that you'll be sticking around for the long haul. Normally, I might suggest that you wait to order nafuda until you've been in bogu for a little while because if people don't quit kendo early in the process, many will quit kendo soon after getting into bogu. If you compete at a tournament, AUSKF by-laws actually mandate that you have one. It's also very handy to have if you go to seminars and such just so people can identify who you are.

In order to maintain consistency (letter style, size, etc.) with those who already have them, we ask that you please place your order with E-BOGU at the following link:
http://www.e-bogu.com//SearchResults.asp?Search=zekken

If you order on your own, $35 is a fairly standard price to pay, regardless of what company you go with, so... please... go with E-bogu. If you go with anybody else, that's fine, but be advised that your nafuda may NOT look exactly like everyone else's.

I have not visited the link at E-bogu recently, but they used to offer a discount of sorts if at least 5 were ordered at the same time. As well, they used to have free shipping for orders more than $100. So, the bottom line is that if you need a nafuda, you need to check on any possible discounts and talk to your dojomates to see who else needs one so that you can all go in together and place one big order.

Ordering instructions:
1. access the above website linked.

2. click on "add to cart" and go through the process of filling out your information AND paying for the item

3. then PRINT OUT this form: http://www.e-bogu.com/Customer-Downloads/ZekkenOrderForm040220.pdf

4. on the form, write MEMPHIS across the top line; write your last name in Romanji (that's "English") on the bottom line; write your last name in Katakana (or Kanji, if applicable) vertically down the center. It doesn't have to be perfect handwriting, but it must be legible.
If you are not absolutely 100% certain of how to spell your name in katakana, please consult the consortium of native speakers of Japanese at class.

5. after filling out the form in full (be sure to have your order # handy to write on the form as well), FAX the form to E-bogu. ***Obviously, you'll need several of these forms if you order as a group ****

2009 SEUSKF Tournament Info

The date for the 2009 SEUSKF tournament in Fairfax, VA has been announced as OCTOBER 24th and 25th.

Mark your calendars...

Charlotte Kendo - Seminar/Shinsa - May 30-31

Shinnichi Koike-sensei (7.dan) of Seattle, the current AUSKF Vice President for Promotions, will lead a seminar on HOW TO PASS A PROMOTIONAL EXAM on Saturday, May 30th, in Charlotte, NC.

The shinsa taking place on Sunday, May 31st will be from 6.kyu through 1.dan, and this will satisfy the SEUSKF's yearly shinsa for the Central Region (which covers dojos in Georgia, NC, and SC).

An informational packet will soon be forthcoming, but if you are interested in attending the event, go ahead and mark your calendars now.

Saturday, May 2nd - Demo at G'town Int'l Festival

The Germantown International Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2nd at Lord of Life Lutheran Church from noon until 6 P.M.

The address of the church is 6865 Poplar Pike, Memphis TN, 38119 (between West Street and Kirby Parkway).

Memphis Kendo Club has been invited to do a standard demonstration of sorts at the event.
It's unknown at this point what time the club would be expected to perform, but if you are available to help out by participating in the demo, please let one of the club instructors know (hint: Yasuda-sensei).

Godogeiko and Shinsa this past weekend

Memphis Kendo Club was grateful to be visited by Yazaki-sensei, Imai-sensei and the Bullington family of Nashville Kendo Club for a godogeiko and shinsa this past weekend at Singleton Community Center.

If you have pictures (especially group pictures), please email them to me and I'll put them up in the club's Photo Gallery. I have not been able to download my own pictures at this point, but check back for an update in the next few days.

Shinsa (rank testing) results were as follows (I'm going on memory here..):
*Lysa Walterhouse - 6.kyu
Shinn Taniguchi - 4.kyu
*Warren Oster - 4.kyu
*Koki Kira - 4.kyu
*Jim Atkins - 4.kyu
William Thornton-Leonard - 3.kyu
Chris Corleone - 2.kyu
Iko Bullington (Nashville) - 1.kyu
Chris Bullington (Nashville) - 1.kyu
Jon Kahre - 1.kyu
Chris Cole - 1.dan
(* = denotes first time shinsa)

All-Florida Taikai and Shinsa - May 2nd/3rd

Apologies for the late notice, but the annual All-Florida Taikai will take place on Saturday, May 2nd in Bartow, FL (that's just outside of Tampa).

If anyone is interested and can make the trip, please contact me as soon as possible.

Registration fee is $30.
Bento will be $12

REGISTRATION AND FEES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, APRIL 24th

Shinsa on Sunday, May 3rd will be for all ranks up through, and including, 1.dan.
Shinsa fee for 2.kyu and below: $20
Shinsa fee for 1.kyu and 1.dan: $30

Menjo fees for successful candidates:
17 and under, 1.kyu or below: $10
18 and over, 1.kyu or below: $20
All ages, 1.dan: $30

AUSKF Newsletter Highlights (Jan 2009)

This is long overdue and for that, I apologize.
Here are some highlights from the AUSKF Newsletter that was sent out in January 2009...
There are also some new items following this post, so please be sure to check those out as well..

+++++++++++++++++

I. 2008 AUSKF Championships (Las Vegas, NV)
Koki Ariga-sensei assessed that the 2008 AUSKF Championship Taikai was successful, and there was one report from one of the visiting shimpan from Japan who stated that the event was well managed.

Ariga-sensei presented the financial report for the event which showed a LOSS of $28,215, the high expenses were believed to be due to the higher shimpan travel and hotel expenses, as this was the first time the event required an extra day.

