NUMBER TWO 2017

REPRESENTING IAIDO, JODO AND KENDO BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION

BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION E

M E H THE OFFICIAL C BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION’S S MEMBERSHIP PUBLICATION T NUMBER TWO 2017 N Contents U

O C This issue contributors: S Thoughts from I Fay Goodman, John Howell, Chris Mansfield, Health & Safety D Clive Sinclaire, Nigel Kettle, Donald Gordon, 03 the Chair O Yukiko Ayres, Hugh Darby, Will Heal, Accident/Near miss J Ed Lief-Marshall, Stojanka Vidinic, Hasuji Reporting and why O Jon Fitzgerald, Garance Watford, Seitei Gata 51 D 06 John Honisz-Greens, Alan Lee-Nash, • Karl Gibbons, Goodmedia, Fraser Biscomb, Injury issues S Mike Reilly-Fountaine, Claire Vilday, R Around the Bu Derek Hart, Christopher Grainger, Five tips to... O Dick Grainger, Neil Clark. T 53 avoid tennis elbow C Kendo E Cover photo: 07 T Goodmedia O R Deadlines Iaido P Copy and images: 09 • Please submit copy and images anytime by

O email. We CANNOT accept copy by post. Jodo M Images should ideally be sent as 300dpi jpegs I 15 or psd files and labeled appropriately. H • Image files larger than 10MB should be sent I as compressed files via WeTransfer, Hightail The sword U or similar. G A brief history of the U Copyright development of the N The magazine follows international 17 E copyright and Fair Use law. Images taken Japanese sword T by contributing photographers remain their • property and are stored electronically in A Kihaku’s photolibrary. Re-usage of images Articles M without permission of the photographer is A strictly forbidden. Images taken from the Just how bad is K a seminar for you? A public domain are not credited, as the original 25 H owner can not always be verified. Images • supplied by BKA members and external The 10th Kodokan I sources must either be labeled with source Ladies Kendo Seminar 17 G details or have permission (accreditation) 29 O given for re-use. K Sanma no kurai I In these circumstances, Kihaku cannot be E held responsible for copyright breaches, 33 The three stages of K and if required, the source will be named if development • requested by the authorities. U The copyright of all written text remains the Bushi or goshi – G property of the author. Reproduction in any 35 Purchased samurai status U way or by any means requires the authors O permission. B Do – • 39 A kanji explained S G Chonmage A We need your help. B 41 Hairstyling for warriors! • We want to make this a membership I publication for all your questions and Zen A curiosities. N What is it? I 43 29 H We’d like info on your teacher(s), their S teacher(s), dojo stories and experiences; The art of warming up • your thoughts on the arts, philosophy, to maximise training time concepts, the whys and wherefores, the 45 O T trivial or not so trivial. We'd also like your I Post seminar thoughts feedback and questions, so they can be A I addressed in one place for the good of 47 from five attendees • our Association. For this publication to N work, it needs to be current, accurate and A moral dilemma! E informative. 49 A student question K So, if you have something to say, please K say it here. O B www.ninecircles.co.uk 45 © Copyright British Kendo Association 2017 KIHAKU | 2 THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAIR

BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION

Dear Member Welcome to the second issue of Kihaku!

We have received excellent feedback from people all There were some common themes across all three bu It is appreciated that many of you realise that for the BKA THOUGHT FOR THE DAY! over the world including Japan and central Europe on or with suggestions such as: to move forward we need to continue improving our Words are powerful and can move a mountain, first issue stating they enjoyed finding out more about professional image through what we produce, such as the • ensuring seminars can accommodate the number They can distort the truth and taint a fountain. the BKA and the arts we study. website, social media and the magazine. This also applies of people attending, not just to only meet safety Think carefully before you utter thoseBRITISH words untrue, KENDO This clearly demonstrates the value of our magazine to how we conduct ourselves as practitioners in our chosen requirements but also to ensure good quality training. Which could destroy another and lay ASSOCIATIONthe blame in communicating with our members and the discipline, not just in the dojo but the wider community. on you. wider public. • more care should be taken in seeking centrally located The dojo offers a safe environment to develop our character It is easy to spread rumour, deceit and lies, venues to accommodate those travelling from distant and enrich our understanding of not only ourselves but To encourage a network of secret spies. parts of the UK. ...many of you realise that for others. We learn how to share the knowledge we are freely But is this what life is truly about? As we are in the process of preparing a new membership given, and understand the difficulties of striving for perfection To waste energy on hurting others as we scream the BKA to move forward we pack, this is a good time for all suggestions to be – that ever-moving target. and shout. submitted – so please contact us. As we open our doors to people from all walks of life need to continue improving our If we can stop for a moment to see what we are Other suggestions include dojo visitations and even a joint and abilities, we can learn from each other. We hopefully really doing, professional image... gathering so we can be more inclusive – all good ideas to develop respect, understanding, compassion and an ability to To see the beauty of life and the seeds we consider and hopefully implement in the future. communicate, not only through improving our verbal skills but are sowing, When we asked for suggestions for attracting comment also through our ability to learn how to demonstrate intricate In this second issue, we again capture highlights of the To see the good in others and celebrate their life, from new members, these included a wide range of useful physical manoeuvres combining timing, speed, body balance European Championships and provide members’ views Rather than be negative and impose difficulties suggestions summarised as follows: and inner composure. on several interesting topics as well valuable advice on and strife, our health and wellbeing. • Build on recent TV/Press using social media As we share our experience, skill and knowledge, I trust the Let the beauty of your sword shine bright and true, e.g. YouTube and Twitter BKA Magazine is something we can use wisely as a platform So you can follow your heart knowing precisely During 2016, we conducted a survey to hear the voice for communication and comradeship, as well as a snapshot to what to do. of our members – YOU! We wanted to know what you • Start new advertising with fliers, posters and branding capture special moments in time for many years to come! felt worked well within our organisation and areas we e.g. car stickers We are here but for a moment and we can give could improve on and include in future planning. • Organise more outreach programmes and public so much, demonstrations in a variety of venues I was delighted with the response, with over 520 If we see the beauty of life through practice and replies and some excellent feedback. Over 50 • Invest in juniors and support universities more everything we can touch, members have offered to help in some capacity. This As we tread our Budo path we should remember • Nurture a feeling of belonging within the association shows that we do have an active membership and YOU the reason why, do want to be more involved. • Introduce free introductory session vouchers to Or give up and start knitting which is much easier encourage new students Fay Goodman to try? • Arrange more brand promotion regionally and nationally Chair British Kendo Association Fay Goodman 2017

3 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 4 Well done! s ichael Taylor Seitei-gata BKA No. 624 – Centre line of M kiritsuke the number speaks for itself. 6 7 11a 11b This week we 5O 9 3 5 presented Michael with a BKA certificate celebrating his long EASY 1, 2 membership of the BKA. I have known him for 50 years ago we over 30 years, championed aff ordable travelled with insurance designed for 11c him, slept with students, when others him – lol – and wouldn’t. as such I can write this. Today, we are still as This certificate committed to providing represents value for money. Using many years our expertise we have of kendo at all its levels; he has extended our products and 11d represented GB as a squad member services to professionals and and he was a winner of the open. business niches too, shaping He's a fearsome but honest competitor; you may win the bout but protection for the things you’ll never defeat him. that matter most to our 5 customers. Most of all Michael is a teacher. He teaches what he knows which comes from the heart; meet him half way and To fi nd out more, visit he’ll give you all he has. endsleigh.co.uk or call us on This certificate is a just reward which I 0800 028 3571 was proud to present to him on behalf of both the BKA and our dojo, not only for the many years he has supported Kendo in the North East but also for the time he has given to teaching, from Bolton to Northumbria University and now our current Northumbria Dojo. His influence on British Kendo is spread afar from the many students visiting our dojo, including Brazil, Italy, China and even Japan. As such he's a bit of a legend. He will hate me for saying this but a local press feature once said; ”Gas fitter by day, Samurai by night.“ Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be Lastly I’d like to thank Fay and the checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting their website at www.fca.org.uk/register BKA for awarding this award. Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No. 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire. GL51 4UE. 5 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 6 AROUND THE BU

Kitamoto 2016 Mumeishi 3’s – 2016 This summer Young Park and I were sent to Kitamoto was certainly demanding, and the For the second year running, Cardiff-based Denshinkan represent the BKA at the 43rd Foreign Kendo daily schedule was very busy as we had a lot won the prestigious international championship in London CONGRATULATIONS Leaders Summer Seminar in Kitamoto, of material to cover. With a teaching panel of on 12th November 2016. James Ogle, Ryutaro Tanaka Japan. The event was a one-week seminar leading Sensei including Masaharu Kakehashi and Jac Davies won seven consecutive fights against that lasted from Friday the 22nd July to Friday 8th Dan Hanshi, Koji Kasamura 8th Dan Kyoshi, teams from across the UK and Europe to secure the the 29th July. Fifty-eight Kendo leaders joined Susumu Nagao 8th Dan Kyoshi, and Hiroaki trophy. to Kazuyo Matsuda Sensei the event from 44 different countries, with Tanaka 8th Dan Kyoshi (as well as numerous James runs the Denshinkan dojo is 4th Dan and all regions of the globe being represented – visiting Sensei) we were able to learn a massive on passing the 7th Dan exam in competes for the GB team. South and North America, Europe, and Asia. amount. There were four main sessions a day, All the participants at Kitamoto were from 3rd with an additional ‘unofficial’ armoured asa Tanaka is 5th Dan and assistant coach. the USA in November 2016; to 6th Dan and were nominated by their home country, geiko from 5:30 to 6:30 am. The first session at 6:30 am Jac is 1st Kyu. One member of each team needed to be with the final decision on delegates coming from the All and to Gary O'Donnell Sensei covered either kata or kihon keiko ho, this was followed below 1st Dan for the competition. Japan Kendo Federation. at 9:30 am with suburi and kihon, referee skills after lunch, and an evening keiko that covered drills such on passing the 7th Dan exam in As the purpose of the camp is to develop future Kendo as uchikomi, kakari geiko, and mawari geiko with all leaders, the focus was on a mixture of different areas participants. This year we also had the chance to visit the Brussels in February 2017 that were felt to be important for teaching and promoting All Japan Junior Taikai at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo to Kendo. These ranged from lectures and demonstrations watch the championship, which was great. to keiko in groups and with partners. Sensei at the event covered Kendo Kata, Bokutou Kihon Keiko Ho, kata with Finally, on the Friday at the end of the seminar there was hibiki (metal blades), suburi, kihon with bougu, referee also a ZNKR grading examination from 4th Dan to 6th practice and shiai. Dan, for all participants. I decided to challenge for 6th Dan at this grading and fortunately I was able to pass, which An interesting thing about Kitamoto is that as it’s a was a great end to a long and very rewarding camp. gasshuku; participants are split into groups by rooms (of about 8-10 people) with each room sleeping, eating Kitamoto was a great seminar, and both Young and I are and doing chores together! This was a great chance to very grateful to the BKA and the Kendo Bu for nominating meet other kenshi from lots of different countries and us. We both tried our best to represent Great Britain to build a great team spirit together. Myself and Young, the fullest of our abilities, and gained a massive amount for example, were in room 302 along with people from from our experience in Japan. Germany, Thailand, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. Jon Fitzgerald, Captain, Team GB

