Nanseikan Kendo Club 南西館剣道クラブ

This video was taken from Takizawa sensei's recent visit. He demonstrates a technique called kiriotoshi This technique is the specialty of the Itto Ryu, which is an old style of Japanese swordsmanship that had a large influence on Kendo. The aim is to cut through you opponent's attack and steal the centre line from them, while they cut you . It is a very difficult and subtle technique. Watching how easy T sensei makes it look might inspire you to give it a try.

  pic of Melbourne's famous Elm trees, from "the Age" Today's blustery, icy winds and rain are a reminder that it really is autumn now! The upside is that autumn is the perfect time to do Kendo: cooler temperatures make it pleasant to get warm by training. Tomorrow's class is the last for the term. It is also the last class for the beginner's course. As of next term, all beginners are invited to join the second half of class, and also start to wear bogu. In the beginning only do and tare . So beginners are no longer beginners but part of the main class. We start again for term 2 on Saturday 21st April. If in doubt about any dates, please check http://www.kendo.org.au/p/training-dates.html .

It was a great turnout for Takizawa sensei's visit. There were kenshi of all ages and abilities: even three of my high school students (two current and one former). Kyohei from Benalla also brought three of his students. It was great to see his wife Tomoko return to training after injuring her hand. Many parents and even some passers-by stayed to watch. The little Dojo certainly felt full of people and there was a great energy. Before we got started, Steph handed out 10th anniversary badges to all NSK members. My own two angels were there. Jetta only lasted through the warm-up but Sholto did the whole beginners' section of training. The class started with basic running and footwork drills... ...including our patented kikentaiitchi stomp-clap drill! Note Shinoda sensei's immaculately straight posture! We did a great deal of shinai geiko in the first half. Takizawa sensei remarked how much like his own Dojo's training thi

Badges commemorating our 10th anniversary are now available. The first badge is free if you are a currently training member or beginner. If you have more than one kendogi, or you want to put it on a jacket or other piece of clothing, extra badges are $5.00 each. Overseas orders are welcome too! Contact the Nanseikan email address for ordering details. Badges are 6cm x 7.5cm. For locals I will have them at training this Saturday.

Takizawa Kenji sensei on the left. Thanks to efforts of Shinoda sensei, we will be hosting a visit by Takizawa Kenji sensei, Kyoshi 8 dan. He is very interested in teaching Kendo to young people and he has asked specifically to visit our dojo! Takizawa sensei's father was Takizawa Kozo sensei Hanshi 9(!) dan. He is best known for winning one of the last Tenran Jiai , or special match in the Emperor's presence. Only selected high level kenshi were invited to compete, and in this case it was members of the Imperial Guard. You can read a report about this remarkable kenshi and the match itself here .