February 2024
High Level Kendo Camp in Cyprus
Our senpai Maxim attended a week-long high-level kendo camp in Cyprus, led by Pavel Volodarsky (kendo rokudan, President of the Israel Kendo and Budo Federation). This was the second such camp, and for Maxim, a chance to fully immerse himself after a truncated previous visit.
The training was split into dan and kyu groups, with kyū participants working on kihon, uchikomi and kirikaeshi, while the dan group focused on waza against a defensive opponent. The pace was relentless. Formats shifted frequently — hiki-waza, attacks from different distances, counter-attacks on the opponent's zanshin — with rapid partner changes. Maxim noted significant improvement compared to a similar session in Tbilisi, and the variety was far greater.
A highlight was the arrival of Ivan Bannikov and Takenouchi Shohei (ZNKR renshi rokudan) midway through the camp. The session included an uchikomi-style warm-up alternating men and do strikes, followed by a deep dive into responses to opponents trying to avoid strikes — closing distance, evading head strikes. Maxim found working on kote particularly challenging and focused on it throughout.
The fourth day featured a detailed waza breakdown — from the simplest techniques — demonstrated in nito, jodan and chudan. Shohei-sensei demonstrated nito and jodan, while Hyoga Kajitani (ZNKR godan) demonstrated chudan. Kajitani, a shorter kendoka, uses his stature as an advantage with agility and rapid footwork — an approach he developed through years of self-reflection. Maxim found his footwork and body movement universally applicable, even if his specific techniques might not suit taller practitioners.
The final day began with a HEMA demonstration by Ivan Bannikov's club, with participants invited to try it themselves — Kajitani also took part, offering an interesting glimpse into his adaptability. A competition followed, with Kajitani taking first, Roi Eidelman second, Shohei third, and Lyuba Kon also securing bronze. The camp concluded with open jigeiko, allowing Maxim to practise the techniques Kajitani had demonstrated.
The daily routine was seamless: training from 10am to approximately 3pm, with accommodation, meals, spa and sauna at a five-star hotel. Breakfasts and dinners were long and convivial — conversations in Russian, English and Hebrew ranged from kendo to horticulture. As Lyuba Kon put it: "A typical Israeli gathering." Rain fell every day, but only the final departure felt gloomy. Maxim left knowing he will return stronger. Nothing is impossible.
Stay tuned for more news from KAMINARIKAN — and if you're in Moscow, come and say hello!
Stay connected:
🌐 Website: https://www.kaminarikan.org/en
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaminarikan
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KAMINARIKAN
📱 Telegram: https://t.me/kaminarikan
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaminarikan
#kaminarikan #kendo #naginata #kendorussia #kendomoscow #naginatarussia #naginatamoscow #budo #japanesemartialarts