Well done to all the attendees at the Western Kendo Seminar and Grading in Bristol on 7-9 June!
This was the first seminar to be entirely conducted by our growing cohort of competitively active 6 Dan instructors from up and down the country!
“REFRESHING” “DYNAMIC” “INCLUSIVE” “INSIGHTFUL” “GREAT ATMOSPHERE” “I LEARNT SO MUCH” were some of the words participants used to describe what will be the first of hopefully many more BKA seminars of this type!
Over the course of the weekend, more than 70 participants from mukyu to 5 dan enjoyed focussed instruction and practice targetted to their grade – loosely oriented around the theme of ‘ki-ken-tai’ and devoting more time to dynamic physical practice! Check out the recap from each of the instructors below!
A huge thank you to the Kendo Bu and the high grade senseis involved who have worked tirelessly to promote and support the develpment of the up and coming next generation of kendo instructors!
Many thanks to all the sensei – Kaoru Fujita (London), Ruairidh Pooler (Aberdeen), Dez Whitson (Edinburgh), Andrew Lam (London), Barry Straughan (Newcastle) and Young Park (London) for sharing their energy, enthusiasm and passion!
Last but not least, a big thank you to all the participants for the energy and effort you put in to the training! Let us know in the comments how the seminar was for you! Your feedback will help pave the way for more of these kinds of events!
To get some insight into what this year’s Western Seminar was like or you want something to help you re-live it, keep reading!
Dez Whitson sensei (Edinburgh) took the kyu grade group through a crash course on “how to pass ikkyu with good fundamentals”.
The session started with individual and paired footwork, to instill a basic sense of maai (distance); flowing into kirikaeshi and kihon focussing on kikentai no ichi with fluid cutting movements, good footwork, zanshin and kiai carrying through to the end of the cut.
The day finished with uchikomigeiko to put everything together and jigeiko to use all the skills in real time.
Ruairidh Pooler sensei (Aberdeen) led the shodan going-for-nidan-group:
The focus for my group was fluid footwork, sharp wrists and controlled body movement.”
We began with a solid block of 45 minutes kirikaeshi, working on making the whole exercise fluid and controlled, without rushing. We explored the dialogue between motodachi and kakarite, emphasising ki-ken-tai-ichi throughout, especially transitioning from forward to backward movement.
Shikake-waza practice focused on osae and harai, we tried out omote and ura variations to explore the effectiveness of each.
It was a great group of enthusiastic and attentive students. They all showed an openness to learn and willingness to improve. I’d like to pick out Kian Sullivan, who trained with intent for the whole seminar, took on the feedback from his practice tachiai and implemented it in his exemplary successful grading.
Kaoru Fujita sensei (Tora London) led a ladies 1kyu – 2dan group focussing on basic movement, sharpness and making clear ippon with specific advice tailored to each level within the group.
The menu included footwork with correct posture, keeping the kensaki pointed to the throat, fast & smooth movement; suburi to build coordination, posture and smoothness. Kirikaeshi training focussed on coordination, hasuji (blade angle), and using sharpness for 1dan and developing a good tempo for 2dan. The strong basics practice built into exercises for cutting big, medium and small men all while controlling the voice, hitting-going through-and turning with zanshin on one breath.
Barry Straughan sensei (Kadode, Newcastle) and Andrew Lam sensei (Tora London) took a combined 2dan + 3dan group (3dan & 4dan hopefuls)
We focused on using the hara and firming the left foot to prepare the body and mindset for strong seme, and applying that to shikake and ouji waza practice. We further explored ways of building up the opportunity, “holding your nerve” and seizing the moment at an opportune time. Finally we explored the connection between that seme and how it can be applied in bokuto waza, and how it can be informed by the examples of seme and irimi in tachi and kodachi forms in nihon kendo kata.
It was particularly satisfying to see Matt Marley and Jenny Wilding’s focus and dedication in their practice – exploring ways to apply the lessons according to their body and age. In particular, it was satisfying to be able to help them develop new insights into how to seize the moment to take their practice to the next level.
Young Park sensei (London Kenyukai) led the 4-5 Dans in a practice focussing on ‘Tame & Sae’.
He focused on the full application of the flow of kendo ippon: Kamae – Seme&Tame – Waza – Zanshin while emphasizing Tame momentum in good balance and full readiness. Tenouchi and sae practice was next, leading into some waza practice emphasising appropriate balance and hand positioning.
For all groups, the day ended with mock grading practice with individual feedback with some time for free jigeiko. Well done everyone! We hope to see you at the next one!
Report by Goodwin sensei on the Western Seminar 2024
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