Getting to Hope University for the BKA Seminar and Kyusha Taikai

For all those travelling to Hope University by car and in particular those coming from the M62. Currently there are roadworks in one direction at Taggart Avenue so the best approach is via the Five Ways Roundabout on the A5058 taking Childwall Priory Road. You will come to a triangular shaped roundabout which you can only go one way until you double back to Taggart Avenue. I will adjust the Google map to show what I'm talking about.

Additionally I've been told there should be a refectory open on campus for light food should anyone not bring a packed lunch.

Last Wednesday's visitor

Thanks go out to Sensei Dennis Smith who came to practice last Wednesday. It was a welcome return for Smith Sensei who has been dojo leader at Liverpool in the past and it has been too long since his last visit.

Whatever advice Smith Sensei had to offer you please take time to focus on it at your next practice. I was left with many things to think about the least of which may actually help ease a persistent injury I've been carrying for months. It's amaxing what a tiny adjustment to posture can do for your kendo.

Smith Sensei current dojo is at Taiseidokai Kendo Club in Glasgow so if you are ever in Scotland and wish to practice here's where to go.

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

As most will no doubt be aware a massive earthquake hit Japan on Friday. The quake, the tsunami and the continued dangers from the damaged nuclear power plants have killed and injured 1000's of people. Our thoughts are with our Japanese friends, families and all people affected by this tragedy.

Google has a crisis response page which offers plenty of information and help in these sorts of situations and also offers you the opportunity to donate to aid the relief fund for those in Japan.

Kiai during warm up

Thanks to everyone for their efforts in supporting the new format for the warm up. Kendo clubs around the country have different ways of doing things. In particular this type of warm up with kiai is very popular in other dojos. It's a high energy start to a lesson, without high impact, builds fighting spirit and dojo cohesion and helps practice your kiai.


I have the firm belief that letting go of inhibitions in your kiai is the quickest way to feel part of the club, to feel like you are actually taking part and contributing. Also your progress in things like footwork, cutting, following through and later waza can seem long winded and often non-existent. At least putting your all into how you shout is something everyone can do, regardless of experience!

As this is such a common warm up elsewhere and it will be an ideal way to set the tone at the BKA seminar and Kyusha Taikai we will be continuing this format. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to give it their best. Just in case here's a reminder of what I say:


"ichi, ni, san, shi " (1,2,34)
and you respond:
"go,  roku, shichi,  hachi" (5,6,7,8)

That's not to say our more relaxed warm up won't return. No doubt on our next Beginner's Night on Wednesday April 27, it will return. It's much easier to get the first lot of warm up exercise done properly and safely with a bit of instruction.

If you have any thoughts about the new format let me know, either by the comments or on the forum.

Eurokendo sponsors the Kyusha Taikai

As previously mentioned Eurokendo the online kendo suppliers will be in attendance at the BKA Seminar and Kyusha Taikai. Young Park will be bringing his stock to the seminar and taikai so if you want to make any advance orders so you can pick your items up in person then check out what's on offer. For many kyu grades this may be the first opportunity to get to 'handle the goods' before you buy, so don't miss out.

The latest news update is that Eurokendo have also agreed to sponsor a new trophy to be presented to the winner of the Kyusha Taikai. Eurokendo has sponsored many kendo events all around Europe and it's an honour to have the Kyusha Taikai acknowledged alongside such events. Thanks to Young Park for his increased support of our event.