at Wong Tai Sin venue
兩位上段劍士訪港
（上星期）六月十一日及十二日，我們接待兩位由日本前來的劍士，分別是Makoto Tsuchiya（土屋誠）先生（六段）及Takashi Funamoto（船本隆）先生（三段）。
土屋先生是一名上段使用者，曾擔當大將（隊長）參與過數次日本的比賽。船本先生則是二刀流（使用雙劍）的劍士。這是一個令各人也不能忘懷的活動。與精進館學員的兩天練習，他們不止分享有關上段／二刀技巧上的智識，還有他們作為劍士的生涯及經驗。
船本先生向年資較淺的學員分享他兒時及大學時代（國士館大學）的習劍經歷，及現時從事的保安工作。由於保安工作有一定程度的風險，他特別強調劍道如何幫助他，在緊張及甚有壓力的工作中，保持警覺及冷靜。
另一方面，土屋先生也是國士館大學的舊生，給予有關劍道型的指引及向年資比較深的學員分享他使用上段的經驗。他客觀地給予我們有關使用上段的利與弊，面對上段使用者時，值得注意的地方、技巧及心得。
一些非常資深的會員覺得，從未有訪港老師給予如此實用的意見！
在戴甲練習中，他們二人並無吝嗇其氣魄，我們能夠看到他們是如何認真與學員練習。
然而，劍道並不是我們唯一的活動。
稽古完結後，大家一起品嚐中國菜，我們可以在這第二個道場中輕鬆一番。這是一個很難得的機會，讓我們互相表達各自的見解及鞏固彼此的友誼。其中一些學員與他們一起遊覽香港三天。
以下是一些他們對精進館的感覺：
1) 道場內的氣氛非常親切及友好。就算在日本，也很難找到一處有如大家庭般，各人互相影響的道場。
2) 對於與我們的友誼感到非常欣慰，答應明年將會再次來訪。
3) 他們說能夠得到岸川老師教導的人是很幸運，因為岸川老師完善的特別訓練方式，使人能在短時間有明顯的進步。
at To Kwa Wan venue
2 Jodan Kenshis (上段劍士) visit to Hong Kong
We received a visit last week, 11th/12th of June, of 2 great Kenshis from Japan, Mr. Makoto Tsuchiya 6th dan and Mr. Takashi Funamoto 3rd dan.
It was a memorable event for all, as Mr. Tsuchiya is a Jodan practioner and have been participating in many tournaments in Japan as Taisho (captain), and Mr. Funamoto is a Nitoh ( 2 swords style) kenshi for years.
Both practiced together with Shoujinkan members and shared not only their technical knowledge in Jodan/Nitoh styles, but also the experience in their long career as Kenshi.
Mr. Funamoto made a seminar to the young members about his experience in the childhood, university (Kokushikan University), and his current job activity in a Security company. He emphasized how Kendo has helped him to keep alert and keep calm even in a stressful job as he has to risk his own life every day.
In another hand, Mr. Tsuchiya, also previous student from Kokushikan University, helped giving instructions in Kendo Kata, and making a seminar to our experienced members about Jodan. His sincere opinion about the advantages/disadvantages of playing Jodan, the technical tips when facing a Jodan player was remarkable.
Some high senior members commented that never visitor senseis made such useful comments like that in Hong Kong before!
During the practice using bougu, both showed extreme dedication in sharing their spirit, we could observe how serious and hard working they practiced with our members.
But Kendo was not the only activity we shared. After every keiko we could relax in the 2nd Dojo enjoying some great Chinese dishes altogether, it was a nice opportunity to all to talk about their opinions and consolidate friendship with our guests. Some members also joined guiding them in city tour during their 3 days trip!
Some comments about Shoujinkan from them:
1) The mood inside the dojo is very friendly, nice. Even in Japan is difficult to find a place where all members interact in an environment like a big family.
2) Our guests were extremely happy for our members’ friendship, promising return to Hong Kong next year.
3) They said people are lucky for learning from Kishikawa sensei, that Kishikawa sensei has developed special methods of practicing, leading people to get better fast in a short time!
at Tai Kok Tsui venue
我們的學員對於今次難得的經歷，同樣有感想。
以下是一些學員的感想。
Our members also had comments about this great experience.
