KAMINARIKAN News Digest — Q1 2023

Andrew attended the V RAICK Memorial Seminar in Israel, a high-level event featuring instruction from Jerome Cozack sensei (Lille, France). The seminar focused on concepts rarely encountered in Europe, particularly sae and koshi, alongside intense training that built endurance. The competition matches were a highlight, with impressive attack distances from the French and Israeli favourites. New Japanese rules for tsubazeriai were also welcomed. Andrew returned with new friendships and renewed inspiration — grateful for kendo that transcends borders and politics.

Congratulations to Andrew on achieving kendo yondan (4th dan). The grading took place in Israel during the seminar. Jerome Cozack sensei noted Andrew's excellent sae-de-kote during their shobu, which Andrew replicated three times in the examination. A well-deserved milestone!

Our kohai attended a seminar at the Moskenkai dojo led by A. Solodovnikov and M. Valdivia. The focus was on seme, centre, interaction and attack/counter-attack techniques, all reinforced through live keiko. A video analysis session provided valuable feedback — a particularly popular element.

Maxim Ryzhov travelled to Greece for the Thessaloniki Cup, where he successfully graded to kendo sandan (3rd dan). The examining commission noted his tachi-ai was without fault. Congratulations to Maxim on this achievement!

Our kohai competed at the XIII Moscow Taikai, organised by Yaroslav Danilov with support from the Moscow Kendo Federation. Over 40 participants entered the kyu division alone. Congratulations to Alex Alekseev for taking bronze and Daria Belova for receiving the Fighting Spirit award!