The Iaido Newsletter
A publication of shared distribution dedicated to the Japanese sword arts, Iaido, Kendo and the Koryu A Sei Do Kai Publication (Incorporating the OKF News) http://www.uoguelph.ca/~iaido	Vol 10/5-6 #92 May/June 1998 $5.00 per issue PHOTOCOPY AND SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER! http://www.uoguelph.ca/~kataylor

AUSTRALIA David Kolb, 30 Neville St. Kangaroo Point, Qld. 4169 Australia.

BALTICS Tonis Kunnus, Kalatsova kula, Meremae EE2751, Voru maakond, Estonia.

BELGIUM: Erik Pooters Wittestraat 9 Kiel, Antwerpen 2020 Belgie.

CANADA CENTRAL Sandra Jorgenson, 77 Harbour Sq. #3310 Toronto Ont. M5J 2S2.

CANADA EAST Robert Miller, 45 Cedar Cr. Beaconsfield, Quebec H9W 4S9.

CANADA WEST Barry Wiseman, 11038 Greenwood Dr. Mission B.C. V4S 1A9.

CENTRAL EUROPE Zsolt Balassy, H-1046 Budapest, Toth A. u. 19. Hungary.

DENMARK Bjarne Blichfeldt Katholm 210 3670 Vekso Denmark.

ENGLAND Douglas Evans 10 Daglish Close, New Romney, Kent TN28 8XF.

FINLAND Pasi Hellsten, Luuvaniementie 4 D 126, SF-00350 Helsinki, Finland.

GERMANY Klaus Wissmath, Rathenaustrasse 9A, D-91052 Erlangen.

HOLLAND Johan Smits, Dunant Straat 866 Zoetermeer Netherlands 2713 XJ.

JAPAN Colin Hyakutake, Matsubara 4 Chome 6-19, Saga City, Saga Ken, Japan 840.

NEW ZEALAND Hamish Robison 15 Logan Tce. Parnell, Auckland.

SWEDEN Arne Oster, Akerogatan 2, S-417 28 Goteborg.

SWITZERLAND Nicolae G. Bialokur, 18 ch. Champ-Soleil, 1012 Lausanne, Suisse.

USA EAST J.S.S. PO Box 1116 Rockefeller Stn. New York, NY USA 10185.

USA HAWAII Hunter Armstrong, 315 Foothills Dr., Sedona, AZ 86336.

USA S-CENTRAL John Ray, 1909 Archer Trail, Denton TX, 76201.

USA WEST COAST Bill Howell, 2525 NE 23rd St. Portland Oregon, 97212.

SEMINAR/EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

SEMINAR IN FRANCE

18TH IAIDO/KENDO SEMINAR FONTENAY-LE-COMTE / FRANCE 1998 (All levels) with Jean-Pierre RAICK (7th Dan Kyoshi Kendo-Iaido) 3 Periods :

1) Iaido (July 19-23)

- Kihon Zen Ken Ren Iaido

- Muso Shinden Ryu (Shoden-Chuden-Okuden)

- Tamiya Ryu

- Optional Kendo geiko (every evening)

2) Kendo (July 26-30)

- General practice

- Dai Ichi/Ni/San Kihon

- Kendo no Kata

- Gogyo no Kata

- Arbitratorship

- Kyu gradings (with your teachers permission)

3) Kendo (August 2-6)

Similar but complementary workshop with 2. period

Between each period : free Geiko in evenings

Reception before first day (Saturday evening from 19:00 to 20:00)

Classes:

One period: 750 FF

Two periods: 1200 FF

Three periods: 1400 FF

For information, please contact :

J.P. Carpentier

Tel/Fax : 00.333.20.85.13.78

and after July 18 :

INCAF-KENDO at 02.51.69.45.29 / 06.08.18.19.50

- BEFORE July 12 to :

J.P. CARPENTIER

25, rue Gosselet 59000 Lille - FRANCE

Fax : 02.20.85.13.78

or AFTER July 13 to :

INCAF - Stage Kendo

2, rue Francis Eon - B.P. 337

85206 Fontenay-le-Comte / FRANCE

Fax : 02.51.69.78.30

MUSO SHINDEN RYU SEMINAR IN SCANDINAVIA

There will be two seminars, first in Helsinki, Finland from 30.6. to 5.7.1998 and after that in Uppsala, Sweden from 13.7. to 17.7.1998.

The teacher in these seminars will be Takada Gakudo Sensei from Yokohama. He is hanshi, 8th dan and has also menkyo kaiden both Muso Shinden Ryu and Ono-ha Hoki ryu.

You will find the Seminar schedule at: http://www.utu.fi/~japene/iaido.htm

or

http://www.sci.fi/~iaido/Hikari/ak1.html

Further information:

In Finland:

Ms Leena Makinen (leena.makinen@witraktor.wihuri.fi)

Tel. +358-9-825 85 439

In Sweden:

Mr Martin Agback (Martin.Agback@kvac.uu.se)

Tel. +46-18-694 619

BKA SUMMER IAIDO SEMINAR

This years summer iaido seminar will be held in New Romney, Kent. This is near the South Kent coast in easy reach of Dover, Folkeston, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, and Ashford International Railway station.

Instructors at this years seminar will be Haruna Sensei (7th Dan kyoshi), Oshita Sensei (7th dan Kyoshi) and possibly Iwamoto Sensei (7th Dan Kyoshi) who would be making his first visit to the UK. Where necessary they will be assisted by British 6th dans.

