2004 News & Events

News and most recent events are listed first:

7th Kyu Grading

Our first beginners’ course culminated with a grading on Sunday 5th December 2004.

This was a relatively informal occasion, with Edinburgh Dojo Leader Steve Bishop teaching as well as assessing the progress of our group.

Covering kendo etiquette and terminology, basic stances, footwork, cuts and keiko-ho, all 11 of our candidates passed and were awarded an attractive menjo.

John Hepburn Seminar

On Saturday 4th December 2004 several club members travelled to Glasgow for a seminar led by John Hepburn (6th Dan Renshi).

John Hepburn sensei is the most senior kendoka in Scotland and has now retired to the Isle of Skye, so opportunities to practice with - and learn from - him are relatively rare.

This seminar gave our beginners an opportunity to practice alongside beginners from Edinburgh and Glasgow and of course to receive tuition from a number of senior teachers. For those in bogu, there were many important points made, including an encouragement not to rush into attacks in ji-geiko, but rather to “enjoy” the balance and harmony in chudan, feeling for an opportunity to attack.

First Beginners Course

Our first beginners’ course started on Monday 18th October 2004, with an incredible 21 beginners!

Kendo Demonstration

St Andrews Kendo Club was launched on Sunday 16th October 2004 with a demonstration of Kendo for potential members.
We were very kindly supported by several members of Edinburgh Kendo Club, and about 40 people turned out to watch.

The demonstration showed general Kendo etiquette and typical components of a training session including suburi, waza practice, kendo keiko-ho and ji-geiko.