June 2010
Kenkyu Kai practice is on Friday, June 4th at J.C.C.H. dojo from 7:30PM.
7 participants and 4 chaperons enjoyed warmer weather in Canada when we were at Steveston Tournament on Saturday, May 8th. I was happy when Hawaii Team advanced twice and became one of the eight best teams.
Mr. Shozo Kato of New York has passed the difficult 8 dan examination in Kyoto in May. It is a remarkable accomplishment for him. He gives great hope to those who live outside of Japan where not so many teachers are available to guide you for higher ranks. When I asked Kato Sensei in January 2009, in Gardena, California, how he was practicing for 8 dan in U.S.A. he answered, “Image kendo.” Congratulations to Kato Sensei.
Mr. Kazuyoshi Inoue, Kyoshi 7 dan, from Fukuoka will be in town from June 8th till 21st. We are happy to know that Inoue Sensei is bringing with him Hanshi 8 dan Hidetoshi Miyagawa Sensei. Be with them at practices and learn from them while keiko and listening their instructions even to others. Also, Mr. Inoue’s daughter, Wakako, will be practicing with us from June 11th to June 16th. She is taking 5 dan examination in August.
We will have normal practices on Wednesdays in June. Not like past years, I was told that Bon Dance practices at the temple to be on Tuesdays this year.
Leeward Oahu Tournament will be on Sunday, Fathers’ Day, June 20th. Kendo equipment vendor(s) will be there to assist you for your equipment needs. 5 ladies, Michelle Ham, Rina Ono, Audrey Hayase, Lucia Chung and Shelly Ichishita will go to Renton, Washington, to participate in Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation sponsored Women’s Tournament on Saturday, June 29th. Mr. Seth Harris and I will go with them to support. Seth and I will volunteer for shimpan. Hawaii Kendo Federation dan examination is on Sunday, June 27th. Those who are taking examination may come and practice kata with me.
Because of his line of duty, Nichiren Mission Bishop Shingyo Imai counsels married couples often for their marital problems. He mentions “akirameru”, “to give up.” According to him Japanese word “akirameru” came from “akirakani miru” to see situation clearly not exactly “to give up.” For human relationship, high expectation, jealousy, misunderstanding, inconsideration and lack of care or concern create problems. By doing kendo we want to develop ability to see situation clearly so that we can act favorably toward our goals.
Iwao Sato, Chief Instructor, Wahiawa Kendo Club