15th World Kendo Championships - Novara, Italy

If you didn't already know the 15th World Kendo Championships begin in 13 hours in Novara, Italy. Unless you're booked to attend or even competing you may need an alternative option to view what's going on. At this stage the All Japan Kendo Federation has set up a U-Stream page where live streaming footage should take place. If an alternative solution pops up I'll let you know. Three years ago most of the results were being shared via twitter tomorrow we may be able to witness it in as close to live as possible without actually being there, that's progress folks!

So point your web browsers here:
www.ustream.tv/channel/aj-kendo-f
and enjoy the biggest Kendo event in the world!

NO Kendo Kata on Monday (CANCELLED)

PLEASE NOTE KATA PRACTICE TODAY IS CANCELLED DUE TO IT BEING A BANK HOLIDAY! PLEASE DO NOT TURN UP OR YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Furthermore there is a Bank Holiday on Monday the 4th of June, we will be closed then also, a reminder will go out nearer the time.

NO Kendo Kata today (CANCELLED)

PLEASE NOTE KATA PRACTICE TODAY IS CANCELLED DUE TO A POWER FAILURE AT CHESTERFIELD HIGH SCHOOL! PLEASE DO NOT TURN UP OR YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

BKA Seminar and Kyusha Taikai - CANCELLED.

It's with regret that we've been forced to cancel the BKA Seminar and Kyusha Taikai. Unfortunately we did not secure enough pre-registrations to suggest the event would be sustainable. With a couple of other high profile events on the same day it was always going to be difficult to get numbers but the figures were even less than we expected. As a single dojo trying to put on a National event we could not afford the financial loss this would have caused.

We apologise for any inconvenience, all those who have pre-registered will receive a full refund of their registration and entry fee. Kyu grades wishing to compete in a tournament at their own level should look out for information regarding the Lidstone Taikai in London later this year.

Despite this setback we are also in discussion with the other North West dojos in organising a local Taikai. By sharing the competition we hope there will be increased support and shared risk/reward, therefore reducing the chance of cancellation.

Kata Monday

Kata is on Monday at Chesterfield and Sensei has asked that everyone make an effort to attend as there are certain Club related issues he would like to discuss with members. He does not want to sacrifice time on a Wednesday that would be better served practicing. So if you are interested in what plans the club has and want to know what's going on then please be there, thanks.

Sport Relief 2012, state your interest

Over on the Facebook Group page I put a poll up for those wanting to vote for their involvement in the Sport Relief Mile in full Bogu. A reminder:

• It's on Sunday 25th March, which is the same day as Ozawa Sensei's visit to Kashi No Ki Kenyu Kai in Ollerton
• There's a £5 entrance fee.
• If it rains you're stuck in your bogu until you finish the race...

We at least need three people to do it, ideally five or more and if you can make a decision as soon as possible it'll give you chance to hit up your friends and relations for sponsorship.

Sport Relief 2012

Just a thought, is anyone interested in doing the Sport Relief Mile in full Bogu? When I say mile there's 1, 3 and 6 mile options, I think the 3 mile one at least would be fun, so long as no one hits me I should be able to attend ;) Aside from the run there's a few of catches:

• It's on Sunday 25th March, which is the same day as Ozawa Sensei's visit to Kashi No Ki Kenyu Kai in Ollerton
• There's a £5 entrance fee.
• If it rains you're stuck in your bogu until you finish the race...

Aside from getting some sponsorship for your efforts that's it. If there's interest we could do it as a group, even those not in bogu could get the chance to get very used to wearing it for the first time. I think we'd look cool as a group, do some good for charity and perhaps raise the profile of the club ahead of the next Beginner's Night after the run.

Let me know on the forum or the Facebook group if you'd be interested in doing it