7 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 8 AROUND THE BU

Miken no Shiwa A person that I consider to be a wise man recently told people who have come forward to offer free service to such as these also promote better teaching that benefits me that he believed that it takes about one year to be our Bu and Association. We have university academics, both student and faculty alike by allowing deliberately fully aware of all the responsibilities of a new role, and two magistrates, a retired senior police officer, business planned rotation for varied input and prevents teacher around two years to become competent and confident in professionals and business managers of the highest fatigue in 2017. This worked well at the 2016 Summer the role. Having survived the first six months as the new calibre and character. So, let me introduce to you the Seminar where even our own 7th dan sensei were Iaido Bucho, and having dealt with various challenges new Iaido-bu officers that I feel extremely excited to be allocated time to study with Morita Hanshi (Hanshi presented along the way which have resulted in a lot of working with: (see table opposite). 8th dan). There was also excellent feedback about the ‘miken no shiwa’, I feel that both the Iaido-Bu officers Northern Seminar led by Cook sensei. In 2017, many of The 2017 Calendar: and myself are starting to make headway understanding our 5th dan seniors who have completed the Examination While respecting the work done by the previous Bucho our new responsibilities beyond those written in the Mentoring Programme (EMP), will have the opportunity and his team, I also feel it important for the new team to constitution, and are coming to terms with the reality to assist the teaching faculty directly, thus taking on more find ways to build on their work and add our own ideas of juggling so many things at once in a transparent and responsibility and hopefully raising their own technical into the mix. One element I plan to get the Bu team to equitable way for all members. knowledge and ability in ZNKR Seitei Gata. Also, they will address are the points raised by members regarding the have the opportunity to sit on grading panels, which will There have been growing pains for the new Iaido-bu quality of seminar space. To this end, the Bu team have (hopefully) help motivate them to develop as well. They team, and we also recognise this to be true for elements all agreed that we must improve the quality of venues we will be monitored by senior faculty who will be asked within the Bu membership. This has never been more hire for our events. It may take time to find the perfect to mentor and advise them so as to develop our next true than when we slowly formulated and laid out our floor or space, but we are constantly on the look-out for generation of senior sensei. vision of where we would like to take the Iaido- Bu in excellent venues and locations. If you know of one or 2017 and beyond, and how we elected officers feel would like to see an event in your hometown, please let We have already had two very successful Level 1 the resources and finances should be utilised to further the Iaido Events Officer know. Thankfully, already we Coaching Courses in Hove and Edinburgh, where around benefit all of the Iaido-Bu membership. We Bu officers change so we can make a more wholesome Bu. have found some great new venues for events in 2017 45 Kendo, Iaido and Jodo members became Level 1 feel confident that given a fair chance, our new and So, without further delay, I would like to take this that are fully confirmed (except one venue – the coaches. I would like to offer a massive congratulations different ideas can yield significant results. The fact is opportunity to introduce to you some of the positive Northern Seminar). We believe Iaido is difficult enough to all of them. The Iaido bu also had its first ever Scottish that our Iaido-Bu is blossoming and we have our second things which I think are worth sharing with you, along to do well, so we have worked hard to try find as many Squad Training Session, hosted by Edinburgh Genbukan and third generation of seniors coming through the ranks, with our Bu vision for 2017. venues as we can with excellent wooden floors. dojo and lead by our Squad Coach and Assistant Coach, and like any growth, there can also be accompanying supported by Hugh Darby sensei and Iaido Bucho, and The Bu Team: 2017 will have the usual Regional Seminars; however, growing pains. Also, as we become a more diversified we were delighted to welcome 31 members to what was The first thing I want to share, is that I am extremely we also plan to add a new event to the calendar. This will Bu, new faces are stepping up to take on new teaching a superb day of learning and practice enjoyed by both proud of the Iaido-Bu officers and team that have happen the day after the AGM, aptly called The Post- and management roles and responsibilities, so the future squad hopefuls, and those just coming to improve their gathered together in such a short space of time. We have AGM Event. This will be a very dynamic and demanding can indeed be bright, and the time does seem ripe for Iaido for personal growth or upcoming gradings. a truly geographically, style and lineage diverse group of day, which will help Iaido-ka of all levels and grades to develop their skills in various ways, and at the end of Summer Seminar 2017: Bu Position Name Style / Grade Location the event each attendee should leave with two-pages of I am pleased to announce that after consultation with Events Officer Anil Sahal MSR / 3rd Dan West Yorkshire dedicated notes from a senior sensei for self-reflection Oshita Masakazu sensei, the new contact for arranging and personal development. Thus, there is the potential Japanese delegations, the Iaido-bu was advised to Grading Officer Phil Henderson MJER / 5th Dan Middlesbrough of supporting your Bu at the AGM, getting free input invite six Japanese senior sensei to join us for our 2017 Cashier Hugh Darby MSR / 6th Dan Glasgow and training during the AGM from a group of sensei who Summer Seminar. We confirm that from that group, three have agreed to attend and teach, and then participating senior sensei will visit us. These will be Morita Tadahiko Squad Manager Karl Gibbons MSR / 4th Dan Midlands in a new dynamic event the next day. The good news is (Hanshi 8th dan - MJER), Yoshimura Kenichi (Kyoshi Squad Coach Greg Drewe MSR / 6th Dan Renshi Stevenage we intend to make this a free (or as close to possible) 8th dan - MSR) and Oshita Masakazu (Kyoshi 8th dan - Senior Advisor Dave Fanning MSR / 5th Dan London event for all, but the success of the event depends on MJER). They will also be assisted by Beau Brier (Renshi the students attending and the senior faculty volunteering 6th dan) and Fujiwara Takashi (Renshi 6th dan). Equally Event Officer (As) Martin Chambers MJER /5th Dan Newcastle Upon Tyne to supporting it. Please watch the BKA website and exciting is that the venue to host the event will be at the EMP Coordinator Facebook page for more details as they arise. University of Birmingham. This is a new hall with a superb floor, and we plan to utilise all 12 badminton courts to Squad Coach (As) Martin Clark MSR / 6th Dan Renshi Cambridgeshire I also plan to continue to ask senior faculty to create a ensure enough space for safe and continuous practice. teaching plan before any event. This, I believe, aids in Iaido Bucho John Honisz-Greens MJER /6th Dan Renshi Edinburgh The Events Officer is also working hard to try to secure better time management and saves holding seminar onsite university accommodation to make the event more Bu Officers can be contacted by E-mail – addresses are on the BKA webpage. attendees hostage, as faculty discuss at the start of affordable and convenient to attendees. Room availability a seminar what to do and who is going to do it. Plans

9 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 10 Iaido Squad Training Sessions 2017 – Open invitation to all Iaido Bu members may be limited so will be allocated on a first come, first development as Iaido-ka. However, up until now, these You can contact the Squad Manager on: serve basis. We are working hard to make this a great essays have been sitting on a hard drive somewhere My name is Karl Gibbons and I am the new BKA Iaido [email protected] event and offered at a great price. gathering digital dust. I want to utilise these essays Squad Manager. I consider it a great honour to manage Only attendance at BKA Iaido events will be considered and, with permission from the authors, share them the national Iaido squad and I will give my best effort Squad Training Sessions: for team selection and will be based on skill, enthusiasm, with you, the membership, to use in a self-reflective, to provide our members and team with the strongest I will be working very hard with the Squad Management attitude and attendance. Each Dan grade will ideally have progressive manner. Thankfully, some authors have platform for success. I want to make some changes Team to encourage many more of our Iaido members to between 4-6 team candidates with one or two being already agreed to support this initiative, sadly some have to the way we run our squad sessions and make the attend Squad Training Sessions (STS). We plan to do this selected for the final team. not. Nevertheless, we have so much expertise amongst selection of the squad and team as transparent and by advertising these more effectively and endeavouring us and I think we should at least try to distribute those inclusive as possible. A points system will be used as an indicator of to make them more inclusive to all the membership. skills for the betterment of us all. I would like to say attendance and success, and will be used in conjunction We have also planned to hold them in more areas to Starting in Edinburgh on February 26th 2017 and many thanks to Hugh Darby sensei for agreeing to share with a log of a candidate’s performance and attitude, to try to give more respect to the geographical diversity of continuing up until the end of the 2017 Summer Seminar, a re-edited version of his superb essay on the stresses select a final team. Team selection will be done using a our membership. We also plan to have higher levels of the Squad Manager and Coach will be running a series that a seminar can inflict on us, and to Mansfield and democratic process by the Team Manager, Team Coach technical support to work alongside the Squad Coach of UK Squad Training Sessions (STS). These sessions are Nash sensei for their superb contributions to this issue of and Bucho. by inviting local seniors and senior sensei. Finally, hard open to all BKA Iaido-bu members regardless of squad Kihaku as well. decisions have been pondered and we plan to enact aspirations and, despite the name, are intended to help Event Point Value revised and hopefully improved squad recruitment Communication Policy and Facebook: members have more opportunities to develop their Iaido. policies that respect the considerable investment being I would finally like to remind you that although the BKA The STS will be led by the Squad Coach; assisted by the BKA Seminar Attendance 1 Squad Manager and other nominated officers and invited made in finding and training our eventual squad and webpage and Facebook will be utilised by myself and the Squad Training 2 team, and to use transparent and democratic selection Bu officers for poster and advertisements ofBu activity seniors to focus on notable technical weaknesses or (no points for half day attendance) processes in selection. We hope we can find a dynamic for members, Facebook is not what we consider our specific themes to better equip those in attendance to Iaido Nationals Attendance 3 and committed final team to send to theEuropean Iaido official or an appropriate method for answering enquiries. do more effective Iaido. The STS are not seminars, so Championship in Turin, Italy (Nov, 2017) that will turn Not all officers, faculty or indeed members use Facebook explanations will be short and to the point, so that more Nationals Medal Win (Gold) 5 repetitive practice can be achieved with specific and quick our 2016 bronze medals into 2017 Gold success. We are (or similar media). Questions posted on Facebook can Nationals Medal Win (Silver) 4 aiming high. often go unnoticed or unaddressed, leading to the one-to-one feedback given when needed. impression of being ignored, so please make use of Nationals Medal Win (Bronze) 3 Information about STS can be found at: The STS plus two other events to select the UK squad E-mail to avoid disappointment, confusion or conflict. http://www.britishkendoassociation.com/iaido-squad/ Participation in the BKA National Iaido Championships and Post-AGM Event Attendance 3 If you have an enquiry regarding Iaido Bu operations, then the new POST-AGM Taikai-Shinpan Training Event is also Post AGM Event 1st or 2nd place 5 Other Support for Members: please E-mail the relevant officer/s directly, making sure strongly encouraged for those who wish to be considered Another increasingly important issue I would like to that all relevant persons are included and named. The for team selection. address, and one that has been on the NC agenda for Iaido officers email addresses are available on the BKA Coaching Format some time, is to introduce to the Iaido-Bu members a webpage: http://www.britishkendoassociation.com/who- Any BKA member can be considered for Squad inclusion Although not written in stone, it is important for you to BKA Identification Card that can be carried around in a is-who-iaido-bu/ and if anyone is interested in being considered for the have an idea of what to expect when you attend an STS. wallet or purse (or better still with your sword) and is 2017 Squad they must email the Squad Manager and There will be two parts to the STS event: the open event, The Iaido bu’s philosophy is one of absolute inclusion linked into a live database. This card will allow police inform him or her of the desire to be considered and and a closed event for squad members. and equality. Your ideas and opinions do matter to us, officers to verify if a person, who has been stopped confirm that they have read and agreed to the Code of so please feel free to use your voice and get in contact STS will start at 09.30am with a warm-up led by the whilst carrying a sword, has just cause for carrying it. Conduct. Please also list your name, e-mail address, if you have any ideas or comments. You may remember team coach and we intend to make this more relevant to Working with a small team, headed by our Health and contact phone number, current grade, when you are next something that worked well in an Iaido seminar, that Iaido (e.g. cutting, chiburi, noto practice etc.) The Squad Safety Officer, we will initiate a small-scale pilot of this eligible to grade, and a summary of any national and/or allowed the ‘penny to drop for you’ or in something from management think it is fair for us to expect serious scheme in Scotland so we can evaluate efficacy and iron international results (if available): another martial art, sport or pastime you practise. If so, contenders for the team to be responsible for their own out any issues or logistical problems before rolling out the send us your suggestions to mull over and be aware we Code of Conduct: http://www.britishkendoassociation. fitness level and be stretched and ready for Iaido STS at concept to the whole of the BKA. will credit those who’ve had the good ideas! com/resources/ the start of proceedings. Competing at an international Also, many of you will have participated in the BKA level requires a high level of fitness and commitment John Honisz-Greens *** Members of the 2016 team should also contact Level 2 Coaching Course as part of your continuing to achieve successful results. Iaido-ka, and especially British Kendo Association – Iaido Bucho the Squad Manager to confirm they wish to hold development. As part of this, candidates are required to those with aspirations for a team place, are expected [email protected] their place. If there is no email confirmation, it will submit an essay on a relevant topic set by the examiners. to participate fully in all practice sessions organised by be assumed that you are not available for 2017 Team Squad management throughout the period of the event. It struck me that many of these essays are a veritable selection. gold mine of very insightful and interesting information that our membership would find useful in their own

