Notes to the seminar hosted by NOVA Budokai

The seminar was broken down into the following:

1) Shimpan training video
2) Shimpan training
3) Question and answer session regarding Shimpan training
4) Iaido demonstration (performed by our own Sensei, Larry Scanlon)
5) Lunch break
6) Kendo warm-up as a group
7) Kendo waza practices as a group
8) Kendo keiko
9) Question and answer session regarding Kendo in general

At that point I had to leave so I do not know what else was covered. Every dojo that attended received a Shimpan training DVD and instruction booklet.

The key points that I walked away with:

The Shimpan training was for nidan and up, but any shodan and below with bogu were used as competitors for the Shimpan training. Being ranked shodan, I still managed to walk away with a few pointers regarding tournaments, the most important of which being that if your foot completely leaves the court that should be the Hansoku foul, not if your foot is on the line.

I also got a moment to clear up a few questions I had regarding score keeping, especially a clarification of what colors the players will be. As I thought the players should almost always be a certain color. Well it goes as follows; player “A” will be red, player “B” will be white, player “C” will be red, player “D” will be white. If there are more competitors then the pattern continues.

In regards to kendo technique, when you make a strike you want to end it with a quick wrist snap. Also, keeping your back straight was emphasized along with working to keep your shoulders back – especially as you make a strike. Once again, when you make a Men strike you want your left arm to be bent with your right straight for the most part.

The May 12 seminar has been relocated

I just received an email stating the seminar intended for W&M has been relocated:

To all DC-area kendoists-

NoVA Budokai will be hosting a seminar on Saturday, May 12 at our new dojo at 25 S. Quaker Ln, Alexandria, VA. All are welcome to attend. Please see the message from Tina Canada, below, for details. Note that there will be a goodwill keiko after the seminar. Please refer to our website for directions: http://www.geocities.com/nvbudokai/dojo.htm

Also, feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks,

Brian Sherry
NoVA Budokai



Hey,

I'm sure most of you have been hearing the good news already. But if you haven't, we have official confirmation of the kendo seminar being hosted by Northern Virginia Budokai on Saturday, May 12th. The seminar will cover kendo and shimpan skills with instruction from Shinobu Maeda (7Dan) and Phillip Hyun (5Dan). This will be a one day seminar and there will be no promotional. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. and the seminar will begin at 9:00 a.m.

The cost of the seminar is $10 per participant to be paid at the door. Brian Sherry will also be taking orders for a BBQ lunch at around 1:00 p.m. at the door for $10 per person. I have attached a document with directions to the gym, contact information and more info about the catered lunch.

I look forward to seeing everyone there and greatly appreciate the help of Northern Virginia Budokai for hosting this event. Please feel free to forward this information to any interested kendoist.

Sincerely,

Tina L. Canada

- Josh

William and Mary seminar canceled.

The May 12-13 seminar has been canceled:

Dear SEUSKF member dojo,

We have been suddenly informed by the W&M personnel that we won't be able to use their Adair gym due to a unclear reason. Although W&M dojo members did their best to find a new place, it was very hard to find a right place for the seminar. Thus, by discussing with the President of SEUSKF, Ken Strawn sensei and Maeda sensei (VP of Promotion), we decided to cancel the seminar this time. Please be aware of it and cancel your hotel reservation as soon as possible.

We are truly sorry for your inconvenience and disappointment.We may reschedule for the seminar later time. Nonetheless, we appreciate W&M Kendo dojo members', especially Tina's, hard work for organizing this seminar. Hope we could get together soon.

Sincerely,

-Phillip Hyun
VP of Education, SEUSKF

- Josh