Sumo!: Photos

Autographs and photos with young fans

Turning back time. The culture and martial arts of Japan

April 22 we joined with Sumo Wrestlers, Aikido and Taiko Drummers at a demonstration of Japanese culture for the Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati. The demonstration was held at Northern Kentucky University's Regents Hall. There was a nice crowd of all ages on hand. They were really enthusiastic to see blending of martial arts and culture under one roof.

UC & NKY Demo Team: Rachel, Chris G,
Jimmy, Mark, Chris Z

Ready for action!

Moving for position

Even "Bob" our striking dummy has fans!

Sumo! Demonstration For JASGC

On Sunday April 22 we are invited along with UC Kendo to give a Kendo demonstration for the Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati. We’ll be in Regents Hall located next to the Albright Health Center on the Northern Kentucky University campus. 

Featured with us will be Sumo Wrestling! There will be 2 Sumo wrestlers from Japan participating in the demonstration. To round things out an Aikido gruop will perform and interludes will be performed by Taiko Drummers. 

Doors will be open at 1:00pm. The demonstrations will start at 1:45. We’ll have a table where we can talk with audience members about Kendo. Call 859-912-0520 if you have questions.

The Kentucky Tournament and Promotion Test April 2012

The first annual Kentucky Kendo Tournament was held in Georgetown Kentucky at the Toyota Motors Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) Fitness Center on Sunday March 11 2012 to round out a busy weekend of Kendo. The yearly Student Kendo Tournament was expanded this year to include students and adults. The division were as follows:

Divisions:
1. Kids No Bogu
2. Kids 12 years old and under
3. Youth 13 - 18 years old
4. Mudansha (No Dan rank, 13 years old and up)
5. Shodan (1Dan)/ Nidan (2Dan)
6. Sandan (3Dan) and higher rank
7. Women
8. Team - Kids 12 years old and under
9. Team - Youth and Adult 13 years old and up. Special “Kachi-nuki-ho” format - Winner Stays.

The 13 years and older Team division used a special “Kachi-nuki-ho” format which is called “The Last Man Standing”. Basically a Kendo Player fights match after match until he/she looses. It tests your endurance as well as your ability to win matches without rest. You can check the Regional website (ECUSKF.com) for results of this year’s Kentucky Tournament.

Judges in position for the Kid's No-Bogu match

The day before on Saturday March 10 a Regional promotion test was given in Lexington KY.  Congratulations to everyone who passed! The next Regional promotion and tournament (Johnson Cup) will be this Fall. 

Satomi-sensei and Danessa manage the tournament brackets

NKY Kendo Hosts New Year Practice 2012

Koizumi-san serving up for New Year's 

 This year we hosted the Regional New Years Day practice in Covington. After the early practice, we all sat down for New Year rice cake soup and other goodies. The purpose of the practice is to start the new year off right with a good sweat and  vigorous exercise and commitment to the new year. One of the big challenges is to get up and make it to practice  especially if you celebrated a little to strenuously on New Years Eve!

Relaxing after the first practice of 2012

2011 in Review

The year 2011 was busy for the club. We had members participating in the ECUSKF regional tournaments, the Iaido Nationals in San Antonio, and the Kendo tournament, promotion and Iaido seminar in Cleveland with the GNEUSKF.  We had Kendo and Iaido demonstrations at a number of places; Northern Kentucky University’s International Week, The Torakan Dojo  in Florence KY, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Hwa Rang Do, the Masters vs Grandmasters Challenge in Dayton OH, UPMAC Regional Tournament in Mansfield OH, The Society of American Fight Directors regional stage combat seminar at NKU, and Grandmaster Fairbanks annual birthday celebration and practice. We hosted a practice for the ECUSKF Kendo Team that participated in the Kendo Nationals in Atlanta. We are looking forward to our activities and travels in 2012!

2011 AUSKF Iaido Camp

The All United States Kendo Federation has its 2011 Iaido Camp at the Kent State University near Cleveland June 9-12. Jim, Chris G, and Chris Z attended camp. Both Chris G and Chris Z participated in the national tournament and tested. Congratulations to them on their new Iaido ranks!

History lesson: The Kent State campus was in the world spotlight and has a place in history. On May 4, 1970 four  students were killed and nine wounded when they were shot by members of the National Guard during a student anti-war protest. The students were all registered and in good standing with the university. None of the students were armed. The protests were because of the announced US expansion of the Vietnam War into the country of Cambodia. There is still debate today on why the National Guard fired on the students.

Family Training Day

May 14 was Family Training day at The TEA House Martial Arts & Learning Center. It lasted from 12:30 until 5:30 and was an opportunity to try out a number of the martial arts offered as well as Tekulve Acceleration Training. There was a session of Battlefield Chivalry (team battle with soft weapons) from 3:30 until 5:30. The day was offered at no charge. Afterwards the Kendo Club got together with instructors at the Hibachi Master Restaurant located in the same plaza.

The Johnson Cup won by Shaun Yoshida was on display at The TEA House. He won it at great effort this past December at the ECUSKF regional Kendo Tournament. Note: We have been awarded the regional tournamemt once again this coming December.

Stay tuned in July. We’ll host a regional Joint Practice at the Corryville Rec Center. The ECUSKF Kendo Team will be with us in preparation for the Kendo Nationals in Atlanta this coming August.