11 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 12 EIC 2016 in Budapest, Hungary Following notification of selection as a Squad member, Date Locations In November, Team GB travelled to Budapest, Hungary for and dedication in the run-up to and during the event, you will be required to maintain good physical condition another European Iaido Championships. Every member of and the GB squad themselves, who came together from and should advise the Squad Manager of any injuries or Iaido Nationals June 11th Sheffield the squad gave a very good account of themselves, with many different dojo and all three koryu to create such a illness so that expert advice may be sought. at least one GB player through the pools in every division, warm, friendly and supportive group. Post-AGM Event July 9th Birmingham and both players through in sandan and godan. The group in attendance will run through all twelve ZNKR Will Heal, Outgoing BKA Iaido Squad Manager Fantastic fights all round resulted in two bronze medals Seitei Gata to gain insights into who is doing what and to Squad Training August 19th Durham (Anthony Baker, mudan and Andy Watson, rokudan) and a assess the coaching requirements of the individual. STS Session (4) hopes to use a mentoring system for the various grades. fighting spirit (Daniel Silk, godan). Squad Training After a set period, we will do all 12 kata again, looking to Sept 16th South TBC In the team event, the GB team flew through the pools Session (5) make sure that the instruction has been implemented by without dropping a flag, then eliminated Greece and the individual. Squad Training Poland (last year’s winners) before being KO’d by the gold Oct 21st North TBC Session (6) BRING A PAD AND PENCIL SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE winning Sweden team. So, hard won bronze medals for European Iaido Kristina Poslusna, Ed Marshall, Kevin McNeill and WRITTEN NOTES OF ADVICE GIVEN Nov 4-5 Turin, Italy Championships Daniel Silk. On occasion, STS will implement an open taikai session where non-squad members can challenge a squad The cost to attend STS is £15 (or £8 concession rate), Squad: member to a dual with feedback coming from the judges. payable on the day. No half-day rate is available to Mudan – Anthony Baker (Hagakure) + Dave Draper Squad positions can change during the year so be members. This rate is charged to help cover hall-hire (Budokan) prepared to defend your place. and pay modest expenses. Excess funds will be used to Shodan – Rafal Radosz (Kashiwa) + Shakir Rahman support squad-only sessions and for sending our national General Rules (Eishinkan) team to the EIC. All squad members are expected to cooperate in a Nidan – Ed Marshall (Ryoshinkan) + Tecwyn Lee manner which befits the art of Iaido. Members should Dates and venues will be posted on the: (Kenyukan Suffolk) remember that they are not only representing the BKA, BKA website: Sandan – Kristina Poslusna (Mugenkan) + Will Heal but that they are sporting ambassadors for the United http://www.britishkendoassociation.com/iaido-squad/ (Kashiwa) + Kevin McNeill (Reserve, Ojika) Kingdom before, during and after an event and particularly BKA calendar: at any social event which they may be required or opt http://www.britishkendoassociation.com/calendar/ Yondan – Ben Emberley (Taigakai Dartford) + Rob Townson to attend. The Squad Manager will provide the squad (Budokan) and final team with a full code of conduct, befitting of an BKA Facebook: Godan – Lee Mountain (Budokan) + Daniel Silk international competitor. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ britishkendoassociation/ (Mugenkan) Team members are expected to co-operate and to Rokudan – Andy Watson (Ryoshinkan) + Harry Jones assist in the building of team spirit. This will also factor As Squad Manager, I believe it is an honour to be (Ryoshinkan) into final team selection. The objective is to achieve selected to compete for your country, and with selection the best performances in each event and to achieve, brings a responsibility to represent the United Kingdom GB Referees: overall, the highest possible team and individual results. in the best possible way, both technically and with Chris Mansfield (kyoshi nanadan) The European Iaido Championship is about going and exemplary Saho. Fay Goodman (kyoshi nanadan) doing your best, and being your best. We in the Squad In closing, to every person in the Iaido Bu, please take Chris Buxton (kyoshi nanadan) Management believe winning is a by-product of that. this as a formal invitation for you to attend UK Squad Alan Lee-Nash (renshi rokudan) Martin Clark (renshi rokudan) Important Dates Training Sessions in 2017 to improve your Iaido and, if desired, challenge for a squad place. Huge thanks to the EKF, Hunor Mihalik and the Hungarian Date Locations We do hope you will support us. Kendo Federation and EIC organisation committee, all Squad Training the referees and European nanadan teachers and, of Feb 26th Edinburgh Karl Gibbons – Iaido Squad Manager Session (1) course, the excellent ZNKR delegation: Yamazaki sensei (hanshi hachidan), Mitani sensei (hanshi hachidan) and Squad Training April 23rd Northampton (Joint) Session (2) Nakano sensei (hanshi hachidan). It really was a fantastic event, smooth running and efficient, with one of the Squad Training May 6th Halesowen best atmospheres I can remember. Lastly my personal Session (3) thanks to Kevin McNeill for helping manage while I was competing, Squad Coach Greg Drewe for all his hard work

13 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 14 AROUND THE BU

EJC 2016 in Magglingen, Switzerland I am writing on behalf of the UK Jodo squad to thank you Ally Mihaylova for a really smooth and well organised trip. for your donation which helped us to send a full team Congratulations to those that passed their grading: to Switzerland for EJC 2016. In the first few weeks of Jenni Wilding and Colin Porter successfully passed our crowdfunder campaign, your generosity has been sandan. overwhelming, and the squad has felt a real boost from knowing that you are behind us. You have really made a Daniel Silk successfully passed godan. difference to the development of UK Jodo. The Jodo bu would like to particularly thank the following Medal success came in the form of a gold in the mudan for their generous contribution to the squad fund: division for Rob Townson, bronze for Daniel Silk in the Ishido sensei, Otake sensei and Yoshimura sensei. yondan division, and, in the most hilarious oversight Kiran Khetia, Jeanne Heal, Nazia Hirjee, Neil Andriot, possible, our deaf mudan competitor Mark Snowdon Andrew Bowen, Amanda Allen, Will Heal, Cliff Bowler, received a prize in the form of headphones for being Helena Gonzalez, Elisabetta Carbone, Peter West and one of the two best tachis in the tournament. It was Steffi Bayer. interesting to see those who were stifling tears of Jenni Wilding for selling cakes at the West Midlands laughter at what is usually a formal and sober awards seminar for the squad fund. ceremony. Ed Lief-Marshall – Jodo squad fundraiser and In the team event the UK came first in our pool, beating Stojanka Vidinic – Jodo bucho Slovakia and Germany only to encounter a Netherlands team that we did not progress past. Although we came tantalisingly close, the event developed a squad which is galvanised for intense training this year. Thanks to all squad members for putting in great fights to a tough competition: Mudan: Rob Townson and Mark Snowdon Shodan: Shakir Rahman and Abdul Oyede Nidan: Jenni Wilding and Ed Lief-Marshall Sandan: Kristina Poslusna and William Heal Reserve: David Parker Yondan: Daniel Silk and Carlos Xilotl Godan: Stojanka Vidinic Team: Ed Lief-Marshall, Kristina Poslusna and Daniel Silk, David Parker as reserve. Thank you to our referees: Hopson sensei, Mansfield sensei, Buxton sensei, Drewe sensei, Watson sensei and Jones sensei. A big thank you to our coach Harry Jones for her dedication to the squad, and squad manager Many thanks to Fakhri Al-Alami, David Parker and Stojanka Vidinic for letting us use their photographs.

15 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 16 f course, there are many reasons to enjoy Oand appreciate the Japanese sword. An A brief history of understanding of Jigane and Jihada, as well as the intricacies of the Hamon’s hataraki and form, is visually perceived. Even if some the development of education and explanations are needed and desirable, provided that you have the eyes to see, the sword should hold no secrets. the Japanese sword It takes only a sensitive nature and relaxed mind to fully appreciate such things. By Clive Sinclaire For some, this may be where it ends, but a fuller study of the culture of the Japanese sword will add a further dimension. To me, this is an integral and important part of Japanese sword appreciation.

Ogasawara Sensei (ex curator of owners who cared for and preserved Japanese swords and Tokyo National it, places weighty obligations on Museum, Ueno Park, Tokyo) once our shoulders. There can also be no said to me: “The trouble with you, doubt that there is a “way” in the Clive, is that you look at swords from Zen sense of the word, and a spiritual a Kendo man’s point of view.” Whilst aspect, associated with the study and I may not completely agree with this appreciation of fine Japanese swords. assessment, I have no problem with Such study as this was the province it. Even modern swords, far removed of the gentlemen of rank in old Japan. from the life-and-death struggles of bygone times, acknowledge the Personally, I think an even greater importance of a sword’s practical appreciation of swords may be properties. That is to say, to maintain gained from adding an active study their integrity as a weapon, they of Kendo and Iaido, the martial arts must not bend or break and must of the sword. This helps give a very be capable of cutting well. It is such practical understanding of what a considerations that make today’s sword was made to do and is capable Shinsaku-to so satisfying to view of. I consider this to be the other side and handle. of the coin to a purely academic study of swords. Of course, it may not be How can one not be moved, suitable for everyone, but both Kendo therefore, when the historical context and Iaido may be practised to a fine of a sword’s life is considered on old age! For a sword collector, this top of all this? To own a sword that may be a great experience as well as may have seen the Mongol invaders a way to gain a fuller understanding of or had fifty generations of previous the sword.

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Beyond the aspects just described, make fine swords. The large number A pupil of Shintogo Kunimitsu, named may have been brought about by the I have not touched on the other great of Bizen swordsmiths who attended Masamune, developed that style difficulties encountered with the larger benefits of Japanese sword study in the Emperor’s court attests to the and produced gorgeous blades that swords in street and indoor fighting as today’s international market. I owe fact that this school was highly were far less likely to be irreparably well as the tendency towards fighting a debt of gratitude to the Japanese regarded at this time. Swords made damaged in battle. Masamune had ten on foot rather than horseback. Both sword for bringing me to many places by Gotoba still exist in Japan, and famous pupils, known collectively as the styles of swordmaking of Soshu- and introducing me to friends that I are simply signed with an Imperial the ‘Masamune jittetsu’, who spread den and Bizen-den were popular and have made all over the world. This is chrysanthemum crest called a their master's teachings throughout the influence of Soshu-den on Bizen the culture of the Japanese sword Kiku. These swords are therefore Japan. The so-called Soshu-den had swordsmiths at this time is evident in as I see it today, and it is the culture known as Kiku Gyusaku (Imperial arrived and flourished. a hybrid style known as Soden. that I enjoy so much. If this means Chrysanthemum Made). It is said that that I look at swords from a Kendo Godaigo’s dark and brooding mood, By the early 14th century, the With the settling of the Imperial practitioner’s perspective, then I as he plotted to overthrow the upstart Kamakura Shogunate, still controlled dispute in 1393, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu suppose that Ogasawara Sensei Yoritomo, may be seen in his swords. by the Hojo family as regents, was in became the first ‘official’ Ashikaga was right. In fact, he was probably only dire financial straits and was finally Shogun, and whilst there were still This magnificentwakizashi or short sword has a blade by Etchu no Kami Masatoshi and is stripped down to show its constituent parts. These include the tsuba (hand guard) habaki (collar), seppa (spacers) as well as kogai (a skewer like tool, and a kodzuka (small auxiliary To own a sword that knife). The elaborate workmanship represents the Mino-Goto style of decoration. This sword is part of the British Museum’s collection. may have seen the and blades were imported from Korea the Buddhist monasteries of the area, Mongol invaders or and China. The later straight-ridged whilst those swords of Yamashiro-den had fifty generations of versions, known as Kiriha-zukuri reflect the refined taste of the noble Another style of tachi known as an Efu-no-tachi which was worn in ancient times by courtiers and Imperial guards although this is a later copy. may have been amongst the first to and aristocratic people of the Imperial It was probably made for donation to a shrine and bears many mon of the Takeda family. previous owners who be domestically produced in Japan. Court which by then had moved to Along with sword-making and metal Kyoto (Yamashiro Province). responsible for the Yaki-ire (quenching overthrown by Emperor Godaigo. skirmishes throughout the country, cared for and preserved technology, both Buddhism and the of the blades) rather than the However, an Imperial succession there was a state of relative peace Chinese method of writing were By the end of the 12th century, demanding labour involved with the dispute heralded a new era of warfare, and the new age became known as it, places weighty imported into Japan in the 7th and the samurai were in control of the hammerwork of the forging. Gotoba’s known as the Namboku-cho period. the Muromachi period, named after 8th centuries AD, known historically government, after the famous battles uprising was not to succeed and the area in Kyoto where the Shogun obligations on our as the Nara period, Nara being the of the Gempei wars, in which the the so-called Kamakura Shogunate The Namboku-cho period is had taken up residence. The long imperial capital at this time. Minamoto clan (the Genji) completely remained under the regency of the characterised by there being two unwieldy swords of the Namboku-cho shoulders annihilated their rivals for power, Hojo family. Emperors reigning at the same time! period were abandoned and there was By the 10th century, having gone the Taira (the Heike). The victorious Emperor Godaigo had set up his court a general return to the style of swords through a number of further Minamoto Yoritomo then established The military atmosphere that was in Yoshino in the south (Nan) of Kyoto, popular in the Kamakura period. At transitions, the Japanese sword was his Shogunate. A shrewd man, prevalent in the Kamakura period whilst Emperor Komyo, protected this time the production of wakizashi What follows is a basic and historical more or less the same as those made he moved far away from Kyoto, allowed the production of swords by a self appointed Shogun named (short swords of about 40-50 cm in account of the development of today. That is to say, it was a single- the effete imperial capital with its to flourish and many swordsmiths Ashikaga Takauji, held court in the length) began to be made, mostly also swords in Japan, which is necessary edged, curved blade with a ridge corrupting influences, and set up his gathered at Kamakura to be north (Hoku). This state of affairs in the shinogi-zukuri shape (with a to impart an initial understanding of line running its entire length, or to capital far to the east, at Kamakura patronised by the great samurai lasted for sixty years until the Emperor ridgeline). However, the peace proved Japanese swords. describe it properly – a Shinogi-tsukuri in the province of Sagami, more families that lived there. The style of Gokomatsu ascended the throne in to be a short passing thing and was Tachi, with Zori (curvature). These commonly known by its other name swords from the middle Kamakura 1392 and reunited the two courts. not to last. KOTO swords were mainly made in the of Soshu. period were to set the pattern for The history and development of vicinity of Nara (Yamato Province) and swords for many years to come. Swords in this period often became Rebellions against the now weak the Japanese sword is intrinsically Kyoto (Yamashiro Province), and it is Although Yoritomo had established his exaggerated in their proportions, with Ashikaga Shogunate in 1439, the entwined with the history of the these two provinces which lend their Shogunate, it was not uncontested, In 1274 and 1281, Japan experienced wider bodies, extreme lengths (some Eikyo Rebellion, and in 1467, the country itself, as both practical and names to the two earliest ‘schools’ and a few years later the retired invasion from Kublai Khan’s Mongol as long as 90 cm) and long points, Onin Rebellion, began the periods of political considerations influenced and or traditions of swordmaking, i.e. Emperor Gotoba prepared an hordes, and it was found necessary although some swords were made at civil strife known as Sengoku Jidai developed both its shape and forging Yamashiro-den and Yamato-den, to uprising to regain his usurped power. for the samurai to drastically change about 70 cm and began to be worn that was to last in excess of one techniques. The earliest swords, be followed closely by the Bizen- Preparing for this, Gotoba gathered their battle tactics from individual through the belt with the cutting edge hundred years. A constant stream known as Chokuto, were straight, den (around present day Okayama around him the best swordsmiths or single combat, to group warfare. upwards, whereas previously most of wars created a huge demand ridgeless blades and both the makers Prefecture). The sub schools of of the day. They attended him on a Swords became wider and stronger in swords were of the tachi or slung for swords, which became almost Yamato-den were mainly supported by continuous basis and taught him to appearance and more resilient. sword type. This latter development mass-produced, with a subsequent

