Hong Kong Junior members’ camp at Fukuoka University of Education

Hong Kong Junior delegation with senseis

Hong Kong Junior members, leaded by Kishikawa sensei 8th dan Kyoshi, joined the Kendo Winter Camp at Fukuoka University of Education in January/2014.

Being the first time such program aiming to boost the kendo development of junior members in Hong Kong, it was fully supported by LCSD and executed in a serious way by HKKA.

Through daily practice within Japanese university students, Junior members could experience, through daily and tough practice in Japan’s coldest season, how mind power and control was built in Kendo practice.

Below some reflection of our dojo members who joined this camp.

over 100 people joining morning keiko

Fukuoka training camp 23/1/2014-27/1/2014    by  Alan

In Fukuoka, it was very cold. So during Keiko, most of the Hong Kong players were half frozen to death. The first time, I did Keiko, I couldn’t hold my shinai properly and missed a lot of times. So once I got used to cold (took 2 days), I was really happy that I might get better and improve but the result was the same, I got beaten easily by the intensive Keiko. I learned a lot of things in Fukuoka in the 5 days I had. Some things, I can continue in Hong Kong, but others, it would be impossible.

The coaches there were very strict about body posture and was always trying to teach us (Junior Squad members) about it. For some reason, we always were always the ones that needed improvement-but I was glad because we could learn more-and since we were always the main people who had to be corrected, we learnt a lot. I was given advice on how to do a taiatari by some senseis and how to hit a proper hiki-waza by another sensei. Each sensei had their own advice for me so I learnt a lot.

The players at Japan were very nice and were very encouraging on keeping us on an endless battle with the senseis. Although I learned a lot I found it very tiring and couldn’t find too many positive thoughts about the students. After every Keiko, they would teach us things about the dojo philosophy. The senseis would teach us techniques and posture improvements but the students would teach us the dojo philosophy. The dojo philosophy was very different to Hong Kong so we learnt a lot.

The most important thing that I improved was willpower. Waking up at 4:00 in the morning is something that can easily strengthen your willpower. Also, I was able to withstand the freezing cold for 5 days so I think that it helped me strengthen my willpower also. Besides, even surviving the Keiko boosted my self-esteem by a lot so I was very happy. So after coming back from Japan, I think that my willpower is stronger than before by a lot.

Although I think that the most important thing I developed my willpower, I couldn’t have had done that without the other members in the Hong Kong Junior Squad. They helped me a lot during the trip. I mean, I wasn’t ready mentally. In fact, a lot of things there were things that I didn’t expect. And without the other members, I don’t think I would have had made it to day 3! So I am really grateful for everyone’s help. I have to thank them and the senpai for everything that happened (the safety stuff) so that everyone was happy and safe. (Especially me since I’m a kid)

 

There were many skills, techniques and advice that couldn’t be given in Hong Kong. That was why I was so happy when the sensei taught me and corrected me. I think I brought back a lot of knowledge from Japan back to Hong Kong and am very happy and willing to share it with everyone. I think that a lot of people will be able to be learn about kendo and its philosophy if they went to Japan.

special technical practice for HK Junior members

FUKUOKA KANGEIKO     by Bonnie

It took me some time to digest what had been happened during the kangeiko. Actually the kangeiko training started when I decided to join the camp. Knowing from some of the seniors, the Japanese university training was very tough. I worried that I could not bear the training; therefore, I started jogging around a month before going to Japan. Moreover, with intensity of the squad train, I was physically prepared for the kangeiko. The other challenge arrived when I received the schedule of the kangeiko. We needed to leave the hotel at 5:10am, and arrive the dojo at 5:30am. That means we needed to wake up at 4:30, which was 3:30am in Hong Kong time!! It was a big challenge for me. I tried to adjust my sleeping pattern 1 week before going to Japan. Ya… the kangeiko was tough and we had to wake up super early every morning, but we did not late for once and came back alive.

The kangeiko gave me a valuable experience. The university student let me experienced the right attitude of learning and great fighting spirit. The university student arrived at least 30 minutes before the practice started. We cleaned the dojo’s floor, setup sensei’s Bogu and be ready by 5:50am. During the practice, not even a second was waste. From moving one spot to another spot, we RUN not walk. Students put on their men under 30 seconds and then ran to sensei for practice immediately. Whenever they knew we were having doubt or difficulties, they helped us as once. Even though some of them were not able to communicate with us in English, they did not hold any hesitation to help. In the first practice, one of the students lead the warm up like what we did; however, their Kiai and spirit was totally different from us. They put out 100% of their Kiai. They gave me a feeling that they have decided to put 100% of their effort in the practice without holding back a tiny drop of their energy. They have showed me the right attitude that I should have in every practice and challenge. Whenever we decided to do something, we should use 100% of energy and effort in order not to waste any opportunity in our lives.

