2008 Irish International Goodwill Taikai

The Irish International Goodwill Taikai held in Dublin between the 17th and 20th of Jan 2008 was not only a very successful experience for me personally but also for the club as a whole. Three StAKC members attended the three-day event: Lewis Watts, Michael Gratzke and me, Derek Burr.

The opening day saw Yanai sensei lead the seminar with other high-grade sensei from as far a field as Paris and Belgium. The general teachings seemed to concentrate on keeping kendo simple, elegant and strong. The kendo that I saw at the seminar and its high level helped me to develop not only in my kendo but also in my attitude towards the philosophy and beauty therein.

The best piece of advice I received over the weekend (of which there was many) was from the Belgian sensei: he explained to me that kendo is a language and that no matter from where in the world you come - be it Scotland, Japan or Italy - if you can communicate good kendo with your partner you will both speak the same language. If you don’t and simply rush in you will only succeed in shouting and screaming at each other in a language that neither understands.

The experience of competition kendo is one that I will never forget. The energy and atmosphere was electric. I felt a huge surge of adrenaline as I entered the ring and bowed. While in the ring, everything that I had learned over the years and from the teachings of the previous day's seminar made complete sense. I felt relaxed and focused and did my best simple and basic kendo. Men, Kote, Kote-Men, and Hari-Men. All the very basic forms of kendo that we all learn from beginner to ex beginner to wearing bogu: nothing fancy or to show off with, just the basics. My results - one draw and one win – came from keeping it basic and simple.

That night the sayonara party saw kendoka from all over the world, from kyu grade to 6th dan and above attending. All were in high spirits and the camaraderie, hospitality and connection I felt through people traveling the same path was overwhelming.

The final day saw the most successful day for the club as both Michael and myself passed our grading. Michael received the grade of 3rd Dan and I the grade of 1st Kyu. Only with the help of every kendoka from our club, by allowing me to train with and learn from them, and from the teachings of the many other sensei and kendoka from all over the world was I able to achieve this. The chance to train with and learn from such high-level kendoka is one that I advise all to try. I myself gained so much and am already looking forward to the next event with even more passion than ever in the way of the sword.

ICHI GO ICHI E

Derek Burr, 1st Kyu, St Andrews Kendo Club