THE INVITE

It begins late in the year 2001. I was informed that me and several others at the Waikato Kendo Club had the opportunity to be in a team representing New Zealand at the 2002 Hong Kong Asian Invitational Kendo Tournament. There would be over 20 teams from around the Asia Pacific region and several of us saw this as an amazing opportunity and soon stepped up our training under the watchful guidance of our dedicated coaches Sam and Marleen.

GETTING READY

During this time I was suffering a shoulder injury and spent many practices watching. I used the opportunity to develop my mental skills; this is an important aspect of Kendo as it is as much a competition with yourself as with an opponent. The struggle takes place in your mind.

It was five weeks before the event when I read The Book of Five Rings written by the great Japanese Samurai Miyamoto Musashi. This book and the insight it provided when combined with my experience and the teaching I had already received allowed me to direct and focus my mind preparing my mental state for the challenge ahead. I began to understand the concept of awareness, of freeing the mind and living absolutely in the moment. The idea being to approach all situations calm and aware with confidence and belief in the self. A true test of this state is combat, when the perceived stakes are high and a moment of doubt, fear or hesitation can lead to defeat. In the words of Musashi, "If your mind is open, you are free to be with the flow, to be in rhythm with the timing of change."

After several weeks of mental preparation waiting for the all clear from physio I resumed my practice and found that by applying with full faith what I had come to know, in some ways my performance had risen significantly. We spend most of our time at practice being mindful of our actions, working on specific aspects such as basic skills or tactics. Yet the goal we must try to attain is to free the mind, go out with no plan or intention except to defeat and kill our opponent. You must stay calm and aware, with the belief that through repetitive practice your body and subconscious mind will if the opportunity presents itself be capable of near perfect action to move in and strike defeating your opponent in mind, body and spirit. The biggest interference comes from the four poisons, fear, doubt, surprise and confusion. However these can only occur if the mind is allowed to dwell on the past or attempt to anticipate the future.

The time drew near, the team had been decided, myself, John Lee, Jeffery Ke, Sam Tsai and Marleen Charng, our manager Emily Drake and the team lucky charm 4 month old Joyce, Sam and Marleen's new baby daughter. Everyone applied themselves hard and much sweat, tears and blood were shed drawing our team together and making us strong. We were ready. The week before we left the training was designed light so that we could recover and draw ourselves out, to free ourselves, our technique and our minds for the competition ahead.

OFF TO THE FEAST

It was Thursday March 7th 2002. I awoke at eight somewhat weary from what turned into a good effort on the tequilas the night before. All thanks to my friends who thought it necessary to give me what they saw as a suitable send off. Fortunately I was able to get a lot of sleep on the shuttle to Auckland and the plane to Hong Kong. By the time we got there I was even feeling good again. We arrived at the hotel around 9:30pm Hong Kong time, it was very nice and we quickly made ourselves comfortable. We were all fairly hungry so it was round the corner to check out the local cuisine. I had been apprehensive about the possibility of developing an uncomfortable intestinal issue that can easily occur in any foreign country. This only days out from the competition would have proved rather unpleasant. But my hunger won and the feast of local food began. Something chicken with rice if I remember correctly.

THE APPETISER

We had the next day to enjoy ourselves and look around Hong Kong. So me, John and Jeffery proceeded to venture to some markets somewhere in the depths of somewhere, and we only got lost once on the way. Nice work John. After a fun but somewhat tiring day haggling with the local merchants and eating more tasty food we returned on the subway to our hotel where we rested for a few hours before the first training of the weekend.