DATES AND TIMES

The seminar will run from 5th August 1998 to 9th August 1998. Practices will begin at 10.00am each day. The hall is available for practice until 7.00 pm, although the lessons will end at 5.00 pm.

Please arrive by 9.30 on the first day to ensure registration is completed in time for the start of the first class.

GRADING

There will be an iaido grading to 4th dan on Saturday afternoon (8th August), followed by a Jodo Grading to 3rd dan. All overseas grading candidates please ensure that the Chairman of the British Kendo Association has the appropriate documents from your Association confirming your eligability to grade.

JODO

This is not a Jodo seminar, and the Jodo grading has been added on for convenience. Opportunities for Jodo practice will be made available, and there may be some opportunities for tuition.

Additional costs may be incurred for these facilities, if so a small extra charge may have to be made.

FEES AND PAYMENT

The fees for the seminar are as follows: £125.00 for seminar or £30 per day

Junior £75 for the seminar, or £15.00 per day £25.00 deposit required by the 1st May for UK applicants Applications after 1st may: £150.00 in full

For overseas students, payment can be made on arrival as follows: £125 for students who reserve a place by 1st May £150 for students who reserve a place later than 1st May

Reservations can be made by E-mail to bkanews@eclipse.co.uk. (plese send cc. to mps@dircon.co.uk).

Accommodation is plentiful, from £10.00 per night B&B. please specify accommodation requirements at the time of application and we will try to do the best deal for you. Obviously booking early will be an advantage.

Please send this information to as many people as possible in your dojo, and through your own network of contacts.

Peter West

BKA iaido bu, BKA News editor.

Please reply to:

bkaeditor@eclipse.co.uk

http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~bka/

KYUDO SCHEDULE: KANJURO SHIBATA

Ryuko Kyudojo in Boulder, CO, has released the following teaching schedule of Kanjuro Shibata Sensei.

3-6 July, Halifax (Nova Scotia) Kyudo Intensive

Contact: Matthew Zalichin, Phone 902-423-0449.

20-25 July, RMSC Kyudo Program

Contact: Scott Spanbauer, Phone 303-442-7088.

25-30 July, RMSC Kyudo Instructor's Training (*)

Contact: Scott Spanbauer, Phone 303-442-7088.

2-13 August, Dechen Choling (France) Kyudo Program

Contact: Heike Mitze, Phone/FAX 49-228-632117.

14-16 August, Vienna (Austria) Kyudo Intensive

Contact: Heike Mitze, Phone/FAX 49-228-632117.

19-21 September, Sante Fe (NM) Kyudo Intensive

Contact: Tanya Epp, Phone 505-473-3063, 505-820-0583.

(*) Sensei has opened the Instructor's Training to include instructors, assistants, and intermediate/ advanced practitioners.

I also received a letter from Seiko Kyudojo at Karme Choling, Barnet, VT, with respect to this expansion of the Instructor's Training Seminar. Let me quote the opening paragraph, as it contains the rationale for this change and the criteria for attendance.

"We are very pleased to invite you to the Advanced Kyudo Intensive at Karme Choling, this June 5 to 14. In order to spend as much time as possible together as a group with Sensei, we are all encouraged to participate in the full nine-day intensive. This kyudo retreat will be a unique opportunity to deepen our practice and our personal connection with Sensei. This year's format is a bit different than in previous years. Traditionally, this program has been for instructors, instructors-in- training and a few invited guests. This year, in the interest of creating greater exposure to kyudo, Sensei has opened the program to any kyudo practitioner who has been shooting for at least one year. It is always a rigorous and demanding program, as well as an extremely powerful and exhilarating one. For these reasons, we strongly request that you consider this program only if you have had a consistent practice for at least one year. Please call or fax David Harlap in Boulder if you have any questions concerning your eligibility or participation in the program (303-440-0603). For all other questions regarding the kyudo program or Karme Choling, call the Karme Choling contact people listed at the end of the letter."

The Karme Choling contact people are Mr. Eric Laufe and Mr. Pascal Machado. Phone: 802-633-2384 Daily office hours 1:30 - 5:30 PM EST. FAX: 802-633-3012

email: KarmeCholing@ConnRiver.net

FYI: Mr. David Harlap is the Ryuko Kyudojo Manager in Boulder, CO.

The rest of the letter included information on schedule, equipment, costs, and travel.

Cost (5-14 June, Karme-Choling Kyudo Instructors Training): $375/nine-days or $75/day.

Near the end of the letter it says:

"NOTE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS: DO NOT WAIT until the week before to register for the program or to make your travel plans."

That is *all* the detailed information that I have with respect to the overall schedule. Please contact the people listed for more detailed information like specific location, daily schedule and cost. There were no email addresses included with the list of contacts; if the contact people are on this list, perhaps they would be kind enough to identify themselves.

Any transcription errors are my own.

Raymond Sosnowski, New Hampshire.

1998 JAPAN TAIKAI SCHEDULE

from Robert Stroud, Oregon.