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This koshirae (mounting) is of a katana, which unlike the tachi, was a sword worn with the cutting edge uppermost. The saya is covered with polished ray-skin known as samé. This was very expensive and highly desirable during the Edo period (1600-1868). The matched pair of swords are known collectively as a daisho (lit. great and small) and were the distinguishing badge of rank of the samurai class. loss of quality. It was only the ‘special creativity in the culture and arts of craftsmen, including swordsmiths As this particular style of mounting owes much to the previously mentioned tachi style, it is known as a Handachi (half-tachi) daisho-koshirae. order’ blades from this period that Japan. who now had stable centres from retained any vestiges of artistic merit, which to ply their trade. At the locations. They are characterised by Osaka few swordsmiths could be SHINSHINTO and cutting ability was the main In Japanese sword history, the start same time, improvements in trade their splendid Horimono (carvings) found, although the production of This resurgence of interest was led criterion for all others. The production of the Keicho era ended the Koto (old and communications meant that and by differently shaped Hamon ornate and highly decorative sword by a swordsmith named Suishinshi of swords through this period was sword) period and began that of the swordsmiths no longer had to mine (quenched and hardened edges) that fittings flourished and reflected the Masahide. He was a great theorist and mainly in the so-called Mino-den Shinto (new sword) period. their own ore, but could buy it from were newly adapted or invented as more ostentatious tastes of the preached a return to the sword styles style, a style created from one of the artistic aspect of swords was merchant class. of Soshu-den and Bizen-den, from the Masamune’s Jitetsu named Saburo emphasised. Kamakura and Namboku-cho periods. Kaneuji. Swordsmiths of this school Towards the end of the Tokugawa Although a reasonably accomplished who were famous in the Muromachi Apart from the swordsmiths resident period in the late 18th to mid 19th swordsmith, he is better known for period included Kanesada and in the great cities of Edo, Kyoto centuries, the Shogunate was under his writings and research than for his Kanemoto and the supposedly dark This is a koshirae known as an Ito-maki Tachi or “thread-wrapped slung sword”. The name and Osaka, a number of the better great pressure both from within and good sword making. character Muramasa whose swords derives from the wrapping on the saya which protects it from damage when worn with armour, swordsmiths of the early Tokugawa without. The seclusion policy was especially whilst mounted on a horse. It later was worn on more formal occasions. A heraldic gained a reputation for being evil and period benefited from the patronage being severely tested as foreigners This revival, spearheaded by Crest known as a “mon” may be seen on the lacquered part of the saya and this device is repeated of the Daimyo (feudal lords) and were tried to open trading relations Masahide, heralded the sword-making bloodthirsty. As well as Mino-den, the on the metal mounts. later Bizen-den was active and a town retained in this manner for many with Japan and some of the more period known as the Shin-shinto named Osafune in Bizen appears to SHINTO central sources and they were generations. Swordsmiths such as militant anti-Tokugawa Daimyo were period (very new sword period). have been almost entirely populated Tokugawa Ieyasu established his now free to experiment and try to Tadayoshi in Hizen (who studied under becoming restless. Mostly these Masahide, together with his highly by swordsmiths for centuries! capital at a small fishing village named rediscover the old techniques of Umetada Myoju) were retained by families had been on the losing side talented pupil Naotane, spread the Edo, far to the east of Kyoto and swordmaking, lost in the turmoil of the Nabeshima Daimyo in Saga, and at Sekigahara. As a reaction to this, revival throughout Japan influencing It will be noted that we have now five quite close to Kamakura. With the the Muromachi period battlefields. Kunikane in Sendai, retained by the the Shogunate desperately tried to many swordsmiths. Kiyomaro was main schools or traditions, which are final unification of the country under The Tokugawa Shogunate virtually Date Daimyo, benefited in this way. rekindle the flagging martial vigour of another great swordsmith who set collectively known as the Gokaden. Tokugawa Ieyasu, peace finally came sealed the country off from the rest the samurai and in the wake of this up his shop in the Yotsuya area of These are Yamato-den, Yamshiro-den, to the land and the new creative surge of the world, prohibiting the entry of Throughout the first part of the there was a renewed interest in the Edo and his work became so highly Bizen-den, Soshu-den and lastly Mino- of the Momoyama period was foreigners or the exit of Japanese Tokugawa period, subtle changes Japanese sword. acclaimed that he became known as den. Although these are the main reflected in the genius of a Kyoto nationals. in the shape of swords occurred. the Yotsuya Masamune. traditions there were many styles, metalworker named Umetada Myoju For instance, the swords made in The untimely suicide of this flawed variations, sub-divisions and smaller and his main student, Horikawa As the Tokugawa or Edo period the Kanbun era (1661-73) became genius prevented him from realising schools within the Gokaden. Kunihiro. These two gentlemen progressed, and peace was straighter and tapered towards a ...the Shogunate his full potential shown in his extant attracted many pupils who were to maintained, the requirement for highly smaller point. This change was desperately tried to works, particularly his later pieces, Towards the end of the Muromachi spread the new styles of swordmaking efficient blades was diminished and influenced by the rise in popularity and in some ways he may be period, a powerful Daimyo named throughout the land. Umetada is artistic properties were emphasised. of Kendo and the use of bamboo rekindle the flagging regarded as the Van Gogh of Japanese Oda Nobunaga, began his attempt known as the father of the Shinto However in the early Tokugawa swords known as Shinai. In other sword-smiths. at the unification of the country. On (new sword) period and both his and period, whilst the warrior ethic was words the swords began to resemble martial vigour of the his death in 1582, assassinated by Kunihiro’s influence were enormous. still strong and assertive, there the shape of the Shinai, but the The coming of Commodore Perry one of his own generals, the job was It was at this time that the wearing of was a great demand for swords. merchant class started to take over samurai and in the in 1853 and the forcing of Japan carried on by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Daisho (one long sword and one Swordsmiths flocked to the new the economic running of the country to open her doors to international eventually completed by Tokugawa short sword, usually with matched capital of Edo (present day Tokyo) and the samurai ethic was diluted. wake of this there was trade, sparked pressures that would Ieyasu after the battle of Sekigahara fittings) became compulsory to all where the Shogun’s court was During the first two-thirds of the 18th eventually lead to the Shogunate in 1603. This period (up to the first those of samurai rank. located, as well as to the commercial century the quality of swords was low a renewed interest in relinquishing power to the Emperor year of the Keicho period ,1596) is centre of Osaka. The blades they and few swords were made, other Meiji in 1868. The Meiji Restoration known as the Momoyama period in The emergence of castle towns made reflect the bravado of the age than by those retained swordsmiths the Japanese sword. of 1868 was soon followed by sword history and was a time of great attracted all kinds of commerce and and the different atmospheres of the mentioned above. Even in Edo and edicts permitting the cutting of the

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samurai’s topknot, and then in 1876 blades that are most commonly found high artistic merit. Amongst their a strict order that banned all citizens, in the West and are valueless as art responsibilities is the running of the other than the military or police, from swords but of interest to collectors aforementioned Sword Museum carrying swords was enacted. This, for of militaria. Swords made in the and the fostering of all aspects some-while appeared to be the end of traditional manner were, however, still of the Japanese sword, including the history of the Japanese sword. made during the war and are known polishing, Tsukamaki (hilt wrapping), as gendaito (modern swords). One of Saya (scabbard) making and many Fortunately, a very few swordsmiths, the principal centres and best-known other aspects of sword preservation such as the Horii and Gassan families, locations for making such blades was and study. They encourage modern managed to keep making blades and the famous Yasukuni Shrine on the swordsmiths and hold a swordmaking saved the art of sword-making from Kudan Slope in Tokyo, as well as the competition every year. The annual disappearing and being lost altogether. Nihonto Tanren Denshujo founded by Shinsaku Meito Ten (newly made This was greatly helped by Emperor Kurihara Hikosaburo (Akihide). These swords competition) is one of the Meiji himself who was both an avid institutions laid the foundations of the year’s highlights in the sword world. collector and patron of Japanese post war production of swords. swords. However, the swordsmiths of There now appears to be a great this time had a precarious existence After the Second World War, a great resurgence of interest in the arts of and many resorted to making fakes or reaction to Japan’s militarist attitude the Japanese sword in Japan. There reproductions of swords from famous set in, affecting both the victors are two swordsmiths alive today swordsmiths of the past, in order and the vanquished. Swords were who have been designated a “Living to make ends meet and satisfy the considered by the occupying powers National Treasure” as well as a good demand from the few collectors of to be at best souvenirs and at worst number of younger men who have the time. weapons that had helped to inspire considerable talent. Currently the Japan’s aggression and only fit for styles of the old Bizen swords are destruction. popular in Japan and some of the lost techniques are being rediscovered, With few exceptions, similar in many ways to the revival of swordmaking at the start of the most of the swords Shinshinto period.

made in the World War From the foregoing it will be understood that the arts of the 2 period were machine Japanese sword were constantly changed to suit both fashion and made and should not practical needs. It is an art form that is as much alive today as it was 1000 be considered true years ago and with dedication it Japanese swords at all may be appreciated as much by the Fortunately a few enlightened souls Westerner as the native Japanese. amongst the American occupation The secret is not about whether troops, realised the high artistic or not you are Japanese (although The Russo-Japanese War of 1905 merit of the true Japanese sword, that helps), but whether or not you and the rise of militarism in the 1930s and their intervention prevented the are prepared to spend the time once more sparked interest, as all wholesale destruction and looting of and effort on serious study and be officers of the Imperial Japanese many masterpieces. Amongst these greatly rewarded for the effort. In Army and Navy were required to Colonel Cadwell is considered the this respect, the study of Japanese carry a sword. With few exceptions, great saviour, and his bust is to be swords is the same as the study of most of the swords made during the found in the foyer of the Japanese Kendo or Iaido or any of the period of the Second World War were Sword Museum in Tokyo. Several martial arts. machine made and should not be years after the war, the government considered true Japanese swords at set up the Nihon Bijutsu Token all. It is these Showa-to (swords made Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the in the early Showa period, 1926-45) Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) The To-ken Society of Great Britain publicly recognising that swords had www.to-ken.com

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hether you do iaido, jodo or kendo, you will at some point attend a seminar,W which can be a very physically demanding experience.

Summer seminars might run for a week, with 6+ hours of practice each day; weekend seminars are slightly less gruelling, but still typically mean a 6+ hour practice on the Saturday followed by a Sunday morning practice and a grading in the afternoon, possibly followed by further practice. A look at the BKA directory of clubs and club times suggests that the majority of us train perhaps a couple of times a week, for 1-2 hours each time. And that assumes we don’t have jobs, families, holidays and so on By Hugh Darby that prevent our attending from time to time. So, for most of us, seminars represent a step change in our level of physical activity, which can pose physical challenges and risks. In this first of three articles I’ll explore a number of the main physical issues associated with attending seminars. In the second article I’ll conclude an exploration of the main physical issues, and in the third article I’ll look at how we should consider managing the issues as students and as coaches.

Overview of the physical Energy expenditure issues Energy expenditure during exercise The main physical issues associated depends on intensity and duration. with a seminar can be grouped into the To obtain a reference point, I’ve following broad areas: used a wrist-based heartrate tracker in a number of iaido sessions – not • Energy expenditure necessarily the most accurate • Dehydration of devices, but hopefully at least indicative. For a largely talk-based • Prolonged standing or kneeling session, my effort increased by only Disclaimer: • Repeated cycle of warm up/cool around 100 calories per hour over my These articles are prepared based on down my own research and understanding. base energy expenditure: equivalent I am not, however, a medical • Recovery and Delayed Onset Muscle to a fairly slow walk as compared to professional. So, while I’ve Soreness (DOMS) lying on the couch. In contract, for a endeavoured to ensure the session of pretty much non-stop kata, information is accurate, please take • Overstressing your body my effort increased by nearly 500 responsibility for your own physical wellbeing, and take professional In this article we’ll look at the first four. calories per hour: roughly equivalent advice as required, specific to your to jogging or walking up stairs for own circumstances. that time. And just don’t sue me, okay?