II. 14th WKC (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Financial support of $30,000 to the Brazilian Kendo Federation has not been paid as there has been no request to date. If there is no request made before the 14th WKC event, the AUSKF will present the $30,000 to the Brazilian Kendo Federation at the time of the event.

III. 14th WKC - USA Team Members announced
Men's Team:
Chris Yang (Captain)
Marvin Kawabata (Asst Capt)
Daniel Yang
Brandon Harada
Sandy Maruyama
Simon Yoo
Jason Brown
Kevin Hur
Women's Team:
Shannon Mikuni (Captain)
Kaori Kikunaga
Mitsuyo Sakae
Linda Tanaka
Sachiko Tamura
Akane Kinjo
Michiye Cabral
Grace Lee
Aya Kuwabara
Nihiki Sano

IV. 14th WKC Team USA Budget
Charlie Tanaka reported that the 14th WKC Team USA estimated expenses is approximately $167,000, however, due to current fluctuating air travel costs, the travel expenses could be higher than currently estimated.

Koki Ariga-sensei inquired about fundraising plans by Team USA prior to the WKC event.

Captain Chris Yang reported that due to recent fundraising that was just completed for the 2008 AUSKF Championships in Las Vegas, additional fundraising by Team USA is not anticipated at this time, as many of the same funding resources would have to be contact and this did not appear to be a feasible plan.

Robert Stroud-sensei inquired what happens if expenditures exceeds or is under the estimated expenditures as reported. Jeff Marsten-sensei suggested there should be a policy and procedure to address this inquiry so that what happens in these situations can be clarified. It was recommended that the AUSKF Competition Committee review this matter.

In light of the inquiry, Koki Ariga-sensei stated that AUSKF Team USA Staff (manager, coaches, kenshi) will need to do their best to stay within the proposed estimated expenses and the 2009-2011 AUSKF Board of Directors can review the status of the financial reports at the next AUSKF board meeting to determine if any adjustments or further discussion will be needed.

V. FIK (International Kendo Federation) Anti-Doping Committee Proposal for AUSKF

Norm Otani-sensei, FIK Anti-Doping Committee member from the America Zone reported the progress made by the AUSKF to begin the compliance procedure to implement the FIK Anti-Doping policies currently being proposed.

VI. 2008 AUSKF Summer Camp (Santa Clara, CA)

Yoshiteru Tagawa-sensei reported that the 2008 AUSKF Kendo Summer Camp in Santa Clara, CA was very successful and was completed under budget by roughly $960.

Robert Stroud-sensei suggested that the English language translation for the event could be improved in the future; also, it was suggested that possibly the AUSKF Team USA members can be involved in the future AUSKF Kendo Summer Camps.

Jeff Marsten-sensei suggested that the AUSKF Education Committee review the possibility of taping the 2009 AUSKF Summer Camp and that a DVD could then be sold to interested participants and AUSKF members. Also, it was suggested that AUSKF have a list of Japanese language translators which can be selected for future AUSKF Kendo Summer Camp events.

Yuji Onitsuka-sensei supported having the AUSKF Team USA members be part of an AUSKF Education Tour program or as previously suggested, to be part of the 2009 AUSKF Kendo Summer Camp.

Shinichi Koike-sensei suggested that the AUSKF Board of Directors consider having two AUSKF Kendo Summer Camps each year --- one would be held on the West Coast and the other would held on the East Coast. This suggestion was being made as the cost for AUSKF members to travel to the AUSKF Kendo Summer Camp sites from each part of the United States can be very costly, and this proposal would reduce the overall costs for individual participants.

Chris Yang-sensei suggested that the AUSKF Education Committee consider the use of non-Japanese sensei for future Summer Camps.

Atsushi Hori-sensei essentially agreed and recommended having non-Japanese sensei at the Summer Camp in alternating years.

Above suggestions have been referred to the AUSKF Education Committee for further review and recommendation.

VII. 2008 AUSKF IAIDO Summer Camp Report
Important stuff here for the Iaido folks reading...
Takeshi Yamaguchi-sensei reported that the overall results of the Iaido summer camp was successful, however, there was no financial report available due to a request being made to the 2009-2011 AUSKF board of directors to consider approval of payment of a $300 cash gift to the Japanese Iaido instructors and a $500 donation to the Japanese Swordsmanship Society for the hosting of the event.

There was a lot of discussion back-and-forth between the officers and directors on this subject matter. 2009-2011 AUSKF President Arthur Murakami-sensei decided with the approval of the board to table the matter and in the interim, Tomoji Kato-sensei, 2009-2011 AUSKF Treasurer, is to contact the tax accountant/CPA currently used by the AUSKF to file the IRS tax reports, to ask about the procedures that should be followed by the AUSKF if instructor compensation is paid to Japanese sensei who are instructors at AUSKF events.

VIII. Proposed AUSKF Promotion Criteria, 1.dan and above (this is also touched-on at the bottom of this posting)
Items under CONSIDERATION:
1. AJKF letter dated 10/22/08 regarding the abolishment of special treatment on the duration of practice years for kenshi 60 yrs of age and older.
2. AJKF letter dated 10/22/08 regarding Dan Examiners in FIK Affiliates. [Ed. note: ????]
3. Regarding a standard guideline for dan/kyu examination
4. Proposed change in AUSKF Written Questions for promotion exam, 1.kyu through 7.dan, including Shogo.

