Daughter and Father in Kendo - Richard and Lilly

2016 Beginner Class-B Grading

17 September 2016

Richard:

I wasn't intending to join Kendo club at first, it was really Lilly's request, she had been asking to join since the beginning of the year.

When we came and observed beginners class briefly to see what it was like, I was very impressed by the atmosphere of tradition, kindness and respect.

There was a strong feeling of family, and as visitors we were made to feel very welcome.
So I became excited about joining this group with Lilly.

The greatest benefit I have gained from our short time with Kendo so far has been strengthening the bond between my daughter and I.

Training together as equals, helping each other, and having conversations relating to philosophical aspects of life, inspired by Kendo training have given us a greater sense of mutual respect.

The positive qualities we have been learning from our new Kendo family such as patience, clarity, focus, spirit, humility and kindness have made a positive impact on our personal life at home, and how we relate to each other.

For this I am very grateful.

Its a great start to our Kendo journey!

Lilly:

As soon as my dad had told me about Kendo I was eager to join in.

I had read books and watched cartoons that have inspired me to become a great swordsman.

When me and dad went to look at the Beginners Class-A we were moved by the passion, kindness, and respect the members showed for Kendo and each other, even we were warmly welcomed.

This made me even more eager to learn.

Since I started Kendo all has been great.

I have learnt so much about perseverance, patience, communication, strength, fitness, and much more.

But the things that have most affected me are balance, form, confidence, and even I think I've learnt about myself.

One thing I love about Kendo (and have loved it from the beginning) is the people!
It`s great how everyone treats each other.

As soon as I set foot in the Dojo I feel I feel respected and equal by and with everyone around me and that makes me feel happy to respect them back.

Thank You Sam and everyone at Waikato Kendo Club for welcoming us and all your help and guidance.

Star Wars Read - Hamilton City Library

15 October 2016

Richard and Lilly.

Comments

2026 Beginners Information

You are warmly invited to join us and begin your New Year’s journey as a Modern Samurai. Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays Intermediate and Advanced Class: 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays Starting Dates Term 1: Saturday 17 and 31 January ( no training on 24 January ) Term 2: Saturday 7 and 14 March Term 3: Saturday 25 July and 1 August Term 4: Saturday 31 October and 7 November Course Information No previous experience required. Open to all genders, ages 6 to 60 . Your first lesson is free (trial lesson). Day 1 Kendo Beginners – FAQ Little Samurai Kendo – Parents’ Information Monthly Membership Fees Primary school students: $50.00 Intermediate & high school students: $60.00 Tertiary students: $80.00 Adults: $100.00 Family Discounts Second family member: 50% off Third family member and beyond: free Learning Objectives By the end of the course, you will be ready to put on Bogu (armour)...

How do you practice seme?

Kobayashi Hideo Sensei – How to Seme (w/English CC) 小林英雄先生 - 攻め方 How do you practice S eme ? Very early on, I have heard of the “Three Opportunities to Strike”: strike when your opponent’s technique is about to start, strike when your opponent’s technique ends, and when the opponent is mentally and physically depleted. Since then, this line of thinking has given me a direction in how to train. In 2017, Utsunomiya sensei, 7-dan kyoshi, came to visit us and taught me the concept of “okori”. That reminds me of the conversation that happened 8 years before that in 2009 with Morioka sensei, also 7-dan kyoshi, who asked me: “What is the timing or reason of your strike?” I think most people are familiar with the idea that you should “ seme then strike ”. However, when do you strike after seme has been a source of struggle for most kenyu. That’s why when I saw the video from Kobayashi Hanshi where you seme for the purposes of creating “okori” , I felt this added a whol...

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...

Waikato Kendo Club

Search This Blog