25 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 26 UST HOW BAD IS ... J More frequent Keeping properly consumption of hydrated should also smaller amounts reduce the risk of Extrapolating this data to an ‘average’ The result is a decrease in the amount Issues include: that’s completely helpful. Guidance summer seminar, generally there’s of carbohydrates of blood pumped by the heart per • Joint compression: cramp – a particular suggests simply moving around and not more than 6 hours’ potential beat and consequently a decreased Each body part is compressed by all changing position, and when you floor time during any day, with actual maintains blood glucose oxygen delivery. This means a decline of the sections of the body above risk when fatigue and do have to stand ‘still’, you should activity reduced by explanations, in your ability to exercise. The best it. Compressing a joint means body alternately contract and relax the calf demonstrations and possibly also and insulin levels better rehydration fluids are those that fluids are squeezed out of the dehydration can cause muscles, flex and straighten your rotational training. The additional contain sodium, which stimulates space in the joint. Without body ankles and knees, and shift body energy expended during a seminar than refuelling only the kidneys to retain water. You need fluids and circulation, joints become muscles to tighten. weight from one leg to the other. could therefore fall anywhere from to be aware of how much you’re malnourished, and can’t continue The best advice – all sources say – is just a few hundred extra calories at lunchtime, or just in exercising to gauge your requirements to support the weight of the body to avoid fixed standing or kneeling without discomfort. for a very sedate day with a lot of the evening during and then after exercise. Look Prolonged kneeling positions altogether and to restrict talking (4-5 oatcakes, or if you really at the colour of your urine (yes, I said • Insufficient blood return in But it’s not all about the standing. even prolonged non-static standing or must, a Mars Bar), to perhaps 2,000 urine, stop sniggering at the back of the legs: In iaido in particular there are many kneeling activities. or more extra calories for a day Nutrients from fluids are absorbed the class) throughout the day – a light Gravity pulls blood down into the seated techniques – a third of seitei Repeated cycle of of sustained practice, more easily colour indicates sufficient hydration; more quickly than from solids, so feet. Leg activity acts as a pump and about three quarters of Muso warm up/cool down justifying the inevitable post-practice cloudy and yellowish (or worse, it’s suggested that you start by to assist in returning blood to the Shinden ryu, for example. Also, if you Warming up then cooling down curry and beers. Just to be clear, I’m feeling no need to go) then you need consuming carbohydrates from heart. When muscles are engaged don’t want to stand while the teachers repeatedly during a seminar can be not actually recommending curry and to drink more. If your practice is at a fluids. You can get sports drinks like in one long contraction to keep are demonstrating, maybe you kneel seen as a manifestation of improper beer to fuel your efforts (sorry). But low intensity, for periods of less than Lucozade and Powerade that contain a you standing, it hinders proper instead. Kneeling, however, involves warming up, done many times each the equation is simple in terms of an hour, then plain water and your large amount of carbohydrate to keep circulation. This can result in blood some of the issues encountered day over the course of a number of energy expenditure. If your fuel – your normal balanced diet is likely to be you going, however they don’t contain pooling in the legs. with prolonged standing in relation to days. Warm-up prepares your body for glycogen store – is depleted, you have any protein to support your recovery fine. If you’re cranking out the kata for restricting circulation. We’ve all had • Postural muscle fatigue: exercise by raising core temperature, to draw on ‘survival’ energy, which once the practice ends (there’s more six hours straight, then you’re likely pins and needles when first standing Postural joints and muscles keep increasing the efficiency and elasticity means eating away at your body’s about what you should do post- to benefit from something with some up after being seated for a long time. the body from falling over while of muscles and tendons, improving protein and fat. Before and during practice in the second article in this salt in it, whether it’s a sports drink or a person is standing or walking. Some (fascinating) US research their work-rate and endurance, a long practice, carbohydrate-based series). You can get specific ‘muscle’ a home-made concoction. These joints and muscles need looked at working conditions in making synovial fluid less viscous food or drink should probably be your or ‘recovery’ formulations, often If you’re serious, the best way to nourishment, which they get from height-restricted mines, where miners and allowing for a wider range of focus, to give you the ready energy to in powder form, which do include gauge how much fluid you’ve lost circulation. Muscles also need were forced to kneel or squat as movement. Warm-up is believed keep you going. protein, but they can be expensive. is to weigh yourself immediately rest breaks to recover from bouts they worked. The research pretty to help prevent injury, although the You can find or make good, cheap There’s plenty written about the before and immediately after each of work. Standing for a long time much concluded that whether they evidence isn’t completely clear. alternatives to both sorts of drinks. importance of carbohydrate loading day’s practice. A possibly useful forces muscles and joints to work squatted, knelt, or half-knelt they Although the body temperature only A glass with about two thirds orange before endurance events and a few comparison is that the ‘average’ nonstop without nourishment. were going to have problems in the returns to near normal after about 45 juice and one third water, with a pinch different approaches to maximising runner doing a three-hour marathon Without rest, muscles become knee joint because of the various minutes of rest, you’re cooling down of salt thrown in, gives you the same glycogen storage. In broad terms, could expect to lose 3-5 kilograms exhausted, resulting in pain. stresses placed on the knee. There’s all the time. The main risks of not sort of drink as a bottle of (orange- you should favour foods with a low of weight, the advice for which is for also lots of information available on warming up before resuming practice flavoured) Lucozade sport. Chocolate The overall result: sore feet, swelling glycaemic index – such as fruits, every kilogram lost, to drink 1.5 litres what’s variously called housemaid’s are likely to be a reduced focus on milk is good for both carbohydrate and of the legs and pain in the muscles of vegetables, whole wheat pasta and of water. So, keep track of the volume knee/roofer’s knee/carpet layer’s knee, your activity, with the concomitant protein, or else a home-made banana the legs, back, shoulders and neck. grains – and make them 70%+ of your of fluid you’re drinking, and make citing symptoms of swelling, warmth safety risk; a generally reduced milkshake with a spoon or two of Hard flooring – i.e. the floors we often diet for 3-4 days before your activity, sure it’s enough while not excessive. and tenderness caused by prolonged quality of performance and ability to peanut butter does the same sort train on – exacerbates problems with but being careful not to overload the Excessive fluid intake can result in kneeling damaging the bursa (a fluid perform; and possible increased risk of thing. prolonged standing. If you’re tired and night before (which carries the risk of hyponatraemia – where the sodium sac in the knee). On top of that, of injury. This may be a difficult point sore your practice will suffer as you not having processed all your food by Dehydration concentration in your body becomes research also suggests that regular, to manage as it depends on the mix seek to work through and/or limit the the next day). The body loses fluid in two main too low. prolonged static kneeling or squatting of activity during the seminar. The pain, rather than being able to focus ways – sweating and breathing, both can increase the risk of developing lunch break will generally be the most Given the duration of each day’s Keeping properly hydrated should also on your practice. As a consequence, of which you’ll do a lot of during a osteoarthritis of the knees at an earlier distinct cool-down period during a practice, the best thing also to do is reduce the risk of cramp – a particular you may get even more tired and be hard practice. Sweat also contains salt age. Oh yes, and prolonged kneeling day’s training, so you may wish to to eat and drink throughout the day. risk when fatigue and dehydration can more liable to injury because you’re (mainly sodium and potassium) which is also cited as a stress position that consider warming up before practice More frequent consumption of smaller cause muscles to tighten. compensating in odd ways. You may helps the body absorb water. After or ‘aids’ interrogation. resumes. amounts of carbohydrates maintains also be less safe to practice because even during a long practice session, Prolonged standing blood glucose and insulin levels better you’re less in control and less So kneeling’s no better for you than you can sometimes see the white salt Seminars often call on us to stand than refuelling only at lunchtime, or focused. It’s interesting to note that standing. marks appearing on your gi as your for long periods getting taught in In the second article in the next issue just in the evening. Some studies prolonged standing is listed among sweat dries (awesome!). addition to performing numerous Dealing with prolonged of Kihaku, we’ll continue to look at have shown that eating protein and the CIA’s ‘Enhanced interrogation’ standing kata. Standing in itself standing and kneeling the physical issues, focusing carbohydrates together may maximize Water is essential for many chemical techniques. requires considerable muscular effort What can you do to make all that on recovery, delayed onset muscle glycogen storage. reactions that occur inside our cells, but, if you’re standing still, it’s just a standing and kneeling easier? Well, muscle soreness and the risks of including the production of energy. In strain on the body, rather than actual there’s not a lot out there I could find overstressing your body. addition, your blood becomes thicker exercise. if you don’t replace fluids.

27 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 28 24-26 June 2016

10TH KODOKAN LADIES KENDO SEMINAR Setsuko Kobayashi Fine Ladies Kendo Seminar with Kazuyo Matsuda Sensei 7th Dan Renshi By Garance Watford

Having attended two Kobayashi Sensei seminars, I have found them extremely helpful. Not only was it the only seminar to date run by Japanese female senseis, but it also brought to my attention kendo from a female perspective.

Bates Sensei and my fellow Ichi The Kobayashi method Byo Shi members appreciated the progress shown in my kendo after The first time I attended the seminar, each seminar. I felt very privileged in 2014, I was struggling to define and wanted to involve our Hemel the right men-uchi movement. I Hempstead young ladies. I was very remember waiting in the queue for happy to introduce Miranda to the Inoue Sensei and discussing it with teachings of Kobayashi Sensei. She one of the other attendees [Jessica enjoyed it immensely and has signed (Cheltenham Shudokan Dojo)]. up for Matsuda Sensei’s seminar in She had the most amazing description York with me. of the Kobayashi method: Barbie doll arms… This year Matsuda Sensei, who is herself a pupil of Kobayashi Sensei, Only a woman could have really has taken the lead in the seminar. thought of this description and I She is one of the most gracious must say it hit the spot. The method Japanese Kendo Sensei that I have revolves around the movement of had the pleasure of practicing with. the shoulders. The arms do not I really like her style which is fluid move until the strike and then extend and seems effortless. She explained at that point with Tenouchi. The during the course of the seminar the way Matsuda Sensei decoded the necessity to address kendo from a movement was by asking us to feminine perspective. We usually extend our arms in front of us as if we practice this martial art in a primarily were carrying laundry. So shoulder male dominated environment and, level with elbow slightly bent. Then thus, learn to move and fight like our joining our hands together without male sempai. However, our bodies changing the morphology of the arms. differ and this difference means that This is the striking position. From at times our techniques may need there, bring your joint hands between adjusting in order to measure up your shoulder blades. The movement successfully against a stronger and makes the shoulder rotate backwards, taller opponent. folding at the elbow when they are at forehead level approximately.