Apr 3-5, 2nd National Grade School Kendo Taikai (Miyamoto Musashi Memorial), Kumamoto City

Apr 12, 22nd Meiji Mura Kendo Taikai, Aichi Pref, Inuyama City

May 3, 46th National Inter Prefecture Kendo Taikai, Osaka City

May 3-6, 46th Kyoto Taikai (94th All Japan Demonstration Match Exhibition), Kyoto City

May 16, 1998 Annual National Customs House (Zeikan) Kendo Taikai, Yokohama City

May23-24, 39th Inter Prefecture Naginata Taikai, Kumamoto City

Jun 1, 46th National Masters Budo Taikai, Nippon Budokan, Tokyo

Jul ?, 46th All Japan East-West Pref. Students Indiv. Championship Taikai, Tokyo City

Jul ?, 46th All Japan Women's Student Kendo Championship Taikai, Tokyo City

Jul 12, 8th Eastern Regional Business Women's Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Jul 25-29, 1998 Annual Gyoku Ryuki Hi School Kendo Taikai, Fukuoka City

Jul 25-26, 1998 Annual All Japan Youth Budo (Kendo) Training Taikai, Tokyo City

Jul ?, 33rd All Japan Youth Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Aug 4, 15th All Japan Housewive's Kendo Team Taikai, Nippon Budokan, Tokyo City

Aug 5, 11th All Japan Policemen's Youth Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Aug 6-8, 45th National Hi School Kendo Taikai, Matsuyama City

Aug 8, 33rd National Special Hi School Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Aug 9, 40th National School Teachers Kendo Taikai, Osaka City

Aug 10, 29th National Hi School Student Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Aug 18, 48th Nikko Kendo Taikai, Nikko City

Aug 21-23, 28th Middle School Kendo Taikai

Sep 6, 13th Land/Sea/Air Friendship Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Sep 13, 37th All Japan Women's Kendo Championship Taikai, Nagoya City

Sep 15, 41st All Japan Business Group Kendo Taikai, Nippon Budokan, Tokyo City

Sep 27, 44th East West Kendo Taikai, Osaka City

Oct 4, 25th All Japan Jodo Taikai, Osaka City

Oct 18, 33rd All Japan Iaido Taikai (Indiv), Hiroshima City

Oct 25, 53rd Physical Education Meet Kendo Taikai, Kanagawa Pref

Oct ?, 46th All Japan Student Kendo Taikai, Osaka City

Nov 1, 11th National Health & Welfare Festival Kendo Taikai, Nishio City

Nov 3, 46th All Japan Kendo Championship (Indiv), Nippon Budokan, Tokyo City

Nov 7, 30th All Japan Governmental Office Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Nov 7-8, 47th National Youth Kendo Taikai, Tokyo City

Nov ?, 13th All Japan Student Iaido Taikai, Kyoto City

Nov ?, 17th All Japan Girls' Student Kendo Championship Taikai, Nagoya City

SAN DIEGO MJER

The Jikishin-kai is pleased to announce the Third Annual Gashuku (seminar) for Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu.

Instructor: Masayuki Shimabukuro, 7th dan and kyoshi, Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu

Dates: September 4, 5 and 6, 1998

Place: San Diego, CA

Hombu Dojo and University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

SEMINAR AGENDA:

Friday, September 4th: Hombu Dojo

6-7:30pm Open practice and introductions

Saturday, September 5th: UCSD

10:00-11:30 Beginning kata and katachi

11:30-12:30 Lunch (included in seminar price)

12:30-2:00 Intermediate kata and katachi

2:15-3:45 Advanced kata and katachi

4:00-5:00 Jo-do

The evening of the 4th is open for talks and discussions with Sensei Shimabukuro.

All levels are encouraged to attend all the sessions!

Sunday, September 6th: UCSD

9:00-10:15 Tameshigiri Session #1 [first 10 people; 3rd kyu or higher] 10:30-11:45 Tameshigiri Session #2 [first 10 people; 3rd kyu or higher] 12:00-1:00 Promotion Testing

1:30 - ??? Celebration BBQ Party

PRICES:

The seminar has one fee for all sessions at $100/person. This includes all the iai sessions, jo, and tameshigiri sessions, a complimentary T-shirt, and lunch on Saturday.

The tameshigiri session includes the use of a "live" sword, stand, and 2 mats for cutting.

The BBQ party is a separate $20/person.

Promotion Fees:

6th-4th kyu: $40

3rd-1st kyu: $50

Sho-dan-ho: $75

Sho-dan: $100

Ni-dan: $200

At the conclusion of the seminar a party and barbecue is offered for those wishing to linger in beautiful San Diego on the evening of the September 6th to unwind and enjoy the company of other iaidoka and with Sensei "Shima".

A complimentary Iaijutsu Seminar T-shirt will be given to all who attend.

Accomodations close to the Hombu Dojo are available. Call for info. Please contact the Jikishin-kai for more information on pricing and accomodations:

Phone: (619) 560-4517

or email at erikt@cts.com

We look forward to seeing you!

1998 AUSKF SUMMER IAIDO

This year's AUSKF Summer Iaido Camp will be held Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, August 2, 1998 in Dallas, Texas. Takeshi Yamaguchi Sensei, Kendo Kyoshi 7th Dan, Iaido Renshi 6th Dan, will head an instructional panel comprised of some of America's highest-ranking Iaido Senseis. This year's camp will encompass 2 full days of instruction, one day of tournaments, and one day of rank promotion and embu. These events are open to all current or prospective members of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), members of the International Kendo Federations (IKF), and interested guests.

The camp will be held at the Greenhill School Gymnasium located at 4141 Spring Valley Road in Addison, Texas. Tournament day will include two tournaments. The Inoue Cup will be held for all 3rd Dan and below, regardless of affiliation. The AUSKF Championship will be held for AUSKF members 4th Dan and up. Testing will be offered for AUSKF members up to YonDan.

The registration fee is $120 per AUSKF member and includes the seminar fee, tournament fee, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners. An optional rodeo and barbecue is offered as Saturday night entertainment. Registration fees of $200 per non-AUSKF member also includes all of the above events (except the optional BBQ and rodeo). Testing and menjo fees will be charged additionally. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotel. All lunches will be served at the event site.