In the last practice, there was a birthday girl. Everyone gave her a special birthday “gift”. She was being pushed, thrown on the floor, and asked to do endless kirikaeshi and kakarekeiko. Everytime she fell down, she got back up immediately. She hit every hit with 100%, without resting, without walking, without waiting, without any break. She kept going and going to every sensei and senpai for 2 hours. I was impressed by her spirit! Beside the techniques, skill and physical strengths that I needed to learn from the university students, I needed to learn their fighting spirit. There was another student, who worked at the restaurant at night and came to the practice in the early morning. I should not complain about getting up early when we were enjoying the dinner and she was working. She showed to me that she did not make any excuse and came to practice on time with full spirit. This is the right attitude that I should learn. Facing challenges, it is very easy for us to make excuse and escape from it. However, in order to grow, to improve, we need to face the challenges.

Facing challenges is not easy. But team spirit gives us support and courage to face the challenges. In this kangeiko camp experience let me understand that team spirit does not only presented by cheering teammates during matches. Team spirit is the support and encouragement that given by the teammates during the tough practice. The junior squad members cheered each other up when we were dying during the practice. We reminded each other to have enough rest, food and water before each practice. We helped and supported each other in these few days. With all these positive energy, we dared to challenge ourselves and gave out all our effort and energy in this kangeiko. The great team spirit is one of the elements that made this kangeiko experience memorable.

farewell dinner with senseis

日本からお便り

精進館 　岸川先生、皆様 ご無沙汰しております。

岸川先生、みなさん、元気でお過ごしのことと思います。

私も帰国して早10ヶ月が過ぎました。

日本では朝晩少し涼しくなりましが、日中は秋らしい素晴らしい晴​天が続いています。

会社の方は事業再編でバタバタしている状態ですが、剣道の方は稽​古の回数は減ったものの なんとか継続しており、先月の昇段審査で念願の五段に合格するこ​とができました。

これも岸川先生はじめ皆様にご指導頂いたお陰と深く感謝しており​ます。

ただ、防具を着けて稽古すればいいと思っていたところがありまし​たが理論的に、 打突のタイミングや呼吸、心構えなどいろいろな面で解りやすくご​指導頂けこと またいろいろな年代の方と一緒に剣道ができたことや、同じ年代のMatur​e　team の方々と稽古できたこと励みになりました。皆様に改めて感謝申し​上げます。

今回の審査では80歳の方が、五段に合格されました。その体力、​精神力に圧倒させられ ました。80歳で剣道ができること本当に素晴らしいですね。

この​方に比べたら まだまだ我々は若いです。 これからも、少しずつでも自分に合った剣道を求められたらと思い​ます。 （残念ながら居合の方は帰国以来　稽古できておりません。） 最後に、皆様のご健勝と精進館のますます発展、ご活躍をお祈り致​します。

箕浦

P.S　Tommy-san、Albert-san　Sorry​　for　no　English.

Kendo Paintings

by Jessie Tsang

by Choi Siu Tsung

Hong Kong Children & Ladies Kendo Tournament 2011

by MJ

We made it!

I would like to thank to Sensei for the oppotunites to coordinate the warm-up and helping in the tournament I was so proud of you ladies of the perform in the ladies’s tournament !

The supporting of the members is important. For me, The word ”support “ isn’t mean just keep saying “Faitou(fight)” from the side of the court. But to suggest or to share the opinions to members. Also , how can I make their spirit up to high in short time, etc. So, as a supporter is not easy also.

Also , I was surprised to see the nice kendo match happened on kids. Alan did a best fighting that I have seen till now. Tsuchiya sensei’s dauther Reika was defeated two strong kids from the other dojo and won the champion again. Yuki showed what he can do to a bigger opponent who was almost 170 height! So impressive right?

I think many of our members did learn a lot there. And Should find the way to make ourself strong. Do say “I wanted”any more! “just do it”.

by Jackie

The Shoujinkan Spirit! 

 

On the 9^th October 2011, we had the 2^nd Hong Kong Junior and Ladies Kendo Championships.

The weekend of this competition (7^th and 8^th ) Tsuchiya Sensei together with his daughter Reika, and son Yuki, joined our practice at Shoujinkan. We all had keiko with his family and like before, I could sense the energy and spirit of the dojo rising. The motivation that the Tsuchiya family have was affecting our members in a very positive way.

On the morning of the competition, I arrived and was very pleased to see so many of our members already in bogu ready to help with the warm up. MJ led an amazing spirited warm up. He was able to increase our energy and spirits. But I also felt there was a strong team spirit among us. I noticed that many of the members were nervous. We had Keiko with the Sensei first, which was good to release nervous energy!

The first event was the juniors’ individual event. The children from our dojo did very well indeed. I had noticed for a couple of days before the tournament, Alan was very tired. But during his shiai he demonstrated 100% spirit and energy. He won some very good ippon and was awarded Best Fighting Spirit. Yuki also had a shiai full of spirit and determination. As a result he won Best Fighting Spirit Award and was third place.

Reika had a very good shiai also. She was the champion for the individual event and won Best Fighting Spirit Award.

Kelvin told me before his match that he was very nervous, but during his matches, he was full of spirit, and showed great confidence and maturity.