29 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 30 LADIES KENDO SEMINAR

KATA posture, my bogu and my spirit were This year we had an element of kata not questioned. The start of the jigeiko added to the seminar which Kobayashi was very good but left Matsuda Sensei normally did not include. Sensei disappointed as she was As I love kata, that was really expecting a big outcome yet we could welcomed. We paired by level and only manage a busy demonstration I worked with Michelle Lim (Oxford without securing ippon. Kendo dojo) whom I had not seen To be honest, I know that this is my since April when she came to train biggest challenge. I detest all forms with us in Aylesbury. of confrontation and this exercise is We worked our way through all often becoming more of a shiai under seven bokken forms but I did not feel the pressure of the examination. The emphasis was put on the fact Rei/Sonkyo – We had a short break confident enough to take on the three This takes away my confidence and that the movement back and forth at this stage and when we got back kodachi forms as I only know my abilities to see an opportunity to from this position should not lead to we took a little while to go over ippon-me correctly and sanbon-me to score. I need to work on this. strenuous movement. It should be the correct posture. How to rei and a basic degree. MOTODACHI-GEIKO kept effortless and fluid. This method sonkyo properly. Budden Sensei took the kyusha group All senior grades present (Juliette means that I have been able to The second part of the morning was of four young ladies and so Miranda Li Wan, Yutaka Zenon, Emilie Knight strike correctly (Ippon) from a much about using the learnt method with was really well looked after. and Annick Pollet from Belgium from closer distance than what I would correct footwork. those that I can remember) joined normally have been asked to do. MOCK GRADING Matsuda and Budden Senseis as As a woman I tend to do this facing We spend a little time doing footwork Kodokan dojo Budden Sensei presided motodachi. We queued for a two a bigger and taller opponent as my in front of the mirror, in the shape of on the panel for this mock grading and minutes jigeiiko with them. sense of distance is threatened by a cross holding chudan position. One we were asked to treat this as if we his presence. suri-­ashi forwards, then backwards, were going for our next grade. Emilie told me that I am not holding then right and finally left (I can only my centre too high and that I tend EXERCISES Very kindly, he told us that he doesn’t remember the words migi and hidari). to point it to the right. This makes Men-uchi – We did numerous sit on grading panels in the UK but sense as I am usually against taller shomen suburi using our hands joined We were asked to stay in groups sits as a grading panel member on and stronger opponents in the dojo together, using suri-­ashi. Once we of three. I was paired with Emilie examinations around Europe. He and automatically compensate. I need were more aware of the movement, Knight (Hull’s Genbudo dojo and GB never fails an ikkyu grade as, for him, to be aware of this and change it we carried on with our shinai. Then Squad) and Michelle Hayes (York’s it is a way to encourage a newcomer according to the person I train with. we used the same technique and Doshinkenyu dojo). Each one after the to the world of kendo to carry on. performed suburi from chudan. The other (so in three lines) we did several He would also very rarely fail a shodan Then, afterwards, all motodachi aim was to cut men on the right foot suri-­ashi dashes from one end of the as this is his way to thank the person organised themselves into a mawari-­ movement and using the shoulder dojo to the other. for persevering. However, from nidan geiko and it was very nice to be able as the key element. Eventually We added fumikomi-ashi then sub- onwards, he needed to be shown to watch their individual styles. we moved forward with three something to demonstrate that the categorised this exercise with the I did not take part in the Kobayashi consecutive men-uchi and moved examinee was technically ready for following: Cup the next day as my knee just backwards with three consecutive the grade they were hoping to get. gave up by the morning but I made men-uchi. A kind of tripled zenshin • Men/kote/do-uchi – Forward to the I was in hot water as I only passed the most of the seminar. It was a kotai shomen suburi. This had to be end of the dojo and back. shodan and was nowhere ready great opportunity to meet again with in time as we were in rows of three for nidan. • Men/kote/do-uchi to the end of familiar faces and get to know some a and this also taught us rhythm. Men the dojo and hiki-men/kote/do Miranda took her ikkyu grading little bit more than the previous year. strikes with this method mean that going back. with gusto. She did very well in the I enjoyed the way Matsuda Sensei you lift your shinai high enough for etiquette and posture. She did a took us from just touching our hands your left hand to be level with your • The same as the above but with good men-uchi. Matsuda and Budden to striking men. Subtle and efficient. forehead. kote-­men and kote-men-­do. Sensei advised her to carry on doing We only have three active female Kote-uchi – Same as above. The At this point we worked in groups and what she did. She was not there yet members in our dojo but, if possible, difference is that kote-uchi only performed the same type of exercises but with practice and confidence she I would like us all to attend next year. requires you to lift up your shinai level by relaying the role of motodachi and would make it. I will make the arrangements for all with your sternum. kakarite. We finished this second part of the morning with kirikaeshi For myself, there were no negative the information to be fed through our Do-uchi – As above exercises. comments in the sense that my page. Please watch this space…

31 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 32 Understanding or Comprehension include both positive and negative (Kai-Toku 会得) aspects) and to which they will create 1. The Shu (protect/copy) stage is something which is uniquely theirs. the time when the student studies They now become independent of diligently under a sensei or master. their teacher. This period represents At this time their actions are purely 8th dan and continues until the end of SANMA NO KURAI that of learning to assimilate the their lives. technique and knowledge of rational The following process also outlines thought. Literally the meaning of THE THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT briefly what is said above. Kai Toku is “to write down”. Deep by Chris Mansfield, Kyoshi Iaido/Jodo discussion of theory is not necessary, Shu (習): to study or learn something. as they must only look at the master/ Ren ( ): to practise it repeatedly. teacher and copy. 練 apanese Budo (martial arts) like many In general this may be regarded as the Ko (工): to work on and stage when the student has achieved improve what you learnt other physical or learning activities has a 1st dan and is working through to based on feedback from J 5th dan. For many this period can practising. number of ideas or concepts which enable represent 15 to 20 years of their life. After the Ko process you practitioners to gain a deeper theoretical Acquisition (Shu-Toku 習得) then return to Shu and start 2. The Ha (break or move away) stage again. This learn-practise- insight as well as providing an overview of sees the student progressing where think process continues they begin to experiment with the endlessly and thus their particular study. sum of what has been learnt. This ensures progress. stage is problematical as there are Sometimes the terms Kenkyu At the seminar of the 23rd European Understanding, Acquisition clear insights as to what has been ( ) Study/ Iaido Championships in Budapest, and Mastery. It should be further acquired, but also doubts arising 研究 Research and Hungary in November 2016, Yamazaki understood that the term SHU-HA-RI because there is still much that Kufu ( ) Takashige Sensei, 8th Dan Hanshi (whilst similar) is a description in the cannot be seen and understood. In 工夫 To Solve are Iaido and official delegate of the All broader sense. general this stage may be regarded also used to Japan Kendo Federation, expounded as the level when the student has For diagrammatic purposes describe this this concept for the benefit of those achieved 6th dan and is working Understanding – Acquisition – Mastery process. members visiting and participating in towards 7th dan. This period may be can be summarized in the form as the championships. He stressed that equally demanding in terms of time Another interesting phrase known as follows: representing anything from 15 to 30 without a clear understanding of this Mon-Shi-Shu (聞思修) literal meaning idea our progress in Iaido (as well as years of life. Listen – Think – Practise also implies many other martial arts) would remain Mastery (Tai-Toku 体得) the same circular learning process. incomplete and unfulfilled. Understanding 3. The Ri (separation or realisation) This article has taken certain extracts In order to remind those practising stage is the last but infinite level from related internet sources this article has been written with the that very few reach. It is where the for which the author gratefully student having assimilated as much hope that it will not only encourage Mastery acknowledges those contributors. and motivate practitioners, but also as they can from their teacher will engage them to look more deeply combine it with their own discoveries from the first two levels (this will and seriously into the art they are Acquisition practising and studying. The three elements are introduced here in their stages as related to the title. The elements can be identified as San Toku 三得 (three benefits):

33 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 34 Hereditary or paid for? A relaxed Ryoma Sakamoto proposed compromise at the centre Yamauchi rule was imposed In difficult times, it seems anything can be of the Meiji Restoration) would be through bureaucratic institutions, bought or sold. “coastal”; Shintaro Nakaoka (a Tosa similar in manner to the Tokugawa loyalist leader who worked with shogunate and it’s major vassals. This also applied to the status of samurai. Sakamoto for the Satsuma-Choshu Due to problems maintaining and alliance) the “mountaineer”. imposing rule, what follows are the Not all samurai were born into the position. divisions that made up the provincial The ruling family was Yamauchi, government common in Tokugawa This was the case in Tosa towards the end though this wasn’t their traditional times. domain. Originally the ruling family of of the Tokugawa shogunate. Totomi, a small area in comparison Court Office (Naichokan): responsible to Tosa, had gained favour from for the administration of the lord’s Tosa is a small province on the the warm skies, sudden storms and the Tokugawa before the battle of household affairs. island of Shikoku. Nowadays known difficult terrain. Sekigahara in 1600. Ieyasu removed Division of Internal Administration as Kochi, a small fan-shaped area the then ruler of Tosa, Chosogabe The mountaineer: harsh, intolerant, (Naikan): responsible for the which is largely unchanged from its Morichika, following the battle, rigid and unyielding. The coastal supervision of the samurai, residences appearance during the Tokugawa rule. and bestowed Tosa onto Yamauchi dweller: credited with a more supple in Edo (Tokyo) and elsewhere, Mountainous, hot and humid and Kazutoyo, even though the Yamauchi approach in negotiation, and an instruction of the samurai and with generally off the beaten tourist track, had not taken part in the battle. This open-minded curiosity about the new records and archives. it’s an area with plenty of rainfall, it’s and strange. led to implications during the Meiji rice yield is high and irrigation is not an Restoration, as the Yamauchi always Outer Office (Gaichokan): responsible issue, unlike in other areas. Therefore Of the local and renowned samurai, felt a great debt of gratitude to the for the administration of the province. a self-sufficient province with little or Ryoma Sakamoto (a Tosa loyalist who Tokugawa, and it explained why they Of the above three offices, the last no need for food imported from other organised the Kaientai and helped were reluctant to rise against the office would be the most visual in areas. Popular writers sometimes bring about the Satsuma-Choshu shogunate at the crucial time of the terms of presence amongst the distinguish between two types of alliance, and formed the eight- Restoration. commoners and samurai, as this personality that developed out of point programme, the basis for the Ryoma Sakamoto Shintaro Nakaoka

35 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 36 BUSHI

The last four ranks received modest given military assignments equal to to shift from “Lower Samurai” to employment of the lowest sort, those of non-commissioned officers, “Regular” and even “Upper Samurai”, and were paid, if at all, with rations sometimes accompanying their lord namely the Rusuigumi and sometimes for dependants. The lowest rank of on visits to Edo. Koshogumi. Ashigaru performed labour services In 1763, at a time when the within the logging organisations. Hata District of Tosa was due for Of the Lower Samurai ranks, ...it was made known development, it was made known it would be the Goshi that would that anyone could be considered for figure prominently in the Meiji that anyone could be the Goshi rank as long as they proved Restoration and the lead up to it. suitable. Only having a criminal in the office would dictate the governmental Their offices could be found in Tosa’s 2. Churo, eleven individuals holding Key figures of the loyalist movement considered for the lineage could exclude an applicant. policies that ran the province. seven districts and they usually dealt important offices. Responsible for hailed from this rank; Ryoma As a result, merchants and wealthy Of the Outer Office, there were three with subordinating baillifs (Daikan) and implementation from the more Sakamoto, Shintaro Nakaoka and Goshi rank as long as rural individuals applied for the Goshi sub-divisions: with the village heads. honoured Karo. Zuizan (Hanpeita) Takechi. rank. As a result, many newly acquired they proved suitable. individuals with samurai rank moved Commissioners General (Bugyo- These magistrate posts were only Regular Samurai (Hira-zamurai): The rank of Goshi owed its shoku): three high-ranking retainers served by specific ranks amongst back to the main City of Kochi, away 3. Umamawari, comprised formulation due to problems in with ultimate authority and the samurai. With this rank came from their lands. These “urbanised approximately 800 mounted samurai, administration during the takeover of responsibility. the responsibility of command in the country samurai” were looked down field grade officers in battle formations, Yamauchi from the Chosogabe. At In 1644, in an attempt to bring military. During the period of peace – on by the Upper Samurai, and in the Assistant Ministry (Shioki-yaku): and formed the leadership at an the time of the Yamauchi takeover, more order to the countryside, it in place since the 17th Century – the future would prove troublesome. three assistants to the Commissioners administrative level, in particular the following Sekigahara, its warrior was granted that the rank of Goshi positions were ceremonial and hence General. They were responsible Assistant Ministry along with the Churo. following was small, as a direct result could be awarded as an incentive for It was into these ranks that Ryoma had been retained. for shrines and temple, as well as of their previous land holding in individuals to reclaim land that yielded Sakamoto was born, in 1835. His 4. Koshogumi, number not fixed, but religious surveys and census. The main ranks of the late-Tokugawa Totomi. Therefore they were unable a specified amount of income. father was a wealthy Sake brewer worked with Umamawari as period are as follows: to fill all the positions required to These newly claimed fields (Shinden) who had purchased the rank of Goshi Great Inspectors (Ometsuke): magistrates. administer the province. The province in 1771 and so had continued to live in three men heading the police and Upper Samurai (Joshi, Osamurai or by a qualified individual could claim 5. Rusuigumi, number not fixed, but was still under the influence of the one of 100 Goshi patents created. Kochi City. surveillance services. Shikaku): loyal Chosogabe retainers, and from worked with Koshogumi as magistrates This led to an additional 800 ranked So the samurai rank of Goshi became time to time, rebellious resistance Further divisions were to be found in 1. Karo, eleven individuals headed and lesser positions. Goshi over a period of time in the a purchasable position, not an the above offices, the most important the Court and Internal administration, would spring up against the Yamauchi. These fives ranks provided the early 1700s, with an emphasis on hereditary one. Though once being the Assistant Ministry. Here serving as Commissioners General In order to placate some of the bureaucracy of Tokugawa feudalism. character, rather than family, that acquired, it was handed down within retainers, the Yamauchi granted could be found the magistrates for and headed the major military would guarantee the rank. It was the family. towns, taxes, finance etc. Of these formations. They granted the use of Lower Samurai (Kashi or Keikaku): them the status of Goshi or “country therefore inevitable, as the newly magistrates, the the Yamauchi name, and served the samurai”. The rank was granted in District Magistrate Goshi, 900-1000 individuals acquired Goshi increased their land, (Kori-Bugyo) was the person who Daimyo. 1613 to a number of Chosogabe Yonin, number not fixed that their income grew, which, References: formed the link between the central retainers in an area close to Kochi City. following the rules laid out in 1690, Sakamoto Ryoma and the Meiji Restoration, Kachi, number not fixed by Marius B. Jansen; Columbia University Press, NY. government and the local affairs. They were expected to administer Kumigai, number not fixed meant that they were now eligible and live in the countryside, and were Ashigaru, the “foot soldier”, which was This article first appeared in Cutting Edge, July 2013. sub-divided into further groups. 37 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 38 DO

Mr. Chiba explained that Do 道 is used for many Japanese arts like Kendo 剣道, Shodo 書道, Sado 茶道 (tea ceremony) and Kado 華道 (flower arrangement). He said that I had written it correctly and that it looked like the kanji used by the Tokyo Kendo Association with a long extension on the final character.