At 9:30pm we and the many Kendoka that had arrived, filled a couple of buses and went to train with the Hong Kong Kendo club who was hosting the event. The nerves were high and the thought that I must be one of the least experienced competitors there tried to rise and settle in my mind. But by applying the useful trick of not thinking I made it very difficult for this thought to develop. So I just sat back and watched the lights roll by. We arrived at the Dojo and proceeded to sort ourselves out and line up. The room was not large and there were many Kendoka lining the walls of the room. It was at this point when Sam smiled at me pointing out that I was the only westerner in the room, something I had noted. It was funny though, by not being able to see myself it didn't really register that I looked any different. Soon the training began, the idea being that you just line up and wait to be trained by one of the several high dan grades that are there to practice with. From the side of the room it looked like a great battle with maybe 15 or so sets of people all fighting at once. Most impressive. I was able to train with 5 different senpai (seniors) that evening and apart from splitting the bamboo in my shinai and not initially noticing, it went reasonably well. I was given some good instruction and was hit lots, that's what its all about, good fun.

After this it was a quick shower and off down the road for dinner. Roughly 40 of us strolled down the road and filled one of the local restaurants. The feasting started. The food rolled out, the beer flowed and the introductions began. It's interesting, there's a certain understanding beyond words that develops when a group of strangers gather to fight and sweat together. This bond was strengthened with the sharing of good food, drink and friendly conversation. I had an exceptionally entertaining evening, and must have tried 15 or more different dishes. My glass remained magically full for the whole event. Something that normally remains merely a dream for most students. The food, drink and company were all equally good and by the end all my aches except that of my belly being full had been adequately dulled. Upon returning to the hotel I decided upon a stroll to settle my dinner, calm my mind and reflect on what I had learned during the past evening. The lights of the city were magnificent and life was good.

THE ENTREE

I awoke the next morning and after a shower, some breakfast and a couple hours rest, the dull throb in my head had gone. Considering I was to spend much of the afternoon getting hit in the head, this was a good thing. At lunchtime we were taken to the sports centre where the competition would tomorrow take place. The hall was large and there were many people all moving around busy preparing and catching up with old friends. Our shinai's were weighed and checked. Next we had the rules explained and this was followed by a judging seminar. For this they needed some fights to judge. It was decided that New Zealand along with several other countries would provide two representatives.

As not to disappoint those who were perhaps curious to see how well the blonde fair skinned guy from NZ could fight, Sam looking a little amused choose myself and John for the privilege. So we geared up, teams were randomly selected and the fun began. After watching a brave young lad from the Philippines face one of Korea's finest I felt inspired. So I mustered all my enthusiasm and spirit, went out and performed well, but as is sometimes the case experienced an honourable defeat. After this there was a couple of hours keiko (practice) during which me and the rest of the NZ team had the good fortune of being able to train with the 8th Dan Korean Sensei who was presiding over the whole event. This very impressive and dignified individual provided me with several very valuable improvements that I know helped my Kendo significantly. Keeping these in mind I proceeded to have a very good keiko with many others that afternoon. This had left me feeling that I was as prepared as I could hope to be. All sense of doubt and fear were gone, I was ready.

That evening was the formal dinner and team draw in the hotel restaurant. The food was delicious the sushi spread was amazing and the draw for the first round of the competition promising. There were photos and plenty of opportunity to talk with and befriend many people. After some expensive sake shared with words of wisdom from a very experienced kendoka that I had just meet that evening I proceeded upstairs to bed. However I found myself lured to a room across the hall with the promise of good company, tasty snacks and free beer. It sounded good so I found myself sitting and talking with some of the Philippines team for quite sometime. Eventually though it was time to rest as there was a big day tomorrow.

THE MAIN COURSE

It began early, breakfast at seven and we were at the hall by eight. We warmed up, and then sat for some time listening to the opening speeches that had to be recounted in no less than five languages. The group photo was taken while everyone was still looking fresh and then it was all go. The women's teams went first and after coming down to a mighty battle between Chinese Taipei and Korea, Korea was victorious.

It was now our turn. I must say it was reassuring to have Sam and Marleen providing guidance and direction. They were right at this point the result did not matter, we had only to go out and do our best. We already gained so much by just coming to such an event and being exposed to Kendo at this level. For myself it was time to see if I could truly control my mind and apply what I had come to know. You see the advantage of competition is the perceived level of pressure it applies, this raises the spirit and makes it a challenge to remain mentally detached. I dared to empty my mind, to remain calm and completely aware of the moment.