The next event was the junior team match. By this time, I could feel the support and encouragement from all the other Shoujinkan members. It was wonderful! Again, the spirit remained among our young members! Reika’s team won 3^rd place, with Reika demonstrating deadly accuracy and beautiful zanshin. Alan’s team won 2^rd place and he continued with his 100% energy. Kelvin’s courage and determination won him Best Fighting Spirit Award as well as 3^rd place with Reika. Yuki although small, his energy and fighting spirit are enormous, and even though he had to fight people almost double his size, he never gave up and managed to score some wonderful ippon. His team won first place for the team event.

All the junior members demonstrated great courage, determination and good fighting spirit. As a result the mood among the Shoujinkan members was very high and positive.

The next event was the ladies individual match.

I was now feeling very nervous. As such, during my warm up with MJ, my energy was not able to move freely and I felt tense and I could not breathe properly. I had felt that the support from our members was so strong that I did not want to let anyone down. I did not do too well. But I tried to re-focus and become positive for the team event. In the individual ladies event, Eri demonstrated some beautiful kendo and as a result she won second place for the 2-4 dan section. Bonnie was fighting in the 0-1 dan section and she was fighting with 100% spirit. Her kiai was very strong and in the end, it won her Best Fighting Spirit Award.

The next event was the ladies team event.

At this point all the members that were there from Shoujinkan were there to support us. I felt different in that my confidence was high and I really wanted to win for our members.

The team for Shoujinkan were myself, Eri and Bonnie. Although we did not say anything, I could feel the fighting spirit between us was very strong.

As we continued to make our way towards the final, our spirits increased and so did our energy. The more fighting I did the more I relaxed and the more my energy and fighting spirit grew. By the time we were about to fight in the final, I knew we could win!

We all won our matches and we became the champions!

Shoujinkan had a wonderful result on Sunday. BUT we should not forget the effort others have put in to help us all achieve this good result.

MJ was a wonderful support and led a great warm up. Others from the dojo also helped. This must not be forgotten. Without a good warm up, no-one can prepare properly both physically and mentally.

We must not forget those at the dojo during the practice sessions, who help and advice us. Without them we cannot practice, waza, kihon and other techniques.

We must not also forget those who come to cheer. Without them we do not have the motivation to try and do our best 100%. Everyone had a part to play in the success on Sunday, whether it was through fighting, supporting or cheering.

Kishikawa Sensei always teaches us that kendo is more than just fighting. I think Shoujinkan demonstrated this 100% on Sunday, with all the support and help. We must also not forget Sensei, who teaches us so much not just about kendo, but about how to respect ourselves and those around us, as well as a deep understanding of the meaning of Rei.

This is The Shoujinkan Spirit. Let’s try and keep this feeling alive in the dojo through our practice, support and teaching with each other.

54th Festival of Sport – HK – Macau – Pearl River Delta Interport Kendo Tournament

 

by Daniel 

First of all, thank you for coaching me Kendo in the past two months.

After the competition I have given it some thoughts about what it meant to me.

As my first competition in Hong Kong, I think it was a good indication of my distance from achieving 1st Dan.

I believe that I have grasped the fundamentals and now it is time to refine my basic techniques.

For that I also think the competition served as a compass that pointed me at the right training orientation.

In short, I know what my goal is and I think the competition showed me where I am now and what I need to do to get there.

I think this also applies to pursuing dreams in life as you need to find out where you are and the ways to make your dreams come true.

It is also important that you put in the effort but I think it is more important that you know you are putting in the effort in the right direction.

 

by Jackie 

On June 26th I participated in the 54th Festival of Sport, Hong Kong-Macau Pearl Rever Delta Interport Kendo Tournament.
I was a bit anxious, as this was my first tournament since breaking a bone and pulling two ligaments in my left ankle in March.

My usual practice had not been as regular and was feeling a little pain sometimes still in my ankle.
As a result I did not feel as prepared as I would normally. Also my movement was still a little restricted due to my ankle pain.
However, I decided to try and see what I could do.

I had been working in previous practice sessions to try and relax and take one point at a time. Working on big kiai and trying to complete
the ippon properly with zanshin.

On the day, my first match was good. I won with two men. But my second match was not so good. I lost two ippon to a strong
lady from Macau. I thought I was finished until I learned that 3 ladies had the same points, including me.
Only two could carry on to the next round, so we had to fight each other again.
Unfortunately, I could not get through.

Although I was a little sad, I was also pleased that I participated.
Kishikawa Sensei always teaches us that Kendo builds a strong mind. In doing so we are able to face our own difficult challenges.
My challenge for that day was to try and relax and not to feel under confident. That was a very difficult thing for me to do.
I feel very tense during competitions, and I was not feeling in the best of mind since my ankle injury.

But I tried very hard from the very first match to control my breathing and to focus on one point at a time. This made me
feel more in control of myself and also more aware of what my kinsen was doing!
Although I did not get through to the second round, I feel that I won another tournament. That of ones’ own challenge.

