June 2008
Shea Barboza has accepted a position in Seattle . Wednesday, May 28th was his last day at our club. We had a memorable practice for him.
The seminars by Mr. Masashi Chiba, Hanshi 8 dan from Tokyo , were very good. He emphasized tenouchi. We want to do what we learned from him.
Kenkyu kai practice falls on Friday, June 6th, at JCCH dojo. It is an opportunity to practice kata before 1 kyu/dan examination on Sunday, June 8th at Kaimuki Honbu dojo.
The hall we use for our practices will not be available for our usual time for all 4 Wednesdays in June. We will practice 5:45PM till 6:45PM in June, instead.
Leeward Oahu Tournament sponsored by Leeward dojos is on Sunday, Fathers’ Day, June 15th at Mililani District Park Gym. Show up and help even if you do not participate. We need help with courts and kitchen duty.
Mr. Franklin Chong and Mr. Carl Nakamura have been confirmed by A.J.K.F. to attend Foreign Leaders’ Kendo Seminar this year from July 25th to August 1st at Gedatsukai in Kitamoto, Saitama , Japan . Good luck to them.
I had chances to visit Ryobukan Dojo in Fukushima , Japan on April 17, 18, 19 and 21 as well as May 30, 31 and June 2. Many members there are older than me. They still do vigorous keiko during one hour practice time of 6AM to 7AM. They are my mentors and inspiration. I will practice with them again this summer.
Mr. Hisao Imazu, 7 dan, formerly with Kanidoraku in Tokyo , is visiting us in Hawaii from June 2. Upon arrival on Monday, June 2, he was there at Mililani dojo. I am sure that he must have been so tired. Yet, he practiced with everyone who lined up in front of him. Practice with him while he is in town.
If you have used vehicles you want to get rid of, think about donating them to H.K.F. through used car donation program. H.K.F. and our club welcome your donations. Donations to H.K.F. are tax diductible.
When I was reading Urasenke Tea Ceremony book, I came up with the advice to start learning under good teachers. But how can you find good teachers for things you yet to start? You cannot. If you are teachers, you have to be the best teachers for students. Good teachers are ones who study and practice constantly to improve themselves so that they can share experiences with students. Teachers should have learners’ attitudes.
Iwao Sato, Chief Instructor, Wahiawa Kendo Club.