We have arranged with the Courtyard Marriott for a block of rooms at a reduced rate for camp participants. The Courtyard Marriott is located at 4165 Proton Drive, Addison, Texas 75244. The blocks of rooms are reserved at the rate of $64 per night for a single/double, standard room. Reservations should be made by July 9, 1998. Rooms are reserved under the names DFWKIK - AUSKF. Call 800.321.2211.

Limited ground transportation to and from the sites will be available since the event site is located within walking distance of the hotel. Ground transportation to and from the airports in the Dallas area will be provided for all senseis and shimpans. Transport to and from both airports for participants will be provided by Super Shuttle for $12 per person, one way. This service can be found at all "ground transportation" pickup locations (at DFW International Airport, look for the orange "shared ride" sign downstairs at all terminals). Watch for the blue and yellow vans with "North Dallas" displayed, and ask to go to the Marriott Courtyard, Addison.

We will also be printing a camp program to list the events and thank our sponsors including national and regional federations, individual dojos, and any business or person wanting to support our efforts. Full, half, and quarter page ads can be purchased at $150, $85, and $50, respectively. Interested parties should contact:

Phong Le

Hm. (972)208-2544

Wk. (214)812-4713

7813 Pirates Cove, Plano, TX 75205

dfwkik@aol.com

All applications and forms are included in the registration packets. Check with your regional President to get copies or contact us and we can e-mail them to you (Word for PC documents). All forms should be returned July 10th to the camp mailing address below. Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Yours in the best of spirit,

David Cooper

Co-Chairman

Phone: (972)964-0218

Fax: (214)520-7729

coop@flash.net

Jim Guinan

Camp Co-ChairmanCamp

Phone: (972)239-6578

Fax: (972)612-5623

E-Mail: jgu364@airmail.net

Camp Mailing Address:

DFWKIK

Co/ David Cooper

3333 Canyon Valley Trail

Plano, Texas 75023

For additional information, visit the DFWKIK web site at:

http://www.flash.net/~coop

EUROPEAN IAIDO AND JODO SEMINAR

from Aad van de Wijngaart

For those people who haven't heard yet: this August there will be a seminar of iaido and jodo in Sittard, The Netherlands. This is the 1998 edition of the major European seminar that rotates between Britain and Holland.

Classes will be taught by Ishido Shizufumi sensei (MSR iaido 8-dan kyoshi, jodo 8-dan kyoshi, kendo 7-dan kyoshi) plus a number of 7-dan sensei from Muso Shinden Ryu (Aoki, Ishizaki and Sakaguchi senseis, who're also 7-dan in jodo), Shinkage Ryu (Matsuoka sensei) and Tamiya Ryu (Ota sensei).

Jodo practice is Monday August 10 - Wednesday August 12. Iaido practice is Thursday August 13 - Saturday August 15.

Daily schedule: 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00 h.

Location: Euregional Sports and Congress Centre Sittard, Sportcentrumlaan 5, Sittard

Seminar cost: jodo or iaido Dfl 200; both Dfl 350

Single room w/o meals: Dfl 65 per night. Double room w/o meals: Dfl 32.50 per person per night. The rooms are organized in apartments with toilet, shower and small kitchen. The prices in the Centre's restaurant are as follows:

Breakfast: Dfl 14.50

Lunch: Dfl 21.50

Dinner: Dfl 32.50

The center of Sittard, a picturesque small town, is ca. 2 kilometers from the sports centre. It has lots of bars and restaurants.

There will be gradings up to and including 4-dan for jodo (on Wednesday) and iaido (on Saturday). There's a possibility that higher gradings will be held too, but at this moment it's not certain.

OCTOBER KENDO SORITSU SHA

Open Shiai and Seminar

Newcastle University

Saturday 3rd Sunday 4th October 1998

Held to honour the founders of Australian Kendo Sensei Okura, Yoshida, Takeuchi and Lawley, as well as Tajima, Geuriot and Bennet who assisted.

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE

Saturday 3rd October

8.30 am Kyu grade teams

10.30 am Dan grade teams

12.30 pm lunch

1.30 pm Kyu grade individuals

2:30 pm Dan grade individuals

4:00 pm Womens individuals

Sunday 4th October

6.00 am Waza

7:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am training in waza for gradings

11:30 am Lunch

1:00 pm Explanation of waza, uchi komi, free keiko

IAIDO PRACTICE TOPS

100% cotton, sized to you and supplied at cost through the Sei Do Kai. $70 (includes postage). Black or white, other colours may be extra. Measure the chest size at nipple height, shoulder point to shoulder point, and from neck to mid-thigh. Send your measurements to Sei Do Kai. 44 Inkerman St. Guelph, Ontario Canada N1H 3C5.

SEMINAR REPORTS

EUROPEAN KENDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

The European Kendo championship 1998 was held 9-13 April in Basel, Switzerland.

TEAM-Men

1 France

2 Hungary

3 Spain and Belgium

INDIVIDUAL-Men

1 M. Herbold (Holland)

2 T. Barany (Hungary)

3 F. Salsca (France)

3 G. Erdlyi (Hungary)

TEAM-Women

1 Switzerland

2 Finland

3 Italy and France

23RD AUSTRALIAN KENDO CHAMPS

Results of the individuals events from the first day of the 23rd Australian Kendo Championships, with about 120 individuals taking part in one or more events. Held in Wollongong, NSW, Australia.