AUSKF President Murakami-sensei requested to table the matter and referred to VP of Promotions, Koike-sensei and the Promotion Committee for recommendations at the April 2009 AUSKF board of directors meeting. [Ed. note: maybe we'll hear more about this soon since the meeting just took place this past weekend]

IX. AUSKF TREASURER'S REPORT

2006-2008 AUSKF Treasurer Tomoji Kato-sensei provided the treasurer's report that showed the total balance as of OCTOBER 25, 2008 as:
$724,402.06
Due to the fiscal year not ending until 12/31/08, there was no year-end financial report prepared.

Daniel Ebihara-sensei inquired as to whether or not the current balance of $163,955.98, in the AUSKF checking account as of 10/25/08, was necessary.
T. Kato-sensei explained that the current day-to-day accounts payable requests, particularly due to the anticipated ongoing 14th WKC Team USA expenditures, was believed to be reasonable to maintain.

Tsuyoshi Inoshita-sensei inquired about the AUSKF policy about having the current amount of financial reserve funds. It was commented that as a non-profit organization, the AUSKF treasury should be expended to promote kendo. Another concern raised by Dr. Inoshita was that having a large amount of financial reserves creates a "deep-pocket" source that can attract persons wanting to bring lawsuits against the AUSKF.

Ebihara-sensei recalled that the concerns raised by Dr. Inoshita was discussed by previous AUSKF administrations and boards of directors. As there is no present paid staff person/secretary to assist the AUSKF administration and officers to conduct the AUSKF day-to-day business matters, the current level of financial reserves is not considered a large amount for the size of an organization as the AUSKF. Also, there is a definite need to begin planning to open an AUSKF headquarters office with a full-time paid office staff/secretary. This could require the need to purchase property for such an office, or having sufficient financial reserves to rent/lease property for the suggested AUSKF headquarters office. Ebihara-sensei elaborated on this proposal by explaining that under the current method of conducting day-to-day AUSKF business matters, there is complete reliance on the available time of the elected AUSKF officers to do these things. As these current operational practices are inefficient and result in a very slow delivery of services to the AUSKF members, this is no longer an acceptable way to conduct the AUSKF day-to-day management of its many programs. In the opinion of Ebihara-sensei, the current amount of financial reserves is not enough for the AUSKF to consider all of the proposed suggestions mentioned above, and for this reason, the current level of financial reserves must continue to be saved, so that an operational full-time AUSKF staff/secretary and AUSKF office can be established in the near future.

Jeff Marsten-sensei stated that in this day and age, there is not a need to have a physical office space for the AUSKF as people now work from home in a "virtual office." Also, Mr Marsten inquired if the AUSKF administration has documented what the need is for a full time office staff/secretary and to have a physical office space. In addition, Mr Marsten stated that the AUSKF has a website, and that in the ONKF area, ninety persent of the communication is done by the use of the PNKF website.

Mr Marsten elaborated further on his comments above by stating that the AUSKF board of directors could have "virtual board of directors' meetings," and not have to incur travel expenses for the current twice-a-year meetings.

Ebihara-sensei stated that he is aware of many bauinesses in the New York area that implemented the business practice of allowing employees to work at home in their "virtual offices," however, in the recent couple of years, many of these businesses have returned to the traditional business office standards of having a physical office space and office staff going to the physical office to conduct the day-to-day business matters.

Robert Stroud-sensei disagreed with Ebihara-sensei's suggestions and concluded that there should be a sufficient number of volunteers within the curent AUSKF membership population to assist the AUSKF officers to conduct the necessary day-to-day business. Mr Stroud stated that the average AUSKF individual member he has talked to is "shocked" that the AUSKF has maintained the current level of financial reserves and the reason for this reaction is because no one in the AUSKF can answer the question as to the purpose for doing this. In additiona, Mr Stroud estimated that the cost of a full-time office staff/secretary and to have a physical office would cost less than $100,000 per year, however, as Mr Stroud believes there are enough volunteers wihtin the AUSKF membership to delegate to do the day-to-day business, this plan cannot be justified at this time.

Alternatively, Mr Stroud was willing to consider Mr Ebihara's proposal to maintain a continued large financial reserve to support a full time office staff/secretary and physical office if the AUSKF administration is able to explain to the average AUSKF individual member the purpose of doing so. Mr Stroud's opinion is that this would require a mission statement or official AUSKF message that explains why the AUSKF administration decision to maintain an AUSKF office would increase the current level of benefits to the average AUSKF member that address their concerns, e.g., more kendo training opportunities in low-density kendo communities, more assistance to develop supportive kendo programs in low-density kendo communities that support yudansha level kenshi in their efforts to achieve kodansha level kendo ranks, and other approaches to the current unmet kendo needs of the average AUSKF individual member.

Yoshiteru Tagawa-sensei reminded the 2009-2011 AUSKF board of directors that some of the articulated unmet needs of the average AUSKF individual members living in low-density kendo communities could benefit by requesting assistance for kendo training and support by utilizing the current AUSKF Mentor Program.

Ebihara-sensei suggested that the AUSKF board of directors address some of the concerns of maintaining a large financial reserve by establishing a policy to set a finanical ceiling of, for example, one million dollars ($1,000,000), and any amount above this established financial reserve ceiling would then be released for use for targeted programs such as the Mentor Program. By having this type of financial reserve ceiling policy, the AUSKF would have sufficient financial reserves to take care of unforeseen financial pitfalls as faced in the past by the AUSKF, citing examples from the 11th WKC hosted in Santa Clara, CA in 2000.