Some of their comments below.
by Chris
二零一零年六月十二日是特別的日子，土屋老師及船本前輩來訪我們道場一起練習。今次的練習，與平日有一點分別，就是加多了「聆聽」部份。
土屋老師今次是講解「上段」（其中一種劍道架式）。老師說當對方使用「上段」時，通常架「中段」的人會將劍指向對方的左手。然後老師便解說其作用及原因。
我聽完後，其感想並不在於「原來有此一著！」或「又多學一招！」之類，而是「聆聽」的重要。「聆聽」只是一個動作，重點是「聆聽了什麼」。我聆聽到的，不是什麼招式，而是「招式產生的原因」。
平日總是趕忙練習，今次能靜下心地聆聽，實是另一種學習感受。覺得學習及練習劍道，如果要先學習如何使用某種招，不如先問其產生原因。在思考過程中，會有意想不到的收穫。
by MJ
by God Gordon
by Jackie
Mr. Makoto Doi (6th Dan) and Mr. Takashi Funamoto (3rd Dan). I attended both practices on the 11th and 12th June.
The first practice, on the night of the 11th was at To Kwa Wan.
We have many beginners at this session, which is very good I feel for others as it gives us a chance to check ourselves and check our basics
in Kendo. Mr. Makoto Doi and Mr.Takashi Funamoto joined in with us during the warm up. After which, we did some basic waza and then keiko.
Mr. Funamoto usually uses nito, but he had injured his wrist, so he was using jodan instead. Even with this ‘disadvantage’, he was still able to
hit very good ippon with us, and have a good keiko!
During my keiko with Mr. Funamoto I found his timing very fast, and his movements came from his body more that his arms. I could see this is what Kishikawa Sensei is trying to teach us.
We then watched Kishikawa Sensei and Mr. Makoto Doi during their keiko. It is always a wonderful experience watching seniors. Everything looks very easy! Timing, footwork,
movement of the body and kiai. Watching is one of the ways to ‘absorb’ kendo, as you can see for yourself the things that you are trying to acheive. While watching their Keiko I was able to feel the energy building before each strike and the commitment in each strike. Amazing!
The next session was at Wong Tai Sin on 12th June. Here we did the same outlined practice, but half way through the session, Mr. Funamoto spoke to us about how Kendo has affected his life.
What I felt from his talk was how much passion he had for Kendo. No matter how busy he was in his life, he always had time for Kendo.
In my mind what he was saying was ‘ if you want something in life you have to go out and grab it with both hands’. He also told us that there are many aspects of kendo that he can use in his daily life, such as being aware, in a state of Zanshin. Also having respect for others and working hard at whatever is needed to be done.
We then moved dojo to Tai Kok Tsui. Here we practiced some kendo kata.
Mr. Makoto Doi instructed some of us about kata. We are always taught that Kendo Kata is not just a series of movements. It has to show feeling and zanshin. Watching Mr. Makoto Doi demonstrated this to us!
Mr. Makoto Doi is also the champion at jodan. What was interesting was that he decided to challenge himself to perfecting jodan rather than chudan kamae, because kendo style had changed over the years. He explained how we could change our kamae slightly when faced with an opponent in jodan. This was very interesting. During my keiko with him, I tried the technique he was teaching us, but it was still very difficult to make ippon! I found during my keiko that he was very stable, solid and did not make very many unecessary moves. But his strikes were fast and clean.
It was a great experience on both days. Not only to meet with like-minded people, but also to meet individuals who have mastered Kendo and from them learn a little more about your own style.
What I learned from these two days is that we should never be afraid to try something new.
Everything we do, we should do from the heart with passion, or not at all.
I also learned a little more about what I am doing wrong with my Kendo. This can only be a good experience!
But I also learned that Kendo can help us through all aspects of our lives, and not just the times when in the dojo!
恥ずかしい話かもしれないですが、私は剣道のことがそんなに
わかりません。
（剣道を始まる前にちょっと歴史を読みましたが。。）
先週土屋先生と船本先輩とちょっと付き合うことができまして、本当に
うれしかったのです。剣道の話はたくさん聞かせてましたし、
その他の会話もできまして、
いろいろ勉強になりましたわ。
土屋先生と先輩の真面目さとかを見て、自分は不足な部分が
たくさんあると思います。剣道はもちろんまだまだですが、
人生の修業ももっともっとしなければいけないなあと思います。
（よくわがままと言われてますから。。）
土屋先生より手ぬぐいをいただきましたが、大事にします。
当初好きだった人の影響で剣道を始まりましたが、
やることができて、本当によかったと思います。
これから、もっと剣道を好きになると思いますが、皆さんよろしく
お願いいたします。
second Dojo at HK pork bone style Hot Pot restaurant
Posted by kendohk 
Shoujinkan 