Kyu Individuals

1: C. Law NSW

2: I. Bober NSW

3: S. Avery ACT

Womens

1: C. Chan VIC

2: K. Jones NSW

3: H. Aboutaleb VIC

Open

1: B. Smith VIC

2: K. Smith NSW

3: T. Itakura NSW

Veterans

1: Y. Yano NSW

2: T. Rixon NSW

3: T. Kokubun TAS

Juniors

1: S. Toyoike QLD

2: K. Shin NSW

3: T. Hsu NSW

TEAMS: For the first time all 7 Australian state and territory federations had 5 person teams in the open team event.

Kata

1: VIC

Kyu teams

1: VIC (Thalong, Vink, Mulligan, Walker)

2: NSW (Clarke, Steinke, Bober, Horigome, Carrick)

Dan Teams

1: NSW (Sano, Itakura, Burke, Smith, Choi)

2: VIC (Egerton, Osborne, Smith, Jackson, Aboutaleb)

Womens Teams

1: NSW A

GRADING RESULTS

Grading results from 10/04/98 grading in conjunction with the 1998 Australian Kendo Championships. Head of the grading panel was Mr Kojima, 8 dan kendo hanshi, 8 dan iaido. Kendo Gradings conformed to the rules introduced by the IKF in 1997 (ie 7 person 6 dan and above for 4 dan grading).

State and country abbreviations used: NSW New South Wales, VIC Victoria, QLD Queensland, SA South Australia, WA Western Australia, TAS Tasmania, ACT Australian Capital Territory, NZ New Zealand.

All grades are subject to Australia Kendo Renmei confirming eligibility.

IAIDO GRADING (5 candidates)

Richard Sly sankyu

Kevin Humphrey QLD sankyu

Adam MartinVIC nikkyu

Claire ChanVIC nidan

KENDO GRADING

KYU (3 candidates, from Australian States that do not hold their own gradings and NZ)

Marilyn Lindquist NZ 4kyu

Christopher WallaceSA 2kyu

Melanie Smith SA 1 kyu

SHODAN (4 candidates)

Neil Lee NZ

Douglas Griffith QLD

Shune Toyoike QLD

NIDAN (9 candidates)

Stuart Rose NSW

Grey Wyncoll ACT

Paul Smith SA

Susan Bonar WA

David Bunder NSW

SANDAN (5 candidates)

Catherine Hallgath NSW

YONDAN (4 candidates)

John Isaacs QLD

Takahiro Tsukadaira QLD

Aden Steinke

Secretary

NSW Kendo Association

SWUSKIF SHINSA

The following individuals attained their new kendo rank at the SWUSKIF Shinsa held in Taos, New Mexico:

Dixon, Jim 1st Dan Taos Kendo Dojo

Kanner, Robert 1st Dan New Mexico Kendo Kai

McMackin, Ian 1st Dan New Mexico Kendo Kai

Anderson, Brian 1st Kyu aos Kendo

Gattone, Paul 1st Kyu Tucson Kendo

Ikari, Satoko 1st Kyu Tucson Kendo Kai

Mosley, Brian 1st Kyu Redlands Kendo

Price, Robert 1st Kyu Yamakage Dojo

Hillebrand, Gregory 3rd Kyu Mushinkan Ken & Iai Dojo

Pepper, Glen 3rd Kyu Yamakage Dojo

Rivera, Paul 3rd Kyu Yamakage Dojo

West, Karen 3rd Kyu Mushinkan Kendo & Iaido Dojo

Klinitski, JB 4th Kyu Mushinkan Kendo & Iaido Dojo

Scully, David 4th Kyu Mushinkan Kendo & Iaido Dojo

A special thanks the members of Taos Kendo Dojo for hosting a wonderful weekend in the Land of Enchantment, and to Miyahara, Yamaguchi, and Ko (Huang) Sensies for making the seminars so enlightening.

David Cooper

VP Promotions

Southwestern US Kendo & Iaido Fedearation

23rd UW INVITATIONAL

APRIL 11, 1998

Senior Non-Degree 0-4 Kyu

1st place - G. Ham, UW

2nd place - M. Rigler, Bellevue

3rd place - T. Swenson, Renton

3rd place - T. Slosson, Northwest

Senior Non-Degree 1-3 Kyu

1st place - R. Kellams, Renton

2nd place - L. Cañares, UW

3rd place - S. Blechschmidt, Bellevue

3rd place - J. Shin, UW

Women's Open

1st place - W. Nakano, Steveston

2nd place - M. Hayashi, Vancouver

3rd place - M. Taguchi, Sunrise

3rd place - A. Arsenault, Highline

Yudansha 1-3 Dan

1st place - C. Yang, Torrance

2nd place - M. Gapasin, Renbu

3rd place - T. Yamada, Vancouver

3rd place - M. Taguchi, Sunrise

Yudansha 4 Dan and Up

1st place - P. Nishikihama, Steveston

2nd place - D. Yotsuuye, Bellevue

3rd place - D. Anderson, Bellevue

3rd place - W. Nakano, Steveston

Team

1st place - Vancouver

2nd place - Steveston

Shoji Inspirational - Neil Sunderland

KOGUSHI SEMINAR

by Jack Bieler

The Dojo of Traditional Japanese Martial Arts in Denton, Texas was pleased to host three friends from the Chiba dojo of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (ZNIR). Kogushi Osamu 8d Jun-Hanshi, Tomari Shohachiro 8d, and Koshiba Kenji 7d presented seminars on March 14 and 15th, 1998, concluding with embu from each of the visiting sensei. Rank tests were held on Monday the 16th. These were significant because they included the promotion of our teacher John Ray to the rank of Renshi.