This experience has left me feeling very much ready and motivated for the next step of my Kendo life.
It has also given me a little more confidence about my own ability and the strength of my mind.

I think this is very important for us all to experience and learn from in Kendo. Kendo is much more than
fighting with other people. It is about fighting our own fears and emotional battles.
I hope that we can all continue to support each other in this way in the Dojo.
 

by Peter

當天大家聚在一堂,一起互相的打氣,支持,仍歷歷在目,感激幫忙拍照的兄弟!

這次比賽在下午,shiai的過程中卻快如閃電, 還沒回過神來,兩場的比賽已經完結。升上初段的組別,比想像中難鬥,對手的能力,自己心態上的準備,毫無疑問是比自己高和嚴重不足!心態在shiai是非常重要的!!! 在我個人而言,Shiai不是生,便是死;不是贏便是輸,當然會有和局,但自己的表現如何,心中有數吧!

脾氣人人都會有,我認為發脾氣可以令一個人的能力推至更高,因為不滿意自己的表現,而盡力去做得更加好。當然,凡是總有兩極,要看自己如何去應付,怒火無疑能令人更勇猛,但自己一定要控制得好,不然只會是一場悲劇。

接下來該怎樣做,做些什麼來提昇自己的表現,現在仍沒想到,但有兩點是絕對不能缺少,就是戰鬥時的心態和奪取ippon的決心!希望接下來的時間,能改變自己在這方面的心態!

 

by Ken 
 
 
Just returned home from the gym.  The music playing is no longer eye of the tiger but soothing jazz.  Looking at my shinai in the corner of the room, 26/6 seemed like years ago, yet it was only the day before yesterday.
I turn my head and look at the ‘fighting spirit’ medal hanging on the door.  The colour is bronze, not gold. Damn.
 
I think this feeling more or less sums up the feelings of the contingent who participated in Sunday’s tournament.  The line between victory and defeat is so thin, it becomes unavoidable that feelings of regret are harboured. But at the same time, for myself, I feel that I didn’t lose. At least not in spirit. 
 
12 hours before the tournament, Sensei had given me some last minute homework.  To find my fighting spirit, my soul which had for some reason became dull compared to before. Taking sensei’s advise, I mokusou for half an hour that night to clear my head.  By Sunday morning, I had found my spirit again, my eye of the tiger.  I can confidently say that all of the opponents I shiai with to a certain degree, were afraid (ok, maybe except for Daniel). 
 
My first opponent feared me, I could see it in his eyes, I could feel it because I was always in the centre of the court and he was dancing around it in circles.  My second opponent feared me, he commited two hansoku’s by stepping out of the boundary. And I would dare say so for even my final opponent. My kote strike had actually hit him hard, but unfortunately it was not ippon.  So although technically yes, I did lose, I conclude that it is more like prey has escaped rather than being defeated by the opponent.
 
If this has made me realise anything, it is that fighting spirit or mental conditioning is of utmost importance. It is what pick s us up from defeat, it is what makes us want to improve our technique and forces us to polish ourselves until we can find perfection.
 
So the next person I shiai beware. Unless you also believe you are a tiger, I will eat you alive.

 

by Yuina

昨日の試合を拝見しまして、全体的に選手のレベルが上がっていることが顕著に分かりました。

素晴らしいです！地道な稽古の成果が現れています。そして、たくさんのヘルパーさんが懸命にサポートしている姿は、感謝に尽きます。

人を応援することは、めぐりめぐって、自分をも幸福にすると思います。

そして、経験はすべて剣道に生きると信じます。

 

Metro Daily (newspaper) link : http://www.metrohk.com.hk/index.php?cmd=detail&id=164388  and picture:

Beach training (Rocky I Project) May 10th, 2011

 

 by Franki Tang

 Rocky Project

  I am very happy to share my feelings of our activities at Deep Water Bay of Buddist Holiday on 10 May 2011.  It was very suitable for outdoor activity on that sunny day and many of our members of “Shonjinkan” Team have joined it.  We have done more difficult practices on the beach and we use Shinai to have more practice and running on the sand, sit up, free-weight   , trunk twist with heavy stone and that why we called it as “Rocky” project. 

 From the practice, it can let me know why we need train at the beach.  Moreover, there are many peoples watching to us what we are doing.  Some of them are very curious but some of them disliked us.  We are not minded that and we have spent the whole day to practice our Kendo and Keiko at the Dojo.  Moreover, there are many people have watched me how to do the practice, how to do the Keiko which made me feeling uncomfortable and have pressure so I need to overcome all difficulties. 

 Finally, I found that it was an meaningful training to all Shoujinkan Team and many thanks of Sensei to hold this Rocky project.   

by Jackie

On May 10th, Shoujinkan made a visit to the beach.

It was a beautiful day, blue sky, cools winds and very clear air.

We went to Deep water bay beach. Just after we arrived, we started running on the beach. Running in the sand is very good practice! You have to use different muscles than usualand it strengthens the thighs and torso of the body. It is also a very good workout!!

After a while everyone started to arrive. We had all brought somefood, water and our Shinai. All the boys also ran a few times up and down the beach.

