Detroit, Detroit, Detroit!

Only a few weeks away. It's time to find that inner fight and prepare for the shiai and shinsa. Detroit is one of the largest tournaments in our area and everyone needs to be prepared to face extremely tough competition. Whatever you need to do to find that inner fight do it. Sutemi Sutemi and more sutemi are the key. Get ippon at whatever cost. Eastern will be represented well this year and we will all have a great time. The test and seminar starts at 4:30 on saturday Feb 16th and the tournament is sunday Feb 17th. Hope to see everyone there. Gambatte!

Couple of Quick Updates, Practice and Detroit Tournament

Guys, just a couple of quick updates. I also sent this out as an email. Let me know if you're noy getting emails from me: charliekondek at yahoo dot com

Practice Location

If practice is not in the usual room, we will be next door in the IM building, either in the utility gym (second floor) or one of the racquetball courts. Sorry about that, it's due to a temporary scheduling snafu and will not go on past February. Until then, we may have to move our room. More on that to come.

Detroit Tournament

By now, you should have the forms you need to enter the tournament. We also have to update our yearly dues, which will probably be around $60, to participate. The yearly fdues orms have not yet been made available, but as soon as they are, I will email everyone and we will organize getting our dues paid at practice. We have to give one big check to the federation for dues, so please see Abbey-sensei or myself with any questions.

Also, we still need volunteers for the Detroit tournament (non competitors). This is an excellent, fun way for new people to get to know kendo. You don't have to know a thing about running a court, just show up, get assigned to a court, and do what they tell you. It's fun, and they'll feed you. Please let me know if you're interesting in volunteering; it can be very helpful and inspiring to a beginner and earn you big points with the teachers!

Kamata sensei visits

Last night we had a great practice with the full contingent of Eastern kendo there to practice with Kamata sensei from Etobikoke. Kamata sensei is a Canadian team member and we worked very hard on hiiting from the tanden and going through with sutemi and good zanshin. It is always a great practice when he visits. Thanks must go out to him for travelling all the way from outside Toronto, yes for work first, but then kendo. See you all at the next practice. Be sure to note that we may be in the utility gym in the rec/im building. See you there.

Kickoff party

The start of the year party was great and I think that everyone who attended woudl agree. The Wii and chess boards were flying as was the sake. Thanks to everyone for making the drive. It is always great to see people out of bogu. Cheers!

First Practice of the New Year and Red/White Tournament

This year's first practice was a great success with a good re/white tournament as well. For the first time, in a while, white finally took the win. We then proceeded to hold a last man standing competition where you stayed until you lost. This was extremely enjoyable and Joe and his nito held the court beating Ichiki san until he came up against Brian. Now, Brian was in bogu for the first time and we all know how that is and he managed to get a kote on Joe and was up for the king of the court against me where he proceeded to score a big men to win the day. Congratulations to Brain who is our newest champion. As for the rest of practice, we had a good turnout with two more new members starting up. Happy New Year to everyone and hopefully we I will see you all at the party this weekend. If not, next week Kamata sensei from Etobikoke is planning on attending practice with Ichiki san so please plan on coming if possible. A large Detroit practice is also planned for Saturday January 19th at Birmingham Seaholm if you are interested in attending please do so as well. See you all soon. Pictures and Video from the tournament to come shortly, stay tuned. Cheers!

Pic 1- The starting group for the year

Pic 2- Abbey sensei and Ponchart san face off

Pic 3- Brian the first timer and new king fights old champion Ichiki san