We got word back from Japan that all the promotions were approved by the Soke. Promotions were as follows:

John Ray, Rokudan Renshi

Jim Killian, Nidan

Tom Thomas, Nidan

Steve Wagnon, Shodan

Philip Whatley, Shodan

Susan Burke, Shodan

Congratulations to the participants and especially to Ray Sensei on his promotion. Kogushi Sensei was very gracious to have prepared a personal gift for each of the Dan candidates. These were paper fans on which he had inscribed the names of the techniques, Seiza and Battoho no bu for Shodan, and adding Tatehiza no bu for Nidan.

There were actually two simultaneous seminars, one with Kogushi Sensei and the Dan candidates, another with Tomari Sensei and Koshiba Sensei and the newer class. The Dan candidates studied Battoho Kihon and Oku waza, Seiza no bu and Tatehiza. The beginning group studied Seiza no bu, Battoho Kihon and ZNIR Toho.

In addition, private instruction was given on the seven Tachi Uchi no Kurai used in MJER/ZNIR. In Japan these are usually studied after 6th dan, so I've got plenty of time to worry about it later. Interestingly enough, there is some jujutsu involved, for example kotegaeshi performed against a sunegakoi block.

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

My foremost impression was of the quality and humanity of these men. There was none of the egotism or callousness so often seen in the martial arts. Kogushi Sensei especially was always relaxed and open, yet dignified and serious in his bearing and waza. I expected the strong iaido and intense training, but I was gratified to see what wonderful gentlemen were produced by years of iaido practice.

All three men had excellent Iaido, but each is distinctly individual. Kogushi Sensei (Ray Sensei tells me) is very much like our teacher Yamashita Sensei of the Chiba dojo, in his techniques and even mannerisms. Kogushi Sensei is laid-back yet serious and his waza are completely relaxed, seemingly casual, yet alert, powerful and exact. Tomari Sensei is small and quick, his movements are sharp and precise. He is also a nice guy, chipper and inquisitive. Koshiba Sensei is short and stocky, his waza are deliberate, smooth, strong and very matter-of-fact.

Kogushi Sensei's embu was particularly inspiring. He presented a number of techniques not often seen in the U.S. (if ever), including a variety of Kaewaza, several Okuiai and the Bangai no Bu. These last seemed to me to have a somewhat Chinese flavor to them, and were dramatic to say the least. Tomari Sensei repeated the demonstration he gave for his 8th dan, and Koshiba Sensei showed a very fine collection of Seiza and Batto techniques.

TECHNICAL POINTS (Kogushi group)

These notes were compiled by interview with Ray Sensei and Susan Burke. This was her first experience of Tatehiza, but she did survive.

[BATTOHO NO BU]

Kogushi Sensei did Junto So no Ichi/Ni slightly differently, compared to Tanida Sensei (Kyoshi MJER/ZNIR) who visited in February. For example, Kogushi Sensei grasped the saya first before beginning to move, whereas Tanida Sensei grasped it just as he began moving. There were also differences in Shihoto So no Ichi/Ni. On the rearward stab, Kogushi Sensei turned the hip back to ensure the kissaki clears the ribcage, whereas Tanida Sensei used only the saya-biki and shoulder to pull out of the way.

The moral, of course, is to practice techniques as each teacher teaches them. Our final method, decided in our post-mortem classes after the seminar, was to split the difference, allowing room for personal expression and dependent on the teacher at the moment.

[SEIZA NO BU]

In noto for Ropponme Ukenagashi, the sword should be angled across the knee, not flat or vertical. Not too many comments were made on this set. Seiza was blasted through, almost as an evaluation. Kogushi Sensei must have liked what he saw, and the group moved on.

[TATEHIZA NO BU]

Only two people in this group had experience with Tatehiza. The group was taught to sit properly -- and to endure PAIN! After several minutes, Kogushi Sensei left the group to work out the mechanics on their own. This gave him and Ray Sensei a chance to work on Renshi stuff.

Very small adjustments made it bearable. One trick the students resorted to for hardwood was to take the kneepad and wear it on top of the foot. After a while, everyone settled in to the point where techniques could be practiced.

Kogushi Sensei told the group not to feel bad -- this posture causes intense pain for beginners in Japan too. Kogushi Sensei admitted that he himself had struggled with pain when he started tatehiza. His sympathy and perspective were heartening and helped the group through the growing pains. This reinforced our appreciation of Kogushi Sensei's respect for us as Iaidoka, serious students deserving of candor and encouragement.

The recurring theme of Kogushi Sensei's teaching was "Real Iaido." Real Iaido is when you have an opponent who can kill you. Everything was presented in terms of the tactics, strategy and reality of what we are doing. Where is your opponent? What can he do to you? What can you do to him? These were the constant considerations dealt with for every technique. This was the same perspective and focus maintained by Tanida Sensei in his visit. If your opponent kills you, you are not doing Real Iaido.

[RENSHI STUFF]

This included some very advanced points. Without going into too much detail, Ray Sensei told me they worked on the Eishin-ryu method of breathing (kokyu), which imparts tremendous power and fluidity.

Another topic was control of the blinking reflex, when to blink and more importantly when you cannot blink. This was all in concert with the theme of Real Iaido, subtle but practical issues that must concern the advanced martial artist.