Many of the members were swimming and playing with the kids, Alan, Kelly, Clive, David, Zander and Xavier.It was decided after some swimming that the next event would be wrestling in the sand. Sensei drew a large ring in the sand and we all had to wrestle within this ring.The strongest wrestlers were Mj and Ken, who demonstrated great skill! Moving body weight and the opponents body weight against themself was difficult in the sand. Even the kids had a go!

Next we had to lift a big rock above our heads, while keeping our balance in the waves! This was good fun and everyone had a go. The same rock was then used when doing twisting torso sit ups!

After lunch, our shinai’s were brought out and we practiced some kihon, men and subari, all while standing in the waves. This was interesting as we felt our bodies were moving fast, when actually they were moving very slowly against the water. We had to focus on balance as well as trying to do each hit correctly. It was very good practice!

The whole day was great fun. Practice like this, although fun, is actually a very good way of checking how your body is moving during our hitting and swing. Because we are in the sand and water, we have to move correctly in order to keep balance. If we don’t move correctly, we cannot make the hit.

I think days like this are very important to a dojo. It brings all the members together in an environment which is different. Everyone is relaxed and this encourages people to talk and make friends. I think especially for the beginners, as they see everyone in a different frame of mind. This will encourage sharing of experiences and deepen friendships.

I visited Japan in March, and the dojo ‘felt ‘ like a special place. Although in Hong Kong we do not have a physical dojo like Japan, I think by bringing everyone together like this will build a special ‘feeling’ inside for everyone.

By doing this Shoujinkan will become a special place, due to the bond and friendships ‘felt’ after such gatherings. This in turn I hope will encourage hard keiko! Many left with fond memories of races, wrestling and keiko on the beach with Sensei, as well as some sunburn!! We all look foward to the next Shoujinkan outing!

by MJ Lee

“Rocky project I”

We enjoy to the sun shine and training at deep water bay at 10/5. We were swimming, do relay race, sumo, suburi, kirikaeshi on the sand,etc. But the part that made me most impressive was relay race.

I was being the Taisho of the team. Proberbily , win or lose were not important at that time but team spirit.Our team was fall behind when it was the last two match. As a taisho , I need to trace back. Like…Like…It’s quite differcult to me to explain what feeling was. Here is a video from youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gis8zU5Zf8I

Otherwise, we enjoy nice sun shine and keiko(se-me only) on the sand. My shoulder became a Tenpura under the sun. Wa..I ‘m so painful on my both shoulder!

      But anyway, I want to shoot Rocky project II. Many members missed this time.

by Peter

  藍天白雲、椰林樹影、水清沙幼,細細地享受陽光是我對這次沙灘訓練的一種幼想。

  深水灣是一個不錯的地點之一,是次的訓練內容包括沿岸邊來回跑,竹劍的練習,一些負重訓練,掌上壓和仰臥起坐等。內容很基本,也不能說特別辛苦,只是在萬里無雲的天空和猛烈的陽光底下,已教我們吃不消!

  除了訓練,這也是一個很好的機會給我們互相認識,彼此的了解。當作是一次旅程讓大家利用一天的假期去放鬆,暫時把工作放下。

  對於我館第一次舉辦這類型的訓練還算滿意的。當然,這只是第一次,相信接下來的會辨得更好!

P.S 說好的續集幾時開始呢?

by Alan

The Beach

Hi! I am Alan. This is a funny story.

On 10 March 2011(Tuesday), I went to the beach. I was very excited. We met Jackie. She was with Clive and David. I was very happy to see them. I play with them on the train. They nonstop-ask “Where is M.J.?”

At Last I arrive at the beach. I run with my dad. I ran 5 whole times! My foot was burning! I was so hot after I ran I jumped in the water-relived. Soon other guys who do Kendo arrived! Then dad asked them how many times they ran. They replied. I was fuming. Only 4 times! Then they stuck out their tongue! So I charged at them. They fell on the sand!

Soon we all had a Sumo match. I won Clive and David. They charged at me until they gave up. After that me, Clive and David played on a phone. But not long. Then we swam to the raft. Then we arrived first! When they arrived they were mad. They charged but they always missed. Then we pushed them down. At last we jumped on them. They had fallen under the raft. When they came out their hair was really gross. It was like a battle. The Child’s escaped. I rowed with Clive. David was on a blue raft on the back. He pushed everyone in the back. When they came up we were ready for a fight. We had 2 plans. Plan 1. We charged at them. They fell and they charged at us. Plan 2. Fleeeeeeeeeee! We jumped on the boat. They chased us. We rowed to shore while David picked up seaweed. Then we made traps. When they came up, M.J (the lead person) fell in the trap. It took him 10 minutes for him to climb up. Soon we had a race. I did not know who won. Then I played with Clive and David. Soon they had to leave. I was alone. I had to run and defeat them. At last I had to leave. It was very exciting.

HA!             HA!           HA!