Hori-sensei explained that during the immediate past two AUSKF administrations beginning in the year 2000-2005 when Charlie Tanaka was the AUSKF president, a fiscal goal was set to have a financial reserve of $200,000. The goal was later exceeded by reaching the amount of $250,000. Subsequent to this, when Hori-sensei was AUSKF president from 2006-2008, the financial reserve reached the level of $500,000. At this point, the AUSKF administration recognized that steps needed to be taken to develop programs to benefit the average individual AUSKF members and subsequently, suggestions were requested from the AUSKF member federations to identify unmet kendo training needs, etc.

One noted example of the recent past generosity of the AUSKF was that, in the past, annual kendo programs were only able to financially support having two AJKF kendo instructors sent once per year to the U.S., but now, the AUSKF has been able to get frequency increased to twice per year.
[Ed. note: So if you're paying attention to this...
When the reserve was at $200-250,000, AUSKF was able to get two Japanese sensei to come to the States once per year. Now that the budget has exceed a half million U.S. dollars, they are able to get two(?) Japanese sensei to come to the States TWICE per year.]
Hori-sensei concluded his comments by stating that this noted example should be continued by the current 2009-2011 AUSKF Board of Directors, and additional suggestions for new kendo training programs should be considered by the AUSKF Education Committee for recommendation and approval.

Inoshita-sensei then suggested the Board decide two things:
1. What amount should be set as a financial ceiling for the financial reserves, and
2. How does the 2009-2011 AUSKF Board of Directors ensure the average individual AUSKF members that the AUSKF administration is making reasonable expenditures and use of the financial reserves?

J. Marsten-sensei stated that if the average individual AUSKF member was provided the same financial report information as present to the AUSKF Board for review, this type of transparency would resolve most of the suspicions of misuse of the AUSKF financial reserves.

Inoshita-sensei also elaborated that as to the issue of transparency, the current end of the fiscal year financial report provided to the member federations has limited transparency as only the amount of financial assets and liabilities is provided.

Stroud-sensei added that the 2009-2011 Board discussions summarized above about the reasons for building up and maintaining the financial reserves, what the long-term AUSKF admin plans are for the use of the financial reserves, etc., has not been successfully communicated to the average individual AUSKf member, therefore, if the AUSKF admin takes affirmative steps to better communicated the above information to the average AUSKF individual member, this would benefit the AUSKF adminstration and help them to receive the support of the general AUSKF membership in pursuing the matters noted above.

Mr Stroud also suggested better communication to the average individual AUSKF member about long-term plan use for the financial reserves and recommended the development of a Master Plan that identifies the proposed expenditures for Education, Competition, Iaido, Development, AUSKF Office, etc.

Chris Yang stated that he agreed that the long-term plans and goals could be improved as suggested by Mr Stroud, however, regarding the transparency of the financial reports, it was noted that there is a difference between publically-traded companies which have legally-mandated requirement for disclosure, whereas the private non-profit organization such as the AUSKF do not have the same requirements. Mr Yang went on to explain that such transparency could be used as a bsis for raising legal liability issues against the AUSKF by individuals who do not agree about specific expenditures, or could cause complaints of violation of confidentiality by individual AUSKF officers.

J. Marsten stated he believed the directors are serving the "members" (i.e., AUSKF member federations), and because "that's who we work for," his personal opinion is that at a minimum, there has to be communication of the above stated information as to why the AUSKF is maintaining financial reserves, explanation of the AUSKF long-term plans for use of those funds, and if legally permitted, provision of the finanical reports received by the AUSKF Board. Mr Marsten agreed that the 2009-2011 Board needs to have a Master Plan as to how the AUSKF proposes to use the financial reserves to implement programs recommended by the various committees.

Mr K. Ariga requested that the AUSKF Treasurer ask the tax accountant/CPA currently used by AUSKF as to what financial information can be legally disclosed to the member federations without causing the concerns raised by Mr Yang.

2009-2011 Auditor Jeff Marsten agreed to assist the Treasurer to do the follow-up inquiry to determine what recommendation is made regarding the disclosure of AUSKF financial reports to the member federations.

X. Selection of 2009-2011 AUSKF Committee Members
1. Budget-Finance Committee - Tomoji Kato (Chair), Jeff Marsten (Vice-Chair)
2. Competition Committee - Y. Onitsuka (Chair), Chris Yang, Robert Stroud, Tomoji Kato
3. Promotion Committee - Shinichi Koike (Chair), Daniel Ebihara, Yoshinobu Yonekawa, Tsuyoshi Inoshita
4. Education Committee - Yoshiteru Tagawa (Chair), Shinobu Maeda, Spencer Hosokawa
5. Iaido Committee - Takeshi Yamaguchi (Chair), Robert Stroud, Mark Uchida, Shozo Kato
6. Development Committee - Koki Ariga (Chair), Arthur Murakami, Norm Otani
7. Anti-Doping Committee - Norm Otani (Chair), Dr. S. Shinada, Dr. Steven Roosevelt

XI. PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE
Koike-sensei reported that the committedd will make a recommendation at the April 2009 meeting as to the AJKF letters dated 10/22/08, which was introduced earlier in the meeting by Murakami-sensei.