[GENERAL]

The instruction was almost entirely in Japanese, with only a little English. Our classes are run the same way, so all of us understood. This was the rule even in Tomari Sensei's group, despite Koshiba Sensei's excellent English. This gave the seminar a real feeling of practice in Japan, an experience that most of us have never had.

Just as in our practice, we began reishiki with a standing rei led by the senior student. The sword is held in the left hand with the sageo looped between the first and second fingers and the thumb securing the tsuba, then transferred underhand to the right hand and held at the side at a 45 degree angle. The sempai calls, "Shomen ni Rei," and a deep standing bow is made to shomen. The sword is transferred back to the left hand, and at the leader's gesture, we sit seiza. The sword is pushed forward and transferred to the right hand, then placed alongside the right knee with the sageo looped neatly. Sempai calls, "Sensei ni Rei," and we place left and right hands in a triangle for a seated bow. Then the sword is moved to a horizontal position in front, Sempai calls, "Tou ni taishite Rei," and the seated bow is repeated to the sword.

The training methods are like this. Sensei calls the technique, then demonstrates it, often with particular body language or timing to emphasize key points to be focused on. Then on Sensei's call, the students perform the technique once and then again to the call "Mo Ippon." All of this is done in our school just as it is done in the Chiba dojo, so our guests (and we) felt very much at home.

The student must see the technique, pick up the details he is ready for, and then do his best to perform it. Verbal instruction was given as needed, especially when certain points or new details were being addressed. General corrections were made to the group to avoid embarrassing particular students, but then individual correction was made if it became clear that the intended did not pick up that he/she was the one to whom the correction was directed. Tactical scenarios, of course, were demonstrated physically.

At the close of practice, we performed the same rei in reverse order, with one additional part that is our custom. Before closing rei, we all line up and perform Ippon Me Mae to shomen. This emphasizes the role of this technique as the foundation of Eishin Ryu Iaido, and reminds us that our practice itself is part of rei, the ritual and spirit of Iai.

TECHNICAL POINTS (Tomari/Koshiba group)

In Tomari Sensei's group, we were given thorough individualized training, especially on our mechanics. Often the Sensei would stop the group and go around correcting posture and detail. On the second day, as we went through the forms we each were called to the front to demonstrate techniques for adjustment. This put us on the spot, but also gave us the opportunity for real progress.

As always my technical notes represent what I learned at my level (your mileage may vary). What I did not note may be as telling as what I did. Many comments are general, but are listed in the order they came up, or the order I remembered them. If there are no comments, then I was either already perfect, or perfectly clueless.

(OPENING)

* Don't bend over, go down to one knee to pick up sword.

* Tachirei hold sword in left, tsuba to mouth level with back of right hand below at bottom third, rotate horizontal, shallow bow.

* When sitting, knuckle of index finger should be on centerline of thigh, relaxed, natural.

[SEIZA NO BU]

(MAE)

* Bring hand straight to tsuka and back to near tsuba before starting push to draw.

* When tip clears, pull saya back and around so koiguchi faces 90 degrees left.

* Good for beginners to stomp on draw, later on good to make no sound.

* Tsuba not higher than shoulder on draw, tip slightly lower.

* Left arm almost straight overhead for furikaburi.

* Advance foot and scoot forward slightly with kirioroshi.

* Don't place forefinger along blade during noto, clasp above the koiguchi.

* Always rise to standing when ochiburi.

* Metsuke 6-9 ft and down when sitting, then on teki, then forward after noto.

(MIGI)

* Turn and draw 45 degrees then cut mae.

(YAEGAKI)

* On two-hand cuts 70% power comes from the left hand, 30% from right.

* Must use wrist snap for one-handed cut (tenouchi not arm).

* Yokochiburi straight out at 45 degrees, parallel to floor.

* Noto draw fast, then slow pushing saya onto sword (KYU-Ha-jo).

* Draw slow, pull saya off fast, cut quick (jo-Ha-KYU).

(UKENAGASHI)

* Draw to left knee in line with thigh.

* Don't advance the left foot, turn and step in place for cut.

* Hold tsukagashira in opening of fist when grasping after noto.

(KAESHAKU)

* Draw 2/3 to right knee then furikaburi.

(TSUKEKOMI)

* Draw 1/3 to right knee then furikaburi.

(NUKIUCHI)

* Keep feet together for powerful triangle when cutting.

* Pull saya off and put strength in little fingers when kissaki pops out.

[BATTOHO NO BU]

(JUNTO)

* Good for beginners to count inside: ichi step, ni grasp tsuka, san draw.

(TSUIGEKITO)

* Cut from shoulder to center of chest on draw (kesagiri).

* Tsugiashi feet always left toe at right heel, never even.

(SHATO)

* Angle of sword almost 45 degrees on 1st kesagiri.

* 2nd kesagiri is through Do, stepping around teki.

(SHIHOTO)

* Pull saya back sharply when thrusting behind, tsuka along forearm, tsuba to nipple.

(ZANTOTSUTO)

* Keep sword angled and push through, cut not tsuke/thrust.

[TOHO]

(EISHINRYU NO MAEGIRI)

* Don't advance with oroshi in Toho.

* Kiai always "EI!" (not HEY or YA or HO or weird gutturals)

(MUGAIRYU NO ZENGOGIRI)

* Draw upwards then cut men 45 degrees with stomping action.

(SHINDOMUNENRYU NO KIRIAGE)

* Cut to groin, not knee on kesagiri.

(SUIORYU NO SHIHOGIRI)

* Don't withdraw foot, bring tsuba to mouth, then lower sword to waki and cut 45 degrees past (3rd cut).