“1000” and “初段”

 

by MJ

“1000”

 1000 haya-suburi is one of the legends of our dojo. Every one who are going to try the “初段”exam need to pass through the 1000 haya-suburi.

I was afraid that I can not complet it because we need to do 1000 suburi in big movement version (bring the shi-nai / boku-tou to our back). I felt hard during half of the 1000 suburi.

But I should not give up unless I can not do the “初段”exam. I was inspiring myself as I thought I will die if I am in battlefield. For me, I000 suburi doesn’t mean the exchange condition of “初段”. But the breakthrough to the next step of our kendo. And as a”初段”member have more responsibilities in the dojo.

“初段”

Thank you for your teaching, Sensei. And I want to thank to every Senpai and also all of the members in our dojo because of you practice with me.

Three of members of our dojo went to take dan exam on that day who were Ando senpai, Peter and me.

I still remember that It was a rainy day. The sky was gray and weather was cool. The mood seems not well. I was very nervous on the exam day. Nervous about what will happen if I fail.

But some of the members told me that be confidence and do it with 100% spirit. Thank you for the support !

We line up on the center of the court and waiting for the exam. My heart was pulsating so quick when I walked to the center of the court. Seems can not breathe. I was doing seiza and mokkuso on their and waiting for the exam.

 “108 , 109” 109 was my candidate number. We need to do two rounds “tachi-ai”. Shimpan will decide who pass or fail in the taichi-ai part. The candidate who passes here can proceed to the next part-kendo kata.

I felt very strange because I can not do what I want or do what i usually do in our dojo. I started to freeze. My exam partner attack to me like a wild animal. I tried to calm down. I think I was like a beginner who is just wear the bogu for few days. I don’t think I did very well about my tachi-ai part although I passed.

For the kendo kata. My partner was from the mainland. He was being shi-tachi side and I was being uchi-tachi side. I was worry about kata part because my partner kept watching to my ken-sen. I don’t know that did he receive my signal. So, I must leading to it and blend with the opponent as one.

Lastly, three of us succeed with the dan exam.

Some thoughts about Iaido

 

by Jackie

I had started Kendo about a year before I started Iaido. After my Kendo class, I used to watch the Iaido practice. I always thought it looked dignified and with purpose. Over the last year I had learned from Sensei the origins behind Kendo and why we do certain things. What always remained in my head was that we had to see the shinai as the sword. I found this very hard. While watching the Iaido, I could see how this applied. I wanted to feel the difference between the shinai and the actual katana, and perhaps feel the same way about my shinai. So I decided to start. At first I found the movements very difficult and was thinking more of the next move rather than what Iaido was about. I was very surprised how tired I got due to the mental concentration.  But after a long time, I have now found that Kendo and Iaido are linked. It as taken me a long time, but now I can ‘feel’ Iaido that I didn’t before. It feels beautiful, strong and with purpose, yet showing dignity and respect for the opponent. Kendo now looks and feels different for me since I started Iaido. Waving the bamboo stick around is not empty anymore, and I understand the significance of the strike in Kendo. I also understand the strong link with Kendo and Iaido in that we must always have an alertness of mind, and every movement has purpose.

There are still many things both in Kendo and Iaido that I find very difficult, but it is a life long path which I hope to continue. I wanted to start Iaido to enrich my Kendo experience. In turn it has given me the respect and meaningful aspect to Kendo, Iaido and many other aspects of my life.

Before Enshiki there are many points to think about. But they may come under two headings: etiquette and safety.

Etiquette is important, making sure we display correct etiquette we are showing that we are alert at all times to what we are doing. We should make sure that our clothes are not wrinkled and neat. This displays discipline and shows that we take the practice seriously. Before crossing the door to the dojo, we must stop and bow. In doing this we are accepting the fact that we now leaving the busy world outside, to concentrate on practice. This should be seen as the beginning of practice. Next we must pay respect to our Sensei. We should approach and bow, in doing this we are asking for his/her teaching that is to come. We then pay respect to our dojo members. Without them, we cannot learn or find our weak spots. We also bow and in doing so thank them in advance. Next we bow to Shomen. Rei to Shomen reminds us of where we are and what we are about to do. We also need to make sure that during seiza, we keep our senpai to the right of us. Our movements should be deliberate yet natural. Constant attention should be paid to our outward movements at all times. Therefore moving around, we should walk with control and politeness. Never slouch against a wall when standing. This displays laziness, not paying attention and an empty mind.

Safety is another important aspect to care for before Enshiki. We must inspect our katana before Enshiki to make sure it is clean and no parts are damaged. If we need to clean it, we must find a space where there are no people, away from the dojo entrance and sit down in seiza.We must be aware of our space within the dojo and others. We must always walk quietly behind others and never step over a katana. Stepping over a katana displays total lack of respect for the weapon. If others are practicing, we must wait quietly and then walk behind them when they have completed their kata. We must always keep our space between us and others especially when all are doing kata. Keeping in mind these points before Enshiki demonstrates alertness and spatial awareness so important to the practice of Iaido.