I have written my version of Do 道 opposite; the Tokyo Kendo Association logo is even longer.

I should explain that Do 道 is made Calligraphy as taught from two characters: Kubi 首which means 'neck'. I have by Mr. Masashi Chiba shown how it was derived opposite (Fig. 1). Kubi 首 is used as there should be a feeling of Kubi wo Kakeru首を賭ける, this is difficult to translate but means something like “to put one's neck on Fig. 1 the line”, or one is prepared to die to By Yukiko Ayres 惠杏壽昌鶴 complete the task. The second character is Shinnyou (Fig. 4) meaning 'to move forward', sometimes with a pause, but always r. Masashi Chiba passed away recently. forward. Again I have shown its derivation opposite. It is combined Fig. 2 I would like to share something he with moving forward, as on a road M (Fig. 2), and to 'stop' 止 (which is why taught me after a Kendo practice in Tokyo. there is a foot) (Fig. 3). Mr. Chiba knew I was a calligrapher and Although Shinnyou uses stop 止 in its Fig. 3 kanji, Mr. Chiba wanted to emphasise taught Shodo in Tokyo and London. the feeling of continuing, and that He asked me to write the kanji for Do 道, kubi 首 was included in the kanji, this is why he liked the long extension on which means 'way' in English. shinnyou (Fig. 4). Fig. 4 I taught Shodo at the University of Cambridge and, as Mr. Chiba told me, I have tried to show the meaning of the kanji from how it was derived.

39 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 40 TOP KNOT Chonmage The chonmage is a traditional hairstyle worn by men and most commonly associated with the samurai. It features a shaved pate, with the remaining hair, which was long, oiled and tied into a small queue, which was folded on to the top of the head in the characteristic top knot.

he word chonmage is a Sumo wrestlers with sekitori status combination of two words, are required on certain occasions to Chon written in kanji chon and mage. There are wear their hair in a more elaborate resembles the hair style. Tvarious theories on the origin form of top knot called an oicho or of the Chonmage hairstyle. One is a ginkgo leaf style, where the end style of folded hair that thin-haired old of the top knot is splayed out to men wore as it resembled the kanji form a semicircle, resembling a fan. character chon. Another reasonable Given the uniqueness of the style in theory is that the hairstyle derived modern Japan, the Sumo Association from the hondamage, which is a employs specialist hairdressers called hairstyle spread among samurai under tokoyama to cut and prepare the Honda Tadakatsu, a Japanese general wrestlers’ hair. and later a daimyo. The hondamage was especially popular from 1772 The chonmage is of such symbolic to 1781, of which there were eight importance in sumo that snipping it variations worn according to status, off is the centerpiece of a wrestler’s ranking and fashion. retirement ceremony. Dignitaries and other important people in a wrestler’s Whichever theory is right, the life are invited to take one snip, with Samurai took great care styling their the final one taken by his trainer. hair. For battle, they would shave the tops of their heads, which reduced Sources: the heat under their helmets, and http://www.pbs.org/empires/japan/enteredo_8.html wore their hair straight at the sides. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chonmage When not wearing helmets, the hair was pulled up at the sides and back into the top knot. It is said that this hairstyle respects age, as it camouflages age-related, and male-pattern baldness. Not only samurai wore the chonmage, but tradesmen and artisans also wore the hairstyle. In modern times, the only remaining wearers of the chonmage are sumo wrestlers. This style of chonmage is slightly different, in that the pate is no longer shaved, although the hair may be thinned in this region to allow the This article first appeared inCutting Edge top knot to sit more neatly. magazine, November 2013. Hairdressers of old Japan

41 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 42 ZEN

A personnel interpretation by ZJohn Howellen Kendo Kyoshi

Well what is Zen: is it a type of To use a phrase, be “unconsciously John Howell religion or a social sect? At least it conscious” or “consciously Started kendo at Nenriki Dojo in London is some type of discipline and, as unconscious”. To obtain this state, UK in 1967. Obtained 1st dan in Kyoto in all disciplines, has some type of one must give up the desire of self in 1970, 24 years later attained 7th dan, enlightenment at its end. and understand and respect human followed by kyoshi in 1995. Is Zen a discipline of the mind, and at dignity and the natural laws which In the interim, he represented Great its end has enlightenment? Does this regulate our life. enlightenment mean freedom from Britain (GB) as a competitor nine This way, zen and mushin are very restraint and inhibitions? times; achieved Gold medal in the 1974 much involved together. European Championships. We talk and think about all sorts He managed the GB team at the of freedom, but those freedoms I would like to take a quote from World Championships three times are not always in actual fact real. Daisetz T Suzuki's “Zen and Japanese and the European Championships five When one understands the natural Culture”. times, also the Italian International restraints afforded to a person and “What makes swordsmanship come Championships three times. acknowledge his or her inhibitions, closer to zen than any other art As a coach, he passed as a lecturer the understanding of freedom is the that has developed in Japan is that from the School of Physical Education outcome, therefore enlightenment. it involves the problem of death in London in 1964 for judo and later for When a person comes to realise this, the most immediately threatening kendo in 1973. Was instructor at Nenriki, in whatever situation they may find Fujiken and Shinbukan dojos (the latter is manner?” themselves, they are always free in where he still continues to coach). their inner self because that pursues One can translate these rules into our He has refereed at the World and its own line of action. modern day kendo. European Championships, as well as instructing at British Kendo So one can say that Zen is a type of When we start upon our journey, Association (BKA) referee seminars. religion of “self-reliance and “self- sometimes we feel frustration, anger, being”. and loss of dignity. However we have He held the posts of BKA Chairman no fear of being killed, as we do not for 25 years; President for five years; How is Zen and its relationship use the katana, but the thought of director of the European Kendo connected to Swordsmanship? losing is the same state, therefore all Federation for 22 years; and the In olden times, the samurai tried to International Kendo Federation for the above rules in their forms do still achieve the state of mushin (or no 21 years. He is also an elected Life apply. Hard training learning from our mind). Throughout his life of training, Senior Counsellor of the European mistakes with a desire to do better is he had to try to develop this state. Kendo Federation. In recognition of the grounding required to build one's The meaning of no mind is where his commitment to kendo, the All Japan character. Kendo Federation (ZNKR) awarded you forget your training and let all him a prestigious ‘Korosho’ for his work conscious thoughts and emotions Enjoy the hard training and its in the promotion of kendo in the UK evaporate. You let the unconscious discipline, thereby understanding and internationally. mind take over and allow the body to oneself. show its capability of displaying the art It is the progress that we make in our acquired over the years of training. Kendo which can teach us the true This article first appeared inCutting Edge For example, do not let your mind magazine, July 2014. value of life. “stop” with thoughts of winning. You must perceive the opponent's move and let the unconscious mind take over.

43 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 44 WARMING UP

THE ART OF WARMING UP OR HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR SEMINAR TRAINING TIME by Alan Lee-Nash

My suggestion for the future would fter attending a number of seminars be that the time after registration and before the official start of the seminar this year and having discussions should be used for your own individual A stretching and warm-up exercises, with the other senior sensei about our BKA all done without a sword then five seminars and how best to utilise the time we minutes before the start of the seminar, everyone gets their swords have to teach everyone at a seminar, ... and lines up in grade order. This is usually done with the higher grades on the right facing the sensei. ... I soon realised that we waste a a sword. To my way of thinking and lot of time at the start of every day practice, my sword drills are designed Hopefully we can then quickly issue on every seminar with warm ups/ to teach me feedback on how the any instructions and complete reiho stretching and organising into grade sword behaves through different cuts and start practicing before getting cold groups. and to make my hand actions smooth, again. such that the sword feels like an Now I am not advocating not doing I know this system is not perfect extension of my body and my hands warm-ups but, from what I have but I would welcome the member's can rotate or change on the tsuka observed, everyone approaches the feedback on how to improve and naturally and correctly to present the warm-up part of the seminar with maximise our training and teaching correct hasuji line for my cut. different levels of enthusiasm or time in seminars. If anyone would apathy – and I am as guilty of these Anyway I digress a bit. After observing like to email me their suggestions, feelings as everyone else (I am not how we have been implementing the good or bad, I will happily collate them going to mention those who turn warm-up into our seminars, I noticed and take them to our regional and up late and miss the warm-up that after registration at, let's say national coaches and senior sensei to completely). 9:00am, everyone mills around in see how we can make your precious the dojo chatting and waiting on the training time more effective. After all, As an individual, I know what parts of teachers to call everyone together you are paying to attend a seminar my body need extra attention when it for the start of the seminar at, let's and expect value for money, and as comes to warming-up and stretching- say 9:30am. We then have a little a sensei I would love to be able to out the odd kink in my battered and speech, all put our swords down, do a teach you everything I can so that you abused body, so my warm-up and warm-up session, pick swords up, get can improve, pass your grading and stretching exercise may be different organised into grade groups, then get surpass my own achievements. to someone else’s. split into grading, non-grading, koryu Please note that when I mention etc. before any teaching has been warm-ups or stretching exercises, I done. Typically this can take up to one am talking about those done without and a half hours, so we are looking at 11:00am before you do your first kata.

45 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 46 IAIDO SUMMER SEMINAR 2016

Day 3 (the last day) On the third and final day of the BKA Summer Seminar the attendees were Summer Seminar 2016, Cambridge divided into their usual groups, but with the focus shifting to koryu for all but the mudan/shodan grades. Oshita sensei took the nidan and sandan Post-seminar thoughts students, with yondan and above (my group) being looked after by Morita Day 2 sensei and Mansfield sensei. The second day of the BKA After some initial confusion regarding where in the building we were Summer Seminar focused on supposed to be training (for some reason an aikido practice was already houghts and feedback from seitei and preparation for those well underway in the hall we were sent to…) the sensei quickly divided us five attendees of various grading in the afternoon. The into separate shinden and jikiden groups. Morita sensei continued with his yondan students and above attempt to educate us on some of the more conceptual aspects of iaido, T immediately gathering us around to explain that properly understanding iaido The first day of the seminar saw the largest number moved to the upstairs dojo, levels. Some attended the situation and movement of the opponent is fundamental to performing of dojo members at a BKA seminar. I was very much unless they were assisting with each kata correctly. Following this a few students were picked out to the three days, and some were looking forward to seeing Oshita sensei and Morita the training of the lower grades. demonstrate in front of the group, allowing Morita sensei to point out sensei in what was a great venue. The morning saw The yondan and above group various important details that need to be considered. Over the course present for just a couple. very focused training in seitei forms. The points I took then separated into those of the morning we ran through the first two sets of kata, permeated from this were to avoid an overly tight grip and heavy grading, who were instructed throughout by detailed explanations and analysis, along with some steps. It was a good feeling to be in such a large space by Oshita sensei, and those interesting forays into the history of eishin-ryu. In particular sensei devoted This year’s three day summer seminar was focused with so many other iaidoka. not grading were instructed by on 'back to basics' in all aspects of todays iaido from Hopson sensei and West sensei, some time to illustrating the major differences found among the style’s more unusual branches, such as the shimomura-ha and yamanouchi-ha. general etiquette to starting rei and ending rei. The In the afternoon we split into groups and I was in the assisted by the rokudan sensei. reason given for this was that sensei’s looking at the Mudan/Shodan group under the teaching of sensei The main focus, in addition After a brief lunch break the afternoon was given over to the annual koryu standard of teaching in the UK. Hobson, Buxton and West. We split into two lines to correcting technical errors, ‘Goodwill Taikai’. Four courts were run simultaneously, with competitors facing each other, with shodan on one side and mudan was on understanding where divided into pools for each grade. As people were knocked out they were Day one: The iaidoka had been divided up into grade on the other. In this manner we worked through seitei and how the opponent moves drafted into various supporting roles, with the high grades filtering down order, I was in the group nidan to sandan under Oshita gata 1-8. One side performed the kata whilst the other which is important in order to to sit as judges for the junior groups. Once all the matches were over, the sensei, working through the basics of each item from observed, then giving 10 second feedback before make your performance of the finalists in each category took to the floor together to decide the overall breathing to rei, over use of power to perform a cut, swapping roles. It was an intense day rewarded with a various kata look convincing. In winner. This year victory was awarded to Oliver Bischoff from Germany, also looking at the height of cuts; kata, detail of each beer (or two) in the evening. addition to practice as a group, kata also the use of the correct Japanese kata names with individual help, this was representing the muso jikiden eishin-ryu. Once the taikai was over, all that remained was to hand out prizes to the when performing embu or just general training; kihon, Friday saw some of our group preparing for gradings. demonstrated by individuals competitors before the seminar was brought to its official close. Following metsuke and timing of each of the movements, sword My group was taught by sensei Mansfield, Bean and being asked to perform in front a few final words from the sensei, we all began our journeys home, grip; footwork, going through all 12 kata and working Goodman who elaborated on many details as we of the group and the sensei resolved to apply the knowledge and insight we had gained over the last the corrections sensei had seen for each student. continued to refine seitei gata. Just before the break showing how this could be three days in preparation for next year. for lunch we were able to practise the set forms for improved by awareness of the Day Two: Under Morita sensei, a repeat of the first our level of grading. For shodan this meant mae, movements of the opponent/s Christopher Grainger day footwork, going through all 12 kata and working morete tsuki, sanpogiri, gamen-ate and soetetsuski. throughout the whole form. on the corrections that sensei had seen for each Goodman sensei gave me some very useful key West sensei emphasised that student; but the second day went further with the points to work on including keeping my iaito level when starting a form and walking detail and reason for the detail, as it was felt that when changing feet in mae. I used quite a lot of lunch towards or into a group of from the top down, and bottom up, we all should be to go over the grading. Only three people were going opponents, they are enemies and This was my second seminar of the year with the BKA since I began working the same way for seitei kata and have the for shodan so we were a small group and very close this should not be like ‘walking training in Iaido just over a year ago. What I found particularly useful and same understanding of the kata; but for koryu which to the grading panel, nowhere to hide! Luckily the into the supermarket’. One of interesting was not just the highlighting of areas where I/we needed to to a point, will still involve the above and dependent training/support/patience from my club in the months the students then commented improve on or focus, but the explanation of the consequences of doing a on your school of training. up to the grading and the chance to refine and practise "Sensei, you have obviously not particular action wrong. For example, in nihon-me ushiro, it was highlighted over the previous two days helped a great deal. I even been to a supermarket where I that the consequence of applying too much forward weight to the initial Derek Hart remembered to breathe this time! Sadly I couldn't stay live!" This I think summed up the rise from seiza will result in having to pause/stop mid-way through for the third day but very much appreciated the two I friendly nature of the morning to regain balance before rotating. For someone at my level (mudan), could attend. session, which was instructional, explanations of what the ultimate impact of a mistake to the remainder of enjoyable and helpful towards a a kata, rather than a simple pointing out that I have gone wrong, was what Claire Vilday deeper understanding of iai seitei for me distinguished this seminar. gata. The afternoon session was taken Neil Clark up by grading and free practice.