The order had been decided, Jeffery to open, Marleen, me and John were the filling and Sam was there to mop up the pieces, it was a good plan. We lined up facing our opponents and bowed. At this point the battle begins. It starts with our spirits and our minds. It is important to externally appear strong and confident. And internally to believe in the defeat of your opponent and to know that they have already been overcome. There can be no doubt of victory. The fight has begun.

I felt more nervous watching the others compete than when competing myself. Together we did it, we were victorious for our first match, then again for our second. Beyond all expectations we were through to the top eight. We had a break for lunch and were fortunate enough to receive some useful instruction from the Korean Sensei. It was soon time for match three, we stepped up and again a win. This placed us in the top four. If we were to win our next event we would get to face Korea for 1st and 2nd. This time however fortune did not favour the bold, but we fought hard and no honour was lost. We had already exceeded all expectations and had placed at the 2002 Hong Kong Asian Invitational Kendo Tournament. On the day we all rose to the occasion and together we were strong.

After this we watched the Men's Finals, it was an amazing display of Kendo. Korea versus Manila, with Korea the victors after an intense confrontation. I felt lucky just to be there and able to watch such an event with my own eyes.

At the prize giving ceremony I felt honoured to stand with my teammates and receive our medals and trophy. It cannot be forgotten to thank those who helped and supported us, in particular Emily and her Uncle, Jeffery's family and of course our lucky charm, Joyce.

This was followed by a final keiko for those who wished to join. I fought hard and tried to get around all those whom I had befriended over the past few days. By the end I was exhausted and looked worse for wear. Growth can be a painful experience at times.

DESSERT

The fighting was over and we returned to the hotel where we rested for a while, then Jeffery's family who had come over from Taiwan to support us took us out for dinner. We went to the Hong Kong Seafood Markets and were treated to the most impressive seafood dinner I have ever eaten. It was a suitable way to celebrate our significant achievement. Many Thanks.

Upon returning to the hotel I took the opportunity to take another late night walk and reflected on my experiences in the last few days. Words fail to describe my feelings at the time. But I came to realise that I had only begun to tap the potential of the self and derived much happiness from the thought of what will one day be possible. And life was good.

The next day we had time for some more shopping and one more experience of Hong Kong, so again we ventured into the depths of the city. After this we returned to the hotel, packed and said our farewells to the new friends we had made. Somewhat saddened that this time had come to an end we departed Hong Kong bound for the distant peaceful lands of home.

I remember waking on the plane; the distant sky was starting to brighten as a new day approached. And there sitting on the horizon was the fine crescent of a new moon. I think the significance of which was appropriate. A new moon is a time of beginnings and not endings.

A TOAST TO ALL THAT IS GOOD

During these five days something within awoke. I was exposed to what is possible, I was given many images of what I can strive to achieve. I know this would have occurred regardless of our result. For there is one aspect of Kendo that is perhaps the most important for me and I felt at this event in particular. Your spirit and determination is what is on display, it is this which grows. Your skill is secondary to how others perceive you, to fight with determination and vigour, with awareness and attention to detail is all that is hoped for and is what bestows praise and respect.

Any event in your life is as significant as you allow it to be. For me I approached this trip with an open mind and allowed my experiences to influence my being. I was rewarded with five of the best days of my life.

There are many paths to understanding, it requires only that you choose one and begin. You cannot realise what the journey will hold and what you may learn on 'the way'. The beauty of life is that there are many others who will help and guide you should you accept this challenge. True understanding can only come from experience and experience derives from action and reaction.

Through Kendo I have had many adventures and with the application of the principles I have learned I have gained insight into the world around me. Thank you to all those people who have encouraged and guided me so far upon my own journey. I hope we meet again.

In particular Sam and Marleen I hope you understand how much our meeting has influenced my life and how you have helped me to grow. Many Thanks.

THE MORALE

Feast on life. Consume all you can.

Do not rest to long for who knows what adventure and beauty lays along the road ahead. And what fellow travellers you may meet.