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.