April 2010
Kenkyu Kai practice is on Friday, April 2nd, from 7:30PM at JCCH dojo.
Mr. and Mrs. Takeshi Kudo came to Hawaii on January 11th. They will leave on April 9th back to Japan. Kudo Sensei, 8 Dan, has been teaching us very intensely everyday going around dojos. Many, especially those who are practicing for 6 dan and 7 dan examinations, have been benefited and improved. We would like to thank Kudo Sensei for his teachings and hope that he will come back and do the same. Also, we would like to thank those who provided them transportation, assistance and accommodation to have their stay in Hawaii more comfortable and enjoyable.
I went to Vancouver to participate in American Zone Shimpan Seminar on Saturday and Sunday, March 27th and 28th. I was glad to be there with almost 100 others to review Shimpan rules and procedures. Teachers from Japan were, Mr. Masaharu Kakehashi, Mr. Osamu Asano and Mr. Shigeki Yamanaka. These Senseis were very good and nice to teach us all. I hope that Hawaii Kendo Federation continues to support our members to go and learn Shimpan in future seminars.
Steveston Kendo Tournament will be on Saturday, May 8th in Richmond, B.C., Canada. Those of you who are going are requested to let me know your rank and age at the tournament day as soon as possible for me to enter you before the required entry day.
Leeward Oahu Kendo Tournament is on Sunday, June 20th, Fathers’ Day. Mark your calendar. Participate in the tournament and/or observe. We need help with court attendants and kitchen duty. Normally Kendo Equipment vendor or vendors will be there to assist us for our equipment needs.
Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation sponsored Women’s Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 26, in Renton, Washington. Last time, 3 years ago Hawaii Ladies came in close 2nd. We would like to form 1 team this year again. Let me know soon if you are planning to participate.
As Chancellor, the head of Tokai University Hawaii Campus, I thought that Naoto Yoshikawa, Ph. D., did only administration job. He told me that he was teaching classes and writing theses besides his administrative jobs. He was too busy to sit down and read books for his theses. He bought audio books. He listened audio books while being a commuter in Hawaii’s notorious morning/evening traffic. He comes to practices when he is in town (He makes frequent trips outside of Hawaii.) His kendo practice is intense. He is aiming for 6 Dan. He is using his time effectively and efficiently. We, amateur kenshis, should learn from him to be creative, determined and goal oriented to improve our kendo.
Iwao Sato, Chief Instructor, Wahiawa Kendo Club