The last keiko of the year involved the traditional end of year ritual of balloon geiko. With balloons attached to the top of the men kendoka utilize all their training and skill to pop their opponents balloons.
Jan Mendoza, a third dan from Canada came along and was kind enough to join us in balloon geiko, as well as the more serious elements of kendo.
Here’s hoping that 2017 is an eventful year for Shiraoka!
Shiraoka sent a team to the Sir Frank Bowden Memorial Taikai taking place in Birmingham this year. The event started with a five-kendoka team competition on the Saturday and ended with the conclusion of an individuals tournament on the Sunday.
To make our team to five, Fides Desacada from Nenriki Kendo Club (the oldest dojo in the UK!) lent her fighting skills to Shiraoka. It was a pleasure to have her fighting alongside us and hopefully not for the last time.
Awesome last session with Danny before he moves. This what kendo is about; hard work and good friends.
This week saw the return of Matsumoto Sensei, Nanadan Kyoshi. As always it was a great pleasure to train with Sensei and as always, he was a wonderful example of what our kendo should be like.
Well done to all the guys and girls who bravely stepped into the Dojo for the first time last night. I was very pleased with everyone’s progress.
Starting any martial art is a daunting task but you all rose to the challenge. Now you need to make sure you come back for session 2. Progress is made through attendance and hard work. With these I’m sure you can all do well.
-Gareth
Shiraoka Kendo Kai is a kendo dojo currently based in Bellshill and the only dojo practising kendo in the Lanarkshire area.
Founded in 2008 and led by Gareth Spiers 5th Dan Certified BKA Coach, we are committed to the practice and promotion of kendo locally and nationwide. The name Shiraoka Kendo Kai (白丘剣道会: Whitehill Kendo Association) comes from the Whitehill area of Hamilton where the club was initially founded.
We welcome those who wish to start kendo with Beginner’s Courses. Click for more info!
We meet every Wedensday at 8:00pm at the Sir Matt Busby Leisure Centre in Bellshill. Directions and e-mail details can be found at the Contact & Location page for those who have any enquiries.
News and updates about the club can also be found on our Facebook and Twitter. Follow us!
Legacyfest this year saw Shiraoka came along and put on a demonstration for the public. We also had a stall with a display of the bogu (armour) used in kendo as well as information for our beginners class starting shortly. Interested? Click on the link on the top of the page to register!
Recently we had the great honour of having Matsumoto Sensei 7th Dan Kyoshi practise with the club. A very prominent and highly respected kendoka with decades of experience, Matsumoto Sensei was on hand to instruct and advise everyone on all aspects of their kendo – from presentation and fundamentals to cutting technique and waza. Matsumoto Sensei’s visit was a great pleasure and one that we hope to repeat in the future!