May 2008
People who practice with me regularly in Leeward dojos did very well in Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Tournament on April 5th. Yonenbu – 1st – Chase Takenaka, Shonenbu – 1st - Seth Denardi, Seinenbu – 2nd – Keone Rivers, Seinenbu Masters – 1st - Elbert Yoshida, Yudansha Womens – 2nd – Nicole Yoshida, Yudansha 3 dan and above – 1st – Wesley Fujimoto, 2nd – Andy Fujimoto, Yudansha Masters – 1st – Iwao Sato
I do not necessarily teach them how to win in tournaments. I rather emphasize more in fundamentals during my dojo practices. I am happy to know that our fundamental practices result in winning in tournaments.
Kenkyu Kai practice is on Friday, May 2nd at JCCH dojo from 7:30PM. Mr. Carl Nakamura has advised us that the agenda is Kata practice. Those who are taking coming dan examination should take this opportunity to practice.
Mr. Masashi Chiba, Hanshi 8 dan, from Tokyo will arrive in Hawaii on May 18. I am hoping that the practice schedule with him will be disclosed soon. Mr. Chiba who retired from Tokyo Metropolitan Police as a chief kendo instructor is now a frequent visitor to teach us.
Hawaii Kendo Federation 1 kyu and dan examination will be held on Sunday, June 8th at Kaimuki Gym. Those who wish to take the examination must be registered by May 25th.
Contact your dojo chief instructor soon if you are taking the examination.
Leeward Oahu Kendo Tournament will be on Sunday, Fathers’ Day, June 15 at Mililani District Park Gym. Mark your calendar and plan to come to help as court attendants or kitchen helper even if you are not participating.
As usual the hall we use for our practices will not be available for 3 Wednesdays in June because of the temple activities. Rather than canceling our practices, on June 11th, 18th and 25th, we will practice from 5:45PM to 6:45PM.
My father told me this story. When a very famous, high rank older sensei from Tokyo visited a countryside city, a young, strong kenshi was very excited to be selected to practice with him in front of many spectators. The young kenshi was very strong enough to overwhelm the sensei. Even he did kumiuchhi (wrestling) and took sensei’s men off which depicted to decapitate an enemy in ancient wars. He was happy to show his strength. Afterward, his big brother severely scolded him because this younger brother embarrassed the sensei in front of spectators.
When you happen to become good and strong enough to strike senseis left and right, you may strike senseis with a couple of good ones during the course of keiko to show your caliber. You do not need to beat and crush senseis.
Iwao Sato – Chief Instructor, Wahiawa Kendo Club