Dear Kendo Community,

We hope everyone is healthy and well during these challenging times.

It is unfortunate that covid-19 is preventing us from practicing Kendo together through traditional keiko and live interaction. However, we can take advantage of the time away from the dojo to improve our understanding and appreciation of Kendo through online seminars.

Given such, Kendo Ontario is hosting ‘zoom’ sessions on Fundamental Kendo Technique Training using Bokuto (“Wooden sword”) or “Bokuto-Ni-Yoru Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho” on Sun Oct 25 (Part 1) and Sun Nov 1 (Part 2) from 10:00-11:30am. Members of all ages and all skill levels are encouraged to attend.

“Bokuto-Ni-Yoru Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho” encompasses nine basic techniques and was developed to reinforce the understanding that the “shinai is a sword” and that practitioners should become familiar with the ‘principles and theory of sword work’ and ‘prescribed forms of etiquette’. Historically, many of us only study these steps in preparation for 1st Kyu exams but the fundamentals (forms, manners, attacking techniques as well as counter-attack techniques) will improve everyone’s Kendo. It’s also a good time for more experienced members to review the steps so they can help with the development of their younger and less experienced club members when we return to the dojo.

The sessions will be led by Team Canada members Bill Kim and Ryo Yasumura and supervised by Matthew Raymond Sensei.
A wooden sword is preferable but not required to participate (shinai is fine).

Please take advantage of the opportunity to join us and learn.

Invitation: Open to ALL age group and skill levels !!

Date: Part 1: Sunday October 25 @ 10:00-11:30am

           Part 2: Sunday November 1 @ 10:00-11:30am
           (Part 2 will include a review of Part 1 so please join us even if you missed Part 1)

Host: Team Canada Bill Kim Sensei and Ryo Yasumura Sensei

Preparation: Bokuto (wooden sword) or shinai, comfortable workout clothes (keiko-gi and hakama not required)

Fee/Donation:

The seminar is no charge for attendees but we invite donations from members and clubs to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) as the JCCC will be providing the site from which the Instructors will be presenting from at n/c. To make a donation, please visit: https://jccc.on.ca/join-support/donate/make-donation.

PART 1 (Sun Oct 25):
Opens @ 9:45am. Session starts @ 10:00am.
Please see your Sensei or Dojo Leader for the direct zoom link.

PART 2 (Sun Nov 1):
(Part 2 will include a review of Part 1 so please join us even if you missed Part 1)
Opens @ 9:45am. Session starts @ 10:00am.
Please see your Sensei or Dojo Leader for the direct zoom link.

Optional:

At the end of Part 2, attendees are invited to stay online for brief ‘break out’ rooms where they can meet with other Kendo community members in smaller groups and chat
(same format as the social breakout rooms at CKF’s Virtual Sessions in August)

Contact: info@kendoontario.ca

Thank you for the ongoing support,

Bryan Asa
Kendo Ontario