Mid-term break

This Tuesday there will be no practice at BOL, because of the mid-term break. The alternative is to go to Bristol or PT. I intend to give Mark's dojo a visit on Wednesday and see some of our old friends.
You all missed a good night at Cheltenham. Good fun night, great Kendo and very friendly atmosphere with a large number of new kendoka to fight. Gary upheld club honour with one loss and two draws, very commendable, and good practice for MM 3's. Hope to see some of you Wed, otherwise next Sat.

Frank

Regional competition at Cheltenham

There was such a poor attendance last night that I thought it might be advisable to blog a reminder about the regional competition at Cheltenham.
Gareth is going straight from work. I shall be going from Usk. Lewis is looking for a lift from Cardiff, his number is 02920311963. Shaun is quite ill so not sure if he will be there. Anyway, if a number of you are going probably best to meet at Coldra roundabout (usual place) and take off from there at about 1830hrs. The event is from about 1930-2000hrs to about 2200hrs. Location is the YMCA gym in the centre of Cheltenham. Hope to see some of you there.

Frank

Exhibition at Heath leisure centre 17th October

Kendoka
Please note in your diaries the martial arts exhibition Sat week on the 17th October. We have been invited to put on an exhibition of Kendo from about 1015hrs. They have also offered the club a stand. We will need about 6 for the exhibition and perhaps a rota for the stand.
I can get a cloths dummy in place with full kendo armour on it. I have a couple of hat dummies which I shall bring in with some of my hand made japanese kabuto (helmets) on them, plus the suit of armour I have made. In the past I have been advised not to bring in any swords so better not!! The suit is not complete but it gives a flavour.
I have a couple of nice books illustrating various suits of armour and the definitive sword book by Sinclair which we can lay out on table. Thought we could hang a couple of tenegui, fans, handkechief's etc to give a Japanese flavour....as a backdrop to the table.
Any other thoughts would be appreciated. Please come to this exhibition and help the club spread the word. I would especially like a volunteer to mind the table, I don't want to lose any of my valuable armour or books. Probably need a hand to get some of the gear across from the car park. Thanks.

Frank

Visit to Kodokan for Matsumoto leaving practice

After our normal practice on Sat Morning, A band of troupers will be taking off for Matsumoto final practice at Kodokan. There will be about 6 in total, 5 of whom will be staying for the meal afterwards.
If anyone else wishes to join the party, get to the Heath leisure centre for morn practice or before they leave, about 1030-1100hrs. Contact Shaun for details.

Frank

BEGINNERS CLASSES

The next beginners class will start on 3rd November and continue every Tues until 8th December inclusive. The first beginners class of 2010 will commence on 5th January 2010. Next mid term break is 26th Oct, therefore there will be no class on 27 October.
Picture is the finals of the all Japan High school championships. We were guests of Sumi sensei and got a front row seat. The kids were scarely good and bode well for Japan's Kendo future.

Frank

Matsumoto farewell at Kodokan

Kodokan will be saying a fond farewell to Matsumoto sensei with a final practice on Sat 10 Oct 09, time 1400-1700hrs. This will be followed by a dinner. If you wish to attend please contact James and Shaun, James to update the dinner head count, Shaun to arrange transport if required.

The young lady graciously agreed to my request to take our picture, and then agreed that I could take a picture of her, I think she thought I was safe because of my advanced age. James tried to get her to come to our next party but she declined on the advice of her friend who obviously did not like the cut of our gybe. It was not all hard work and no play in Japan.

Frank

Regional Kendo Shiai at Shodokan Cheltenham

The next regional Kendo Shiai will be held at Shodokan Dojo in Cheltenham on Wed 21 Oct 1930 - 2200hrs. Any club member who is interested in making the trip contact Frank. If enough of us show interest we may hire a minibus for trip. At the last one in Glos we did rather well, winning all our fights. This time it would be nice to give our less experienced kendoka the chance to fight for Akai Ryuu and it is a good warm up for Mumeshi. So, think about it over weekend and we will have a count on Tues night. Great fun and there is usually a drink afterwards at one of Cheltenham's finest inn's.
The gentleman in the picture was the owner and craftsman of the bogu shop near Honda sensei' university site.

Frank