Kyoto Embu Taikai

Spent Saturday 2 May hanging out in Kyoto at the annual All Japan Kendo Federation Embu Taikai held at the historic Budo Centre. It kicks off with Kobudo, Naginata and Jodo before moving on to Iaido where I had a turn along with several hundred others. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and see the top people in action. The day literally ended with a bang with an earthquake, just after the event wrapped up, with demonstrations by the 8 Dan Hanshi contingent.

AKR Jodo Seminar and Championship

In spite of the cold weather, I had a great weekend in Melbourne at the AKR Jodo Seminar and Championship, from 11-13 April . The feature was quality instruction by the visiting teachers: Tsuriga Sensei 8 Dan Hanshi and Miyawaki Sensei 8 Dan Kyoshi. Appreciation to Christine Cash and the Jodo Committee and the VKR for local support. Special thanks once again to Butsui Sensei (pictured) for her ongoing and tireless support for ZkR Jodo in Australia. These events wouldn't happen without her work behind the scenes.

Embu Australian Kendo Championships

The Australian Kendo Championships were held on the Gold Coast over the Easter Break. I had the privilege of performing a demonstration of ZNKR Iaido with Tsukadaira Sensei during the opening ceremony on Saturday 4 April. Here we are pictured with Mr Ishikawa, Consul General for Japan, and the visiting delegation of Kendo Teachers from the AJKF, Koyama and Iwasa Sensei.

QKR January Iaido Seminar

We joined the team from Northside Budokai in attending the Queensland Kendo Renmei Summer Iaido Seminar on Saturday 24 January. We had a great day of training under the direction of Tsukadaira Sensei from the Gold Coast followed by grading examinations. Congratulations to the Northsiders who were successful in their gradings: Adam Howard 1 Kyu, Roy Quek 1 Dan and Tom Garwood 2 Dan.

Keiko Hajime

Welcome! We are back in action for 2026 with our first practice, Keiko Hajime, on Sunday 4 January with both iaido and aikido. We had Tom and Adam from Northside Budokai and also Gotaro and Ayanoshin from the Gold Coast joining us. Juniors aikido will resume when school starts on 27 January. It’s a great time to start something new or resume your training so get touch!