Michael Visits Milwaukee September 2005

Dojo leader Michael Gratzke had the chance to visit the kendo dojo in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. The venue is small, the ceilings are not quite high enough and it lacks a wooden floor but dojo members made up for this with their enthusiasm and eagerness to study kendo.

Hales Corners is a small place with approximately 7500 inhabitants but kendoka from the whole Milwaukee area share lifts to go and practise twice a week. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee students are taught a PE module alongside the main training but fuller integration is somewhat hampered by insurance concerns which mean that they cannot offer targets with their shinai at all.

We worked on some key issues like holding the centre and making your opponent feel your presence without being forceful. Beginners learned about cutting distance. In ji-geiko, dojo members showed their courage and commitment. Especially dojo leader Andrew Post, Shodan Kendo, displayed some spirited shiai-style kendo.

The evening was nicely rounded off by some chat and a few sips of unfiltered, sparkling sake for those who are of legal drinking age in the USA.