Our First Keiko in 2017

We had our 1st 2017 keiko on Saturday 7 January.

A warm welcome to Walter from London and Minh Ha from Paris.

Also, welcome Jason moving from Otago to Hamilton and

Colin picking up shinai again!

It is really a special keiko to see such old and new faces!

Walter led a waza practice on debana kote.

Waza practice on debana kote

Ji-geiko

When Walter was introducing himself to the Waikato kohai,

Sam was surprised to hear that Walter started his Kendo here "fifteen" year ago!

It was then confirmed from a simple math: 2017-2002 = 15!

It is great to see Walter's dedication in Kendo, both a cornerstone in the NZ Team since 2006 and a recent achievement in Godan (5th Dan). Wish him and Minh Ha have a great time in NZ and a safe trip back to Europe!

Some more photos are here.

History on the Day

Our 1st Kendo in 2016 (9 January).

Best wishes to Felix, Claire and Zhefu

who have finished their study and returned to China to start a new page in their life.

Best wishes to Killian for his study at Waikato University and his journey in Karate.

Our 1st Kendo in 2015 (10 January).

For all the Waikato Kendoka,

Let's keep us well, study hard, work hard, training hard, play hard

and have a wonderful 2017 together!

Comments

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...

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 and Rototuna Junior and Senio High Schools 2025

Rototuna High School Kendo Club 2025 Our 2025 Kendo program at Rototuna High School has now come to an end, and I want to say how proud I am of all the students for their effort and commitment this year. Every Friday afternoon has been something I’ve looked forward to — not just for the practice, but for the energy, enthusiasm, and fun you all bring. It has been wonderful to see you challenge yourselves, support each other, and grow through Kendo. I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you, and I wish each of you all the very best in whatever comes next — whether that’s continuing with Kendo or simply carrying the lessons you’ve learned into your everyday life. A special thank-you also goes to Rototuna High Schools for supporting this program and giving us the chance to share Kendo together. Sam Tsai Renshi 6 Dan Waikato Kendo Club

Waikato Kendo Club

Search This Blog