Dick Grainger

47 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 48 A MORAL DILEMA

few weeks ago, towards the end of a class, a student told me that he wouldA like to ask a philosophical question. Obviously I said I would do my best, as always, to offer an answer and, intrigued, I asked what the question was.

“We’re learning how to cut people up gained nothing else they would suffice be their last and from this we can into pieces so how do you justify that as a reason to practice our art. Just learn that life is fleeting and that we morally?” he asked. I had never been through developing these skills alone, must embrace each day as it comes. asked this kind of question before so passed down through the centuries I believe that by understanding these I thought about it and then offered, by the Samurai and practised in concepts we can liberate ourselves somewhat weakly, the suggestion modern Iaido, we can spend a lifetime from any fears of failure or even death that as we were never going to use of practice striving for the goal of itself because we understand and the techniques we were learning ‘Ki Ken Tai Ichi’ or ‘Spirit, Sword and accept our mortality and humanity. against another person we would Body as one’. never have a moral dilemma. The more enlightened Samurai But what of the more spiritual benefits realised that adopting not just Even as I found myself speaking and what of the mental imagery of physical skills associated with I realised that it was not enough of an cutting an enemy as suggested in swordsmanship but philosophical and answer to this deceptively simple but my students question? If we are not spiritual development of the character deeply intelligent question. I would actually learning how to cut an enemy ultimately led to the ability to project have to offer more, and to offer more before they cut us then who are we outwardly to any potential enemy I would have to contemplate my imagining? And, more importantly, such confidence and spirit that the answer more deeply. why are we imagining anyone at all? enemy would be defeated before they made any attempt to attack. The The question actually goes right to the Of course, others may have different enlightened Samurai would have won core of why we practice Iaido and that views, but my own interpretation of without even drawing the sword. This can be different for all of us. For some this imaginary opponent is that the concept is known as ‘Saya no Uchi no of us, as can be the case in most opponent is a symbolic version of Kachi’ or ‘Victory in the Saya’ and it is martial arts, it may be purely a form oneself. In other words, I take this this, combined with ‘Ki Ken Tai Ichi’, of exercise that we find enjoyable opponent, or opponents, as symbolic that must surely be our ultimate goal. and healthy. There is no doubt that of destroying our own ego. This Iaido offers physical benefits such as aspect of Iaido concerns the ongoing To refer back to the original question improvements of posture, balance attempt to perfect our character asked concerning moral dilemmas, and flexibility. It also offers mental and our minds. As time goes by it there can be no dilemma because benefits such as improving our inner is a fact that our bodies will slowly Iaido is not about death – it is calm, concentration, and awareness. deteriorate but there is no reason – about life. There are even combined physical- mental health issues permitting – that mental benefits such as improved we cannot continue to improve our Mike Reilly-Fountaine co-ordination skills and spatial minds and characters. Our Samurai August 2009 awareness. All of these things are teachers of old would deal every day worthwhile in themselves and if we with the possibility that today could 49 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 50 HEALTH & SAFETY

ACCIDENT/NEAR-MISS REPORTING – WHY DO IT? By Donald Gordon H & S Officer, BKA

thinking is (shown by experience) swollen and the hospital said I his is a good question! Accident and near-miss reporting are that simple accidents may have blood poisoning. I would quickly lead to unforeseen like to make a claim from the Timportant for a number of reasons. I am confident that no BKA complications. BKA insurer?’ member wishes to deliberately harm others and the injured person Why do we need to ‘Dear BKA, following my report? accident my dojo leader will not be too pleased either. Activities may have to stop (at least It is good practice to reported to the BKA report ‘near-miss’ the next day. My while assistance is given) and there are financial considerations. incidents and doctor sent me to When calculating the BKA risk and the possibility of an accident is accidents where the local hospital consequently the size of our annual Where low, or no present – this is a near miss! although no-one for further tests premium, our insurer will take a view has been harmed and the hospital b. If a shinai is used with a splintered of our accident reporting statistics. accidents have been the outcome doctor said I will take and a tsuki attack is made. There Where many serious accidents have could have need at least reported it is also is a significant risk that the shinai occurred it is natural to expect our resulted in an two operations could enter the mengane and cause premiums to be high and rising. accident. In this over the next 3 understandable that our serious injury – a well spotted near- Where low, or no accidents have been way it is possible and it is advisable to keep a dojo months. I would miss! reported it is also understandable that insurers may view the to learn so that we can communicate record. It is simple to do and does not like to make a claim from the BKA our insurers may view the BKA to be c. If a Jo strike to the chest is poorly the information to other dojo and indicate a failure on the part of the insurer?’ identify possible trends. The main a high risk, i.e. through a suspicion BKA to be a high risk, performed (repeatedly and not dojo leader – indeed, the reverse is Our insurers will most likely take a reason is to ensure that our members of poor reporting. A strong defence checked by the coach), the Jo may true. All dojo leaders are advised to dim view of the first two examples i.e. through a suspicion are protected from harm, eg the old when lobbying for lower premiums pass close to the head. In this case a have a book to register an accident and it will be difficult for BKA officers saying applies – ‘prevention is far will be, ‘we have a strong reporting head injury may occur but if stopped and/or near-miss. You should keep to verify the details and the injured of poor reporting. better than cure’. system demonstrating that our before an accident – this is a near a record of all accidents/incidents person will have difficulty proving significant accidents are low.’ miss! Accident investigation (whether major or minor) in your that the injury occurred during a BKA accident book and the book should be We are all volunteers and I am certain To assist, the following information In each case the accident did not Investigation can range from a simple training session. However, the third retained within your Club. we did not join our respective Bu to is provided to give the background to occur and if we take note and share chat with the injured party and any (where the correct procedure has do paperwork – I didn’t! Others may our approach: the experience, we and others can be witnesses. More serious accidents Where an accident may lead to an been followed) should be viewed may need the assistance of the BKA more favourably. With the first feel it is a paper (now electronic) Hazard – a hazard is a condition that made aware. insurance claim the BKA should be exercise to please their NC or Bu H&S Officer whereas a very serious two examples, the question that may cause harm. This may be the Accident – there are many definitions informed as soon as reasonably officers – both are misguided thinking. accident may require an investigation our insurers will rightly ask is, “did equipment, flooring, control of an of an accident – one is, ‘an incident possible. These examples do not Reporting should not be viewed by individuals external to the dojo. It this accident happen during a BKA activity and/or control of people. that causes harm.’ relate to any past or present incidents. as failure and no one should feel should be borne in mind that where activity?” The question the claimant ‘I had an accident over a year ago. threatened by reporting an accident or Near-miss – a near-miss is an incident Bearing in mind the nature of our a Local Authority facility is used must ask is, “how can I now prove it I did not tell the dojo leader and an near-miss. that could have been an accident but activities and the control measures we their Environmental Health Officer was a BKA accident?” does not harm anyone. Here are some implement (through risk assessment), may carry out an investigation and accident report was not sent. Can So, where are we now? To anyone I expect the content of this article examples of near misses: it is accepted that accidents will should this be required, he/she will I now make a claim from the BKA reviewing our past performance, it is will not be news to our seniors. occur form time-to-time. However most certainly request a copy of the insurer?’ obvious that our membership needs a. If a shinken is used during training However, it does no harm to remind we should not view an accident to accident report and risk assessment. ‘I had an accident at the dojo last night to apply a more professional approach and another Iaidoka unexpectedly and it is important to inform our new be an irritation to be ignored and and being a macho type of person to the investigation and reporting of steps back into the line of cut (but What next? members. labelled, ‘an expected part of the I did not report it to our dojo leader. near-misses and accidents. stopped in mid-cut). Although the cut Following an accident investigation was not made and no one is harmed training experience.’ The problem with a report must be sent to the BKA This morning my whole arm was

51 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 52 INJURY ISSUES

Tennis Elbow By Nigel Kettle BSc(Hons)Ost GOsC Registered Osteopath

Seriously Painful If you have problems with getting 5) Reduce Repetition, Take Breaks If you have ever heard anyone talk into good muscular shape, you should The last major consideration that about Tennis Elbow then you surely talk to your instructor. If you do not you should take into account is the know that it is not a pleasant situation. then turn to the internet to help you need to avoid continuously repetitive It can be rather painful. The good develop a good exercise routine that movements that drag on forever. news is that it is possible to do some will effectively allow you to strengthen If you are practising nukitsuke or things to help prevent the injury. these essential muscles. Seek advice kirioroshi then that is wonderful, but as needed. at the same time, you need to ensure It goes without saying – if you do not that you stop on occasion to take a treat your body well, then you place 3) Playing After Extended Breaks break. This will be quite helpful in yourself at a much greater risk for this For those who do not practise working to avoid injury. If you are type of injury as well as others. for hours a day (most of us), it is overworking your muscles without a important to pace yourself. This This really is an injury that you should break, you are unnecessarily putting means not practising for four weeks work hard to avoid, as tennis elbow yourself at risk of injury and you are does not give you the right to run can cause serious pain that is not just not likely to enjoy the results. Taking out and practise for 4 hours straight. whisked away with a heating pad or care of your body is the primary thing You must be careful not to suddenly ice pack. that you need to be concerned with, practise extensively after long breaks. not stressing over practising your cuts 1) Focus On Prevention You should practise for much shorter for another two hours because of You should always focus on prevention periods after you have had a long the perceived benefits. The time you as opposed to injury treatment. In period of time away from the dojo. spend in the dojo will be much more this regard the first step is ensuring Your arm is abused in the process effective with a few small breaks that you are getting the rest you need of study and suddenly jumping in sprinkled into the day. between practice. This means there with both feet will put you at risk of is no reason that you should go out wearing it out badly. Instead, go much and practice for four hours, then turn easier on your body and work to get around and practice for another two back to the practice that you prefer to hours. No matter what you think, this do. Remember, pushing yourself to is not a wise idea. A better idea would achieve the results that you want may be taking the day off after you have seem like a great idea, but pushing too finished so that you can give your arm hard will leave you with an injury. In 1999, after studying for four years the rest that it needs. 4) Remember Your Stretching full-time at the British School of Osteopathy – the country’s oldest 2) Get In Shape Always stretch before you start osteopathic school – Nigel qualified as a Take some time to get into good practice. In addition, you should registered osteopath with a 2.1 Bachelor of physical shape. This includes ensuring stretch after you are done practising Science Honours degree. that you strengthen your arms and as well. This will allow you to keep back. If you ensure that your arms and the muscles surrounding the tendon In addition to having his own clinic in East back are in good physical condition as supple as possible. Often tense Sussex, he works in private practices in you will have the muscle strength built muscles can help factor into a tendon Kent, Reigate and Epsom in Surrey. up that will help you to prevent the injury and will have you in pain quite As a teacher, he is currently principal injury. Failing to make sure you are in quickly if you forget to stretch one day. lecturer in Osteopathic Technique at Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine, good physical condition can make you A few minutes of stretching can go a a Recognised Qualification (RQ) exceptionally vulnerable to problems. very long way towards keeping you in Osteopathic Degree Course based in North good shape and injury free. East Surrey College in Ewell.

53 | BRITISH KENDO ASSOCIATION KIHAKU | 54 www.kendo.org.uk www.britishkendoassociation.com

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