Koike-sensei reported that he has had two positive responses from the NCKF and CCKF as to the Promotion Examination Seminars conducted for these AUSKF member federations prior to their having a promotion examination.

Otani-sensei presented a report noting that the goal was to develop consistent AUSKF examiner grading standards. However, the current approach being taken is to assist each of the AUSKF member federation's promotion examination candidates by providing an AUSKF promotion committee selected instructor to give a seminar, prior to the date of the AUSKF federation's promotion examination, on how to prepare and be successful to pass an AUSKF federation promotional. The results from the current AUSKF promotion committee's approach noted above has been extremely positive from the overall experiences of NCKF and CCKF members who participated.

For further info on this, check out the AUSKF website directly.

Good News for SEUSKF!

Just saw that Hyun-sensei (Knoxville Kendo Club) was successful in his challenge for 6.dan in Atlanta this past weekend.

As well, Ken Tamura-sensei of GKA passed 5.dan.

Very well earned, indeed!!

NEW BABY ARRIVAL

Congrats to one of our beginning students, Guy Guidry, and his wife on the birth of their son (first child!), JULIEN PAUL, born last Friday, March 13th at 11:33 PM, weighing in at 7lbs 14 ozs! Mother and child are doing just fine and the new grandparents are already in town to help out!

Be sure to express congrats to Guy the next time he's in class. (He says it'll be this upcoming Wednesday night.... but we'll see!).

Memphis Kendo tied as 2nd largest in Southeast U.S.

With 32 members having joined SEUSKF/AUSKF for 2009, Memphis Kendo Club has once again tied as the SECOND LARGEST KENDO CLUB in the Southeast region, comprising clubs from Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The 10 largest clubs of the SEUSKF:
1. GKA (Atlanta) - 59 members
2. MEMPHIS KENDO CLUB - 32 members
....Northern Virginia Budokai - 32 members
4. Gulf Coast Kendo Club (Florida) - 28 members
5. Koryo Dojo (Virginia) - 25 members
6. Triangle Kendo (Virginia) - 20 members
7. Baltimore-Annapolis Kendo (Maryland) - 20 members
8. Charlotte Kendo Club (North Carolina) - 19 members
9. Knoxville Kendo Club (Tennessee) - 17 members
10. Nashville Kendo Club (Tennessee) - 13 members

Breakdown by STATE:
1. Georgia (85 members)
2. Virginia (72 members)
3. TENNESSEE (62 members)
4. Florida and North Carolina (49 members each)
6. Maryland (30 members)
7. South Carolina (4 members)

(Charleston Kendo Club, Mejuro Iaido Kendo Kai of Ft Myers, Shin Sei Kai, and South Florida Kendo Club did not remit dues by the required deadline and were not included in this data).

There are total of 23 kendo clubs/dojo in the SEUSKF that submitted dues by the deadline, with 351 individual members total.

Cleveland Taikai adds Iaido seminar

I've just received notice that the annual tournament in Cleveland, taking place this year on the weekend of April 18-19, will include a special IAIDO seminar from 2pm until 6pm on Sunday, April 19th. (I assume this will be after the kendo shinsa on the same date).

The instructors for this seminar will be Murakami-sensei (AUSKF President, 7.dan Kendo) and Kato-sensei (NY)(Kyoshi 7.dan Kendo, Kyoshi 7.dan Iaido).

You must be an AUSKF member to take part in this seminar.
Depending on the success of the event, the GNEUSKF may consider hosting annual IAIDO seminars in conjunction with its annual kendo tournaments in the future.

Nito Seminar ~ Washington, DC ~ Apr 25-26

Just received an update from the Northern Virginia Budokai, which is hosting a nito seminar in Washington, D.C. on the weekend of Apr 25-26 (check seminar information further down on this blog)...

Reminder: Registration deadline is APRIL 15th.

Cost: $90 (age 18 and up), $45 (age 17 and under)

Please use PayPal to Mr. Brian Sherry's email address, or send a check to his mailing address:
Brian Sherry:
2911 Village Spring Lane
Vienna, VA 22181
blackknight@gmail.com
ph: 703-447-7793

Please also be advised:
You will need a nito shinai set (daito and shoto) and it is preferable to have the shoto bokken as well. This typically consists of a size 37 daito and a standard shoto.

Nito shinai and other kendo items will be available at the seminar, provided by E-mudo.com
http://www.e-mudo.com/

The organizers of this event ask that you show your thanks for E-mudo's support by purchasing shinai from them at the seminar. Shoto bokken (not required, but recommended) are available at e-bogu.com here: http://www.e-bogu.com/Niten_Ichi_Ryu_Bokuto_Set_Daito_and_Shoto_p/yut-ken-bok-niten-natural-.htm

Club Bogu rental

Please keep this in mind starting with March 2009...

If you are using club bogu, there will be a $5/mo. charge.
This is SEPARATE from the dues you pay directly to the Community Center.

If you pay in cash, fine.
If you pay with a check, please make it out to Memphis Kendo Club.

In either case, payment should be put in an envelope with YOUR NAME and the MONTH clearly indicated. Payment should be given to Yasuda-sensei or Gossett-sensei.

The reason this rental fee has been instituted is two-fold:
1. wear and tear on club bogu necessitates repair(s) and/or replacement over time, and
2. after using club bogu for a while, people need to be encouraged to purchase their own so that other beginners can use available club bogu.

