2004 IKF Shimpan Seminar – Hong Kong
Each year a shimpan seminar each is held in the Asian Zone conducted by the IKF. These seminars are intended to develop the level of judging of the senior members of within this zone. The seminars are primarily aimed at kendo players ranked 5 Dan and above, although 4 Dan players may participate upon the invitation of the host nation.
This year’s seminar was hosted by the Hong Kong Kendo Association, over the weekend of 11th & 12th December 2004. I attended along with 4 other senior Australian Kendo players including Mr Yakov Macak (VKR), Mr Michael Payne (NSWKR), and Mr Yuji Sano (NSWKR).
The seminar began on Saturday morning with a review of the rules and confirmation of their intention. Emphasis was placed on the responsibility of shimpan to develop their understanding of kendo techniques by continuous training.
Shimpan were then put into teams of 3 and judged individual matches played between HKKA members. Sensei required justification of the decisions made by each shimpan as well as explanation of why potentially successful cuts were not scored. This put the shimpan under considerable pressure, which re-enforced the importance of the shimpan’s role.
Sunday’s session focussed upon teams’ matches and the protocol involved. Again shimpan had to give good reason for the decision taken or other wise. Both sessions finished with a brisk warm-up followed by an hour of keiko. Practicing with such high calibre kendo players was an enlightening challenge to say the least.
In his address at the beginning of the seminar, Sato sensei told us that the information that was to be passed on would already be know to the participants due to their seniority in Kendo. This was true, however the information provided by the sensei was none the less significant, particularly in the subtleties of Kendo technique applications. The seminar offered a tremendous opportunity to both practicing shimpan and those playing the matches develop a much stronger understanding of Kendo.
I was truly grateful for the opportunity and support provided by the Australian Kendo Renmei and the ANUKC to attend this event.
Joe Semmler
ANUKC Grading, October 31st
The ANU Kendo Club wish to thank David and Shoko Bunder from Wollongong for travelling to Canberra to be part of the grading panel. The grading panel consisted of:
Joachim Semmler (ANU Kendo Club – 5 Dan)
David Bunder (University of Wollongong Kendo Club – 5 Dan)
Shoko Bunder (University of Wollongong Kendo Club – 4 Dan)
Philip Baker (ANU Kendo Club – 3 Dan)
All candidates graded successfully.
Nara Candle Ceremony, October 30th
The ANU Kendo club put on a demonstration of kendo as well as assisting in the running of the Canberra – Nara Candle Ceremony. The event was a big success receiving twice the number of spectators as expected.
Squad Training, October 9th and 10th
The Second Squad Training was held in Wollongong. Phil, Martino and Sharyn travelled down for the weekend. It was another successful road trip with all Canberra members of the squad happy with their performance and keen to share the experience with the rest of the club.
Founders Cup, August 7th and 8th
This year held at Macquarie University, it incorporated a Kyu Teams, Women’s Team and Open team Competition as well as a seminar and grading on Sunday. The women’s team preformed very well finishing runners-up to the Sydney Kendo Club. All ANUKC candidates grading successfully. The weekend concluded with a seminar, presentations and a round (or few!) at The Ranch restaurant.
Squad Training, July 3rd and 4th 2004
The first squad training for the 2006 World Championships campaign was held in Canberra at the ANU Kendo Club. We had people from most states attended as well as three members from our own club. The weekend was a great success and not only inspired the club members on the squad team but also the rest of the clubs members.
ACT Open, June 13th and 14th 2004
Over the June long weekend the ANU Kendo club held its annual competition and seminar. As usual we had a very good turn out with participants from all over NSW and Victoria.
CATEGORY 1: (up to 3rd KYU)
3rd: T.J.Choi & H.Ko
2nd: T.Taouk
1st: J.M.Lim
CATEGORY 2: (2nd KYU to 1st Dan)
3rd: Henstock & J.H.Lim
2nd: Y.Ohtuka
1st: N.Dohan
CATEGORY 3: (2nd Dan to 3rd Dan)
3rd: P.Kim & D.Kim
2nd: H.D.Kim
1st: P.Baker
CATEGORY 4: (4th Dan and above)
3rd: T. Itakura & B.Smith
2nd: Y.Sano
1st: K. Smith
FIGHTING SPIRIT AWARDS
J.H. Lim
S. Koning
KYU TEAMS
2nd: Mo-Don-Kwan
1st: Uni NSW