Things here are great, it’s hot as heck but that means all the summer festivals are starting! My students have one week of school left before break so am getting em excited about travel and other countries haha. They are so sweet. Looking forward to continuing on with Kendo over here, and now also to coming to NZ for a look! Thanks for all your help! What are practices like over there? Regular? Formal? Here it’s all super formal and intense, I can imagine one of the goals is to push you to your limits in every country though! My sensei is 7th dan too, and he’s just incredible. I am in awe! Thanks again! Tiff P.S. My teacher will be stoked to hear I’m interested in continuing in NZ!
Haha didn’t think there’d be anyone in Taupo, that sounds cool though, I studied in Palmy so would probably be closer to there or Welly when I move back. I’d definitely be keen for seminars and things though! Everyday I tell myself it’s just a short-term hobby, but as exhausting as it can be I KNOW I’ll miss it when I have to leave Japan haha. Wow, KW is run by a Kiwi? That’s so cool! Man I’d be happy just to get to Shoudan, I need to know if what I’m learning here has any relevance to actual grading haha. It’s a relief to know I can give the grading a go in NZ! I heard you can do it in Japan, but seeing as I’m just learning as a school club I’m not really affiliated with a dojo. I’m wondering what would be easier – buying bogu here and shipping it over, or just ordering it and getting it shipped. I guess either way it’s not too big of a deal! I have another year to think about it anyway
Hey! We don't have huge numbers, but there are a few clubs around. No-one in taupo though... there's three clubs in Auckland and 2 in wellington, and I'm pretty sure there is someone trying to get something up and runnin in Palmy, but generally the middle of the north island is pretty sparse... The level overall is not bad, mind you its a bit of a joke compared to Japan We have three good 6 dan sensei, as well as Alex Bennett (7 dan, who runs KW - he lives in Japan but comes back a lot). and lots of 5 dans. We have two main taikai a year, and a couple of regional ones, as well as a winter seminar and again a few other events usually. So there is quite a lot going on. We had a fifth dan grading a few years ago, but usually the highest we can go to is 4th dan. Bogu and shinai just order online - theres quite a few suppliers with really good websites that are easy to deal with. Would be cool if you come back to keep doing kendo! How are you enjoying things over there? Alicia
hey welcome to the forums! I saw you are a kiwi - dunno how long you are planning to be in Japan for, but I hope you're keen to keep it up when you get back - we need more girls here!! Alicia
Home Page
Find latest posts
View Articles
View Blog Entries