March 2008
Hawaii people did very well at Steveston Tournament in Canada on Saturday, Feb. 9th. Braxton Fukutomi was the champion in 14 – 15 year old division. Yuma Okada came in 2nd in 10 years and under division. Junior Team consisted of Chase Takenaka, Yuma Okada, Jordan Miller, Neill Warrington and Braxton Fukutomi came in close 2nd. Our Senior Team was among the best 8 teams out of 29 teams participated. The following people became one of best 8 in their respective divisions. Chase Takenaka, Nicole Yoshida, Megan Watanabe, Elbert Yoshida and Ryan Cabanizas. 335 people participated in this tournament. It was hard to win because the level of tournament was high. I was very happy to see Mr. Shintaro Ohnuma who brought Hanshi 8 dan Michio Wakimoto sensei with him. I got some precious instruction from Wakimoto sensei. Nowadays no one gives me advices in Hawaii. It is very rewarding to have someone objectively observe my kendo and gives me timely advises. 26 Tokai University students with their 3 teachers are in town having kendo camp till March 4. We have keiko together on Sunday, March 2nd at Kaimuki Honbu Dojo. Be there and practice with them or observe their practice. Kenkyu kai practice is on Friday, March 7 at JCCH from 7:30PM. Mililani Kendo Club is hosting Spring Team Championship on Saturday, March 8 from 8:30AM at Mililani District Park Gym. Hawaii Kendo Federation new officers were elected in January. President – Kathy Nekomoto, Vise-President – Mike Sone, Secretary – Mark Miyamoto and Treasurer – Bert Shibuya. Their work requires lots of time and efforts. Please provide your assistance when they need. If you have to criticize, go easy on them. They don’t need stress in their volunteer work. Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club will sponsor a tournament on Saturday, April 5th, at Halawa Gym. Tell your dojo instructors if you are participating. At Honbu Dojo practice on Sunday, February 17th, Yuma Okada, 10 year old boy, was 1st to line up in front of Hanshi 8 dan Michio Wakimoto sensei for Jigeiko after fundamental practice. It was amazing that Yuma knew to ask for keiko from good senseis in order to get better. I was hoping those aspiring kenshis for 6 dan would line up first instead of Yuma. In Hawaii we seldom get opportunities to practice 8 dan senseis. We should capture the opportunity whenever becomes available.
Iwao Sato, Chief Instructor, Wahiawa Kendo Club