(Update) PAY ATTENTION - AUSKF/SEUSKF DUES

If your name is on this list, you are confirmed as having paid 2009 AUSKF/SEUSKF dues.
Everything has now been sent to SEUSKF.

If you decide to join AUSKF/SEUSKF later this year, that's fine, but please be advised that per SEUSKF by-laws, there will be a mandatory waiting period of 3 months after receipt of your dues before you will be allowed to test for any rank.

1. Valerie Barratt
2. Don Crittenden
3. Chris Cole
4. Chris Corleone
5. Harry Dach
6. Bill Delancey
7. Conrad Delancey
8. Wayne Edge
9. Rogers Gossett
10. Lisa Holcomb
11. Jon Kahre
12. Masumi Kamimura
13. Yuka Kamimura
14. Yuki Kasuya
15. Koki Kira
16. Jeremiah Mazurek
17. Tri Nguyen
18. Warren Oster
19. Larry Runnels
20. Nick Runnels
21. Josh Schoeneberger
22. Gary Snodgrass
23. Shinn Taniguchi
24. Kevin Thornton (Iaido)
25. William Thornton-Leonard
26. Rowan Troyer
27. Lysa Walterhouse
28. Walter White
29. Darren Williams
30. Anthony Wolfe
31. Chris Yelvington
32. Kazuto Yasuda

Cleveland Tournament/Testing Info

Just received in email information related to the 21st Annual Cleveland Kendo Taikai and Shinsa, 17-19 April 2009.

If you need more detailed information (registration forms, etc.), please find the forms at:
www.ClevelandKendo.com and click on "tournament info"..

In the meantime, here's the short and sweet:

TAIKAI INFO:

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 8:00 AM (Gym opens at 7 am)
Venue:
Case Western Reserve University -- Adelbert Gymnasium
2106 Adelbert Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106

Divisions:
Junior A (up to 12 yrs old)
Junior B (13-15 yrs old)
Junior C (16-18 yrs old)
Mudansha
Shodan/Nidan
Sandan+
Women
Team (5 person team)

FEES:
$30 for all participants
$10 bento (shimpan gets free lunch)
$12 dinner after the Friday night joint practice ($8 under 13 yrs old)
$20 banquet fee ($15 for 13-20yrs old, $12 under 13 yrs old)

REGISTRATION INFO:
1. Registration fees (taikai, bento, banquet) to be paid in advance.
2. Make check payable to CLEVELAND KENDO ASSOCIATION
3. Staple your check on the tournament application form
4. MUST HAVE ONE CONTACT PERSON FOR EACH DOJO.
5. CONTACT PERSON must send ALL applications for dojo/team in ONE PACKAGE.
6. Contact Person must check-in the entire dojo/team at the registration desk, Adelbert Gym, at 7:30am Saturday morning of the tournament
7. Contact Person is responsble for ensuring every team members signs the liability waiver.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE --- Package must be postmarked no later than MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2009.
***THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS***


Shinsa Information:

Date: Sunday, April 19, 2009
Time: 11:00 AM (Gym opens at 7am. Godo keiko will precede the shinsa)
Venue:
Case Western University - Adelbert Gymnasium
2106 Adelbert Road
Cleveland, OH 44106

Exam Fee: $20

Menjo Fee: Refer to Menjo fee chart on exam application.
(Menjo are only issued in English language)

1. Exam Fee and Menjo Fee must be paid with SEPARATE checks.
2. Both fees must be paid in advance (payable to GNEUSKF)

Exam Applications are strongly encouraged to be sent by the club/dojo representative in ONE PACKAGE with the following items:
1. GNEUSKF kendo examination application form and menjo application form
2. photocopy of your current rank menjo
3. shinsa and menjo fees
4. essay question answers.
5. sensei's signature on your examination form
6. if you are not a member of GNEUSKF, you must receive WRITTEN permission from your regional federation president to test.
7. provide your dojo/club contact's mail address on the menjo application. All menjos will be sent at one time to that address.

SHINSA APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Application Package must be post-marked by MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2009.

.................................

PLEASE NOTE that the Tournament package and the Shinsa package will be mailed to TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE AT TWO DIFFERENT MAILING ADDRESS IN TWO DIFFERENT STATES. Just keep in mind that you need to keep all the tournament stuff separate from the testing stuff.

.................................

ACCOMODATIONS:

Hotel:
Cleveland Clinic Guest House
9601 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44116

Rate: $89 per room (group reservation rate)

Room Type: Two double beds per room. Each room can host up to 4 adults.

Reservation procedures:
Contact the reservations department directly.
Phone: 216-707-4000 or toll-free 1-877-707-8999
Please provide the group name: "GNEUSKF, Greather Northeastern US Kendo Federation" to get the group discount rate.

Reservation Date: Please make reservations by March 17 in order to receive the special rate.

Breakfast is NOT included with the room rate.
Continental Breakfast at North Coast Cafe is $12.95 per guest, or you can order off the menu.
For those who wish to have low-priced breakfast, there is a Burger King located about one block from the hotel. CLEVELAND KENDO will always prepare ANPAN for $1 in the gym on the morning of the tournament.

Hotel check-in time: 3pm on day of arrival. If you come earlier than that, let the hotel know in advance.
Hotel check-out time: 12 noon on day of departure. If later departure is necessary, let the hotel know in advance.
[PERSONAL NOTE: If you stay for the testing, you need to check out of the hotel before going to the gym for the shinsa. There were many candidates last year and the final results of the testing were not posted until around 4pm on Sunday afternoon.]

