September 2018
Club Equipment
It was a milestone moment for our newly-founded club this autumn, as we acquired our very first batch of dedicated kendo equipment. From uniforms (uwagi and hakama) to a mountain of shinai and bokuto, and — most exciting of all — our first set of club bogu (armour). A modest step, perhaps, but a significant one for us. We were growing, piece by piece.
November 2018
Japan '18
In November, Ann and Andrew made the pilgrimage to Japan, the spiritual heart of kendo, to refine their practice. The journey took them across the Kanto and Kansai regions, beginning in Tokyo, where they witnessed the 66th All Japan Kendo Championships at the legendary Nippon Budokan. A thrilling final saw Nishimura claim his third national title.
Training followed in Saitama at the Aibukan dojo under Kurihara sensei, and in Osaka at the invitation of their dear friend Fukumochi Yoshihiko sensei, where they tested themselves against formidable Kansai kenshi. A return to Tokyo brought an unusual but telling experience at Mitsubishi's dojo — so polished by the footwork of generations of strong practitioners that the wooden floor was almost slippery.
A final keiko with students of Sophia University, joined by their friend Yamasaki Ko-chan, a former captain, rounded off a deeply rewarding trip. It was hard to leave, but they promised to return.
December 2018
Belgium '18
The ABKF Winter Seminar in Brussels, held from 12 to 16 December under the instruction of the esteemed Hirakawa Nobuo sensei (hachidan hanshi), was a highlight of the year. Ann and Andrew attended with high hopes, and the seminar delivered in every respect.
They were both successful in their gradings — achieving sandan and yondan respectively — a testament to their dedication. Ann also received the Nakakura Cup Fighting Spirit award, a proud moment for the club. They returned with an even greater treasure: a signed copy of Hirakawa sensei's book, "Kend Fundamentals – Waza to Win" which he personally signedfor them.
They left Brussels inspired, grateful for the guidance of the organisers and sensei, and already looking forward to the next opportunity. The hope is that next year, KAMINARIKAN will be represented by an even greater numbers.
Into the 2019
As the year drew to a close, we extended warm seasonal wishes to all our friends and members, hoping that 2019 would bring joy and be rich in kendo and naginata events. We announced a special final keiko for the outgoing year and invited all kendo enthusiasts in Moscow to join in the festive spirit.
A fitting end to a busy and eventful year.
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
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