Seiza may be seen as a form of Rei. As a result, posture should be correct. Iaido teaches us to be mindful about our environment as well as our movements. This would suggest that movements be performed in a proper manner. Therefore we should be aware of our posture during seiza. Incorrect posture would suggest lack of spirit, Rei and sharpness of mind. To attain a correct posture we should sit in a kneeling position, but not resting totally on our heels. This gives our bodies a feeling of readiness to rise quickly and smoothly. Our backs should be straight but not unatural, with shoulders relaxed but open. We should have a feeling of our shoulder blades touching. Hands should be placed on the top of our thighs, with the fingers closed. Elbows should be tucked in touching our torso. In this way, the katana can be handled in the correct way. Our knees should be a fist-width apart to help us rise in a stable manner. Heads should be held naturally, with our eyes focusing on the ground, about 3 feet away, so we may see all that is around us. Seiza is not just a sitting position, it is a state of awareness of ourselves and our environment. If posture is not correct, we cannot attain this state of awareness. Rei means respect and discipline. Having the correct posture during seiza demonstrates that we have disciplined our bodies, and that we show respect to ourselves, our katana and our opponents.

My 1,000 times Suburi & grading & Asian Kendo Tournament

by Peter

一千下的體驗

這是一個試驗,除了升上一級外,還是先生讓我們上初段前的測試,成功做到才能繼續向前推進。一千下不是一個小數目,要做到絕不是一兩天的訓練便足夠!這方面除了做掌上壓和suburi外,就是要多跑步,令雙腳有更多能量去支持。這次有了上次打五百下時的心理準備,知道會更痛苦了,所以打的時候很平常一樣。可是,卻在中途胃痛,痛得想放棄,只好閉上眼睛打著,心中想著想著,很快便完成了。做任何事情也一樣,不能輕易放棄!學習劍道也是一樣!

段試

這是我人生第一次的段試, 或多或少感到十分緊張!在前幾天,我每天都獨自練習Kata,並拍下片段回看,細看自己有需要改善的地方。當然,有錯的時候你自己未必能察覺,但你能改善自己的動作夠不夠完美等等…還記得考試那一天早上,我不停在學校的停車場裡重複又重複的練,真的十分緊張!

坐了一鐘頭的車程到達了天水圍體育館,準備熱身, Ando San, MJ和我多覆習幾次Kata, 因為試題中的三個部份,只有Kata可以練習,其他的就要看自己臨場表現和文筆了。接著,大會會分配部份人的去交試題和獲得一個號碼,Ando San是309,MJ是109,我的是107,百位數字是代表你考取的段數。

考試開始了,共分兩個區域進行,一個是初段-二段,另一個是三段以上。考試第一部份是要上甲進行Keiko的。「禮」,「氣勢」,「kiai」,「殘心」在這部份是十分重要!!考官主要看初段考生能否做齊這些劍道裡最本的練習, 每人會有兩場各一分鐘的Keiko, 你要在限時內用100%作戰的心態去應付, 用盡在道場上所學到的, 因為你輸了, 便無法去下一回合了。,我發現很多對基本的禮儀也不懂得,心裡暗自慶幸有先生,前輩們對基本的執著和教導。

能夠進入第二部份-Kata的考生的號碼會寫在白板上, Kata過後,只能等待結果。還好最後考試成功!十分多謝先生,Jackie, Chris等前輩的支持和指導!

亦在此感謝MJ和其家人的款待,使我不用舟車勞頓的來回天水圍和馬鞍山。

亞洲賽男子三人組

很高興我能夠參與這一年一度亞洲劍道界盛事,我對這次的比賽還滿期待的!我被安排在B隊,在比賽之先我們做了很多的練習,但我仍未能投入狀態。直到第一場比賽,對深圳隊,拿下對方兩個men,戰鬥的感覺回來了,這是我首次的得分和首場的勝仗!真的很高興,第二輪對著深圳劍道連,對手使用上段,對於上段,我真的沒什麼作戰經驗,只記得一開始便給對手拿了一本,接著他一路的緊迫著,根本無法作出還擊,這是我第一場敗仗。幸運地,我隊的得分較高,在小組賽中出線對著A隊,最後雖然八強止步,但獲得了寶貴的經驗,認識到一班新的朋友和一班在背後打氣的精進兄弟姐妹,對於第一次有這種成績,能夠擠身八強已經不俗!