PARKING: Free at the hotel (hotel is walking distance from the gym)
If you park at the gym, there is a parking garage. $1 per hour, $8 maximum. Cash only.

____________________________________

GODO KEIKO / SEMINAR

There will be TWO godogeiko and a promotion test seminar.

Godo keiko 1:
Time: 5:15 pm until 7:30 pm --- Friday, April 17 (at the gym)

Shinsa seminar:
Time: 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm --- Friday, April 17 (at the gym)

Godo keiko 2:
Time: 9:00 am until 11:00 am --- Sunday, April 19 (at the gym)

__________________________

Banquest Information:

Time: Saturday, upon completion of taikai

Place: Adelbert Gymnasium

Fees: (mentioned previously)

Food: Sub sandwiches, pizza, Chinese food, vegetable sticks, fruits, ice cream, etc. Alcohol (sake, wine, beer) will be included.

___________________________

Bento information:

$10 bento includes a bottle of water.

Big chicken katsu, roasted salmon, potato salad, vegetable salad with dressing, tsukemono, and white rise. There will be NO pork or beef dishes.

___________________________

Internet Access: FREE wireless internet access all over the University campus, including the Adelbert Gym.

___________________________

Further questions, please contact Dr. Tsuyoshi Inoshita-sensei:
work - 740-353-4884
answering service: 740-354-7523
cell - 740-352-2718
fax - 740-353-8798
email: pcancer@zoomnet.net

Kendo FAQ and Beginner's Corner have been split up!

Made a slight change to things on the blog today...

The Beginner's Corner originally contained pretty much nothing but the FAQ. The FAQ information is now under its own link.

The Beginner's Corner is going to be updated from time-to-time with information, thoughts, articles, etc. that people who are actually IN the class might find helpful. There is a new post over there now related to how to put on keikogi and hakama... how to put on the bogu...
Some of you need this information! Hope you like it.

There will still be quick links on the Beginner's Corner to cool stuff (like "Kendo Foot!" and "Etiquette" and "Kendo Terminology"). Those are the kinds of things that we think are really appropriate for the kendo neophyte.

So check back from time to time to find something new. And if there's something *specific* you'd like to see or find out about, send me an email and I'll do my best to get it posted over there so that others may benefit from it as well.

MazkiyaUSA Bogu Supplier - Updated Website

MazkiyaUSA (the kendo equipment supplier that was here in Memphis last October for the SEUSKF tournament) has updated their website.

.. a whole new look with everything they have to offer.
.. orders can now be made directly on their website.

Check it out!
www.mazkiyausa.com

(There's also a link down the right-hand column of this blog that'll take you right to the site)

Practice with Nashville

Group picture after practice this past Sunday...

New Community Center Rules....

The next time you are at practice, you may notice a flyer for the Kendo and Iaido Class.

From this point forward, our club is apparently only able to accept students who are at least 12 yrs of age. If you are UNDER 12 yrs of age and are ALREADY in the class, then you have nothing to worry about. Please continue to show up for class as normal.
(I don't think we have anyone under 12, but...)

Likewise, it seems the Community Center has a policy that if you are UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE, you must have a parent or guardian remain in attendance THROUGHOUT the practice.

Please be mindful of this.

Inclement Weather Policy

As usual, it's a great time to put out this reminder...

If the weather promises to be bad, please DO NOT make grandiose efforts to get to class.
Attempts will be made to announce class cancellations on this blog. (Hopefully, some folks are reading it!)

Please check back today and tomorrow for updates on tomorrow night's class (Dec 17th).

MazkiyaUSA Kendo Supplier - SALE!

I received an email yesterday from Matsumoto-sensei, owner of MazkiyaUSA Kendo Supplier, who announced that their Christmas Sales specials will continue through Wednesday, December 31st. They have some pretty incredible savings on a couple of great bogu sets (see below).

Their website address is www.mazkiyausa.com

The website does not at all list everything they have to offer, so if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact them. This was the same vendor that travelled from California to Memphis this year for the SEUSKF tournament.

Unfortunately, the Christmas specials they currently have are not listed on the website (or at least, I can't immediately find them on the website), so here's a list of what's on sale:

SHINAI:
1. Tetsuzan (smoked bamboo) - sizes 37 and 38 - $20 each (regular $22)
2. Tetsuzan (smoked bamboo) - size 39 - $25 each (regular $30)

ACCESSORIES:
1. Hasegawa Kanji Tsuba and Fudo Tsuba Set - $36 per set (regular $42 per set)
2. Hasegawa Tombo Tsuba and Fudo Tsuba Set - $36 per set (regular $42 per set)
3. Hasegawa Sakura Tsuba and Fudo Tsuba Set - $36 per set (regular $42 per set)
4. "Zanshin" Tenugui and Men Chikagawa (leathers) - $18 per set (choose one of each)
5. Tombo Tenugui and Men Chikagawa - $26 per set (choose one of each)

BOGU BAGS and SHINAI BAGS: 20% off
1. Enamel Bogu Bag [ed note: looks pretty interesting] - $53 (regular $106)
2. Nylon Boston Bogu Bag AND Shiro Moji Shinai Bag Set - $110 (regular $138 per set)
3. Nylon Boston Bogu Bag AND Heijyoshin Shinai Bag Set - $130 (regular $164 per set)
[All bags come in various colors]

KENDO BOGU:
1. 3mm Kote Set (Medium, Large, X-Large) - $165 (regular $185)
2. K-1 Kote Set (4mm) (Large and X-Large) - $240-$250 (regular $390-$456)

3. Complete Bogu - 4.5mm - $575 (regular $1197-$1344)
4. Complete Bogu - K-1 (4mm) - $1069-$1312 (regular $2376-$2916)

If you'd like to see pictures of this gear, please leave a comment to this post and I'll forward you their flyer.