(HOKIRYU NO KISSAKEGAESHI)

* Thrust almost straight, clasp blade between thumb and forefinger and push.

CONCLUSION

We trained hard for two days, had a wonderful party at John Ray's house, treated our guests to some great Texas barbecue, and showed them some of the sights of the great Dallas / Fort Worth / Denton metroplex. We only got a little sightseeing done, due to the weather and the fact that the sensei were single-minded in dumping as much information as possible on us. We all left the weekend a little bit shell-shocked, trying to absorb everything at once.

Our sensei left us dazed but wanting more. I look forward to their return next year.

Yearly subscriptions (12 issues) to the Journal of Japanese Sword Arts are $36 cdn in Canada, $36 US in USA, and $48 overseas. Subscriptions, stories, news, views, and anything else should be sent to Kim Taylor Editor JJSA, 44 Inkerman St. Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 3C5.

519-836-4357

GUELPH SCHOOL OF JAPANESE SWORD ARTS

July 17-20. Shiai, Koryu, Iai, Lectures

July 25-29. Crafts Seminar, polishing, saya making/repair, tsuka wrapping

For details check our website or call

FROM THE SEI DO KAI PRESS

IAIDO MANUALS

BBI-1 KIM'S BIG BOOK OF IAIDO (I):The Manual

8X11" 108 pgs. Kim Taylor:

BBI-2 KIM'S BBI (II): Seitei Gata

8x11" 100 pgs. Kim Taylor

BBI-3 KIM'S BBI (III): Omori Ryu

8x11" 94 pgs. Kim Taylor

BBI-4 KIM'S BBI (IV): Eishin Ryu

8x11" 127 pgs. Kim Taylor

BBI-5 KIM'S BBI (V): Oku Iai

8x11" 100 pgs. Kim Taylor

OTHER BOOKS

PH-1 SONGS OF THE SWORD

5X8" 100 pgs. by Kim Taylor

SD-1 RESISTING SEXUAL ASSAULT

8x11" 130 pgs. by Kim Taylor

SD-2 STUDENT GUIDE TO SELF DEFENCE

8x11" 150 pgs. by Kim Taylor

VIDEO TAPES

VHS/NTSC format only.

VID-1 SEITEI GATA IAI 1993

VID-2 SPRING SEMINAR/TACHI UCHI NO KURAI

VID-3 THE 1994 SENIOR CLASS, SEITEI GATA

VID-4 THE 1994 SENIOR CLASS, KORYU

VID-5 CKF YUDANSHA GRADINGS 1991, 1992

VID-6 CKF YUDANSHA GRADINGS 1993

VID-7 CKF YUDANSHA GRADINGS 1994

VID-8 CKF YUDANSHA GRADINGS 1995

VID-9 THE 1993 UG SUMMER IAIDO SEMINAR

VID-10 THE 1995 JOHN RAY SEMINAR AT UG - 1

VID-11 THE 1995 JOHN RAY SEMINAR AT UG - 2

VID-12 1994 SEMINAR WITH HARUNA SENSEI

VID-13 OMORI RYU AND SENIOR CLASS 1995

VID-14 1996 SEMINAR WITH HARUNA SENSEI

VID-15 CKF YUDANSHA GRADINGS 1996

VID-16 TACHI UCHI NO KURAI (includes material from VID-2)

VID-17 CKF YUDANSHA GRADINGS 1997

COMPANION VIDEO TAPES TO THE BBI MANUALS

VIDBBI-1 BEGINNING IAIDO I

VIDBBI-2 BEGINNING IAIDO II

VIDBBI-3 SEITEI GATA IAIDO

VIDBBI-4 MUSO JIKIDEN EISHIN RYU SEIZA NO BU

VIDBBI-5 MJER TATE HIZA NO BU

VIDBBI-6 MJER OKU IAI IWAZA

JJSA Journal of Japanese Sword Arts $36 Cdn in Canada,

$36 US in USA, $48 overseas.

JINX-1 IAI JINX WRITING CARDS

SEI DO KAI ORDER FORM

Please send me:

BBI-1. $30 __

BBI-2. $30 __

BBI-3. $30 __

BBI-4. $30 __

BBI-5. $30 __

BBI-SET. $120 __

JINX-1 $7 __

PH-1. $17 __

SD-1. $25 __

SD-2. $25 __

SD-SET. (1&2)$45 __

JJSA $36 __ Can/USA

$48 __ Overseas

VID-1. $25 __

VID-2. $25 __

VID-3. $25 __

VID-4. $25 __

VID-5. $25 __

VID-6. $25 __

VID-7. $25 __

VID-8. $25 __

VID-9. $25 __

VID-10. $25 __

VID-11. $25 __

VID-12. $25 __

VID-13. $25 __

VID-14. $25 __

VID-15. $25 __

VID-16. $25 __

VID-17. $25 __

Any 5 Vid tapes $100 __

VIDBBI-1. $25 __

VIDBBI-2. $25 __

VIDBBI-3. $25 __

VIDBBI-4. $25 __

VIDBBI-5. $25 __

VIDBBI-6. $25 __

6 Vidbbi tapes $150 __

TOTAL $_____

Address:

Prices include postage, Send order form to: Kim Taylor 44 Inkerman St. Guelph Ontario N1H 3C5. Payment in Canadian or US funds. Make checks or money orders payable to Kim Taylor or to Sei Do Kai Iaido.

For price quotes on weapons contact Kim Taylor at the above address,

tel 519-836-4357, or email kataylor@uoguelph.ca