Skip to main content

Re: Humuity - WOody

Photo taken on 2008-11-20 WKC Beginners Grading


Date: Fri, Dec 19, 2008
RE: Humility

Yes indeed, Mark, my new friend. I too arrived home and opened what was for me one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received...My wife was so delighted to read the words that others had generously shared with and about me.


I imagined the thrill that my team mates were experiencing as they too opened their precious packets of friendship.

Thank you one and all in the Waikato Kendo club - best club in NZ without doubt! It is an honour to belong.

It was also really cool to see all the young people put on their Hakama for the first time. Adam and I squirmed with frustration as we missed out on learning the new moves amongst our comrades.

But we also enjoyed getting to know each other better and discussing the details of what we were seeing in the training. In kendo we learn from each other wit hour minds as well as our bodies in training. Sensei Marleen's wisdom was shared regarding the open and generous nature of our club. The young ones among us are lucky to have such great role models as Sam and Marleen, Robin and the other senior members, as well as intelligent and thoughtful newcomers like Mark. Thanks to Adam for sharing his knowledge of the kendo forums online also.

Keep saving people - bogu may not be too far away for us if we train hard.
Lastly, I regretfully depart for Kawhia tomorrow morning so will miss out on the celebrations at training. Please have a sake for me!!!

Arigato gozaimasu

David Udi WOody :-)

Comments

Popular Posts

Eiga and Morioka Sensei Kendo Seminar

We are honored to announce that Eiga Hideyuki Sensei (Hanshi 8th Dan) and Morioka Hiromitsu Sensei (Kyoshi 7th Dan) will be visiting New Zealand this August to lead a Kendo seminar. Everyone is warmly invited to join the event—or follow along for updates, photos, and highlight videos. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the wider Kendo community! Introducing Eiga and Morioka Sensei Eiga Hideyuki Sensei - Hanshi 8 Dan (栄花英幸 - 範士八段) Renowned worldwide for his exceptional skill and deep understanding of Kendo. Eiga Sensei’s notable achievements include placing 3rd at the 21st All Japan Invitational 8th Dan Tournament in 2023, first at the 19th All Japan Invitational 8th Dan Tournament in 2021, and placing 2nd and two 3rd positions at the All Japan Kendo Championships. He graduated from Tokai University and currently serves as a teacher at Hokkaido Eniwa-Minami High School. Morioka Hiromitsu Sensei - Kyoshi 7 Dan (森岡宏光 - 教士七段)  A respected teacher with vast experience...

2025 Beginners Information

You are warmly invited to join us and  start your New Year resolutions as a  Modern Samurai .  --- Information for Year 2025 Beginners --- Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays  Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays Intermediate and Advanced Class : 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays Starting Dates: Term 1: Saturday 25 January Term 2: Saturday 10 May  We will be accepting new students all Saturdays of May, but the earlier you can start, the better. Term 3: Saturday 19 July   Term 4: Saturday 11 October Join our 2025 Beginners Facebook Group  now to get updates. Or, email us for more information.  Course Information: No previous experience required. Regardless of gender,  ages from 6 to 60  are all welcome. First lesson  is your Free trial. Membership Fees:  Kids and School students: 50.00 per month Tertiary students and adults: 80.00 per month Family discounts : the 2nd family member is 50...

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades Thanks to Janet for organising this article. When entering & leaving the Dōjo (道場, training hall), we need to bow respectfully from the waist, first towards the direction of Joseki (上席), in our case this is the Waikato Kendo Club WKC banner.  (But in Japanese dōjo there is often a Kamiza (上座) with a small Shinto shrine or altar displayed with religious significance). And then bow towards Sensei & Senpai on your way in before neatly organising your belongings on the side & getting ready quietly. At beginning of each Keiko( 稽古), Sensei(先生)or Senpai(先輩) will say: Line up -  Seiretsu (整列) :  We will need to quickly find our position along a horizontal line facing Sensei (in the middle) in order of our experience/ rank with Senpai (Seniors) on the right and Kōhai (Juniors, 後輩 ) & Shoshinsha (Beginners,  初心者 ) on the left. Standing straight facing the front, holding Shinai firmly...