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Acknowledging Our Unsung Heroes - Eiga and Morioka Sensei seminar

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2025 Eiga and Morioka Sensei Seminar


Dear Kenshi and Friends,

On behalf of Waikato Kendo Club, I want to sincerely thank you for joining us at the August seminar and for celebrating our dojo’s 26th Anniversary together.

Your participation—whether travelling from near or far, adjusting your schedules, or simply bringing your spirit and energy—made this gathering truly meaningful. 

It was wonderful to see old friends reconnect, new friendships formed, and everyone learning together under the guidance of Eiga sensei and Morioka sensei.

Organising this seminar was not an easy journey, but your enthusiasm and dedication made every effort worthwhile. 

We hope that the teachings and memories from this weekend will continue to inspire your kendo journey.

Acknowledging Our Unsung Heroes

While everyone’s presence made this seminar special, I would like to especially acknowledge the “unsung heroes” whose efforts behind the scenes made it all possible:

  • Ben Kennedy, Head of Sport Department, Hillcrest High School - for helping me to organise the two gyms that keeps the teaching flow sound and safe.

  • Clement Guo – Waikato old boy, who took initiative for bridging connections with the Australian Kendo Renmei.

  • Andrew van Hamond, AKR President – for rallying the Australian team, organising transport, and showing great leadership and thoughtfulness.

  • IT & Proofreading teams – Jae Tsai, Leo Lin, Jeffrey Ke, Sam Tsai, Janet Yen & Rex Wu – for working tirelessly into the late hours to perfect the registration system and seminar webpage.

  • Agnes Chen & Matthew Henderson – for their generosity and countless hours of funding applications, which kept us afloat when resources were tight.

  • Maiko Smith & Nick Smith, Hiroko-san & family – for opening their homes and hearts to host our senseis with warmth and extra care.

  • Chun-fang Huang sensei base in Taiwan – for her dedicated correspondence with Eiga and Morioka sensei, ensuring flawless communication despite time differences.

  • Interpreter team – Sachiyou Lee sensei from Rembuden, Rina-san from AKC, Akiyo Yamaguchi Ellin sensei from Maru, Blake Bennett sensei and Tamura sensei from Australia – for making the teachings accessible to all participants.

  • On-site & support staff – Gaelle Guyader, Rex Wu, Nicole Richard, Matthew Henderson, Joe Vuataki, and Orion Wang – for their tireless work in logistics, check-ins, childcare, filming, and photography.

Each of you gave your time, energy, and heart without expecting recognition, and I am deeply humbled by your selflessness. This seminar was not my achievement—it was ours.

Once again, thank you all for being part of this milestone in our dojo’s history. I look forward to training together and meeting again in the spirit of kendo.

With gratitude,
Marleen 🙇
- -

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