第十一屆 亞洲劍道錦標賽 – The 11th Asian Kendo Tournament

 HK team 2nd place

 

第十一屆 亞洲劍道錦標賽於二零一一年三月十八日至二十日在天水圍運動中心舉行。

數百名來自日本、 臺灣、 中國、 菲律賓、 印尼、 泰國、 新加坡、 馬來西亞、 俄羅斯、 澳門和香港的選手參加是次賽事。它是在亞洲最高水準的國際劍道錦標賽，也是一個令亞洲劍道人相聚和友好的地方。

由Kishikawa（岸川）老師（香港隊總教練）率領的香港隊，在連勝熱門強隊東京及Asia Kendo Club隊後，勇奪第二名，這次，實是非常驚喜，令人驚歎。

對於一些不熟悉這項賽事的，東京隊由著名的 国士館大學相關的選手組成，Asia Kendo Club隊曾在以往的賽事勝出幾次。

決賽中，在局數打和及相同點數後，與高級別六至七段的Indonesia 隊作出無時間限制，一分定勝負的賽事。

不幸地，Indonesia 隊中經驗和技巧較高日本人經驗者，決定性地打破香港獲取第一名。

然而，選手們擁有非凡的熱情和戰鬥精神，毫無疑問他們是尋求更高的劍道目標。

這是值得紀念的一天，多虧了大家的支持，香港已取得他劍道史上最高的成果。

最初的時候，隊伍編制上，基本上由本地人，非日本人組成，取得這種輝煌的結果，克服困難贏得日本強隊。

大家都知道，所有對手在日本都有相當的背景，大多數由五至七段的高技術的經驗者組成，而我們的隊伍，只由三至四段的成員組成。

雖然等級上有差距，每個人都100%專心在他們的搏鬥，作為一個團隊，充滿了熱情，表現他們所學的一切，取得令人驚異的第二名。

為精湛的表現的所有人送上祝賀，並衷心感謝一直協助我們的所有老師及各位。

香港劍道歷史已開始新一頁，並期望著劍道在所有亞洲國家，以同樣方式傳播出去。

 

The 11th Asian Kendo Tournament was held in 18-20/March/2011 at Tin Shui Wai Sports Centre.

Hundreds of participants from Japan, Taiwan, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malysia, Russia, Macao and Hong Kong joined the event, the highest level international kendo tournament in Asia, it is also a place of gathering and friendship amongst all Asian kendo people.

This time, a big surprise, an amazing second place by Hong Kong, led by the Kishikawa sensei (head coach of Hong Kong team), after consecutive victories against the tournament’s favorites and strong opponents Tokyo and Asia Kendo Club teams.

For those not familiar to this tournament, Tokyo team was formed by the famous Kokushikan university related players, and Asia Kendo Club team has won the tournament several times before.

The final, after drawing in number of victories and points, was decided by Ippon match, without time limit, against the high level 6-7 dan Indonesia team.

Unfortunately the experience and skill of the of Japanese senior from Indonesia was decisive to break Hong Kong in getting to the 1st place.

However, the enthusiasm and fighting spirit of the members was something extraordinary, and was no doubt it inspired many players to aim higher in their kendo goals.

It was a remarkable day, thanks to everybody’s support Hong Kong has achieved his highest result in the Hong Kong Kendo history.

 For the first time, a team formed basically by locals, non Japanese, achieved such brilliant result, overcoming the difficulties in winning strong Japanese teams.

All the opponents have a respectable background in Japan, most of them high skilled seniors with 5-7 dan, and our team, formed by 3-4 dan members only.

Although the gap in grade, everybody focused 100% in their fights, worked really as a team, with full spirit, performing everything they have learnt, achieving an amazing 2nd place.

Congratulations to all of them for this superb output, and my sincere gratitude to all senseis and people that have cooperated with us until now.

A new chapter in Hong Kong Kendo history has been started, and hopefully we are watching also the beginning of how Kendo is going to spread along all the countries in Asia in the same way.

Hong Kong Team

by JChan

Asian Kendo Tournament always brings valuable opportunity for exchanging experience with other countries and different backgrounds of kendo players. Moreover, for me, it likes a big kendo party which brings Kendo friends together, at least once a year. I felt a spirit of “KOU KEN CHI AI”. I really appreciate all kendo participants willing to share time with HKKA.
 

This was indeed the most remarkable and memorable day of HKG kendo history. I am so proud of them. Everyone did perfect and I learned a lot by all HKG Men Team’s excellence kendo performance. I appreciate Kishikawa sensei’s teaching and arrangement of squad training for us. I hope I also can bring this day for him, President Raymond sensei and for HKG kendo in the near future.

 

 Shoujinkan members with Tsuchiya sensei’s Tokyo team

by Yuina

今回のアジア大会は、非常に大きな経験となりました。

メイメイやケイトとチームを組んでいただいたことも、とても感謝しております。
あの２人に、どれほど励まされたことでしょう。

国学院の学生さんとの出会いも、貴重です。

剣道を続けていられるのは、人々の温かい支えがあるからです。

わたしが、剣道をすることでまわりに少しでも喜んでいただける、と嬉しいものですね。

言葉にできない「なにか」大事なものを大会に参加することでいただいたようです。

わたしは、負けない。
勝てなくてもいい、負けないこと。
ＮＥＶＥＲ　ＧＩＶＥ　ＵＰ．

なにがあっても、あきらめない。
そういう剣道をしよう。

帰りのバスは、ジョセフたちと一緒でした。
爆酔する姿を見て、想うところがありました。
先ほどまで、熾烈な戦いをしていたメンバー。
厳しいトレーニングに耐え、これは半端じゃない、

彼等からも大いに学んでいます。
なにか、のりを越えられたかもしれません。