If you have any questions, please contact Mazkiya directly at 714-635-0300

MKC gets write-up in The Commercial Appeal

Direct Link: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/03/sword-play/

At Memphis Kendo Club classes, students get workout -- physical, mental and ethical

By Stacey Greenberg, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Monday, November 3, 2008

Ten-year-old Rowan Racine is dressed in a navy blue robe. In one hand he holds a long bamboo stick and in the other, a helmet, mask and chest plate.

Barefoot, he bows at the door of the Singleton Community Center gymnasium in Bartlett before quietly kneeling on the floor.

Kazuto Yasuda and Yuki Kasuya engaged in "Ji Geiko" or "free practice."

Photos by Chip Chockley/Special to The Commercial Appeal

Kazuto Yasuda performs "Migi-do uchi" or "strike to the right torso/trunk" on Yuki Kasuya.

Photos by Chip Chockley/Special to The Commercial Appeal

Welcome to the start of the Memphis Kendo Club's weekly practice.

Roughly 20 people, men and women of various ages and ethnicities, have gathered to study this ancient Japanese martial art, which translates to "way of the sword," originally practiced by the samurai class in the twelfth century.

Kendo provides both aerobic and anaerobic exercise, nurtures discipline and stamina and promotes a strong moral code. In modern Japan, kendo is taught in middle schools and is actively practiced by people throughout their lives -- well into their twilight years. Kendo has been gaining popularity in the United States over the past 30 years, and clubs can be found across the country.

After the initial meditation and warm-up exercises, the kenshi, or swordsmen, pair off and begin screaming at each other while beating one another over the head with their bamboo swords, called shinai. Each wears protective armor -- bogu -- which protects the head, wrists, chest and groin.

To say it looks intense would be an understatement.

Chip Chockley/Special to The Commercial Appeal
Jon Kahre and Rogers Gosset conducting "kakari geiko" or "attack practice" during a Memphis Kendo Club session.

Kendo uses the whole body. Even shouting (or "using voice"), which is vital to mastering the art, requires using the abdominal muscles. A two-hour practice involves a lot of sprinting and provides a great cardiovascular workout. However, physical prowess is less important than doing everything with full spirit and participation.

"Swing properly and the sword does all of the work," says Harry Dach, 58, owner of Dach Imports and lead instructor of the Memphis Kendo Club. He stresses that repetition leads to perfection in kendo, which he says can also be seen as boring or not exciting enough to some.

While stationed in Japan with the U.S. Marine Corps, Dach studied under Takaaki Nakahama, who gave him 32 complete sets of armor with an understanding that he would pass on his learning in the United States.

Dach has been teaching kendo in Memphis for more than 30 years without ever accepting a penny in payment. (Monthly fees for the use of practice space are paid directly to the Singleton Community Center.)

Rowan, who originally wanted to play soccer, started practicing kendo three years ago. His mother, who lacked the funds and transportation needed for the local soccer league, discovered kendo after flipping through the Singleton activity guide.

Rowan says he really likes the rules and etiquette of kendo and the physical activity it provides. He also admits it is fun to "hit people with big sticks."

Local artist Wayne Edge, 54, got interested in kendo nine years ago after taking his son to a class. "He didn't stick with it, but I did," he says. Edge has seen a lot of people come and go over the years and attributes the high attrition rate to the fact that not everyone likes yelling and getting hit.
"Once you get the bogu, kendo becomes much more physical," Edge explains, referring to the fact that beginners must master certain skills before being allowed to wear armor. The bogu can be uncomfortable and hot, making the sport even more physically demanding and mentally challenging.

At practices, beginners join the group for warm-up exercises and then work on the basics off to the side with one of the instructors.

Typically, a beginner spends three to six months learning proper kendo stance, shinai grip, swinging the shinai, foot movement, and eventually movement while swinging the shinai. Once he or she has mastered these skills, the student is loaned a set of bogu and invited to join the more advanced members of the club.

Once in the bogu, participants spend a good deal of class hitting and getting hit with the shinai while running back and forth. Although it may look intimidating, kendo is very safe.

Rogers Gossett, 36, who works for FedEx and has been studying kendo for 14 years, attests to the safety of the sport. "My only injury has been a strained muscle in my foot," he says, after listing a string of injuries he suffered while practicing taekwondo in college.

Blisters are actually the most common injury since kendo is practiced barefoot.

"I injure myself more doing carpentry," said Edge, who downplays the small bruises he sometimes gets when an opponent misses his armor, comparing them to hickeys.

They're nothing a modern-day samurai can't handle.

Memphis Kendo Club

The kendo club has open practices on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Singleton Community Center, 7266 Third Road, in Bartlett.

New students, ages 8 and up, are welcome any time throughout the year.

Monthly dues are $20, payable directly to the Singleton Community Center for the use of practice space.

Beginners should dress in comfortable clothing and purchase a shinai (bamboo sword) and a bokken (wooden sword). Both are available at Dach Imports on Summer Avenue and online.
More information is available online at memphiskendo.org.